Twenty-six plumbing, heating, and cooling business owners, project managers, and estimators from across the country recently participated in the PHCC Educational Foundation’s Essentials of PHC Project Management course at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, VA.

This program, sponsored by American Standard, provided a look at how to improve every aspect of managing a construction job: from the bidding process and contract negotiation to proper close out techniques and ensuring your company is paid for its work. The course also provided tips and tools to enable attendees to improve their pre-construction planning and better understand the impact of their management decisions on company profit margins.

"The course instructors were knowledgeable and energetic," says Shawn Manning, Warwick Plumbing & Heating, Virginia Beach, VA. "And the course illuminated several areas where I can improve my project management skills. Attending this course will benefit any mechanical contractor regardless of size or experience level."

"I learned so much in this class," adds Julie Lamm, H. Lamm Industries, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, FL. "I can definitely utilize a lot of the tactics to improve the way things run on various projects and in the office. I plan to send a project manager to attend the next course in July. It was time well spent away from the office."

The next Essentials of PHC Project Management course will take place in Ft. Worth, TX, July 16-19, 2008. Call 800/533-7694 or visit www.foundation.phccweb.org for additional information and to register.