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Looking Ahead in Zone Four
This fall and winter could be an interesting one for Zone Four on the legislative front, especially in light of what happened in Louisiana earlier this year. Significant changes were made to plumbing regulation and licensing in the state, and it’s something we need to pay attention to here in Arkansas.
See You at CONNECT!
On a more exciting note, PHCC CONNECT 2026 is almost here! Milwaukee is shaping up to be a great event with a sold-out trade show, Milwaukee Tool offering significant discounts for members right from the show floor, Kohler and InSinkErator tours, and a great education lineup.
And I have to mention the closing party at the Harley-Davidson Museum, featuring the Milwaukee Toolshed Band. It’s probably my all-time favorite CONNECT closing event, so I’m glad to see it making a return!
I hope to see plenty of our Arkansas members in Milwaukee this October.
Let’s stand together and stand strong for the trades!
Chris West
Vice President, PHCC Arkansas
PHCC National Zone 4 Director
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Building Skills. Building Careers.
Our 2026–2027 PHCC Arkansas Plumbing and HVAC Apprenticeship Program is officially underway!
Classes kicked off on September 14, and we’re excited to welcome this year’s group of apprentices as they continue building their skills and working toward careers in the skilled trades.
We’re proud to play a part in developing the next generation of plumbing and HVAC professionals in Arkansas, and grateful for the employers who continue to invest in apprenticeship and their employees.
Here’s to a great year ahead!
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Member Spotlight: Norris Mechanical Shop, Inc.
We’re proud to shine our Member Spotlight on Norris Mechanical Shop, Inc., a longtime PHCC Arkansas member serving El Dorado and the surrounding area.
Founded in 1945, Norris Mechanical has more than 80 years of history in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning industry. Bruce Floss is only the third owner in the company’s history. The business was originally founded by Tommy Norris, who sold it to John Ed Moore in 1974. Bruce purchased Norris Mechanical from Moore in 2001 and has continued the company’s longstanding tradition of serving the El Dorado community.
Norris Mechanical provides a wide range of HVAC and plumbing services, including system installation, maintenance and repair, plumbing repairs, water heater replacement, fixture installation, drain services, and preventative maintenance.
With deep roots in El Dorado and decades of experience in the trades, Norris Mechanical is a great example of the longstanding local businesses that make up PHCC Arkansas.
Norris Mechanical Shop, Inc.
2400 Lorene St. | El Dorado, AR 71730
(870) 863-4200
norrismechanicalshop.com
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Representing PHCC Arkansas in our nation’s capital!
PHCC Arkansas President Brent McDiarmid and Vice President Chris West attended the PHCC Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where they met with legislators to advocate for issues impacting our industry and workforce.
Discussions included EPCA modernization, the Energy Choice Act, workforce development, and strengthening pathways into the skilled trades.
While in Washington, they also joined the American Supply Association (ASA) and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) alongside Barton James to further advocate for the industry.
We’re proud to support policies that protect consumer choice, promote energy innovation, and invest in the future of America’s skilled workforce.
The Impact of MVRs on Accident Rates
Risk management data consistently proves that monitoring and vetting driving records drastically lowers physical crashes and the subsequent insurance claims.
- 14% Fewer Crashes: Industry metrics from fleet risk-management leader SambaSafety show that businesses implementing proactive driver MVR tracking experience an average 14% reduction in accidents within the first year alone. [1, 2]
- Up to 32% Reduction in Violations: Enrolling drivers in a routine monitoring program yields a 22% to 32% drop in monthly traffic violations. Because traffic violations directly correlate to future crash risks, stopping the violation stops the claim. [1, 2, 3]
Through our Myshield portal at Federated, our clients can plug in an employee or prospective employee’s DL to check if they should be driving for their company or not. It’s an easy way to lower liability for no cost.
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Chase West Named a 2026 Next Gen All-Star
Chase West, CEO of Chris West Plumbing in Jonesboro, was named a 2026 Next Gen All-Star by Plumbing & Mechanical. His feature highlights his journey as a third-generation plumber, leadership of the family business, and commitment to developing the next generation of skilled professionals.
