PBA members came together in Hershey October 17 for committee meetings where reports were provided and plans were discussed. Committees sent goals to accomplish prior to the March Winter meetings. If you would like to have your voice heard or share your ideas, all members are welcome to be a part of the committees. For more information, please click HERE.
PHRC
The PHRC Committee meeting, led by Jon Sukonik, opened with introductions and focused on several key program and event updates. Pam Slusser outlined details of the 2025 PHRC Webinar Series, including sessions on heat pump efficiency, hot water systems, and regulatory compliance. Discussion followed on upcoming weatherization events and the value of these educational opportunities. Chris and others emphasized the approaching 2026 PHRC membership renewal period, highlighting benefits such as speaking engagements, conference discounts, and access to resources.
Pam also reviewed plans for the 2026 PHRC Housing Conference, scheduled for March 18–19 at the Penn Stater Hotel, including registration details, sponsorships, and confirmed sessions. Additional topics included the November Hankin Lecture featuring Dennis Steigerwalt, the ongoing crowdfunding campaign to support student competitions, and updates on the 2025 Pennsylvania Alternative Residential Energy Provisions. The committee discussed the January 1, 2026, implementation of the new PA UCC Code, available training opportunities, and the growing PHRC YouTube channel as a tool for industry education. The meeting concluded with reminders about continued outreach, membership renewals, and supporting student initiatives.
Membership/Communication
The Membership Committee reviewed current membership levels and comparisons to other states.
Discussions included the launch of a membership drive. Locals would be required to register for participation. PBA will provide marketing materials as well as incentives for the local executive officer, recruiting member, and new Builder/Associate members. The initial drive will take place November and December with another one planned for late spring/early summer. Contact your HBA to see if your local is participating.
The Committee also discussed ways to make the meetings more appealing to younger members. Goals were also set to be completed by the March meeting.
Government Affairs
It was a lively Government Affairs committee meeting. The committee went through the agenda and updated members on what has been going on since the last meeting in July. Government Affairs approved IAF funds for the First Energy issue. Guest speaker, Mike Dzurko from PennDOT spoke on their new pilot program focused on permitting. Finally, Rep. Jared Solomon brought Ben Kirschner, Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer for the Commonwealth, along with DEP Executive Secretary Ramez Ziadeh, PE to discuss the housing crisis and what they are working on to help.
Workforce Training & Education
Endorsed Trade Program Director Chris Warren provided a report on the current schools in the program (27 with 101 total programs) as well as those schools that are up for review. There has been an addition of three schools/programs (Lycoming, West Side CTC, Mercer Electrical).
Chris Hine from PHRC talked about how they are developing a network of educational tools for use in the various CTCs.
The committee stressed the need for more interaction between members and the schools including sponsorships, grants, and representation at awards programs.