Organizers of the 34th Annual Southern California Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Industry Trade Show, set for the Long Beach Convention Center May 16, said more than 100 companies had signed up to display their wares during the event. 
   Put on by PHCC of the Greater Los Angeles Area, the show will be moving into larger quarters for this year’s edition, and will feature celebrity appearances by actor and “green” activist Ed Begley Jr. Also on tap to appear is Cincinnati Reds Hall-of-Fame catcher, Johnny Bench.

   The PHCC-GLAA earlier said a few activities have been added to this year's show lineup including "hands-on" seminars held right on the show floor. Manufacturers will be demonstrating their products and services in one-hour segments. There will be two raffles--one for licensed contractors and one for technicians—in which “thousands of dollars in tools, products and services” will be given away.

   And the New Products Pavilion will showcase the latest in new products and services.

   Here is the finalized list of seminars features the following speakers and topics:

      --“Real World Tactics and Motivation for Turbulent Business Times,” presented by author Barry Maher;

      --“Heat Up Your Profit With Tankless Water Heaters,” presented by Noritz America;

      --“The Best of Tank & Tankless Features Built into one Heater,” presented by O’Connor Sales;

      --“Need Work and Money? Rebates are the Answer!” presented by the Metropolitan Water District, Southern California Gas Company, and Southern California Edison Company: “That one is an important one because there are a lot of programs out there that contractors aren’t aware of,” said trade show manager Eddie Edwards.

      -- “Change is Coming--It's a New Day,” presented by notable construction law attorney and Reeves Journal columnist Samuel K. Abdulaziz; and,

      --“How to Master the On Line Market Place,” presented by AT&T. For more info or to register, contact the PHCC-GLAA at (800) 809-7340, or visit the trade show Web site.