GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB 57 LICENSING BILL STILL IN COMMITTEEA bill to allow unlicensed individuals to "install, repair oralter" residential water treatment equipment and theplumbing or plumbing equipment incidental to theinstallation remains in the House Regulated IndustriesCommittee. Rep. Doug Holt, the sponsor of HB 57, hasindicated a willingness to further discuss the bill withPMA. PMA has expressed its concerns about HB 57 toRegulated Industries Chairman Roger Williams of Daltonas well as to Rep. Holt. In addition to Chairman Williams,other members of the House Regulated IndustriesCommittee are: Tim Bearden of Villa Rica, Kevin Cooke ofCarrollton, Sharon Cooper of Marietta, Carl Von Epps ofLGrange, Virgil Fludd of Tyrone, Michael Harden ofToccoa, Brett Harrell of Snellville, Lynmore James ofMontezuma, Billy Maddox of Zebulon, Chuck Martin ofAlpharetta, Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain, Alan Powellof Hartwell, Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City, Tom Taylorof DeKalb County.

UNEMPLOYMENT TAX HIKE LOOMSUnemployment taxes are certain to increase for Georgiaemployers, as the Employment Security Trust Fund isnow more than $600 million in debt to the federal gov-ernment. The Georgia Department of Labor is looking forthe least painful repayment plan that will satisfy the fed-eral government. With Georgia's unemployment stillclose to 10%, this issue will likely linger well past thisyear. Expect the Georgia Department of Labor to intro-duce the necessary legislation in the next few days.

HEARINGS UNDERWAY ON TAX REFORMTax reform proposals from the Special Council on TaxReform and Fairness have been the subject of two publichearings before a joint House and Senate committee.This week's hearings covered sales tax exemptions, andpotential new taxes such as reinstating the sales tax ongroceries and an increased tax on cigarettes.

Continued on page 4

101 Pilgrim Village Drive, Suite 200

Cumming, Georgia • 30040 • 678-947-3473 • www.PlumbingPros.com

© 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia1

HOTLINE

JANUARY - FEBRUARY ISSUE

Hotline, January - February 2011

Glad and Sid Mealor pictured in front of Lawrenceville showroom.

INDUSTRY MOURNS LOSS OF ICON

Gladston V. Mealor, Founder of PlumbingDistributors Inc. (PDI,) passed away December 19,2010 at his home in Lawrenceville with his familyby his side. For everyone who knew Glad, he wasan icon in both his hometown and the plumbingindustry.

Glad started PDI, 37 years ago but began his careerin 1960 with Mealor Supply. To say that Glad madeeveryone of his employees feel like apart of hisfamily was an understatement. He truly cared foreveryone that worked for him or that he did busi-ness with. Glad will be missed in our businesses,our community, our industry and our lives.

He is survived by his Children: Amelia Hughes,Sidney Mealor, Lyn & Johnny Wright, his 10 grand-children and 3 great grandchildren.

PMA President Report2011 - 2011

Chris Starr

When someone asks me why Ibelong to PHCC, I tell them Ibelong because I do not knoweverything there is to knowabout the plumbing industryand building a business.

I belong because I want to keepup with the fast-moving devel-opments in our industry.

I belong because I want to attend meetings where I canearn CE credits, learn and exchange ideas with others.

I tell them I belong because I want to learn how to bet-ter market my business and the products and services Isell.

I belong because the public regards a member as anestablished, professional and progressive company.

I belong because the Association is on the firing lineevery day on a twenty-four hour basis, defending theinterest of the plumbing, heating and cooling industry.

I believe, as Theodore Roosevelt said, “Every man owesa part of his time and money to the business or industryin which he is engaged. No man has a moral right towithhold his support from an organization that is strivingto improve conditions.”

If you haven’t paid your dues yet or are consideringmembership with PHCC. remember, without PHCC, youstand alone.

