FALLS CHURCH, Va. – October 2024 – Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC) recently hosted CONNECT 2024 from October 7-10, where forward-focused plumbing and HVAC contractors came together for an engaging experience. This year’s theme, “Authentic Connections,” highlighted the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within the industry.
The event featured a packed schedule filled with more than 20 education sessions and multiple networking opportunities, allowed participants to gain valuable insights, share best practices and create lasting connections within the plumbing and HVAC industry. A total of 24 plumbing and HVAC apprentices from across the country took part in the competition, and the winners were Logan Cunningham, plumbing, and Dane Gonser, HVAC.
The 2024 Colonel George D. Scott Award was presented to Keith Bienvenu of Bienvenu Brothers, recognizing his years of service and devotion to the association and the industry. This award honors those whose efforts have significantly benefited other plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors.
At CONNECT, 94-year-old James Lindsey of Lindsey Brothers Plumbing and Heating in Norfolk, Virginia, was recognized for his contributions to PHCC and the industry. Starting his plumbing career at 16, he founded his own business, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026.
CONNECT is a powerful reminder of how vital our connections are in this industry,” said Joe Cornetta, PHCC National President. “By coming together, we not only share knowledge but also strengthen the foundation for our future success in the plumbing and HVAC industries.Save the date for next year’s conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, scheduled for October 27-30 at the DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza. Don’t miss the opportunity to continue building connections and enhancing your business."
For more information on future events, visit phccweb.org/CONNECT. Thank you to our 2024 CONNECT sponsors for their support.
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation is proud to announce the winners of our 2024 scholarship program. Fifty-five students were selected to receive scholarship awards totaling $129,000. Applicants must be plumbing or HVAC apprentices or trade school students, or college students pursuing studies directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.
This year’s set of winners includes 39 apprentices, 4 trade school students and 12 college students. “I am so proud of these scholarship winners, and the variety of winners is great to see,” said Foundation Chair Patrick Wallner of Wallner Plumbing in Redding, Calif.
“We have the usual young people making their choice to get their career started in the trades, but we also have some older folks who decided to make plumbing and HVAC their second career and are loving it.”