Get Ready for CONNECT 2025: Growth Through Collaboration
📅 Mark Your Calendar: October 27-30, 2025!
Calling all Plumbing and HVAC Contractors—the countdown to CONNECT 2025 is officially on! Hosted by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC), this is the event you won't want to miss. Join us for three exciting days packed with cutting-edge education, valuable networking, and the chance to collaborate with industry professionals from across the country.
Why You Need to Be There—Texas Style
✨ Support Our State's Finest:
Our very own Christopher Fuentes, an apprentice from Texas, will be competing in the National Apprentice Contest! Christopher was selected after his supervisors and instructors praised his dedication, skill, and work ethic. Come cheer him on and show your support for Texas talent as he takes on the best of the nation.
🏆 A Texas Star Is Born:
We're also thrilled to announce that Ashley Stroud, the powerhouse owner of Plumbing Outfitters in Taylor, TX, has been named Contractor of the Year!
Ashley and her team at Plumbing Outfitters are true champions of the industry, driving leadership, advocacy, and workforce development. They are committed to advancing the plumbing field through education, training, and an unwavering passion for professionalism. This is a big win for the Lone Star State!
🎉 Let’s Show Up for Texas!
Join us at CONNECT 2025 to cheer on our incredible representatives and make your mark on the future of plumbing and HVAC. This is your chance to be a part of something bigger—and to celebrate the best of Texas on a national stage.
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The PHCC—Capital Area Chapter is rebuilding. A new Executive Director started in June and has been focused on developing the chapter. The goals for 2025 include introducing P-H-C contractors in Austin and the surrounding areas to the association. There are also reintroductions occurring. To achieve this, contacts are being made in different ways, as the new director is trying to reach as many contractors as possible to share information. There are multiple activities being planned for the chapter to include, but not limited to, Lunch & Learns, P-H-C community events, and eventually local chapter meetings.
Current planned activities include a City Inspections Lunch & Learn for Commercial and Residential Plumbing. The Lunch & Learn is Monday, September 22, at the Permitting and Development Center downtown Austin. The event is scheduled from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and lunch will be provided. Registration is not required, so any contractor or any of your team members are welcome to attend.
The first annual Fall Sporting Clay Shooting Event is also planned. This event will be November 5th at Capital City Clays at 8707 Lindell Ln. in Austin. This event will have good competition and community-based interactions, and there will be giveaways. There will also be food and beverages for the event. Registration is required for the event, which can be done by emailing or calling the chapter.
The Capital Area chapter will have its own website. The website is currently in development and is expected to be released sometime in early October.
If you have any questions or would like more information on the Capital Area Chapter, please feel welcome to contact us today!
Meredith Velasco
Executive Director, Capital Area
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Texas
(PHCC–Capital Area of TX)
Phone: (919) 599-9800
capitalarea.director@gmail.com
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🔧 Top HVAC Trends in 2026: What Contractors Need to Know
As we step into 2026, the HVAC industry is buzzing with fresh opportunities. From cutting-edge tech to sustainability-focused innovations, contractors are witnessing huge shifts in what customers expect. Keep up with these trends, and you’ll not only stay ahead of the curve but also offer better solutions for your clients. Let's dive into what’s ahead this year! 🚀
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Are you looking for a TDLR-approved HVAC Continuing Education course??
PHCC Has Your Back for 8 Hours of Continuing Education
Let’s face it—nobody loves doing continuing education. But, hey, if you're going to do it, why not do it with PHCC? We’re pleased to announce that we’re not just your trusted source for plumbing wisdom anymore—we’re officially your go-to online provider for 8 hours of HVAC continuing education! 🎉
Whether you're gearing up for your EPA Section 608 Certification or brushing up on Low GWP Refrigerant Safety (we know, we know—sounds complicated, but we've got your back), we've got the tools to make it easier than explaining a thermostat to a cat.
Here's What We Offer:
Online Prep Courses—Study at your own pace (in your PJs, if that’s your style). Our expert-backed content will make you feel like a pro without the sweat.
In-Person Certification Exams—Ready when you are! Show up, flex those skills, and pass with confidence. (No sweatpants allowed here, though.)
Ready to take the next step in your HVAC career? Learn more and register here.
