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CHANGES TO OSHA’S PENALTY STRUCTURE - scheduled to launch October 1, 2010. Last year the Occupational Safety & Health Administration assembled a work group to evaluate the agency’s penalty policies. The general consensus of the group was that the Agency’s penalties are too low to have an adequate deterrent effect. Read more here...
3rd ANNUAL PHCC & ACCA LEGISLATIVE DAY - May 18 was attended by over 25 contractors. After visits to the offices of their Senators and Representatives (or staff) to familiarize them with upcoming legislation for Residential Licensing, Workers Compensation premiums, and Dig Law, as well as discuss how the actions being taken by Utilities affects our members, these contractors hosted a reception attended by state Legislators. Click here to read our position papers and to view photos.
ANTI TRUST ANTICS - Bob Dunlevey, Atty., Dunlevey, Mahan & Furry - Federal and state anti-trust laws have been around a long time and are intended to promote open and fair competition in business. You need to know a little about these laws so you don’t find yourself in an awkward position - - “jail.” Here are some of the “basics” about anti-trust regulations which will help you avoid penalties of up to $1 million for individuals and $100 million for business organizations and up to ten years in jail. The stakes are high! Read more here ...
LETTER TO ALL BUILDING DEPARTMENTS - from Willie Koester, Chairman, Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) licenses commercial contractors in the five specialty trades (Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Plumbing, Hydronics) who perform work on commercial buildings.
We receive calls from building departments asking questions about the licensing law and how it applies to the building department registrations. Click here to view some frequently asked questions as well as information OCILB would like to share with you.
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PHCC INSTRUMENTAL - in gaining additional time for Mandatory Lead Certification, Training - New Deadline is Oct. 1, 2010. Click here for more information.
New HIRE Act - To help jumpstart business hiring and investment, Congress has passed the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act. Under the (HIRE) Act, enacted March 18, 2010, two new tax benefits are available to employers who hire certain previously unemployed workers (“qualified employees”).
The first, referred to as the payroll tax exemption, provides employers with an exemption from the employer’s 6.2 percent share of social security tax on wages paid to qualifying employees, effective for wages paid from March 19, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
The payroll tax forgiveness is significant as for the first time the hiring of formerly unemployed workers will benefit businesses regardless of their profitability. The payroll tax forgiveness can benefit EVERY business and most nonprofits.
In addition, for each qualified employee retained for at least 52 consecutive weeks, businesses will also be eligible for a general business tax credit, referred to as the new hire retention credit, of 6.2 percent of wages paid to the qualified employee over the 52 week period, up to a maximum credit of $1,000.
For more information visit the IRS Website
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR LICENSE - Did you know?....
- Your license can only be assigned to one company.
- If you do not submit your renewal form and renewal fee by your expiration date, a late fee will be applied...
Read more here.
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PHCC MEDIA BLITZ - The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Ohio (PHCC) is facing competition from Ohio gas companies as a result of a 2008 decision made by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The decision gives gas companies responsibility for consumer gas service lines typically maintained and repaired by plumbing and heating contractors. If the decision stands, small contracting firms in Ohio face continued profit and job loss. Beginning in 2010, the PHCC launched a media blitz in order to fight the decision and hopefully recover residential and commercial gas line work.
A few of our objectives include distributing a series of news releases to media outlets in Ohio. We also plan to regularly update public officials through quarterly newsletters. We are encouraging participation of PHCC and non-PHCC contractors through outreach to state legislators, educating them on this issue. Everyone’s support will push us closer to our goal of recovering gas line work.
Contribution Form - We are raising funds for a Media Blitz to tell our story. We need your help in the form of a contribution to support our efforts and continue in our fight against utility competition.
Documentation Form - We are asking contractors to share their stories or encounters with the utility companies or out-of state contractors, so we can communicate the implications to our elected officials. Please print and mail your response to the PHCC of Ohio at 20040 Carolyn Avenue, Rocky River, Ohio 44116.
July Press Release - PUCO Decision Threatening Consumer Safety
The Advocator - Issue 1 - your quarterly toolkit for your company and the industry, featuring news from PHCC, ACCA, CPI and other Ohio consumer groups.
For more information, please contact the PHCC of Ohio office at 800-686-7422 or rocco@phccohio.org.
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