Read Chase West's Full Feature
Arkansas Members Featured in Southern PHC
Ruby McDiarmid of Glenn Mechanical and Yolanda West of Chris West Plumbing were featured in Southern PHC as part of its coverage of PHCC and ASA’s advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. The two were pictured at the Capitol Hill reception representing PHCC Arkansas member companies.
Read Southern PHC June | July 2026
Glenn Mechanical Celebrates 70 Years
Glenn Mechanical was featured in the Summer 2026 issue of PHCC Solutions Magazine in celebration of 70 years in business. The feature looks at the company’s history, continued growth, and commitment to its employees, customers, and community.
Read PHCC Solutions Summer 2026
Email [email protected] for more information
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Expand Your Safety Knowledge with OSHA Training
PHCC Arkansas is continuing to expand the training opportunities available to our members and their employees!
We now offer OSHA 10- and 30-Hour Construction Safety courses, making it easier for you and your team to continue building valuable jobsite safety knowledge.
OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety
$59.99
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety
$159.99
Contact [email protected] for more information and to get enrolled.
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 Published by The PHCC Business Intelligence Team
Highlights from September’s Insta-Intel:
• Fed Hikes Rates for the First Time Since 2023
A unanimous FOMC raised its benchmark rate to 3.75%–4.00% on September 16, pushing the prime rate that sets HELOC and credit
card pricing to 7.00%.
• Inflation Holds Above the Fed’s Target
Core PCE inflation held near 3.3% in July — the reading behind the Fed’s move — so borrowing costs are now rising rather than
simply staying high.
• Cross-Border Tariff Escalation Hits Both Directions
New Section 338 tariffs on ~$20B of Canadian goods and Canada’s ~$20B in countermeasures both reach P-H-C-relevant products,
including refrigerating equipment and water heaters.
• Copper Pulls Back, But Cost Pressure Persists
Copper slid from a record high in early September as a tariff decision was delayed, though wire, cable, and steel costs remain up
more than 20% year-over-year.
• Material Costs Squeeze Small Builders Hardest
Builders reported a 6.7% median jump in material costs over the past year, ranging from 9.1% for the smallest builders down to just
1.8% for the largest.
• Seller-Buyer Gap Hits a Record High
The U.S. now has 58% more active sellers than buyers, the widest gap in Redfin’s records, concentrated in Sun Belt markets like
Texas and Florida.
• Existing Home Sales Hold Up, Regional Divide Persists
Sales are up 1.9% over the past year even as high mortgage rates continue to constrain the broader market, with the South and
West leading the gains.
• Permit Wait Times Keep Stretching
Approval times have roughly tripled for single-family permits and more than doubled for multifamily since 2000, widening the gap
between fast- and slow-permitting metros.
• Remodeling Industry Rebounds and Fragments
Remodeling establishments grew to 128,000 in 2022 as annual industry spending topped $600 billion, spreading demand across a
larger, more fragmented base of firms.
• HVAC & Water Heater Shipments Continue Normalizing
AC and heat pump shipment declines kept easing in July, while water heater volumes held steady, further evidence that last year's
prebuy surge is working itself out
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Chris West Appointed to Arkansas State Committee of Plumbing Examiners
PHCC Arkansas is proud to recognize Chris West on his recent appointment to the Arkansas State Committee of Plumbing Examiners, where he will serve as a Master Plumber representative.
Chris brings decades of experience in the plumbing industry to this new role, along with his continued leadership within PHCC Arkansas and PHCC National.
We’re proud to have one of our own representing plumbing professionals across the state. Congratulations, Chris!
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PHCC CONNECT 2026
Building Community. Advancing the Industry.
October 19–22 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
PHCC CONNECT 2026 is right around the corner! Plumbing and HVACR contractors from across the country will come together in Milwaukee for education, networking, industry insights, and opportunities to connect with fellow PHCC members.
This year’s CONNECT will feature a two-day Product & Technology Showcase, focused education sessions, networking events, the Opening Brew City Bash, and a closing celebration at the Harley-Davidson Museum with food, live music, and plenty of opportunities to connect.
We hope to see PHCC Arkansas well represented in Milwaukee!
👉PHCC CONNECT 2026 Registration & Event Details
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