NCPMA Hosts Annual Membership Convention and Eastern Regional Connections Conference

Nov. 14, 2013
North Carolina Plumbing and Mechanical Association members gathered last week in Durham for the 2013 Annual Membership Convention and Eastern Regional Connections Conference.

RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina Plumbing and Mechanical Association members gathered last week in Durham for the 2013 Annual Membership Convention and Eastern Regional Connections Conference.  More than 50 attendees came together for two days of events and networking opportunities.

On Wednesday, November 6th, NCPMA hosted the Eastern Regional Connections Conference and Reverse Tradeshow at the Hilton Durham.  Attendees had an opportunity to visit more than 25 vendors highlighting the latest products and services in the cooling, heating and plumbing industries.  The morning portion of the event, a tabletop display, was followed by a well-received Reverse Tradeshow in the afternoon. 

During the Reverse Tradeshow, vendors and contractors had individual, eight-minute appointments with every company represented.  This concept allowed each vendor to personalize their products and services for each individual customer.  In turn, the contractor had the opportunity to meet with a number of businesses in one day and one location.  Reviews from both contractors and vendors were positive.

“I was very skeptical about the reverse tradeshow, but figured I'd give it a try,” said Susan McDaniel of NC Green Plumbing.  “I was pleasantly surprised - it was useful as well as enjoyable. All - in - all, I give the experience A+++.”

“Our sales team had 14 one on one meetings with the key managers/owners of contractor companies in one afternoon, something that might otherwise take them all year to accomplish,” said George Yezbak, sales manager with Murray Supply Company.  “As an associate member this format validated why we have supported this organization for so long. Our sincerest thanks and appreciation to the NCPMA contractor members for embracing and supporting this new format.”

A major highlight of the Annual Membership Convention was the Annual Members Business Session where new leadership was elected and installed. NCPMA membership elected the following individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for the 2014 year. They will take office on January 1st.

·      2014 President-Herb Hovey, HH Hovey Heating and Cooling in Winston Salem

·      2014 Vice President-Jennifer Warren, Warren Hay Mechanical in Hillsborough

·      2014 Treasurer-John Hicks, Griffin Heating and Air in Statesville

·      Hans Haas, Haas Sales in Charlotte

·      David Hinson, Hinson Mechanical in Monroe

·      Joel Long, GSM Services in Gastonia

·      Charlie Oxford, Hickory Plumbing in Hickory

Attendees at the Business Session also received an informative update on legislative issues from Henry Jones, NCPMA’s legislative advocate.

All Convention attendees were invited to attend a special event on Wednesday evening honoring all past presidents of NCPMA, MC of NC and PHCC-NC.  Guests enjoyed heavy hor d’ouevres and a time to reminisce and make new friends.  Past Presidents in attendance were presented with a small token of appreciation for their service.

The Convention continued on Thursday, November 7th with a networking breakfast and the Heritage Golf Tournament.  The Tournament, held at Umstead Pines Golf & Swim Club at Willowhaven, served as a continuation of the previous evening’s Past Presidents Reception.  More than thirty golfers took to the greens and enjoyed a great day of golfing followed by lunch and awards.

First Place-Rick Whitaker, Allen Whitaker, Kirk Brown & Jeff Hamlett

Second Place-Hans Haas, Joel Long and Tate Rust

Third Place-Dale Nichols, Jennifer Warren & Emily Sale

Knapheide Truck also recognized the winner of the closest to the pin on Hole 18 with a new putter.  David Moore of Hickory Mechanical was the winner.

NCPMA would like to recognize all of the generous sponsors of the Annual Membership Convention.

·      Diamond Sponsor-Federated Insurance

·      Platinum Sponsor-Murray Supply

·      Gold Sponsor-Carrier Enterprise

·      Bronze Sponsors-Ferguson, Protégé Mechanical Labor Solutions, Sid Harvey & WaterFurnace

·      Copper Sponsor-D&L Parts

NCPMA is a leading resource provider for education, expertise and business enhancement services for the cooling, heating, and plumbing contractors in North Carolina and serves as the voice of these industries on a local, state and national level. The association encourages and facilitates the education, expertise, and professionalism of contractor and associate members and the industry at large for their benefit, and for the safety and well-being of the industry and the general public.

For more information, contact Jim Pendergrass, Executive Director, at 919/532-0522.

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