Convention is about the power of relationships, and nowhere was that more apparent than PHCC WEST 2016. I want to thank our membership and affiliate partners for their participation, this was truly an unforgettable event.
This is our industry, and the relationships we have within it ensure that we always have resources, both to give and take. Caccia Plumbing provided an amazing videographer, Alonso of Visual Street Films to take ‘backstage video’ of PHCC WEST 2016, which has quickly gone viral (over 10k views at this printing). Click here for an insider’s view of PHCC WEST, and make a note to join us in San Francisco next year, May 17-20, 2017.
PHCC WEST 2016 held its first annual apprenticeship roundtable, and was proud to have all local PHCC schools represented at the table. We shared resources on the best training, support for instructors, and running a successful school. Several challenges were identified, and thoughtful consideration and feedback was presented. Roundtable discussions like this, and our Contractor roundtable help the PHCC leadership keep a pulse on the collective needs of our industry. Hearing the universal needs helps our association develop the strategic plan to bring the most value of our members by moving these obstacles to success.
Learning new ideas on business operations from an expert speaker is always invigorating, but it develops like a fine wine when you collaborate on the new information with your industry peers. Our speakers gave us much to talk about, Jack Wolf, Rutland Walker, Bob Harris & Rosalinda Randall all shared insights on our businesses, the way that we communicate and learn with our employees, our customers and each other.
Every time I attend, I make a new friend, like meeting Zach Diamond of Diamond Plumbing at a blackjack table or further cementing the foundation of my relationships with friends I’ve had since joining PHCC, like fishing with PHCC Contractor of the Year Scott Harrison, and visiting with great PHCC Members from across the state. One of the rewards of attending convention is helping fellow contractors. The PHCC of California Contractors have all developed niches for their business and been very successful. Attending convention and keeping an open mind puts you in the environment of being both the student and the teacher, and the information gathered saves time and money when brought back to your business.
I want to thank all of the affiliates and sponsors who participated in our WEST Tradeshow this year. Our participation more than doubled, and due to this participation, we were pleased to donate $2500 to PHCC of California’s Copper for Kids Program, specifically, Sierra Forever Families in Sacramento. I also want to thank our Diamond Sponsors, Federated Insurance, Boyett Petroleum, Milwaukee Tool and NISSAN Commercial Services for their continued support and commitment. The success of this convention was due in no small part to your support, and we appreciate your commitment to our association.
At convention we introduced the PHCC of California Ride and Decide Program. Initially started by PHCC of Tennessee to address the skilled trained workforce shortage, this program introduces our high school students to a career in the trades, alongside PHCC members who epitomize ‘Best People. Best Practices’.
Our company, James Caccia Plumbing, Inc. has recently implemented our pilot program with three high school students, and you can see a video of one of our successes here. It has been surreal connecting back to the high school mind (it doesn’t seem like it was that long ago). Three of our journeymen were very excited to pass on their knowledge to the next generation, and it has been a joy meeting these young people, and showing them that a career in the plumbing trade is a terrific opportunity. I’ve been impressed by their positive attitude, their open mindedness and their willingness to ask questions and learn more about the program. They have an optimistic outlook, and it brings me back into that mindset as well.
Scott Harrison of PHCC ORSB has taken a different approach, connecting with counselors and high school administrators in their local area. The beauty of this program is in our ability to customize the program to fit our needs, regardless of where we are. Our objectives are the same, to address the workforce shortage, and publicize the viable, attractive career path that is the plumbing-heating-cooling industry. Our EVP, Tracy Threlfall is in process of rolling out materials to our local associations, and is happy to work with you to customize a program for your company.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Scott Harrison of PHCC Orange, Riverside & San Bernardino on his award as 2016 Contractor of the Year, Sweeney, Mason, Wilson & Bossomworth of PHCC of Alameda & Contra Costa Counties as 2016 Affiliate of the Year and Tracy Threlfall, EVP of PHCC of California on receiving the 2016 President’s Award. I also want to thank Louis Senteno for a great job as President in 2015-2016, and for a great choice in convention.
I was pleased to be installed as President, along with a fantastic team of Board of Directors, and I am looking forward to serving you. I will be meeting you soon, if I haven’t already, at an upcoming PHCC Event near you. My mantra is ‘Failure Is Not An Option’, and as a successful PHCC of California Member & Affiliate Partner, I know you join me in that philosophy. Let’s work together to make PHCC of California the most successful, effective, powerful PHCC association in the country. I know I can count on you!