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You are invited to join us for our Inaugural Plumbing Day at the Capitol on Monday, April 13th. This invitation is for any plumbing professional or stakeholder.

We will spend the day visiting with legislators and advocating for the industry.  As legislative matters continue moving through the House this week, we will send information later this week on specific messaging and talking points.  But the message will be clear - we stand for the Plumbing Industry and the Plumbing Profession in Protecting Public Health and Safety.

We are pleased to announce that we will have special guests joining us to help in our advocacy efforts:

We hope you can join us in this critical time. Our community must come together and show the strengths of our value and vital role to the public.

WHAT TO DO TO BEGIN PREPARING FOR YOUR VISIT TO THE CAPITOL

Begin contacting your legislators to let them know you will be there and when you may be able to have a quick 5 minute chat.  Offer to meet them outside of their committee room if they are meeting that morning, in the rotunda, or even at the cafeteria.  Make it easy for them and commit to only taking a few minutes of their time.

PAC Donors Invited to Reception with Legislators

We invite our PAC Donors who have contributed at least $250 to the PAC this year to join us for a reception with legislators from 5-8pm at the Lieutenant Governor's apartment.

In celebration of Women's History Month and Women in Construction Week, Plumbing & Mechanical Magazine has featured 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry.  PHCCLA is proud to share that Executive Director Crystal Carter is among those featured.

"[These women] are leaders, business owners, educators and technicians who are reshaping what the plumbing profession looks like in 2026. Because of them, the next generation of plumbers will likely look different from the last; not because the work has changed, but because the doors are opening wider." - Kristen Bayles, Associate Editor of Plumbing & Mechanical.

Below are the featured questions Crystal answered for the piece, but be sure to check out all of the women featured from across the nation on the PM website.

I’ve spent more than 18 years in the association industry, and I’ve had the privilege of serving the plumbing and mechanical community since 2014. I began with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana (PHCCLA) as an Association Coordinator and was appointed Executive Director in 2021 while continuing to support other association clients as the vice president of an association management company. Effective January 1, 2026, PHCCLA transitioned to a full-time Executive Director model, and I’m honored to continue in that role - working side-by-side with our leadership to strengthen our association, elevate the profession, and support the next generation of the workforce.

I love being a part of the solution - helping move our industry forward in real, measurable ways. Whether it’s growing the workforce, expanding training and support systems, or advocating for contractors and the communities they serve, I love the challenge of turning opportunities into action. I’m fortunate to work alongside dedicated volunteer leaders and an incredible network of peers who continually ask, “Is this the best we can do?” In our world, the answer is almost always, “Not yet.” That desire to keep raising the bar is what drives me. I genuinely love this industry - its people, its grit, and its impact on everything we depend on in everyday life.

I wish more people understood just how skilled, technical, and essential plumbing and mechanical professionals truly are. These careers demand years of training, hands-on experience and a commitment to safety – this industry protects public health and keeps homes, businesses and communities running. The trades are not a “backup plan.” They are a high-impact profession with real opportunity and purpose. My hope is that as we continue to invest in workforce development and elevate the visibility of our craft, the next generation will see these careers as something to aspire to so that one day it’s completely normal to hear a child say, “I want to be a plumber when I grow up.”

PHCC Louisiana and PHCC Texas are excited to invite our members to a collaborative spring meetup!

This is a unique opportunity to connect with fellow contractors, share best practices and gain firsthand insights from two industry leaders—Rheem in Lewisville and BrassCraft in Lancaster.

Join us for engaging tours, trainings and networking, all designed to help you grow your business and stay ahead in the plumbing, heating and cooling industries. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect and be inspired!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHCCLA Announces Transition to Full-Time Executive Director Effective January 1, 2026

[Baton Rouge, LA] — [January 1, 2026] — The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana (PHCCLA) announced that, effective January 1, 2026, the association will transition from an association management company model to a full-time Executive Director structure. Crystal Carter, MPA, will serve as PHCCLA’s Executive Director.

Carter, who has been a part of PHCCLA’s leadership and operations through its association management company partnership since 2014, including being appointed as the Executive Director in 2021. A graduate of Centenary College of Louisiana and the LSU E.J. Ourso College of Business, she brings more than 18 years of association management experience, with a track record of advancing member engagement, strengthening organizational operations, and supporting mission-driven industry initiatives. Carter has also represented PHCCLA at the PHCC-National level for several years, and currently serves as the Apprenticeship Advisory Council Chair, a member of the PHCC Educational Foundation board, and Vice President of the Association Executives Council.

“I’m honored to assume this role full-time and to build on the progress PHCCLA has made in recent years. With a strong foundation and an engaged leadership team, we are well-positioned to expand services, strengthen outreach, and create even greater value for our members.”
— Crystal Carter, Executive Director, PHCCLA

PHCCLA leadership voted to implement this structural change to support a renewed strategic direction, including a stronger focus on the growth of the profession, expanded services and outreach, and enhanced events and educational opportunities for members and industry stakeholders statewide.

"The time is now for PHCCLA to transition to a full-time executive director to meet the changing needs of our organization and industry.  This new role will allow for an increased member advocacy, access to resources, and increased communication. Crystal is a proven leader in association management and has a passion for the PHC industry.  Her passion is evident through her leadership roles on industry boards at the national level as well as her volunteerism with industry related foundations.  I am excited for our organization to grow under her stewardship."
— Trey Giglio, President, PHCCLA; Vice-President, Universal Plumbing Co., Shreveport, LA

This transition reflects PHCCLA’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Louisiana’s plumbing-heating-cooling contractors, further elevating the industry, strengthening member value, and broadening its impact across workforce development, education, and professional advocacy.

About PHCCLA
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana (PHCCLA) is a statewide association representing plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors and industry partners. PHCCLA is committed to advancing professionalism, education, workforce development, and advocacy in order to protect and grow the skilled trades in Louisiana.

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Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana
PO Box 157 | Baton Rouge, LA 70739
225.366.8806
info@phccla.org

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Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana
620 Florida St., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 343-2776
Fax: (225) 344-1132
Email: phccla@amstrategies.co
Website: www.laphcc.org
Executive Director: Crystal Carter, MPA

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Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana
620 Florida St., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 343-2776
Fax: (225) 344-1132
Email: phccla@amstrategies.co
Website: www.laphcc.org
Executive Director: Crystal Carter, MPA

Follow us:

620 Florida St., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 343-2776
Fax: (225) 344-1132
Email: phccla@amstrategies.co
Website: www.laphcc.org
Executive Director: Crystal Carter, MPA, DES

Follow us:

2024 Annual Sponsorships are available!

PHCCLA offers multiple opportunities for your organization to help build the 2024 community! The following opportunities are available to all PHCCLA supporters.  This year e have added more benefits to each sponsorship, for the same price!

620 Florida St., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 343-2776
Fax: (225) 344-1132
Email: phccla@amstrategies.co
Website: www.laphcc.org
Executive Director: Crystal Carter, MPA

Follow us:

620 Florida St., Suite 210, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Phone: (225) 343-2776
Fax: (225) 344-1132
Email: phccla@amstrategies.co
Website: www.laphcc.org
Executive Director: Crystal Carter, MPA

Follow us: