FALLS CHURCH, Va. — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association (PHCC) wrapped up its annual conference, Connect, in Birmingham, Alabama, earlier this month.
The conference theme, “Authentic Connections,” stressed the importance of building trust and fostering relationships within the HVAC and plumbing industries, a press release from the trade group said.
“Connect is a powerful reminder of how vital our connections are in this industry,” said Joe Cornetta, PHCC’s 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.”
The four-day meeting included several awards presentations, more than 20 educational sessions, and networking opportunities that gave conference-goers opportunities to gain insights and share best practices.
Keith Bienvenu of Bienvenu Brothers, an HVAC and plumbing contractor in Metairie, Louisiana, was honored with the PHCC’s Colonel George D. Scott Award, which recognizes those whose efforts have significantly benefited HVAC and plumbing contractors.
COLONEL GEORGE D. SCOTT AWARD: Keith Bienvenu of Bienvenu Brothers, an HVAC and plumbing contractor serving the New Orleans, Louisiana, area, won the Colonel George D. Scott Award from the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association during the group’s annual meeting this month. Bienvenu retired in 2015 but remains active in the PHCC. (Photo courtesy of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors–National Association)
Bienvenu has served in every officer position for both the PHCC of Louisiana and the PHCC of Greater New Orleans and has chaired multiple committees. He’s spent decades on various task forces and committees for the national organization, and has served as a zone director, the national secretary, and the national president. Bienvenu also was a founding member of Quality Service Contractors (QSC), a PHCC Enhanced Service Group.
He retired in 2015 from Bienvenu Brothers, a family-owned, fourth-generation business that has served the New Orleans area since 1937, and remains active in the PHCC.
“Keith has been a true trailblazer within PHCC, the PHCC Educational Foundation, and the plumbing and HVAC industry, involved at every level of our association as well as within the legislative and regulatory arena,” said Joe Cornetta. “He takes our mission of serving as a proud protector of public health, safety, and the environment quite seriously and is passionate when it comes to growing and improving the profession.”
James Lindsey, 94, the founder of Lindsey Brothers Inc. Plumbing and Heating in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was recognized for his contributions to the PHCC and the industry. Lindsey started his plumbing career at age 16 and founded his own business in 1966.
Connect 2024 also featured competitions between HVAC and plumbing apprentices; Logan Cunningham won the plumbing competition and Dane Gonser the HVAC competition.
Other awardees included:
- Sarah Wood, of Allegiance Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Santee, California, was named HVAC Contractor of the Year.
- John Conaway of Norfolk Technical Center in Norfolk, Virginia, and Kellam Mechanical in Virginia Beach, who won the HVACR Instructor of the Year award.
- Alex Phrommany of Howe Inc. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was named HVAC Apprentice of the Year.
- Vincent Giglio II, of Universal Plumbing in Shreveport, Louisiana, was named Plumbing Contractor of the Year.
- Michael Carter, a teacher at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, won the Plumbing Instructor of the Year award.
- Andrew Wilson, of Midwestern Mechanical in Spencer, Iowa, was named Plumbing Apprentice of the Year.
The 2025 PHCC Connect conference is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at the DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