Chris Starr

© 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of GeorgiaHotline, January - February 20113

PMA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

On behalf of the members, directors, and officers ofthe Plumbing & Mechanical Association, we wouldlike to publicly welcome our newest Members:

Champion Plumbing & DrainCleaning, LLCDavid Smail

3223 Bomar RoadDouglasville, GA 30135Phone: 770-480-5077

Fax: 770-577-0762dave@trustchampion.comwww.trustchampion.com

Goodbye WaterDebra Neil Blount

2021 West Liddell Road Suite CDuluth, GA 30096

Phone: 678-736-6820debraneilblount@goodbyewater.com

www.goodbyewater.com

Ridgid ToolJames Vild

303 Bentley Creek Ct.Canton, GA 30115

Phone: 404-435-3889James.vild@emerson.com

www.ridgid.com

Team Ford/Team ChevroletChuck Sarkisian

869 Cobb Parkway SEMarietta, GA 32344

Phone: 678-581-4742Fax: 678-581-4774cbsark@aol.com

www.teamdirect.com

If you know a company interested in joining PMA orfor more information on membership benefits pleasecontact PMA at 678-947-3473.

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, ofYulee, Fla., Maggie Cofer (David), of Jefferson; sons, Butch Raburn (Alicia), of Denton, Md., EddieRaburn, 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 ofPHCC Vice President George Raburn.

Jerry Cicero, 74, of Atlanta passed away January 5, 2011. Jerry was born June 18, 1936, and lived thefirst 50 years of his life in Chicago. He graduated from St Ignatius College Prep in 1953 and from JohnCarroll University in 1957. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the army in 1958 and, after leavingthe service, spent his entire career in the finance and brokerage business. Jerry was an avid golfer, aconsummate Italian cook, a passionate movie critic, and a rabid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan…he neverlost hope! Jerry worked for PMA Industry Member Lions Financial.

IN SYMPATHY

Please keep in your thoughts andprayers the families of the follow-ing members.

GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY REPORT

Continued from page one.While proposals call for sales tax exemptions on businessinputs, they also call for application of the statewidesales tax to certain services. Plumbing services are notmentioned in the Council's recommendations, but thereport does propose application of the sales tax to serv-ices tied to a house or other specific sites, and servicesprovided by vendors who already have a sales tax certifi-cate

The joint House/Senate committee will determinewhether to approve the proposals for an up or downvote in the two chambers. The joint committee may alsochoose to make changes to the proposals before approv-ing them for further action.

Members of the joint committee are: Senator Bill Heath,co-chair - Chairman of Senate Finance Committee, Rep.Mickey Channell, co-chair - Chairman of House Ways &Means, Senator Tommie Williams - President ProTempore of the Senate, Rep. Jan Jones - Speaker ProTempore of the House, Senator Chip Rogers - MajorityLeader of the Senate, Rep. Larry O'Neal - Majority Leaderof the House, Senator Robert Brown - Minority Leader ofthe Senate, Rep. Stacey Abrams - Minority Leader of theHouse, Senator Bill Cowsert, appointed by Lt. GovernorCasey Cagle, Senator Steve Thompson, appointed by Lt.Governor Casey Cagle, Rep. Allen Peake, appointed byHouse Speaker David Ralston, Rep. Bob Bryant, appoint-ed by House Speaker David Ralston.

WORKERS COMP BILL WOULD OPEN EMPLOYERS TO LAWSUITSLegislation introduced in the Senate would create newtort liabilities for employers by eroding the "exclusiveremedy" protection of workers' compensation. SB 7 by

Senator Bill Heath of Bremen would deny income andmedical benefits under workers' compensation to illegalaliens. Since these workers would no longer be in the "nofault" workers' compensation system, they would be eli-gible to seek redress through the courts.

SB 7 was introduced to help make Georgia "unattractive"to illegal aliens. If not changed, the bill could have a verynegative impact on economic development in Georgia.The sponsor is searching for ways to avoid any impact onthe exclusive remedy nature of workers' compensation.

IMMIGRATION BILL WOULD AFFECT SUBCONTRACTORSIn addition to SB 7, several other bills related to immigra-tion will be introduced during this legislative session.Senator Jack Murphy of Cherokee County is drafting ameasure "to make it more difficult for illegal aliens tofind work in Georgia." His bill would "make subcontrac-tors responsible for their own E-Verify checks." CurrentGeorgia law requires companies who contract with stateagencies to use the federal E-Verify system. UnderSenator Murphy's bill, essentially all employers would berequired to use the E-Verify system for new employees.The first violation would result in a warning, with subse-

quent violations leading to fines or revocation of busi-ness licenses.

