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  • June 2026

    • June 2026

    PHCC Holds 2026 Legislative Conference; Under 30 All-Stars 2026; Pitch Perfect - Radiant Soccer Field Installation; Kimco Renovates Historic Eliason Building; Explore the Trades Awards 2026 Skill Labs Grants to 18 Schools; PHCC's 'Creating Super Foremen' Workshop Focuses on Leadership; and much more.

    More content from June 2026

    ID 10811147 © Ffooter | Dreamstime.com
    A night game at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies.
    Hands-on program at Citizens Bank Park introduces Philadelphia students to careers in facilities management and the skilled trades.
    May 28, 2026
    PHCC
    Cindy Sheridan and Dan Quinonez.
    Leadership transition positions PHCC for continued growth in contractor education, workforce development, and industry advocacy.
    May 28, 2026
    Ruud/Hiller
    From the awards ceremony.
    Residential plumbing, HVAC and electrical provider continues decade-long streak of recognition for installation quality, service excellence and customer satisfaction.
    May 27, 2026
    Grizzly MEP logo
    Mechanical contractor with nearly 70 years of experience joins Grizzly platform, bringing expanded plumbing, HVAC and electrical capabilities across key commercial markets.
    May 27, 2026
    ID 31380415 | And © Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com
    Row of red delivery and service cars in front of a factory and warehouse distribution plant
    Increasingly, fleet operators are discovering that strict standardization, while well-intentioned, can limit their ability to respond quickly when conditions change.
    May 27, 2026
    Bring Back the Trades
    The event featured more than 70 interactive exhibits throughout the SMCC campus,
    Hands-on exhibits, scholarships, and direct connections with employers highlighted growing interest in skilled trades careers and workforce development opportunities.
    May 26, 2026
    ID 20250904 | And © Lesik Aleksandr | Dreamstime.com
    Municipal water pumping station.
    One version of this story ends in crisis, cost and lost opportunity. The other ends in resilience, growth and communities that work.
    May 26, 2026
    REHAU
    Radiant tubing mid-installation, as seen from the stands of the new stadium.
    Midwest Laser Leveling was critical in the success of two soccer field installs incorporating radiant heating systems.
    May 26, 2026
    Rinnai logo
    Appointment reflects the company’s continued investment in employee development and long-term organizational growth.
    May 26, 2026
    IAPMO
    IAPMO building code books
    New task group opportunities focus on plumbing and mechanical topics ranging from heat pump water heaters to ventilation systems and potable water practices.
    May 22, 2026
    John W. Danforth Co.
    John W. Danforth team members pose before the Polar Plunge in Buffalo, NY.
    Mechanical contractor’s employees across four New York offices earned statewide fundraising recognition while helping fund year-round athlete support.
    May 22, 2026
    ID 192695164 © Alan Budman | Dreamstime.com
    Front of a white plumbing company truck that has a huge plunger on its roof.
    Here are nine simple tips to ensure you are getting the full marketing value of your truck.
    May 22, 2026
    Foundral logo
    The acquisition brings expanded engineering, HVAC and piping expertise to Foundral’s growing network of Midwest mechanical contractors.
    May 22, 2026
    ID 34925010 © Multitel | Dreamstime.com
    US Capitol Building, Washington DC
    PHCC joins forces with the American Supply Association to promote trades training and energy choice on Capitol Hill.
    May 22, 2026
    Tecovas
    Tecovas western style work boots
    This week's gallery highlights work boots (round toe and square toe), a battery-powered roll groover, a one-piece smart toilet, stainless-steel ball valves, and brand-marked press...
    May 21, 2026
    ID 309753342 © Auremar | Dreamstime.com
    Plumbing teacher encouraging apprentice
    WBL is learning by doing and often includes apprenticeships, internships, and job shadows that are authentic and agile and promote aspiration and agency.
    May 21, 2026
    SkillsUSA logo
    Initiative strengthens workforce development efforts by helping students gain exposure to careers in facilities management.
