The PHCC’s educational foundation recently handed out awards to two manufacturers for efforts to bolster workforce development.

Kohler Co. and Nibco Inc. were given the Chairman’s Award from the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association. The awards were given during the Oct. 8-10 Connect 2014 convention in New Orleans.

Educational foundation Chairman Roger Peugeot lauded the companies for work toward “allowing the foundation to make a difference to our industry each and every day.”

Kohler has supported the PHCC Educational Foundation since donating to its endowment fund in 1989. It also supports webinars and seminars.

“That adds up to more than 550 education programs reaching almost 24,000 industry professionals,” Peugeot said.

Nibco, a provider of valves, fittings and piping products for the HVAC market, provided seed money to start the foundation. It is also a founding sponsor of the new HVAC Apprentice Contest, which debuted at last year’s trade show.

“We’re stronger because of the support of Kohler, Nibco and all our industry partners,” Peugeot said. “With that, I’m proud to present this Chairman’s Award to two manufacturers that have been with us from the beginning and continue to be strong supporters of the foundation’s mission.”