HOTLINE

101 Pilgrim Village Drive, Suite 200 Cumming, Georgia • 30040 • 678-947-3473 • www.PlumbingPros.com

JANUARY - FEBRUARY ISSUE

GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB 57 LICENSING BILL STILL IN COMMITTEE A bill to allow unlicensed individuals to "install, repair or alter" residential water treatment equipment and the plumbing or plumbing equipment incidental to the installation remains in the House Regulated Industries Committee. Rep. Doug Holt, the sponsor of HB 57, has indicated a willingness to further discuss the bill with PMA. PMA has expressed its concerns about HB 57 to Regulated Industries Chairman Roger Williams of Dalton as well as to Rep. Holt. In addition to Chairman Williams, other members of the House Regulated Industries Committee are: Tim Bearden of Villa Rica, Kevin Cooke of Carrollton, of Marietta, Carl Von Epps of LGrange, Virgil Fludd of Tyrone, Michael Harden of Toccoa, Brett Harrell of Snellville, Lynmore James of Montezuma, Billy Maddox of Zebulon, Chuck Martin of Alpharetta, Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain, of Hartwell, Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City, Tom Taylor Glad and Sid Mealor pictured in front of Lawrenceville showroom. of DeKalb County.

UNEMPLOYMENT TAX HIKE LOOMS INDUSTRY MOURNS LOSS OF ICON Unemployment taxes are certain to increase for Georgia employers, as the Employment Security Trust Fund is Gladston V. Mealor, Founder of Plumbing now more than $600 million in debt to the federal gov- Distributors Inc. (PDI,) passed away December 19, ernment. The Georgia Department of Labor is looking for 2010 at his home in Lawrenceville with his family the least painful repayment plan that will satisfy the fed- by his side. For everyone who knew Glad, he was an icon in both his hometown and the plumbing eral government. With Georgia's unemployment still industry. close to 10%, this issue will likely linger well past this year. Expect the Georgia Department of Labor to intro- Glad started PDI, 37 years ago but began his career duce the necessary legislation in the next few days. in 1960 with Mealor Supply. To say that Glad made everyone of his employees feel like apart of his HEARINGS UNDERWAY ON TAX REFORM family was an understatement. He truly cared for Tax reform proposals from the Special Council on Tax everyone that worked for him or that he did busi- Reform and Fairness have been the subject of two public ness with. Glad will be missed in our businesses, hearings before a joint House and Senate committee. our community, our industry and our lives. This week's hearings covered sales tax exemptions, and potential new taxes such as reinstating the sales tax on He is survived by his Children: Amelia Hughes, Sidney Mealor, Lyn & Johnny Wright, his 10 grand- groceries and an increased tax on cigarettes. children and 3 great grandchildren. Continued on page 4

Hotline, January - February 2011 1 © 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia

PMA President Report 2011 - 2011 PMA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Chris Starr On behalf of the members, directors, and officers of When someone asks me why I the Plumbing & Mechanical Association, we would belong to PHCC, I tell them I like to publicly welcome our newest Members: belong because I do not know everything there is to know Champion Plumbing & Drain about the plumbing industry Cleaning, LLC and building a business. David Smail 3223 Bomar Road I belong because I want to keep Douglasville, GA 30135 up with the fast-moving devel- Phone: 770-480-5077 opments in our industry. Fax: 770-577-0762 [email protected] I belong because I want to attend meetings where I can www.trustchampion.com earn CE credits, learn and exchange ideas with others. Goodbye Water I tell them I belong because I want to learn how to bet- Debra Neil Blount ter market my business and the products and services I 2021 West Liddell Road Suite C sell. Duluth, GA 30096 Phone: 678-736-6820 I belong because the public regards a member as an [email protected] established, professional and progressive company. www.goodbyewater.com

I belong because the Association is on the firing line Ridgid Tool every day on a twenty-four hour basis, defending the James Vild interest of the plumbing, heating and cooling industry. 303 Bentley Creek Ct. Canton, GA 30115 I believe, as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Every man owes Phone: 404-435-3889 a part of his time and money to the business or industry [email protected] in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to www.ridgid.com withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions.” Team Ford/Team Chevrolet Chuck Sarkisian If you haven’t paid your dues yet or are considering 869 Cobb Parkway SE membership with PHCC. remember, without PHCC, you Marietta, GA 32344 stand alone. Phone: 678-581-4742 Fax: 678-581-4774 Chris Starr [email protected] www.teamdirect.com

If you know a company interested in joining PMA or IN SYMPATHY for more information on membership benefits please contact PMA at 678-947-3473. Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the families of the follow- ing members. Karen Bruce Raburn, 57, of McDonough, passed away Jan. 29, 2011. Karen is survived by her parents, Grady and Beverly Bruce, Sr., of Stockbridge; daughters, Kelli Guild (Brian), Jackson, Janie Smith, of Yulee, Fla., Maggie Cofer (David), of Jefferson; sons, Butch Raburn (Alicia), of Denton, Md., Eddie Raburn, of Ventura, Calif.; brother, Owen Bruce (Melba), of McDonough; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jakob, Karter, Kelleigh, Emaleigh, Jackson and Austin; several nieces and nephews. Karen was the widow of PHCC Vice President George Raburn. Jerry Cicero, 74, of Atlanta passed away January 5, 2011. Jerry was born June 18, 1936, and lived the first 50 years of his life in Chicago. He graduated from St Ignatius College Prep in 1953 and from John Carroll University in 1957. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the army in 1958 and, after leaving the service, spent his entire career in the finance and brokerage business. Jerry was an avid golfer, a consummate Italian cook, a passionate movie critic, and a rabid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan…he never lost hope! Jerry worked for PMA Industry Member Lions Financial.

Hotline, January - February 2011 3 © 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia REPORT PMA LEGISLATIVE DAY AT CAPITOL Continued from page one. While proposals call for sales tax exemptions on business inputs, they also call for application of the statewide sales tax to certain services. Plumbing services are not mentioned in the Council's recommendations, but the report does propose application of the sales tax to serv- ices tied to a house or other specific sites, and services provided by vendors who already have a sales tax certifi- cate The joint House/Senate committee will determine whether to approve the proposals for an up or down vote in the two chambers. The joint committee may also choose to make changes to the proposals before approv- ing them for further action. The PMA Board of Directors convened at the State Members of the joint committee are: Senator Bill Heath, Capital on February 1st. The session began with co-chair - Chairman of Senate Finance Committee, Rep. special legislative reports by lobbyist John Poole Mickey Channell, co-chair - Chairman of House Ways & and Sharon Dunn. The areas addressed included Means, Senator Tommie Williams - President Pro Tax Reform, Workers Comp and Immigration. Tempore of the Senate, Rep. Jan Jones - Speaker Pro Upon conclusion of the business meeting, a group Tempore of the House, Senator Chip Rogers - Majority of Directors and members went to meet with their Leader of the Senate, Rep. Larry O'Neal - Majority Leader legislative representatives to make sure the voices of the House, Senator Robert Brown - Minority Leader of of the plumbing industry were heard. Pictured the Senate, Rep. Stacey Abrams - Minority Leader of the above, front row from l to r, Chris Starr, Mike Adams, House, Senator Bill Cowsert, appointed by Lt. Governor Chip Greene, Earl Lively, Ted Zurn, James Clarke, Casey Cagle, Senator Steve Thompson, appointed by Lt. and Mitzi Smith. Back row from l to r, Jonathan Byrd Governor Casey Cagle, Rep. Allen Peake, appointed by and Bobby Burns. House Speaker , Rep. Bob Bryant, appoint- ed by House Speaker David Ralston.

WORKERS COMP BILL WOULD OPEN EMPLOYERS TO LAWSUITS Legislation introduced in the Senate would create new tort liabilities for employers by eroding the "exclusive remedy" protection of workers' compensation. SB 7 by

Senator Bill Heath of Bremen would deny income and medical benefits under workers' compensation to illegal aliens. Since these workers would no longer be in the "no quent violations leading to fines or revocation of busi- fault" workers' compensation system, they would be eli- ness licenses. gible to seek redress through the courts. Senator Murphy's bill would also enact enforcement SB 7 was introduced to help make Georgia "unattractive" measures similar to those in the Arizona law, which to illegal aliens. If not changed, the bill could have a very allows law officers to ask for proof of immigration status negative impact on economic development in Georgia. if the person is stopped for an unrelated probable cause. The sponsor is searching for ways to avoid any impact on Similar legislation, HB 87, has been introduced in the the exclusive remedy nature of workers' compensation. House by Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City. IMMIGRATION BILL WOULD AFFECT SUBCONTRACTORS PMA members may want to contact members of the In addition to SB 7, several other bills related to immigra- committee to express their views on this legislation. tion will be introduced during this legislative session. Contact information for members of the General Senator Jack Murphy of Cherokee County is drafting a Assembly is available at www.legis.ga.gov. Legislative E- measure "to make it more difficult for illegal aliens to letters are available on a weekly basis to members with find work in Georgia." His bill would "make subcontrac- E-mail addresses on file and by blast fax. Email PMA at tors responsible for their own E-Verify checks." Current pma@plumbingpros. com to get on the distribution list. Georgia law requires companies who contract with state If you have any comments or questions on any of the bills agencies to use the federal E-Verify system. Under mentioned above please contact Legislative Chair Ted Senator Murphy's bill, essentially all employers would be Zurn at [email protected] or Ellen Whitaker at required to use the E-Verify system for new employees. [email protected]. The first violation would result in a warning, with subse-

Hotline, January - February 2011 4 © 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia PHCC ZONE 2 DIRECTOR’S REPORT back home, he was quite shocked at this and realized very quickly that that perhaps licensing of builders was a pretty Chip Greene, Greene & Associates good idea. However, if I had not taken the time to make the trip to Atlanta to have this conversation with him, he would The New Year is here and in many have never realized the significance of this bill being passed. states the legislature is in session. In Georgia, our legislature will be in ses- In Georgia, illegal immigration is the hot topic this session. sion until about mid April. Georgia's PMA is on the forefront along with others, on making sure constitution limits the meeting time of that in an effort to prevent illegal aliens from benefiting from the House and Senate to 40 days programs that are taxpayer funded. A bill has been intro- (which is really 40 working days, not duced to prevent illegal aliens from receiving workman's counting committee meetings, days compensation benefits if they get hurt on the job. Sounds OK working in their office between the until you consider the liability that a business owner could be days when the chambers are actually in open to be sued by an employee (legal or illegal). Right now, session, etc.). That means that all of our legislators all have unless an employee can prove negligence on the part of an jobs and/or businesses that they have to make a living at the employer, the employee cannot sue his employer if he gets other 8 months of the year. hurt; in return the employer is required to pay the employees medical bills and disability income (usually through the I've heard it numerous times-"I don't want anything to do employer's workman's comp insurance policy) until the with politics; it's just not my thing!" Well here is a news flash; employee returns to work. However, if the employee gets no government is going to make decisions that directly affect workman's comp benefit because he is an illegal alien, then your business. However, you can choose to participate in the the employer's protection from being sued would be gone. process and have some influence on the impact of these deci- The employee could claim he wasn't properly trained, that sions. You say "one person's opinion will not make any dif- you did not provide him the tools necessary for him to do the ference". I disagree and I have concrete examples to prove it. job in such a way to prevent him from getting hurt. And you can bet that the courts are going to be sympathetic toward A few years ago, the general contractors and the home an injured employee whether he is from South Georgia or builders wanted to put licensing in place for individuals and South America!! However if we do not bring this to the leg- businesses. It made sense to do this as plumbing, HVAC, and islators attention, how will they know?? electrician's have to be licensed so the builder surely should be. When I met with my legislator outside the chambers of Your legislator wants to hear from you. Yes, PMA has a lob- the House of Representatives, I proceeded to tell him that I byist working for us at the capital but many legislators want supported this licensing and that he should vote for it. input directly from the people they represent. Many of them “Why”, he said, “do we need another licensing department in are small business owners just like us. They represent us and the state?” I said "Did you know that if you had the capital they can a better job of it when we let them know our posi- you could go down to the local inspections department right tions and how it affects our businesses. now and pull a permit to build a 10 story office building and currently there is nothing in place to prevent you from doing Chip Greene this?" Since my Representative was a pharmacist in his job

PMA LEADERS ATTEND NFIB 21st ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS DAY

PMA board members and legislative committee attended the NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business) 21st Annual Small Business Day at the Capitol January 25th.

