Where to start? It has been a busy spring, and by the time you read this, a busy summer will be halfway over! We joined with the ACCA of Central Virginia for our first ever Green Conference and Expo in April at the Fredericksburg Conference and Expo Center. What a great facility to work in and with. They had room for the trade show, the apprenticeship competition, and many seminars, and classes, all under one roof.

I must start with many, many heartfelt thanks to all of our vendors for participating in the trade show. Though the traffic wasn’t quite as high as we had planned, those that attended felt they learned a lot, and the vendors felt they talked with some great folks and got some great leads.

The apprentices showed off their skills once again, and William Lloyd and Bill Ghormley, our first and second place winners, respectively, will be going to New Orleans in October to represent Virginia in the National Contest. We wish them well, and will keep you posted on how they do.

Speaking of New Orleans, I hope that you have made your plans and registered for the upcoming PHCC Connect 2009? This is a stand alone PHCC convention, where there are loads opportunities to learn, and network with fellow contractors from around the country. The keynote address will be from Stuart Varney, business and financial journalist for FOX News; Richard Trethewey of This Old House will discuss “The Future of Comfort and Efficiency;” seminars will be offered on green plumbing, pre-fabrication, residential fire sprinklers, understanding overhead and year-end tax planning; an industry panel will help contractors learn what to expect from the manufacturers as they weather the current economic climate and prepare for the upturn and so much more! If you haven’t registered yet, go to www.phccweb.org today and do it!

PHCC of Northern Virginia hosted the annual Apprenticeship Graduation Banquet on June 10, and more than 250 people attended to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of these men and women for their four years of hard work and d e d i c a t i on. For more about the evening, and lots of pictures, see the story on page 6 of this magazine.

Though I know it seems early to remind you, we will be holding our annual membership meeting October 16, 2009 at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel. We will be electing the officers and directors for 2010, as well as reviewing the year that we have had, and where we are headed from here. If you are interested in serving on the board of directors, or nominating someone to serve, please let me or one of the current board members know as soon as possible.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and until next time……………………call me or e-mail me with any questions, concerns or comments, 800-947-7450 or info@pmpv.org.

Jody Hibbs
Executive Director