Senator Murphy's bill would also enact enforcementmeasures similar to those in the Arizona law, whichallows law officers to ask for proof of immigration statusif the person is stopped for an unrelated probable cause.Similar legislation, HB 87, has been introduced in theHouse by Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City.

PMA members may want to contact members of thecommittee to express their views on this legislation.Contact information for members of the GeneralAssembly is available at www.legis.ga.gov. Legislative E-letters are available on a weekly basis to members withE-mail addresses on file and by blast fax. Email PMA atpma@plumbingpros. com to get on the distribution list.If you have any comments or questions on any of the billsmentioned above please contact Legislative Chair TedZurn at tedzurn@zurnplumbing.com or Ellen Whitaker atewhitaker@plumbingpros.com.

The PMA Board of Directors convened at the StateCapital on February 1st. The session began withspecial legislative reports by lobbyist John Pooleand Sharon Dunn. The areas addressed includedTax Reform, Workers Comp and Immigration.Upon conclusion of the business meeting, a groupof Directors and members went to meet with theirlegislative representatives to make sure the voicesof the plumbing industry were heard. Picturedabove, front row from l to r, Chris Starr, Mike Adams,Chip Greene, Earl Lively, Ted Zurn, James Clarke,and Mitzi Smith. Back row from l to r, Jonathan Byrdand Bobby Burns.

© 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of GeorgiaHotline, January - February 2011 4

PMA LEGISLATIVE DAY AT CAPITOL

PHCC ZONE 2 DIRECTOR’S REPORTChip Greene, Greene & Associates

The New Year is here and in manystates the legislature is in session. InGeorgia, our legislature will be in ses-sion until about mid April. Georgia'sconstitution limits the meeting time ofthe House and Senate to 40 days(which is really 40 working days, notcounting committee meetings, daysworking in their office between thedays when the chambers are actually in

session, etc.). That means that all of our legislators all havejobs and/or businesses that they have to make a living at theother 8 months of the year.

I've heard it numerous times-"I don't want anything to dowith politics; it's just not my thing!" Well here is a news flash;government is going to make decisions that directly affectyour business. However, you can choose to participate in theprocess and have some influence on the impact of these deci-sions. You say "one person's opinion will not make any dif-ference". I disagree and I have concrete examples to prove it.

A few years ago, the general contractors and the homebuilders wanted to put licensing in place for individuals andbusinesses. It made sense to do this as plumbing, HVAC, andelectrician's have to be licensed so the builder surely shouldbe. When I met with my legislator outside the chambers ofthe House of Representatives, I proceeded to tell him that Isupported this licensing and that he should vote for it.“Why”, he said, “do we need another licensing department inthe state?” I said "Did you know that if you had the capitalyou could go down to the local inspections department rightnow and pull a permit to build a 10 story office building andcurrently there is nothing in place to prevent you from doingthis?" Since my Representative was a pharmacist in his job

back home, he was quite shocked at this and realized veryquickly that that perhaps licensing of builders was a prettygood idea. However, if I had not taken the time to make thetrip to Atlanta to have this conversation with him, he wouldhave never realized the significance of this bill being passed.

In Georgia, illegal immigration is the hot topic this session.PMA is on the forefront along with others, on making surethat in an effort to prevent illegal aliens from benefiting fromprograms that are taxpayer funded. A bill has been intro-duced to prevent illegal aliens from receiving workman'scompensation benefits if they get hurt on the job. Sounds OKuntil you consider the liability that a business owner could beopen to be sued by an employee (legal or illegal). Right now,unless an employee can prove negligence on the part of anemployer, the employee cannot sue his employer if he getshurt; in return the employer is required to pay the employeesmedical bills and disability income (usually through theemployer's workman's comp insurance policy) until theemployee returns to work. However, if the employee gets noworkman's comp benefit because he is an illegal alien, thenthe employer's protection from being sued would be gone.The employee could claim he wasn't properly trained, thatyou did not provide him the tools necessary for him to do thejob in such a way to prevent him from getting hurt. And youcan bet that the courts are going to be sympathetic towardan injured employee whether he is from South Georgia orSouth America!! However if we do not bring this to the leg-islators attention, how will they know??

Your legislator wants to hear from you. Yes, PMA has a lob-byist working for us at the capital but many legislators wantinput directly from the people they represent. Many of themare small business owners just like us. They represent us andthey can a better job of it when we let them know our posi-tions and how it affects our businesses.

Chip Greene

PMA LEADERS ATTEND NFIB 21stANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS DAY

© 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia

Pictured above from left to right,Nick Marine, Marine Plumbing,Ellen Whitaker, PMA ExecutiveDirector, Wendy Zurn, ZurnPlumbing, Chip Greene, Greene &Associates, and Ted Zurn, ZurnPlumbing. Chip Greene currentlyserves on PHCC-NA Board as Zone 2Director and PMA’s Board. Ted Zurnserves on PMA’s Board is PMA’sLegislative Chair. Not pictured: PMALobbyists John Poole and SharonDunn

Hotline, January - February 2011 5

PMA board members and legislativecommittee attended the NFIB (NationalFederation of Independent Business)21st Annual Small Business Day at theCapitol January 25th.

The program speakers included:Governor Nathan Deal, Speaker of theHouse David Ralston, Attorney GeneralSam Olens, and Labor CommissionerMark Butler.

The speakers addressed the state budg-et, federal healthcare reform lawsuit,unemployment solutions and tax reform.PMA sponsored a table at the event.

2011 PHCCEDUCATIONALFOUNDATION

SCHOLARSHIPSAVAILABLE ONLINE

Applications are now being accepted for scholarshipsawarded through the Plumbing-Heating-CoolingContractors-National Association (PHCC) EducationalFoundation Scholarship Program. In 2011, up to 18 schol-arships totaling $48,000 are available. The scholarshipawards are sponsored by A.O. Smith Water Heaters,Bradford White Water Heaters, DeltaFaucet Company, the PHCCEducational Foundation ScholarshipFund, the South Jersey MechanicalContractors Association, the PHCC ofMassachusetts Auxiliary, the PHCC ofTexas Auxiliary and the PHCC Past National Officers.

The scholarships available through the PHCC EducationalFoundation are available to students enrolled in anapproved plumbing or HVACR apprentice program; a full-time degree program at an accredited two-year commu-nity college, technical college or trade school; or a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accreditedfour-year college or university. Students may also berequired to be pursuing a course of study directly relatedto the plumbing-heating-cooling industry.

For complete information and application forms, stu-dents can visit www.foundation.phccweb.org/scholar-ships or call the PHCC Educational Foundation at (800)533-7694. Applications and supporting materials are dueno later than May 1, 2011.

PHCC Educational Foundation, a partnership of contrac-tors, manufacturers, and wholesalers, was founded in1987. Its purpose is to serve the plumbing-heating-cool-ing industry by providing educational tools and preparingcontractors and their employees to meet the challengesof 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.

DET VERIFIER AND ENERGY CODES CLASSESState-wide training for the new Georgia State MinimumStandard Energy Code is now available. The 3 types ofworkshops offered include Residential, Commercial andDuct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier Training(e.g. Blower door and Duct blaster testing). These work-shops are made possible with funding provided by theAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) inpartnership with Georgia Environmental FinanceAuthority (GEFA), Southface Energy Institute andGeorgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).Contact Traci Turgeon, DCA Workshop Coordinator at(404) 679-3118. PMA Industry Member, Georgia Power,also conducts these classes. Contact Jeff Nunnelly – 404-506-7601 for details.

6Hotline, January - February 2011 © 2011, Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia

NETWORKING AT AREA MEETINGS

PMA would like to thank the following speakers who pro-vided continuing education programs at January andFebruary meetings. The topics included: “IEEC Code”,“Asbestos Containing Materials” and “2011 Plumbing CodeUpdates & Appendix J”.

