The PHCC Gazette

Volume 3, Issue 25 Plumbing � Heating � Cooling � Contractors of Northern Virginia, Inc. December, 1998

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

At This Meeting

Sponsor will be Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. and will include installation of the new officers for PHCC of NV for the 1999-2000 term. The price is $20.00 and will be a sit down dinner. Please plan on attending and get into the holiday spirit.

At The Last Meeting

Was sponsored by Ashcraft & Assoc. with Bob Reilly and Judy Graham giving a wonderful presentation about hiring practices and employment.

It was truly an enlightening presentation, the booklet they distributed is an excellent guideline to prepare your own employment handbook for your company.

We had an excellent turnout of new faces with Mike Morgan representing Plumbing Express as a prospective member.

The 50/50 winner was Frank Garneski of Garneski Heating & A/C. He took home $56.00 for his share of the pot.

Vegas Nite was held on November 14th, 1998 at Westwood Country Club. A wonderful time was had by all ( even those that found themselves out of their $50,000 faster than planned.)

Hope to see everyone at the December meeting on the 9th.

Hope you had a happy turkey day.

Best wishes to you and yours for the holidays

Why Belong To The PHCC?

Primarily because you are in business, and because as a member of the PHCC you have a voice in your industry, similar to the voice you have in your community through your vote and civic activities, you owe a certain amount of responsibility to your business, by which you make your living.

In the business world today an Association is an absolute necessity. Without an Association there would be no way of keeping abreast of what is going on in the fields which are important to your business.

Sure, you can get information of a sort, independently, but the PHCC is your agency, working constantly in your interest and keeping you informed of the latest developments, which might vitally affect your business, and advising you how to meet the situation.

It is only natural and logical that trade problems should be handled through an Association, therefore, the PHCC must be strong, efficient and have the cooperation and support of its members.

Too many members just stay away and wait for the PHCC to come to them with bushels of benefits. They expect the most, but do the least. The member who really gets

something out of his membership is the active and cooperative member. He attends the meetings, conventions, tries to carry out the Association programs and does his part when appointed to any committee.

Doctors, dentists and lawyers safeguard and protect the health, personal and collective rights of the people of this country. They have learned the value of collective action and are proud of their respective Associations. The PHC contracting services are just as valuable and necessary to the health and welfare of the nation. Therefore, the PHC contractor should be proud of his or her Association and want to be a member!

Newsletter Changes:

The PHCC Gazette has gone from a four-page newsletter to twelve. The extra pages will be used for advertising sponsorship.

It cost the PHCC over $8,000.00 a year and we need to recover some of this cost.

Ad space will be offered full-page, half-page, quarter-page and business card sizes.

Full Page - $200.00

Half Page - $125.00

Quarter Page - $80.00

Eighth Page - $50.00

PLEASE show your support for the PHCC & the PHCC Gazette and call today! Contact William J. Baumbach II at 703-367-7900.

NO-SMOKING at all meetings effective immediately

Please refrain from smoking while attending our meetings. If you must smoke please step outside. Our meeting room is small and the smoke makes for an unpleasant atmosphere, Your cooperation is appreciated. (No-smoking is also hotel policy.) Thank you in advance!

Just A Note

This is the TWENTY FIFTH anniversary copy of the PHCC Gazette monthly newsletter.

That’s 25 issue’s over 2-1/2 years.

PHCC Code of Ethics

To consider our trade worthy as affording us distinct opportunities to serve society

To improve ourselves, increase our efficiency and enlarge our service, and by so doing attest our faith in the fundamental principles of life, that we profit most who serve best

To realize that we are business persons and ambitious to succeed; but we are first ethical persons, and wish no success that is not founded on the highest justice and morality

To maintain the highest ethical standards of advertising, pricing, selling, installation, and service guided by the principles of honesty and integrity

To promote the latest technological advances in the design, types and methods of installation of plumbing-heating-cooling systems; using equipment and materials complying with the standards recognized by this industry

To enter enthusiastically into the association work--to give as well as take--and do our part in elevating the industry

