CHICAGO

Delta Faucet Company and the PHCC announced the 2006 Plumbing Contractor and Plumbing Apprentice of the Year, two prestigious awards recognizing excellence in the plumbing industry. During the annual Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) meeting yesterday afternoon at Palmer House Hilton Hotel,  David Jones was named “Contractor of the Year” and Benjamin Brown was named “Apprentice of the Year.” The announcement was made at “Network ’06,” the convention joining the American Supply Association (ASA) and the PHCC annual conventions into one event, bringing plumbers and wholesalers together.

“With these awards, we aim to seek out and recognize the individuals who excel at what they do within the plumbing, heating and cooling industries,” said Jon Dartt, vice president of sales for Delta Faucet Company. “We also hope to drive other professionals to step up and set an example for those who are already involved within the profession, while drawing attention to this industry as a whole.”

Plumbing Contractor of the Year

David Jones, president of Dave Jones Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in Madison, WI, was named “Contractor of the Year.” David prides his company on being the only plumbing & heating Company in Wisconsin to be certified by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for their Quality Assurance Program. Jones believes that what sets his company apart is their serious commitment to quality. Ensuring the utmost levels of professionalism and management skills, David is also actively involved in his profession as he feels strongly about giving back to the industry. He was a past president of PHCC in Wisconsin (2003-2004) and has been a longstanding PHCC Representative of the Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, for more than ten years.

Candidates for “Plumbing Contractor of the Year” are evaluated by a committee of PHCC members using a 100-point system that weighs accomplishments in six areas: professionalism, merchandising skills, management skills, innovative plumbing skills, trade involvement and community service.  In honor of being named Plumbing Contractor of the Year, David received a check for $5,000 and a Baccarat crystal sculpture at the awards ceremony.

Plumbing Apprentice of the Year

Benjamin Brown of Evan Hibbs Plumbing in Chesapeake, VA, was named Plumbing Apprentice of the Year in recognition of his outstanding performance, enthusiasm for learning, and excellent work ethic. Benjamin also competed in the 2006 state of Virginia apprenticeship skills competition and made it on to the next round, and will be competing soon on a national level. He has just completed his third year of apprenticeship training with top grades.

The PHCC-National Association’s Apprentice and Journeyman Training Committee evaluated dozens of nominations for Plumbing Apprentice of the Year and awarded Benjamin a $2,000 scholarship and a check for $500, along with a plaque.