Eric Arnold - NorthGA PHCCJonathan Byrd- South, NE Metro & NW Metro

William Spain, EPD - Central Georgia

PMA would like to recognize the following company thatsponsored our local area meetings:

RBM Atlanta - NE Metro

PMA keeps plumbing contractors informed by holding areameetings across the state where business owners and theiremployees can stay on top of business issues while earningcontinuing education credits and networking with otherindustry leaders.

Contact PMA at 678-947-3473 if you are interested in spon-soring one of the meetings in 2011.

DAVIS BACON WAGE SURVEY SEMINAR AND SOLAR TOUR

Georgia Power hosted the PMA seminar on January 5,2011 at the Ralph McGill location. PMA members andprospective contractors spent the morning learning aboutEnergy Code, Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) and hada tour of the Georgia Power Solar Plant. During a workinglunch attorney Philip J. Siegel, of Hendrick, Phillips,Salzman & Flatt addressed the Davis-Bacon Act and field-ed questions on how to complete the surveys.

REAL PEOPLE MAKING A REAL IMPACT!

PHCC LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCEWASHINGTON, D.C.

MAY 11-12, 2011

For more detailsor to registeronline go to:

www.phccweb.org

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 12-31-2010

Want to know an easy way

to get $100?

just convert a gas water heater to electric*

1000257

12/31/2011

PMA BOARD MEETING AT CAPITOL

Picture above from l to r, Billy Guinade, Jonathan

Byrd, and Mitzi Smith. Picture below from l to r,

Jerome Sabol, Bryan Stansell, Jay Cunningham, and

Jim Sabol. Bottom of page, Chris Starr, Earl Lively

and Chip Greene.

Picture above from l to r, James Clarke, Chris Starr

and Ted Zurn. Picture below from l to r, Bobby

Burns, Kenny Rogers and Gary Bryant.

PMA South Metro Meeting

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

Picture top left, Charles Weatherbyreceives birthday cake while Area ChairBrian Davis looks on. Top right TommyAddis and Danny Clay review handoutswhile Van Cheeves gets ready to presentanother slice of birthday cake to WayneHughes. A surprised Wayne laughesalong with wife Shelia.

2011 PHCC—NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONCALENDAR OF EVENTS

Construction Contractors’ Alliance (CCA) March 2-4, Ritz-Carlton Denver

Denver, CO

Essentials of Project Management Course March 16-19, National Conference Center

Lansdowne, VA

Quality Service Contractors’ Power Meeting (QSC)April 7-9, Opryland Hotel

Nashville, TN

PHCC Legislative Conference May 11-12, Key Bridge MarriottArlington, VA and Capitol Hill

Union-Affiliated Contractors’ Meeting May 17-21, Homewood Suites

Orland Park, IL

119TH PMA Annual MeetingJune 2-5, King and Prince Resort

St. Simons Island, GA

CONNECT 2011 and Quality Service Contractors’ Power Meeting

Sept. 21-24, Minneapolis Hilton Minneapolis, MN

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.

“WHERE GEORGIA’S

BEST PLUMBERS BELONG”

AMP App Deadline:February 25, 2011April 22, 2011June 24, 2011August 26, 201October 21, 2011

Plumbing Exam Dates:April 11 - 21, 2011June 6 - 17, 2011August 8 - 19, 2011October 11 - 21, 2011December 5 - 16, 2011

Board App Deadline:January 14, 2011March 4, 2011May 13, 2011July 8, 2011September 9, 2011

GEORGIA 2011 PLUMBING LICENSE DEADLINES

January - February IssuePresident’s Report .........................................................3New Members ..............................................................3In Sympathy ...................................................................3General Assembly & Legislative Reports ..................4&5National Scholarships ....................................................6Networking Events .........................................................62011 Area Meeting Schedule ............................INSERT

PMA Local Area Meetings

March 8 - South Metro Area Meeting - RiverdaleMarch 15 - North GA Area Meeting - Athens

March 15 - NW Metro Area Meeting - Marietta March 17 - Central GA Area Meeting - MaconMarch 22 - NE Metro Area Meeting - Norcross

Trenching & Excavation Course: March 5th

Plumbing Review Course: March 31-April 2

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