To support all progressive moves that are being carried out along the lines of trade extension, standardization and sanitation

To conduct our affairs that others in our business will find it wise, profitable and conducive to happiness to emulate our example to follow and execute our work in conformity with

federal, state, county and city building, safety, energy and water conservation, fire and housing codes; and refusing to be a party to any action that violates these regulations

To promote conservation of water and energy to the public we serve through improved, adequate, safe, modern installation of energy efficient equipment

1999 Officers

The slate of officers and board members were presented at the meeting and voted on. They are as follows:

President - Theresa Dagenhart

V-President - William Baumbach

Secretary - Jody Lilliston

Treasurer - Mark Presgrave

We appreciate Mark's eagerness to fill a very hard position and role held by Mr. Bernie Blum for so many years.

A number of people expressed desire to hold a board position. The list of names presented were

Chris Ashwood

Wayne Capezio

Bob Lee

Jeff Kimbel

Charlie Fields

Ken Long

Peter Reichter

Frank Garneski

Brian Blose

Thank you in advance for the interest you are showing in your association.

Internet

Try out the auction web site at http://www.ebay.com all kinds of stuff to bid on. You can get some great deals. Make sure you know what you are bidding, be careful not to over pay/bid

PHCC Membership Dues Investment for 1999

Full active member

Nat’l. = $300.00 (up to 5 tech’s)

State = $100.00

Local = $100.00

TOTAL = $500.00 per year.*

*For national dues add $60.00 per tech after the 5th. With a $1,000.00 cap.

Examples:

Company with 5 or less tech’s in the field working, total for all three levels would be only $500.00 per year.

Company with 7 tech’s in the field working, total for all three levels would be $620.00 per year.

Company with 17 or MORE tech’s in the field working, total for all three levels would be capped at $1,200.00 per year.

"DISCOVERY" membership

1999 is the last year you can join as a member in all three levels for ONLY $299.00 (new members only)

PHCC-NA

GTE Airs Negative Ad in California

The telephone company GTE in California is airing a radio advertisement that presents a negative image of the plumbing profession.

PHCC members in California have complained to the company and asked that the commercials be taken off the air. PHCC-National Association also has written GTE requesting the commercials be stopped.

The advertisements, which promote a GTE voice mail system, involve a conversation between two women talking about their obligations for the day. During a portion of the conversation one woman complains that she has to meet a plumber at her house at 4 p.m. The other woman responds: "That guy again...he’s a rip-off!"

Manina Wassel, Larry Wassel Plumbing, San Clemente, Calif., has been leading the California effort against the commercials. She says the ads are particularly offensive to California members because many of them spend a significant amount of money advertising in GTE’s telephone directory.

For more information, she can be reached at (949) 498-3270.) contact:

Larry Cox

Director of Public Affairs

GTE California

1 GTE Place

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.

His number is (805) 372-7112.

Houston PHCC Receives National Recognition

The Houston PHCC has received national recognition for its community service efforts. In a letter to U.S. Rep. Bill Archer, the American Society of Association Executives praised the chapter’s assistance following the hurricane that ravaged the city of Del Rio, Texas. PHCC provided a crew of 20 volunteers and 15 trucks to help restore homes to habitable conditions. All told, approximately $200,000 in parts and labor were donated to help the city recover. Great job, Houston!

History of Plumbing To Air Again

The History Channel will repeat its one-hour documentary on "Plumbing: The Arteries of Civiliation," at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, Dec. 17. If you haven’t seen the segment yet, be sure to check it out!

Credit Card Service for your Customer...

Want to offer your customers the opportunity to charge large jobs? PHCC offers special credit card discount rates with Heartland Card Services. The rate for the hand entered method is 1.89%. The swipe method is 1.39%. Just call Neal Keipert toll free at (888) 774-8722.

PHCC-VA

January '99

January 18 - Annual Wine Reception - Old City Hall, Richmond, 5:30—7:30 p.m. Reservations can be made at the Richmond Marriott (804) 643-3400 or you can fax in your reservation. Just call Chip Hardy at the VA PHCC Office, (804) 644-9826, for more details!

