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CHCC is the premiere HVAC Contractor's association in Connecticut, serving 180+ member companies statewide, our members success is our business. We strive to deliver innovative educational programs and networking events that contribute to your business and future success in today's competitive local market. Comfort Connection is your monthly publication with all of the association events and happenings as well as industry news and vendors who support your industry. CHCC - Supporting the Industry that Supports You
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Members in good standing are entitled to cast one vote per member company. Please click the button below and let us know the following,
Any Discussion?
Are you in Favor?
Are you Opposed?
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| Please take note of the vendors who support the advancement of the industry. |
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Save the Date - February 2, 2021
Energize Connecticut Business Partner Rollout Meeting |
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Mark your calendars! The 2021 Energize Connecticut Business Partner Rollout meeting will be Tuesday, February 2.
We will be meeting virtually this year, but we know the Rollout meeting is about more than just the presentations and have been planning accordingly. We will be using an online conference platform that will allow for things like networking, targeted breakouts and Q&A to maximize the value of your attendance.
Keep an eye out in January for more details and a link to register! |
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| Stay tuned - more details to follow. |
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Your Opinion Matters!
Instead of sending a typical survey, we want to hear from you. Please reach out and schedule a time that works best for me to come to you, we can do lunch, a cup of coffee or a scheduled to call to learn how we can best serve you this year!
Hope to hear from you!
- Jenn |
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In uncertain times, your trade association is here to serve you. Interested in joining Connecticut Heating & Cooling Contractors Association? Click the link below to find out more, Membership & Contest Details. |
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
New State Legislative Session Begins…In Hartford… And Virtually Across The State
The Connecticut General Assembly is officially underway as of January 6th.
2021 is the “long” legislative session in Connecticut, and a budget year.
New leadership announced for key committees.
New leadership announced for key committee.
Click Here for a Full Update from CHCC Lobbyist, Andy Markowski of Statehouse Associates.
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RATIO SURVEY
Workforce development is such an integral part of our businesses as merit shop contractors. To provide viable representation to support our stance regarding the hiring ratio, we need your help with data collection to provide to the CT working group.
This data collection serves as our only way to gather input and information on targeted variables (workforce development in the trades) in an established system with a restrictive hiring ratio. This information will enable us to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes as it pertains to growth in the Connecticut skilled trades, specifically in the heating and cooling trade. The goal for this data collection is to capture quality evidence that allows analysis to lead to the formulation of convincing and credible answers to evaluate the current effectiveness of the laws and regulations that govern the hiring and employment of apprentices.
Connecticut’s licensed trade restrictive hiring ratio arbitrarily limits the growth of our industry. It does not align with the job site ratio of 1:1, instead it is 3:1 (a company must employ 3 licensees for every one apprentice). Yes, there is ratio relief (a subjective program housed in the department of labor), although many are denied or do not receive in a timely manner. The trades are certainly an aging industry and in light of recent demand, the supply of licensees is being hindered through government regulation of private businesses hiring decisions.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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PAID FAILY SICK LEAVE
Connecticut Paid Family Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) is effective July 1, 2021. The Connecticut PFMLA website, however, indicates PFMLA deadlines and notable dates as follows:
· As of January 1, 2021, employers should have begun withholding employee contributions (0.5% of each paycheck) to the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Trust Fund.
· March 31, 2021 - first quarterly payment due date.
· June 30, 2021 - second quarterly payment due date.
· September 30, 2021 - third quarterly payment due date.
· Late 2021 - employees may apply for benefits.
· December 31, 2021 - fourth quarterly payment due date.
· January 1, 2022 - benefit payments begin for approved paid leave benefit applications.
· July 1, 2022 – employers must provide employees with written notice containing descriptions of the following: (1) the job-protected leave provided under the CT PFML; (2) the opportunity to apply for CT PFML benefits through the CT Paid Leave Authority; (3) employee protection from retaliation for requesting and/or taking CT PFML; and, (4) employee's right to file complaints with the Labor Commissioner. |
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PPP ROUND TWO OPEN
UPDATED 1/11/21:
Key PPP updates include:
- PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
- PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
- The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
- The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
- Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
- Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
- Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
- Has no more than 300 employees; and
- Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
The new guidance released includes:
Click Here for Application |
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Business Grant Input
Program offered one-time grants to
small businesses impacted by COVID-19. We want to hear if your business qualified, let us know, jjennings@chcca.net. |
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| Please see items 3 & 4 of recent Executive Order regarding extensions of Continuing Education (Plumbing) requirements and ability for online classes now to February 9, 2021. |
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CHCC Code Committee is kicking off a series of virtual webinars featuring a collection of timely and emerging topics pertinent to residential and commercial buildings.
This new Code Connection Series will provide an opportunity to highlight key issues and challenges, recent updates and an overview of codes of interest to Connecticut HVAC/R & Plumbing Contractors.
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Seminars later this month. Each will materialize across a range of engaging formats, from powerpoint, to video overview to interactive discussions. This is a members exclusive series.
Stay tuned for dates and registration details in the coming weeks or visit us at www.chcca.net. In the mean time, make sure to subscribe to our member exclusive code forum on facebook.
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NEW FORUM!!!! Founded and monitored by CHCC Code Committee Chairman, Hank Cullinane. If you are involved in the design, approval, installation or service of HVAC systems, you have experienced the frustration of finding and interpreting building code requirements.
Often, there is no good online resource to help answer questions regarding common code requirements.
Code Connection Forum brought to you by the Connecticut Heating & Cooling Contractors Association, is a member resource for contractors, engineers and code officials to ask questions and or seek out answers to common code questions. Ask to join the group on facebook. |
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Service Roundtable Affiliate
CHCC Members can add this onto their membership for $25 (a 50% discount).Open up a whole new world of discounts, rebate checks, a nationwide network and more.
Click here to learn who Service Roundtable is.
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CHCC 401(k) Opportunity
As an association, we are constantly trying to provide more value to our members. As such, we have launched a group retirement plan benefit exclusively for our contractors. By relying on the bargaining power of a large group.
Click here to learn more about this opportunity.
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