The program speakers included: Governor Nathan Deal, Speaker of the Pictured above from left to right, House David Ralston, Attorney General Nick Marine, Marine Plumbing, Sam Olens, and Labor Commissioner Ellen Whitaker, PMA Executive Director, Wendy Zurn, Zurn Mark Butler. Plumbing, Chip Greene, Greene & Associates, and Ted Zurn, Zurn The speakers addressed the state budg- Plumbing. Chip Greene currently serves on PHCC-NA Board as Zone 2 et, federal healthcare reform lawsuit, Director and PMA’s Board. Ted Zurn unemployment solutions and tax reform. serves on PMA’s Board is PMA’s PMA sponsored a table at the event. Legislative Chair. Not pictured: PMA Lobbyists John Poole and Sharon Dunn

© 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia Hotline, January - February 2011 5 2011 PHCC NETWORKING AT AREA MEETINGS EDUCATIONAL PMA would like to thank the following speakers who pro- FOUNDATION vided continuing education programs at January and SCHOLARSHIPS February meetings. The topics included: “IEEC Code”, “Asbestos Containing Materials” and “2011 Plumbing Code AVAILABLE ONLINE Updates & Appendix J”.

Applications are now being accepted for scholarships Eric Arnold - NorthGA PHCC awarded through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Jonathan Byrd- South, NE Metro & NW Metro Contractors-National Association (PHCC) Educational William Spain, EPD - Central Georgia Foundation Scholarship Program. In 2011, up to 18 schol- arships totaling $48,000 are available. The scholarship PMA would like to recognize the following company that awards are sponsored by A.O. Smith Water Heaters, sponsored our local area meetings: Bradford White Water Heaters, Delta RBM Atlanta - NE Metro Faucet Company, the PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarship PMA keeps plumbing contractors informed by holding area Fund, the South Jersey Mechanical meetings across the state where business owners and their Contractors Association, the PHCC of employees can stay on top of business issues while earning Massachusetts Auxiliary, the PHCC of continuing education credits and networking with other Texas Auxiliary and the PHCC Past National Officers. industry leaders. The scholarships available through the PHCC Educational Contact PMA at 678-947-3473 if you are interested in spon- Foundation are available to students enrolled in an soring one of the meetings in 2011. approved plumbing or HVACR apprentice program; a full- time degree program at an accredited two-year commu- DET VERIFIER AND ENERGY CODES CLASSES nity college, technical college or trade school; or a full- State-wide training for the new Georgia State Minimum time undergraduate degree program at an accredited Standard Energy Code is now available. The 3 types of four-year college or university. Students may also be workshops offered include Residential, Commercial and required to be pursuing a course of study directly related Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier Training to the plumbing-heating-cooling industry. (e.g. Blower door and Duct blaster testing). These work- shops are made possible with funding provided by the For complete information and application forms, stu- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in dents can visit www.foundation.phccweb.org/scholar- partnership with Georgia Environmental Finance ships or call the PHCC Educational Foundation at (800) Authority (GEFA), Southface Energy Institute and 533-7694. Applications and supporting materials are due Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). no later than May 1, 2011. Contact Traci Turgeon, DCA Workshop Coordinator at (404) 679-3118. PMA Industry Member, Georgia Power, PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contrac- also conducts these classes. Contact Jeff Nunnelly – 404- tors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in 506-7601 for details. 1987. Its purpose is to serve the plumbing-heating-cool- ing industry by providing educational tools and preparing contractors and their employees to meet the challenges of a constantly changing marketplace. For more informa- tion contact a member of the Foundation staff at (800) 533-7694 or visit http://www.phccweb.org/foundation.

REAL PEOPLE MAKING A REAL IMPACT!

PHCC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE WASHINGTON, D.C. MAY 11-12, 2011 DAVIS BACON WAGE SURVEY SEMINAR AND SOLAR TOUR Georgia Power hosted the PMA seminar on January 5, For more details 2011 at the Ralph McGill location. PMA members and or to register prospective contractors spent the morning learning about online go to: Energy Code, Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) and had www.phccweb.org a tour of the Georgia Power Solar Plant. During a working lunch attorney Philip J. Siegel, of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Flatt addressed the Davis-Bacon Act and field- ed questions on how to complete the surveys.