April '99

Virginia's LARGEST Plumbing and Mechanical Convention Expo

April 28–May 1

Trade Show–Friday, April 30 12-7 PM

Holiday Inn Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Conference Center

To sign up for a booth, please call (800) 808-2638 for more information.

Member-$500
Non-member-$650
If you pay before January 31, 1999 deduct $50 from these prices.

PHCC Special Member Benefits

ARAMARK, the largest nationwide uniform service company, is offering PHCC members the opportunity to rent or purchase uniforms from their standard product line at a significant discount. Call ARAMARK if you would like to have a sales representative contact you to explain the discount rental program (not exceed $5.50 per employee per week) at 800-ARAMARK (272-6275). If you would like to purchase from their catalogue at a 25% discount, call Marisa White at 800/888-2900.

NEBS offers PHCC members 10% off all purchases of business forms, checks and any other business product. Just call 800/225-6380 and give the code 19029 for the discount.

PHCC members get low rates on processing major credit cards. Call toll free at 888/774-8722 and ask for Neil for more information and up to the minute rates or equipment purchases.

PHCC offers members a Mastercard through MBNA America. You can use this card for personal or business use. You can also apply for a separate line of credit through MBNA. Call 800/847-7378 for an application.

LCI International Offers PHCC Members discounts on long distance service. Call 1-800-296-0220 x4440 and speak to Sean Aversano.

MindSpring, an Internet Service Provider offers PHCC members $15 off the normal $25 start up fee. Contact National for a sign up form.

Benefit:

Save the cost of your dues on any of these PHCC "members only" discounts. The other services can save you money on forms or credit cards.

Vegas Nite

Our Third Annual Vegas Nite was held November 14, 1998 at Westwood Country Club and a great time was had by all.

William Baumbach and Brenda Kidd walked away the big winners of the 50/50 raffles.

Many thanks to all our our sponsors that supplied us with prizes for our auction and door prize drawings.

Thanks go to:

Noland Company

Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

Burnham Boilers

Brock Tool

King-Riston Associates

J & H Aitcheson

The Joyce Agency

Hajoca Corporation

Moen, Inc.

Hughes Supply

Jordan Sales

Kohler Company

American Whirlpool

And many thanks to Bob Jordan of Jordan Sales for the wonderful job he did as MC and Auctioneer for the evening.

Suds-N-Flood Tamer Backflow Control

Low cost patented unique device to stop the backflow of suds, water & sewage. Used in thousands of locations in the US and Canada. Used in sinks, water closets, floor drains, etc. Easily installed in existing or new plumbing fixtures

9975 Pennsylvania Ave Manassas, Va. 20110
1-800-280-2820 Fax: 703-691-0946

Sales@SudsNFloodTamer.com

www.SudsNFloodTamer.com

Dwyer Service Corporation

3228 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Company Celebrates its "75th " Anniversary

Providing Excellent Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services.

For Immediate Release

Tuesday November 9, 1998

Contact: Richard Dwyer

Dwyer Service Corporation

703-751-9500

Alexandria-- DWYER SERVICE CORP. is proud to announce that it is celebrating its 75th year of providing the best service to hundreds of thousands of customers in the Northern Virginia area. This Family owned and operated company is excited that it continues to provide the same top quality plumbing and mechanical services that it did in 1923. Looking back, the late founder, Richard J. (Dick) Dwyer, Sr., bought out his partner in Southern Plumbing Co in 1922 and changed the name to R.J. Dwyer & Co. In 1945, It became R.J. Dwyer & Sons (a partnership). In 1955, Dick Dwyer, Sr., and his sons Richard (Dick Jr.) and William (Bill), incorporated their business as Dwyer Plumbing, Inc. In 1980, this corporation became DWYER SERVICE CORP. and DWYER MECHANICAL CORP. This distinguished the two brothers’ business interests: residential and commercial service and replacement; and commercial mechanical construction. By the time Dick Jr. and Bill Dwyer had both retired in the late 1980’s, all service, installation and construction in the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and sheet metal trades was being performed by DWYER SERVICE CORP. Richard Dwyer, its 3^rd generation President, credits this accomplishment to the loyal efforts of the more than 1,000 craftsmen and other employees who understood that the customer comes first and deserves the best. At present, five other members of the 3rd generation proudly work full-time in and on DWYER SERVICE CORPORATION, Northern Virginia’s oldest plumbing, heating and air conditioning firm.

