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Industry News
  
PHCC Texas had a strong presence at the PHCC National Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Huntington Convention Center last week. Notably, Tyler Matlock, the first-place winner of the Texas Apprentice contest, proudly represented our state in the national competition. 

Furthermore, we are thrilled to share that PHCC Texas received well-deserved recognition from the Association Executives Council (AEC). Our association was honored with three awards for excellence in communication in each of the following categories: Newsletters, Social Media, and Events & Conventions. The Gulf Coast chapter also distinguished itself by securing the website award.These accolades and our active participation at the conference underscore our commitment to excellence and the vital role we play in industry. 

Our Texas representatives joined plumbing and HVAC professionals from across the nation to network and gain invaluable knowledge from over 20 education sessions covering crucial topics such as workforce development, legislative/regulatory initiatives, and exceptional customer service. It was a fantastic opportunity for our members to learn, share, and CONNECT with industry leaders. 
The Department of Labor has designated November 13-17 as National Apprenticeship Week. PHCC is deeply committed to workforce development within our industry and recently, and 57 students were selected by National PHCC's Educational Foundation to receive scholarship awards totaling $139,000. These recepients, several of which are enrolled in apprenticeship schools in Texas, must be pursuing studies directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.
 
Interested in enrolling an apprentice in our Department of Labor approved Apprenticeship Program? We are now accepting applications for a Plumbing I-A class, which will start November 27 at our school in Coppell. Applications are due by November 13. Learn more about our Apprenticeship Programs on our website.
 
Last week, PHCC Texas staff and instructors attended TSBPE's instructor/provider training in Waco, getting insight and clarification on agency updates to ensure our members and students get the most accurate and up-to-date information on issues pertaining to licensing.
 
   
FastEst, Inc.
      
SupplyHouse.com
   
 
 
  
Our 2024 CE classes are now available! Our 2024 courses are approved by TSBPE for all licenses expiring in 2024 and also meets the annual continuing education requirement for licenses expiring in preceding years.
 
Upcoming Courses: 
 
11/4 PLBG CE Lubbock
11/4 PLBG CE, San Antonio
11/4 Med Gas CE, San Antonio
11/4 PLBG CE, Buda
11/11 PLBG CE, Beaumont
11/11 PLBG CE, McAllen
11/15-11/16: 10-hr OSHA, Tomball
11/15-11-16: 8-Hr Residential Code, Tomball
11/16-11/17: 10-hr OSHA, San Antonio
11/16-11/17: 8-Hr Residential Code,San Antonio
11/17-11/18: Master Test Prep, Amarillo 
11/18: PLBG CE, Galveston
11/18: PLBG CE, Dallas
11/18: PLBG CE, Live Online (Zoom)
11/18-11/19: 18-Hr Commerical Code, San Antonio
11/29-11/30: 18-Hr Commerical Code, Tomball
 
 
Find by Location: 
or Find by Course Type: 
  
All new members are eligible to receive up to 15 months of membership for the price of 12, locking in 2023 rates and receiving benefits immediately. Prospective members interested in taking advantage of the special can contact membership@phcc-tx.org to learn more! 
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A devastating company vehicle crash can leave a lasting impact at your business in more ways than you may realize. Businesses may need to consider the negative repercussions stemming from “social inflation,” or, negative public sentiment and mistrust toward businesses among jury members, leading them to return larger financial judgments and penalties than in the past when businesses were the defendants.

They may also need to contend with “nuclear verdicts;” an award that is significantly higher than would be expected given the facts of the case. In litigation, jurors are sending a clear message that businesses can be held accountable for the actions of their employee drivers. 
   
Taco Comfort Solutions
   
Education
  
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners has been working diligently to improve processes, communicate updates that impact plumbing licensees in Texas, and revise Board Rules. With so much new information coming down the pike, we've compiled these updates online for you! 
 
New! Ask Kevin: TSBPE is among the first of state agencies to use AI chat support to help users find information on the TSBPE website. Information Specialist, Kevin, has been trained on all TSBPE policies and rules as well as Texas State plumbing license law. If you have a question about anything related to the TSBPE or plumbing in the State of Texas, chances are that you’ll find the answer you’re looking for here.
 
 
 

  
October was National Estate Planning Awareness Month. Having an estate plan ensures that your wishes for your estate are carried out when you pass away or if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of having a solid business succession and estate plan in place. 
 
  
Question: We had an employee give his two weeks’ notice today; he wants to work for the next two weeks and then voluntarily leave our company. However, this individual has not been a good employee and will add little value to our organization for the next two weeks. We would rather just tell him that his resignation is effective immediately and not have to pay him for another two weeks. Are we allowed to accelerate his notice period and make his resignation effective immediately?
Legislative Updates
  
Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reminded Texans to prepare for the upcoming constitutional amendment election on November 7.

“Texans will have the opportunity to vote on 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution, and some local governments will also hold elections this November,” said Nelson. “Now is a good time to take note of upcoming election deadlines and prepare.”

November 3 - Last day of early voting
November 7 – Election Day, polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
 
This information and all the details for casting a ballot can be found at VoteTexas.gov, Texas’ official voting resource.
   
Federated Insurance
   
Membership
  
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 loyal workforce – the incredible PHCC-members-only pricing is only $10/month/family. To learn more, contact our benefit representative, Michael Lerman.
  
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. 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.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 2nd
Sponsored and Hosted by Pepco
Help technicians know which piece of test equipment to use for the task at hand and also understand the limitations of the test equipment they are using.
Register Online Here
  
Thursday, November 9th
Old San Francisco Steakhouse
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Please contact heather@phcc-sanantonio.org to RSVP no later than Tuesday, November 7.
 
Elections - 2024 Executive Board
Voting - Proposed Chapter Bylaw Changes
Speaker – San Antonio Water Systems: Potable Water Quality / Resource Protection and Compliance
PHCC Texas and Statewide Updates (Allison Kaminsky, PHCC Texas Executive Director & Jessica Burden, PHCC Board President)
Thursday, November 9th
5th Annual Clay Shoot at Elm Fork.
Breakfast, lunch, beverages and gun raffle for contractors included.
Thursday, December 7th
Republic Boot Co
*Sponsorships Available*
Members Only | $60 
Register Online
Saturday, December 9th
6 - 9 p.m.
GSABA Ray Ellison Ballroom
Mark your calendars and save the date for July 24-26, 2024 in Plano, TX – an event that promises to build on the momentum and take our collective journey to new heights.
Benefits
  
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.
“Best People and Best Practices” deserve the best technology. With over 300 Texas PHCC members, reliable technology should be available to streamline processes and simplify the nature of the business.
  
As a member of the PHCC community, you plug into a powerful network of valuable resources and contractors at the local, state and national level — plus our own PHCC Educational Foundation — offering the knowledge, tools, programs and services you need to succeed.