Message from PHCC Texas President W.B. Maples, Jr.
PHCC Texas
W.B. Maples, Jr., PHCC Texas President, writes, "As your new President, I want to thank you for being members of PHCC Texas, the largest and strongest state PHCC chapter in the country! It is an honor for me to be your President this year, and together we will continue to grow in strength and numbers. I have owned Cove Plumbing in Copperas Cove since June 1982. My wife, Lori, and I have been married for 35 years and enjoy partnership in many businesses, ventures and fun. Our son, Thad, works in our business as a Master Plumber and is married to Heather, a teacher. Our daughter Sheena Schmucker and husband Rob, are coaches and teachers in Alvord, Texas. They are the parents of Luke."More

Be a cutting-edge contractor
Contractor Mag
It is of utmost importance that contractors stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in their trade given the economic uncertainty the country continues to face and changes in technologies and products the plumbing and HVAC industry is experiencing. What better way to gain knowledge and be on the cutting-edge of your trade by continuing your education through a variety of "green" programs offered by colleges, organizations and associations? There is a plethora of skills and knowledge one can gain regarding renewable energy and water conservation by taking courses geared towards the licensed contractor wanting to expand his knowledge and skill set.More

Construction employment inches up to 15-month high in July but threat of budget gridlock may jeopardize public construction activity
AGC of America
Construction employment inched up by 8,000 jobs to a 15-month high in July but remained far below the peak set in early 2006, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released recently by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said a grim outlook for public sector construction activity will act as a drag on expanding private sector construction. They urged lawmakers to pass adequate long-term funding for public projects, without unnecessary strings attached.More

Credit downgrade may trigger inflation, slow home sales
Housing Predictor
As the U.S. economy strives to recover from the worst economic crisis since at least the Great Depression, Standard and Poor's downgrade of the economy is likely to re-set mortgage interest rates on millions of adjustable rate mortgages, send the costs of doing business higher and slow home sales, weakening the chances of a recovery in the housing market. The downgrade is also likely to trigger inflation.More

Should HVAC contractors use Twitter for business?
Contracting Business
HVAC contractors ask more questions about Twitter than any other social media tool. Twitter, the microblogging service with approximately 200 million users, is one of the four social media tool pillars (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and now Google+). Whether you are wondering if you should start using Twitter for business, or have been trying it but think it's "stupid," this article is for you.More

Finding middle ground on EPA-Texas electric squabble
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Texas' grudge match with the Environmental Protection Agency is getting nastier and riskier, with the fallout threatening to reach the state's power grid. Want another reason to worry about the lights staying on? Or how about another hit to the economy? You've heard lots of political posturing about Texas' way of life being threatened by an overreaching federal government. This time, Gov. Rick Perry has a point.More

Foreclosures lead to HVAC opportunities
ACHR News
Although foreclosed homes are affordable, they are often in need of extensive repairs and renovation. As a result, the overabundance of these homes for sale has generated a new potential market for HVAC contractors.More

Remodeling activity slows under economic uncertainty, lending requirements
Plumbing & Mechanical
The remodeling market slipped under pressure from a sluggish economy, according to the National Association of Home Builders' Remodeling Market Index, which dipped during the second quarter to 43.9 from the first quarter result of 46.5. An RMI below 50 indicates that more remodelers report market activity is lower compared to the prior quarter than report it is higher.More