Wow, 2008 is in full swing, and so is your association. I have just returned from our Winter Board Meeting, held in Richmond, and what a great meeting it was. We did our annual visit to the “Hill” and spent time with legislators and their aides, welcomed them back to the General Assembly session with small gift bags, and had a wonderfully productive day. Thanks to all of the members that helped make this day possible by giving of their time and expertise. The highlight for us was a meeting with Governor Tim Kaine, and details are in Laurie Crigler’s legislative report on page 10.

We then had very productive committee meetings and a very well attended, busy board meeting on Friday. Many thanks to Caleb Creagan of Federated Insurance for the wealth of information he passed on. Also, we had the pleasure of meeting and working with the new PHCC-NA Government Relations Director, Jessica Johnson Bennett. She brought a wonderful report of what we are working on at the National level, and spent time working with us on our own legislative issues as well. Welcome Jessica and thanks for your help. You can read more from Jessica on page 12.

Continuing Education—these are the buzz words for 2008! We held our first stand alone classes as part of our weekend in Richmond, and WOW, what a success. With over 200 folks attending classes, we were kept busy all day, but everyone seemed to enjoy the experience. I know we enjoyed meeting all of these wonderful trades people from all over the state. We will continue to offer these classes as time and space allow, and currently have 3 additional class dates scheduled, with more to follow shortly. Classes are filling up VERY quickly, so if you need to get your credits, sign up now for the classes coming to your area as soon as possible! Check out our website www.pmpv.org for the registration forms.

2008 Calendars are now available. We are, again this year, offering a PMPV/VAPHCC Lottery Match Calendar for our fundraising efforts to support apprenticeship and education. If you don’t have yours yet, contact our office or any board member (listed on page 4) and get yours today!

As we start 2008, I would like to personally extend my thanks and appreciation to Jim Steinle for his two years of unbelievably hard work and dedication as President of our organization. Jim made us a much better association during his tenure, and I was very proud to work with him, his Executive Committee, and Board of Directors. I know Jim will continue to be there to support this association in any and all ways necessary, and I cannot express how grateful I am to Jim for his support of what we do, day in and day out. He hasn’t gone far, and he is well into the process of putting together the 2008 State Plumbing Apprenticeship Contest, which will be held at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel on April 11. Registration information is on page 20 of this issue. Remember, we send our first and second place finishers to the National Contest, which this year, will be in Atlanta, GA. Register your apprentice today!

And welcome Larry Sambrook of Indoor Air Quality Network as our new President. I know that Larry will work tirelessly as well to keep things rolling smoothly. I look forward to what we can accomplish in the months to come. As the snow falls and the winds blow, know that spring is just around the corner: A time for new beginnings, and fresh awakenings. Won’t you begin the year by becoming involved in your association? You will get back so much more than you give, and we always need your input. As always, feel free to call me with any questions, concerns, or
comments.

Jody Hibbs
Executive Director
info@pmpv.org