ATLANTA

Today at the PHCC 2008 Awards Luncheon at the Marriott Marquis hotel, Delta Faucet Company and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association (PHCC) announced the 2008 Plumbing Contractor and Plumbing Apprentice of the Year recipients. William J. Cocos was named "Plumbing Contractor of the Year" and Kyle Holcomb was named "Plumbing Apprentice of the Year", two prestigious awards recognizing excellence in the plumbing industry.

"“We are excited to recognize these two talented individuals who have excelled within the plumbing, heating and cooling industries," said Jon Dartt, vice president of trade and international sales for Delta Faucet Company. "We hope the recognition of these two dedicated individuals will make them leaders in the profession and inspire others in the industry."

Plumbing Contractor of the Year

William J. Cocos is president of William G. Cocos, Inc., a plumbing contracting company with offices in Lemay, MO. Since joining the family-owned firm in 1976 Cocos has held various management responsibilities. William G. Cocos, Inc. is an automated plumbing company covering everything from accounting to estimating and inventory control. The company maintains a full-service showroom open to residential consumers and home building contactors and is constantly implementing programs that enhance customer satisfaction.

Prior to his employment in the family business he served for five years in the United States Navy (1967-1976) and was a member of the United States Naval Reserve from 1976-1991. In addition to his responsibilities at William G. Cocos, Inc., Cocos has been an active member of various civic, professional and church organizations and activities. He has been involved in many facets of the local and state associations including the Plumbing Industry Council, Plumbing Contractors Association, the Missouri Association of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors, the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association and Plumbers’ Joint Training Committee.

One Contractor of the Year runner up received honors: Kyle Evans, president of Wackenhut Co., in Jamison, PA.

Plumbing Apprentice of the Year

Kyle M. Holcomb of Pasadena Plumbing, in St. Petersburg, FL, was named "Plumbing Apprentice of the Year" in recognition of his hard work and openness to learning new things and taking on challenges. Holcomb has completed his third year class at PAHCC Apprenticeship program, where he received the "Top In Class" award. This award recognizes an outstanding plumbing apprentice for his overall performance in the field. Nominees are judged on attitude, enthusiasm, accuracy, compatibility with coworkers, knowledge and the application of skills to work.