Hotline, January - February 2011 6 © 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia Want to know an easy way to get $100?

just convert a gas water heater to electric*

It’s the easiest way to put extra cash in your pocket. Georgia Power will pay you and your customers $100 each when you replace a Georgia Power customer’s gas water heater with an electric one. Install an energy-efficient, low-maintenance electric water heater that has a long life expectancy and takes advantage of low electric rates. It pays to convert to electric. To get all the details on who qualifies for this money-making conversion program and how to participate, call Georgia Power at 800-524-2421 x600.

*Certain restrictions apply. Offer subject to end 12-31-2012/31/201110

1000257 PMA BOARD MEETING AT CAPITOL

Picture above from l to r, Billy Guinade, Jonathan and Chip Greene. Byrd, and Mitzi Smith. Picture below from l to r, Picture above from l to r, James Clarke, Chris Starr Jerome Sabol, Bryan Stansell, Jay Cunningham, and and Ted Zurn. Picture below from l to r, Bobby Jim Sabol. Bottom of page, Chris Starr, Earl Lively Burns, Kenny Rogers and Gary Bryant. PMA South Metro Meeting

At the February 8th meeting in Riverdale, Jonathan Byrd led the contin- uing education program on 2011 Plumbing Code Updates and Appendix J. Appendix J references reclaimed water.

Picture top left, Charles Weatherby receives birthday cake while Area Chair Brian Davis looks on. Top right Tommy Addis and Danny Clay review handouts while Van Cheeves gets ready to present another slice of birthday cake to Wayne Hughes. A surprised Wayne laughes along with wife Shelia. “WHERE GEORGIA’S BEST PLUMBERS BELONG”

101 Pilgrim Village Drive, Suite 200 Cumming, GA 30040

THE PLUMBING & MECHANICAL ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA IS DEDICATED TO PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND COMFORT OF THE PUBLIC BY PRO- MOTING INDUSTRY EDUCATION AND IMPROVING CONSUMER RELATIONS WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY.

PMA Local Area Meetings 2011 PHCC—NATIONAL ASSOCIATION March 8 - South Metro Area Meeting - Riverdale CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 15 - North GA Area Meeting - Athens March 15 - NW Metro Area Meeting - Marietta Construction Contractors’ Alliance (CCA) March 17 - Central GA Area Meeting - Macon March 2-4, Ritz-Carlton Denver March 22 - NE Metro Area Meeting - Norcross Denver, CO Essentials of Project Management Course Trenching & Excavation Course: March 5th March 16-19, National Conference Center Lansdowne, VA GEORGIA 2011 PLUMBING LICENSE DEADLINES Quality Service Contractors’ Power Meeting (QSC) Plumbing Exam Dates: Board App Deadline: AMP App Deadline: April 7-9, Opryland Hotel April 11 - 21, 2011 January 14, 2011 February 25, 2011 Nashville, TN June 6 - 17, 2011 March 4, 2011 April 22, 2011 August 8 - 19, 2011 May 13, 2011 June 24, 2011 October 11 - 21, 2011 July 8, 2011 August 26, 201 PHCC Legislative Conference December 5 - 16, 2011 September 9, 2011 October 21, 2011 May 11-12, Key Bridge Marriott Arlington, VA and Capitol Hill Plumbing Review Course: March 31-April 2 Union-Affiliated Contractors’ Meeting May 17-21, Homewood Suites Orland Park, IL January - February Issue President’s Report ...... 3 119TH PMA Annual Meeting June 2-5, King and Prince Resort New Members ...... 3 St. Simons Island, GA In Sympathy ...... 3 General Assembly & Legislative Reports ...... 4&5 CONNECT 2011 and National Scholarships ...... 6 Quality Service Contractors’ Power Meeting Networking Events ...... 6 Sept. 21-24, Minneapolis Hilton 2011 Area Meeting Schedule ...... INSERT Minneapolis, MN Visit us at: www.plumbingpros.com