Jokes / Humor

Parenting in the post-Clinton era.

Dad - Son, come in here, we need to talk.

Son - What's up, Dad?

D - There's a scratch down the side of the car. Did you do it?

S - I don't believe, if I understand the definition of "scratch the car", that I can say, truthfully, that I scratched the car.

D - Well, it wasn't there yesterday, and you drove the car last night, and no one else has driven it since. How can you explain the scratch?

S - Well, as I've said before, I have no recollection of scratching the car. While it is true that I did take the Car out last night, I did not scratch it.

D - But your sister, Monica, has told me she saw you back the car against the mailbox at the end of the driveway, heard a loud scraping sound, saw you get out to examine the car, and then drive away. So again I'll ask you, yes or no, did you scratch the car?

S - Oh, you mean you think you have evidence to prove I scratched it. Well, you see, I understood you to mean did "I" scratch the car. I stand by my earlier statement, that I did not scratch the car.

D - Are you trying to tell me you didn't drive the car into the mailbox?

S - Well, you see sir, I was trying to drive the car into the street. I mishandled the steering of the car, and it resulted in direct contact with the mailbox, though that was clearly not my intent.

D - So you are then saying that you did hit the mailbox?

S - No sir, that's not my statement. I'll refer you back to my original statement that I did not scratch the car.

D - But the car did hit the mailbox, and the car did get scratched as a result of this contact?

S - Well, yes, I suppose you could look at it that way.

D - So you lied to me when you said you did not scratch the car?

S - No. No, that's not correct. Your question was "Did I scratch the car?". From a strict legal definition, as I understood the meaning of that sentence, I did not scratch the car... the mailbox did... I was merely present when the scratching occurred. So my answer of "No" when you asked "Did I scratch the car" was legally correct, although I did not volunteer information.

D - Where in the hell did you learn to be such a smart ass?

S - From The President of the United States.

D - I see.

Survey for Northern Virginia Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association

There is a lot of hot news going on in PHCC and we want you to be a part of it. Please take a moment to respond to the following survey and fax it back to 703-237-7442. If you have any questions, please call Pat Brookover @ 703-237-8100. Thanks for your help.

1. Right now there is a monthly dinner meeting in Fairfax City. How often would you like to meet?

a. Weekly _______

b. Monthly _______

c. Every other month _______

d. Quarterly _______

Right now the meeting starts around 6:30p.m. What time would be best for you?

a. A breakfast meeting _______

b. A lunch meeting _______

c. A later dinner meeting _______

d. An earlier dinner meeting _______

e. Other:

Currently there is a dinner meeting with an average cost of $20 per person. Do you wish to keep the dinner meeting format?

a. Yes ______

b. No ______

c. Yes, with modifications ______

If we continue to have dinner meetings, how much would you spend?

a. $20 to $30 ______

b. $30 to $40 ______

c. $40 and over ______

What one factor determines if you are going to attend a PHCC meeting?

a. Location of the meeting ______

b. Topic for discussion ______

c. Cost of the meeting ______

d. Other:
6. Check the topics that you would like to see at a PHCC meeting.

a. Codes and regulations ______

b. New products ______

c. New services ______

d. Association business ______

e. Government relations ______

f. Local issues ______

g. State issues ______

h. National issues ______

i. Business practices ______

j. Other

7. What one thing could we do in order to get you to a meeting?

Skip the dinner and just have a short meeting______
Hold it at a better location______

c. Offer incentives to attend.______

d. Other:

8. Other comments: