CHICAGO - The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association's (PHCC) annual convention and Network '06, scheduled for Sept. 28-30 at the Palmer House in Chicago, will offer a number of seminars designed to help contractors learn ways to improve their businesses.

The seminars are organized by track, giving contractors the option to choose from business management, code, environmental, HVACR, plumbing, and radiant heating topics. Some topics and speakers include:

  • "Methods for Identifying Lost Time and Craft Delays" by Kirk Alter

  • "Immigration Reform," a panel discussion moderated by Lake Coulson, PHCC vice president of government relations

  • "Residential Maintenance Agreements" by a Quality Service Contractors' business coach

  • "Recruiting, Training and Keeping Skilled Craftsmen" by Paul Ridilla

  • "How to Increase Your Bottom Line Profit" by Tom Grandy

    In addition to the seminars, two keynote speakers will provide inspiring stories whose messages can be applied to everyday life and business. American Spotlight keynote James Bradley, author of the book Flags of our Fathers, will talk about the six young Marines who raised the American flag on Iwo Jima in a presentation titled "Achieving the Impossible." Adventure Spotlight keynote Dr. Robert Ballard, oceanographer, explorer, educator, and founder of the wreck of the legendary H.M.S. Titanic, will discuss "Living the Dream."

    A number of networking events also will be featured at Network '06, which is a joint event offered by the PHCC and the American Supply Association. For more information, visit www.network06.org.

    Publication date: 05/08/2006