    May 21, 2026
    Sloan
    Sloan's Chicago showroom in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood.
    Chicago showroom event will feature integrated sink systems, hydration solutions, future product previews and a design discussion with Pininfarina.
    May 21, 2026
    Wright logo
    Davis will oversee manufacturer representative agencies and distribution partnerships across a multi-state territory.
    May 20, 2026
    Plastics Pipe Institute
    The Fizgerald residence, one of two winners of PPI's Building & Construction Division Projects of the Year.
    Plastic pipe applications across building, municipal and infrastructure markets earn recognition in a milestone year for the program.
    May 20, 2026
    ID 340773377 © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com
    woman with smarthone in a plumbing emergency
    Most contractors assume the same rules still apply: good reviews, a decent website and rankings used to be enough, and for a long time, it was. But AI runs a different test entirely...
    May 20, 2026
    Kohler
    Some examples from the new Claude collection.
    Developed with Shea McGee and Studio McGee, the new collection blends classic forms with contemporary functionality.
    May 20, 2026
    ID 48020209 © Bacho12345 | Dreamstime.com
    customer service rep on phone
    This simple exercise can often reveal six figures of “already-paid-for” revenue hiding inside the phone.
    May 19, 2026
    Rheem
    Rheem Manufacturing campus.
    Patrick McLaughlin discusses common field issues, evolving efficiency requirements and the technologies changing hydronic systems.
    May 19, 2026
    F. W. Webb
    The new Queensbury, NY, store and warehouse at 369 Corinth Road.
    New location increases inventory, adds Water Works resources and creates enhanced training opportunities for plumbing, HVAC and industrial professionals.
    May 19, 2026
    Housecall Pro logo
    Housecall Pro research finds homeowners staying in place longer and investing in the systems that keep homes operating.
    May 18, 2026
    technician with Rheem / Ruud appliances
    Designed for contractors serving both air and water markets, the program delivers rewards, education and marketing tools under a single platform.
    May 18, 2026
    ID 3355368 © Jolin | Dreamstime.com
    Construction workers in new building of the city
    Payroll construction employment continued to rise nationally, but state unemployment data suggests contractors are facing growing headwinds.
    May 18, 2026
    Rheem
    Rheem ProTerra hybrid electric water heater
    This week's gallery spotlights water heating: heat pump water heaters, hybrid water heaters, on-demand tank water heaters, tankless water heaters and hot water dispensers.
    May 15, 2026
    ARCSA logo
    New symposium will spotlight rainwater harvesting, stormwater management, system design best practices and evolving regulatory trends.
    May 15, 2026
    ID 41388345 © Svetlana Voronina | Dreamstime.com
    Blueprints for a house
    Modern vocational education isn’t just about learning a trade; it’s about developing the mindset to navigate complexity on the job.
    May 15, 2026
    Sloan
    The Las Vegas Ballpark.
    Cloud-based technology from Sloan enables proactive maintenance, automated line flushing, and water conservation throughout the facility.
    May 14, 2026
    ID 13893847 | Active © Lakhesis | Dreamstime.com
    work boots and socks
    New hydronics columnist Brady Brophy talks a bit about his time in the trades, and about his first introduction to a cast iron boiler.
    May 14, 2026
    Service Invoice Pro
    A plumbing project window in Service Invoice Pro.
    Reviews of Service Invoice Pro, the Simpro Fast Cash autonomous agent, the On Cal Air sales engine, and QuoteWerks event scripting.
    May 14, 2026
    ID 98235170 © Larichev89 | Dreamstime.com
    house plan with math
    Trade people have a much greater need for and command of mathematics than just about any other career path.
    May 14, 2026
    GF
    Attendees at the opening of GF's inaugural Flow Symposium.
    Builders, contractors, engineers, and developers gathered in Nashville for hands-on learning, technical sessions, and collaboration across residential, commercial, and infrastructure...
    May 14, 2026
    Watts logo
    Data-driven ranking honors companies delivering measurable environmental, societal, and operational impact through innovation and responsible business practices.
    May 14, 2026
    Barocal logo
    Cambridge spin-out targets data center cooling and commercial refrigeration with solid-state heating and cooling systems designed to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
    May 13, 2026
    ID 323945215 © BiancoBlue | Dreamstime.com
    construction workflow concept
    Because critical procurement workflows are still running on manual, outdated processes, decision-making has become drastically slowed at the worst possible moment.
    May 13, 2026
    ID 31620048 © Welcomia | Dreamstime.com
    Spring River Flood. Des Plains, IL, USA. Nature Disasters Photo Collection.
    Floods can wreak havoc on the essential systems that make buildings habitable and safe. Owners, contractors and code officials must understand the vulnerabilities of these systems...
    May 13, 2026
    ID 19814105 | The © Andrey Kekyalyaynen | Dreamstime.com
    wastewater treatment facility seen from the above
    Trust in Water-backed poll highlights growing public concern over aging water systems, safety standards and long-term funding needs.
    May 13, 2026
    A. O. Smith
    The A.O. Smith BTH-400 Cyclone® FLEX™ (part of the 400100G/100381400 series) is a 119-gallon, high-efficiency condensing commercial gas water heater delivering up to 95% thermal efficiency and 399,900 BTU/h.
    Our Q&A with Ryan Atkins, Product Manager – Commercial Gas for A. O. Smith, answers some of the key questions.
    May 13, 2026
    ID 53756562 © Photographerlondon | Dreamstime.com
    shaking hands at the construction site
    In this Q&A with Jason Richards, CEO of Foundral, we discuss what to expect in the post-sale transition.
    May 13, 2026
    ID 930816 | Construction © Roman Milert | Dreamstime.com
    Silhouettes of construction workers pouring concrete mix at the building site
    April saw significant increases in construction input prices, up 7.0% year-over-year, fueled by higher energy costs and tariff-affected materials.
    May 13, 2026
    Bernzomatic logo
    Partnership will support contractor education, workforce development and industry engagement across the plumbing and HVAC trades.
    May 12, 2026
    Zekelman logo
    Veteran supply chain executive brings more than 20 years of global operations and manufacturing leadership experience to steel pipe and tube manufacturer.
    May 12, 2026
    ID 76719083 | Construction © Surasaki | Dreamstime.com
    estimator at work on new project
    The firms that increase throughput now will capture the work reshaping the economy. The firms that rely on the same strained processes will watch that work go elsewhere.
    May 12, 2026
    ID 120763845 © Auremar | Dreamstime.com
    A group of plumbing students with teacher.
    Before trainees can start to work on real equipment, they need a comprehensive education that embraces modern teaching techniques.
    May 12, 2026
    PPI
    PEX tubing for hot and cold water.
    New third-edition handbook reflects advancements in PEX plumbing systems, commercial applications, code updates and installation best practices.
    May 12, 2026
    ID 150558964 | Construction © Funtap P | Dreamstime.com
    Business process Automation Smart industry Artificial Intelligence. Gears mechanism mixed media.
    To genuinely move the needle on customer experience in the trades, we have to stop treating AI as a communication tool and start treating it as an operational engine.
    May 12, 2026
    ID 211495199 © Andrey Popov | Dreamstime.com
    Sink Pipe Water Leak. Plumbing Damage At Home
    Voicemail, AI answering systems and delayed responses can drive homeowners to competitors within seconds, especially during peak plumbing season.
    May 12, 2026
    ID 421809697 © Andrei Dodonov | Dreamstime.com
    Standard operating procedures SOPs - detailed step-by-step instructions that guide employees through routine tasks to ensure efficiency, quality and consistency
    Well-crafted SOPs can improve safety, streamline operations, help with onboarding, and enhance the customer experience.
    May 12, 2026
    ID 32172120 © Rafael Ben Ari | Dreamstime.com
    Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at the Carter Center in 2008.
