2012 Group Rating Enrollment Reminder- Enrollment materials for the July 1, 2012 Frank Gates Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program have been sent to all employers that qualify.

If your company has not enrolled in our Program yet, the deadline is February 23, 2012.  Please return the materials now to lock in your discount.

If you have not requested a July 1, 2012 Group Rating quote from Frank Gates, there still is time – but you must complete an AC-3 (Temporary Authorization to Review Information) in the near future.  To request a no-cost, no-obligation quote, please contact Frank Gates at (800) 395-4119. Note that employers currently in the Frank Gates Group Rating Program do not need to send an AC-3 as they are automatically reviewed for the Group Rating Program. (2/12)

OCILB NEWS- the State of Tennessee has agreed to reciprocate with Ohio’s Grandfathered contractors and tested contractors. Tennessee officials said, “We are confident that Ohio screened Grandfathered contractors well and we have no problem reciprocating with ALL licensed contractors from Ohio.”  OCILB will, of course, do the same for them. Reciprocity with Tennessee will be effective January 1, 2012 for Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration and Plumbing (TN does not issue a Hydronics License).  (1/12)

PHCC National tells DOE to Remove PHC Industry from Workforce Guidelines- PHCC and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America sent a letter to Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu. In the letter PHCC and ACCA asked Secretary Chu to remove all references to products and services that are typically provided by plumbing and HVAC contractors from the Workforce Guidelines for home energy efficiency improvements (a federal weatherization assistance program).  PHCC research has determined that a significant portion of the work to be performed in the program will involve the design and installation of plumbing and HVAC products (1/12)

PHCC MEDIA BLITZ - The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Ohio (PHCC) is facing competition from Ohio gas companies as a result of a 2008 decision made by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).  The decision gives gas companies responsibility for consumer gas service lines typically maintained and repaired by plumbing and heating contractors.  If the decision stands, small contracting firms in Ohio face continued profit and job loss.  Beginning in 2010, the PHCC launched a media blitz in order to fight the decision and hopefully recover residential and commercial gas line work. 

A few of our objectives include distributing a series of news releases to media outlets in Ohio.  We also plan to regularly update public officials through quarterly newsletters.  We are encouraging participation of PHCC and non-PHCC contractors through outreach to state legislators, educating them on this issue.  Everyone’s support will push us closer to our goal of recovering gas line work.

Contribution Form -  We are raising funds for a Media Blitz to tell our story.  We need your help in the form of a contribution to support our efforts and continue in our fight against utility competition.

Documentation Form - We are asking contractors to share their stories or encounters with the utility companies or out-of state contractors, so we can communicate the implications to our elected officials.  Please print and mail your response to the PHCC of Ohio at 20040 Carolyn Avenue, Rocky River, Ohio 44116. 

July Press Release - PUCO Decision Threatening Consumer Safety

The Advocator - Issue 1 - your quarterly toolkit for your company and the industry, featuring news from PHCC, ACCA, CPI and other Ohio consumer groups.

Listen here to the NPR interview featuring Dennis Schlekie, Rocco Fana, Shana Eisenstein (PUCO Media Relations) and PUCO Chair Alan Schriber regarding unfair utility competition.

For more information, please contact the PHCC of Ohio office at 800-686-7422 or rocco@phccohio.org. 

Also, be sure to visit PHCC Ohio’s Channel on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/phccohio  to view video of PHCC contractors sharing their story.

PUCO Motor Carrier Rules - COLUMBUS, OHIO (March 16, 2011) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today rescinded administrative rules applying to private commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds operating in intrastate commerce.

“The PUCO has received feedback from numerous interested parties, including lawmakers and industry members, that these rules deserve additional review,” said PUCO Chairman Todd A. Snitchler. “It is important for the PUCO to operate at the speed of business and implement regulations that promote safety while at the same time allow businesses to compete and operate efficiently. Today’s decision is a step in that direction.”

Click here for more information.

PHCC Truck of the Month- Are you a proud member of PHCC? Are you displaying the logo on your service trucks? What Sets You Apart From Your Competition? Want your customers to know when they see this logo, they’re choosing a member of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors - a professional, licensed, bonded and insured contractor?

Send your photo’s and brief info on your company to rocco@phccohio.org for a chance to be featured in the next Truck of the Month on www.phccohio.org

Anti Trust Antics - Bob Dunlevey, Atty., Dunlevey, Mahan & Furry -
Federal and state anti-trust laws have been around a long time and are intended to promote open and fair competition in business.  You need to know a little about these laws so you don’t find yourself in an awkward position – “jail.”  Here are some of the “basics” about anti-trust regulations which will help you avoid penalties of up to $1 million for individuals and $100 million for business organizations and up to ten years in jail.  The stakes are high!  Read more here...   2/10