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🎄✨ It may feel a bit early to start thinking about Christmas, but it’s never too early to celebrate the spirit of giving and honor those who have made a lasting impact. This holiday season, we are thrilled to partner with Samaritan’s Purse for Operation Christmas Child in honor of Lee McFarland, a longtime PHCC member, board member, and North Texas Chapter member.
Lee, the owner of Hernandon McFarland Plumbing, has stepped away to enjoy life's next adventure, but his heart remains deeply connected to a cause that's close to him: Operation Christmas Child.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing exciting ways you can get involved and spread joy through this incredible initiative. Whether as an individual or a company, we invite you to consider joining us in this meaningful holiday mission. Together, we can bring hope and joy to children around the world, one gift-filled shoebox at a time. 🎁🌍
Stay tuned for more details through our social media and newsletters, and let’s make this season unforgettable for those who need it most. 💖
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Our 2025 courses are approved by TSBPE for all licenses expiring in 2025 and also meets the annual continuing education requirement for licenses expiring in preceding years.
Upcoming Courses in October:
Find by Location:
or find by Course Type:
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What is PHCC Business Leadership Essentials Program?
PHCC Business Leadership Essentials is a 10-week, fully digital program designed for current and aspiring leaders in the plumbing & HVACR industry. Focused on the essentials of people management and business finance, it empowers managers at every stage of their careers to reskill and upskill effectively.
To deliver this transformative experience, PHCC has partnered with the expert-led learning platform GoalMakers to offer our members a solution that strengthens your leadership team and directly improves your bottom line.
This streamlined program will equip your team with the tools of:
● Organizational Leadership: Establishing vision, strategic planning, and aligning company goals.
● People Management: Mastering hiring, creating systems, and leading with the proper management style.
● Financial Mastery: Reading financial statements and understanding how to improve your profitability.
The Business Leadership Essentials targets both emerging and seasoned leaders, ensuring they grasp the intricacies of financials and learn how to apply these skills to maximize their team’s performance, serve the right customers, and enhance their hiring processes—creating an immediate impact on your organization.
Built for the modern, busy professional, the fully virtual format allows participants to learn anytime, anywhere. eLearning has proven to be the most efficient method for upskilling, and this program is tailored for those managing full-time careers.
Participants will also benefit from networking with peers across the country. With insights from industry experts and the opportunity to engage with peer leaders across the plumbing & HVACR industry, the program offers a unique blend of practical learning and peer collaboration.
Contact the PHCC State Office at (512) 523-8094 or learn more here.
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As a business owner, every decision you make shapes your legacy. Your choices today determine how well you leverage your resources now to protect your future. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, a reminder to act now to help you preserve what you’ve built and prepare for what’s next.
Whether you're focused on legacy, leverage, or both, life insurance can be a powerful tool. Contact your Federated® Insurance marketing representative today to assist in connecting you with an independent and qualified estate planning attorney.
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Question
One of our high-level employees is requesting additional vacation hours. For example, if her kids have a day off from school, she wants extra vacation hours to spend time with them. She gets the same amount of vacation as everyone else at our company, and we don’t want other employees to claim that we’re being unfair or are discriminating if we give her more. However, we also don’t want to risk losing this valuable employee. Are we allowed to give one employee more vacation time than everyone else?
Answer
Keep Reading for more information.
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Unsafe employee behavior can lead to injuries, legal liabilities, and even fatalities. As a leader, your role often includes providing clear structure and strong guidance to help promote workplace safety. Establishing and enforcing strong workplace policies, alongside regular training, can be beneficial to reducing dangerous practices in your work environment.
Here are five tactics business owners can consider adopting:
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The Second Called Special Session of the 89th Texas Legislature came to a close late
Wednesday evening in the House and a few hours later, just after 1am, in the Senate.
Governor Greg Abbott ultimately listed 24 issues for the legislature to take up in the
special session, which began August 15th immediately upon conclusion of the First
Called Special Session.
The legislature acted quickly over a twenty-day period to pass
most of the items on the governor’s call, including congressional redistricting, which was
signed into law by Governor Abbott on August 29th. Other bills passed by the legislature
pertain to flooding, camp safety, abortion, and standardized testing, among others.
Several issues remain unresolved following the House and Senate adjourning Sine Die
including legislation related to THC, property tax relief, and groundwater conservation
districts, taxpayer-funded lobbying, and police personnel records.
State Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) is expected to be named the next
chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, according to a statement issued by
Cody Campbell, Chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.
Senator Creighton has served in the legislature since 2007, following his election to the
Texas House before moving to the Texas Senate in 2014. He currently chairs the
Senate Education K-16 Committee. Senator Creighton joins at least four of his
Republican colleagues in the Senate who will not be returning to the legislature in
2027: Senators Brian Birdwell, Kelly Hancock, Mayes Middleton, and Robert Nichols
have already announced plans not to seek reelection to the Texas Senate.
The Texas House and Texas Senate passed separate resolutions, each establishing a
five-member General Investigating Committee on Disaster Response to be appointed
by House Speaker Dustin Burrows and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The
committees will review the 2025 flooding disasters and are permitted investigatory
powers under House and Senate rules.
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🎉 Governor Greg Abbott Announces $405,954 in JET Grants to Support Career Training in Austin Area Schools 🎓
💼 Boosting Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Today, Governor Greg Abbott revealed that two Austin-area schools will receive a combined total of $405,954 in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These grants will empower schools to equip students with the skills needed for high-demand, high-paying careers.
🔧 Training the Next Generation of Welders & HVAC Mechanics
The grants will help fund the purchase and installation of state-of-the-art equipment, offering hands-on training for 195 students to step into careers as welders and HVAC mechanics. These roles are critical in Texas' booming economy, and these students will be ready to meet the growing demand.
💬 “In our state’s booming economy, Texas is providing students important resources and opportunities to succeed in our growing workforce,” said Governor Abbott. “These JET grants will provide students with the tools and training they need to secure good-paying jobs and promising career opportunities.”
🔨 Grant Breakdown
Austin Community College District: A $64,774 grant to train 120 students as HVAC mechanics
Granger Independent School District: A $341,180 grant to train 75 students as welders, in collaboration with Texas State Technical College–East Williamson County
📍 A Milestone for Local Communities
The grant awards were officially presented earlier today at a ceremony held at the Austin Community College Riverside Campus, with local and state officials, school staff, and students in attendance.
🏗️ A Stronger, More Skilled Workforce for Texas
“The JET grant program is a powerful tool for both the local and state economy,” said TWC Commissioner Joe Esparza. “These grants will help schools address current and future demand by training hundreds of students for great-paying, in-demand jobs.”
💡 Supporting the Future of Texas
Thanks to funding from the Texas Legislature, JET grants help public and charter schools launch or expand CTE programs that are aligned with today’s workforce needs. The JET grants give schools the resources to train students with high-demand skills, ensuring they’re ready to step directly into the workforce.
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As a plumber or HVAC contractor in Texas, joining PHCC Texas unlocks a wealth of benefits designed to help you thrive in today’s competitive market. Here’s how our membership can make a difference for you:
Best Practice Sharing: Tap into a vast network of professionals to exchange insights and strategies. Learn from the best in the industry and stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge practices.
Advocacy: Benefit from our strong voice in legislative and regulatory matters. PHCC Texas advocates on your behalf to ensure that your interests are represented and protected.
Workforce Development: Invest in your team's future by sending apprentices to our comprehensive training programs. With options available online or in person in San Antonio and Dallas, you’ll ensure your workforce is skilled and ready.
Expert & Affordable Training: Gain access to high-quality, cost-effective training designed to enhance your skills and knowledge. From technical courses to business management, our programs are tailored to meet your needs.
Savings & Discounts: Enjoy exclusive member discounts on tools, equipment, and services. Our partnerships with industry vendors translate into significant savings for your business.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with a community of like-minded professionals through our events and activities. Build relationships that could lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
Enhanced Visibility: Your business will be prominently featured in our annual Membership Directory, increasing your visibility and connecting you with potential clients and partners.
Joining PHCC Texas equips you with the resources, tools, and support you need to strengthen your business now and into the future. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a powerful network dedicated to your success.
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CONNECT National Conference
October 27-30
See The Full List Of Events HERE.
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Water Heater Showcase at the Cornhole Tournament
If you are a member, please log in to access additional, potentially lower registration fee options.
Date and Time
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 2:00 PM until 7:30 PM
Location
Big'Z Burger Joint
5539 UTSA Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78249
USA
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Location
Elm Fork
10751 Luna Road
Dallas, TX 75220
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 This year’s Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) campaign, October 5-11,
“Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.
Charge into Fire Safety: 3 Steps
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
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🌟 Business Spotlight: Viega LLC: Revolutionizing Plumbing and HVAC with Cutting-Edge Solutions
When it comes to plumbing, heating, and pipe-fitting systems, few companies can claim to have as much impact as Viega LLC. With over 120 years of industry expertise, Viega has earned its place as a global leader in creating innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions for both residential and commercial buildings.
Innovation at Its Core
What sets Viega apart is its commitment to innovation. One of its flagship technologies, the Viega Press System, is a game-changer. Imagine being able to connect pipes quickly and securely without the hassle of welding or soldering. That’s exactly what Viega’s press fitting system offers—speed, simplicity, and unmatched reliability. It’s a solution that reduces installation time and eliminates the risk of leaks, revolutionizing how professionals approach pipe fitting.
Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future
Viega doesn’t just focus on performance; the company is also deeply committed to sustainability. Their products are designed with both the environment and the end-user in mind. From eco-friendly materials to energy-efficient systems like radiant floor heating, Viega’s solutions help reduce energy consumption and improve the comfort of the built environment.
Whether it's a sleek, modern home or a large-scale commercial building, Viega’s solutions are designed to last, providing systems that stand the test of time while minimizing environmental impact.
More Than Just Products—It’s About Safety and Reliability
Safety and reliability are at the heart of everything Viega does. Their innovative systems are meticulously engineered to meet or exceed the highest industry standards. Viega is trusted by professionals worldwide for delivering dependable products that protect homes, businesses, and communities. Whether you’re working on a complex construction project or a simple home renovation, Viega ensures that you can rely on their systems to do the job right.
A Global Leader with Local Expertise
With a global presence, Viega combines international expertise with a deep understanding of local markets. This allows them to create solutions that cater to the unique needs of different regions, offering flexibility and versatility without compromising quality.
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There are two main reasons why the leading companies are taking Leak Prevention devices seriously. These devices allow them to offer their customers an avenue to major savings. Not because they’re saving their clients wasted water and avoiding potential disasters, but because they’re saving their customers money—a lot of it.
Installers can position themselves as the go-to expert. By consulting with that customer on their day-to-day usage and their plumbing system, which is unique to every home, the technician will be ahead of the game when the next job comes up. By learning about their customer usage habits, they can offer solutions and discover ways to suggest additional improvements. With the LeakSecure app, data is readily available to drive future sales and marketing efforts. Through a pro dashboard, LeakSecure shows every data point so that the company that installed the system knows when their customer needs them most. It’s hard to imagine an easier path to customer retention.
Click “ Learn More…” to continue reading about LeakSecure®.
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Finding the best employees—full-time, part-time, or contract labor—is tougher than ever. The newest PHCC Texas member benefit, stand-alone Teladoc Telemedicine, allows you to take advantage of a more healthy, present, and more loyal workforce—the incredible PHCC-members-only pricing is only $10/month/family. To learn more, contact our benefit representative, Michael Lerman.
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“Best People and Best Practices” deserves the best technology. With over 300 Texas PHCC members, reliable technology should be available to streamline processes and simplify the nature of the business.
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Fueling solutions for business: streamline how you manage your company’s fuel expenses. The more your employees fuel at Exxon and Mobil, the more they maximize your rebates.
For questions and/or to start an application, call (443) 668-8425 or email Juan Munoz.
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Home and business owners go to great lengths to minimize damage and ensure their plumbing systems are safe, efficient, and sustainable. When exploring options for installations, repairs, or upgrades, maintain peace of mind by hiring licensed professionals. While there's no guarantee that everything will go exactly as planned, hiring a licensed professional will provide increased assurance of protection.
Members of PHCC Texas are licensed by the State of Texas, and the public can be confident that they will be employing someone with the necessary skills and commitment to high standards.
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