    Company volunteers and energy-efficient products helped support Habitat for Humanity’s latest affordable housing initiative in southwest Atlanta.
    May 11, 2026
    Ferguson
    Ferguson presents a $25,000 donation to Skills Lab.
    Company-backed education, mentorship and hands-on learning initiatives aim to strengthen the pipeline of future plumbing, HVAC and infrastructure professionals.
    May 11, 2026
    LG top 1 percent logo
    S&P Global, MSCI and EcoVadis highlight company’s progress in renewable energy, carbon reduction and responsible operations.
    May 8, 2026
    LIXIL logo
    Refined Impact Strategy focuses on sanitation access, emissions reduction, recycled materials and skilled workforce development.
    May 8, 2026
    Bradford White
    Bradford White water heater
    This week's gallery highlights water heaters (gas-fired and heat pump), stainless-steel fittings, plate-and-frame heat exchangers, and a water-source heat pump.
    May 8, 2026
    PHCC-EF
    A group presentation led by Kirk Alter at the May Foreman Workshop.
    Two-day training at Milwaukee Tool headquarters teaches foremen how to improve productivity, mentor crews and strengthen jobsite communication.
    May 8, 2026
    ID 4070645 © Phartisan | Dreamstime.com
    frame construction in progress
    The construction sector saw a modest increase of 9,000 jobs in April, with year-over-year growth reaching 50,000 jobs or 0.6%.
    May 8, 2026
    ID 27661298 © Hugoht | Dreamstime.com
    An urban construction site with many cranes
    On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.244 trillion.
    May 7, 2026
    A. O. Smith
    A Voltex 120V HPWH being installed.
    Affordable housing complex leveraged rebates and plug-in heat pump water heaters to cut operating costs and improve resident safety.
    May 7, 2026
    ID 126377592 © Alexandersikov | Dreamstime.com
    technology improvement concept
    In this Q&A with Powerhouse's Mia Parker we discuss how implementing a clear technology plan can prevent wasted money and endless frustration.
    May 7, 2026
    Bannister Plumbing & Air
    Bannister Plumbing & Air technician
    Jacksonville-based contractor strengthens its footprint with expanded services, a growing workforce and continued community involvement.
    May 7, 2026
    AWS
    Welder at work in protective gear.
    Technical conference will deliver in-depth education on welding standards, qualification requirements and evolving industry technologies.
    May 7, 2026
    Bradford White logo
    Partnership helps vulnerable homeowners gain access to reliable hot water, plumbing repairs and safer living conditions.
    May 7, 2026
    Ferguson
    Students at the Cape May County Technical School.
    Ferguson-backed initiative expands hands-on skilled trades education opportunities for more than 2,100 students.
    May 7, 2026
    GMC logo
    ESOP transition positions contractor for sustained growth while creating wealth-building opportunities for employees.
    May 6, 2026
    ID 6217806 © Dejan Ljamić | Dreamstime.com
    construction cranes at sunset
    Despite a rebound from February's lows, construction employment remains sluggish, with contractors hesitant to hire or fire.
    May 6, 2026
    Bradley
    handwashing
    New data shows 68% of Americans are more likely to return to businesses with well-maintained restrooms, reinforcing the link between facility upkeep and revenue.
    May 5, 2026
    Ferguson - Contractor Commerce logo
    New alliance gives contractors tools to turn website traffic into booked jobs, recurring revenue and improved customer experience.
    May 5, 2026
    Chinook Contractors
    The historic Eliason Building in downtown Poulsbo, WA.
    Historic site is saved from demolition and becomes the centerpiece for a revitalized downtown area.
    May 4, 2026
    OSHA logo
    Annual fall prevention initiative encourages crews to pause work, focus on hazard awareness and reduce the leading cause of construction fatalities.
    May 4, 2026
    ID 29019915 © Xiaomin Wang | Dreamstime.com
    Adequate corrosion protection during layup and startup is a key, but often neglected, aspect of boiler management.
    Many common problems are solved through the strategic selection and application of the appropriate corrosion inhibitors for layup and startup.
    May 4, 2026
    ID 24513577 © Aleksandar Kosev | Dreamstime.com
    PPE on a construction site.
    Associated Builders and Contractors report outlines proven safety practices contractors can implement immediately to improve jobsite performance.
    May 4, 2026
    ID 35147362 © Pixattitude | Dreamstime.com
    worker falling from ladder silhouette.
    Ladder and fall protection manufacturer expects to reach 75,000 contractors, tradespeople and safety pros during May through hands-on and online jobsite safety education.
    May 1, 2026
    ID 106404499 © Oleg Dudko | Dreamstime.com
    cyber security concept
    How construction firms can mitigate risks like data leakage, hallucinations, and external tool vulnerabilities when integrating AI tools into their workflows.
    May 1, 2026
    Buiding Safety Month Logo
    May initiative spotlights building codes, preparedness and safer construction practices.
    May 1, 2026
    A. O. Smith
    A. O. Smith heat pump water heater
    Waters heaters and boilers are the focus of our gallery this week: heat pump water heaters, tankless water heaters, and a modulating condensing gas boiler.
    May 1, 2026
    ID 272724771 © ForbiddenTrex | Dreamstime.com
    Flooded Basement with Deep Murky Water and Rusty Doors
    At its foundation, an effective Water Damage Prevention Plan should be practical and site-specific.
    April 30, 2026
    Rheem
    On the supply dock at Argentina's Marambio Base.
    Argentina's Joint Antarctic Command installed Rheem water heating units at Marambio Base, ensuring reliable hot water supply in harsh Antarctic conditions.
    April 30, 2026
    ID 34987427 © Angelo Gilardelli | Dreamstime.com
    welder at work
    Workforce shortages are often referred to as a labor issue; they are in fact a business constraint affecting the entire construction and infrastructure continuum.
    April 30, 2026
    Watts logo
    May promotion rewards product training participation with chances to win entertainment-themed prizes.
    April 30, 2026
    Harrrell-Fish logo
    Bloomington deal adds HVAC and energy-efficiency expertise while keeping local leadership in place.
    April 29, 2026
    Rheem logo
    Company highlights reduced greenhouse gases, cleaner manufacturing and workforce development initiatives.
    April 29, 2026
    Uponor
    Uponor AquaPEX pipe and ProPEX multiport tee.
    The Porter Company used prefabricated packages and PEX systems to keep a 370-unit tower on schedule.
    April 29, 2026
    Watts logo
    Manufacturer cites emissions reductions, water savings and continued investment in sustainable operations.
    April 28, 2026
    ID 304133577 © Auremar | Dreamstime.com
    plumber teaching apprentice
    There are plenty of practical steps contractors can take to develop confident and field-ready technicians. It all starts with rethinking the learning process.
    April 28, 2026
    ID 314880568 | Abstract © Wave Break Media Ltd | Dreamstime.com
    Future concept of supply chain and logistic network business
    As projects become more complex and schedules more compressed, connecting field activity with financial visibility is becoming essential for contractors seeking to protect profitability...
    April 28, 2026
    CEO Warrior logo
    Partnerships focus on staffing, customer booking, CSR coaching and retention strategies.
    April 28, 2026
    ASSE logo
    ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI/CAN Series 22000-2026 establishes minimum competency requirements for field personnel.
    April 27, 2026
    DeWalt logo
    Survey findings spur new apprenticeship, grant and webinar initiatives with ABC chapters nationwide.
    April 27, 2026
    ID 426888697 © Snehitdesign | Dreamstime.com
    data center under construction in the us
    Project is expected to offset 83 million gallons of potable water annually while advancing water-positive operations.
    April 27, 2026
    SupplyHouse Foundation logo
    New initiative focuses on training access, scholarships and workforce development across plumbing, HVAC and electrical.
    April 24, 2026