MCA World - May 2009
 | In Memoriam: MCA of Detroit's
John P. Davis, who served the MCA of Detroit in a variety of roles, died during heart surgery on March 13. John dedicated 47 years to the piping industry, starting as a laborer, pipefitter and finally an officer of his father's company, Davis Brothers, Inc. In 1955, John started his own company, J. P. Davis, Inc. He later left to become the secretary-manager of the Plumbing and Heating Industry of Detroit, which is today known as the MCA of Detroit. He later became the organization's managing director, and continued to work as a consultant to the association until 2007. John is survived by his wife, Mary, as well as five children, 14 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. |
Patty Van Ryzin Named
Patty Van Ryzin, vice president of human resources at Bassett Mechanical, Inc., was named the 2009 Woman Manager of the Year by the Fox Cities Chapter of Women in Management Inc. This prestigious award recognizes her leadership within Bassett Mechanical and her contributions and service to a number of community organizations. "Patty has played a key role in Bassett Mechanical's growth," says Kim Bassett-Heitzmann, president and chief operating officer. "The company has more than doubled the number of employees since she began with us. She has been a leader in effectively recruiting, developing and retaining a large employee base of technical and professional personnel. Her dedication, reliability and commitment are exceptional. Simply put, she is one of our greatest assets." |  |
Geo. A. Kelson Company Limited Receives Safety AwardGeo. A. Kelson Company Limited received the 2009 Canadian Construction Association (CCA) National Safety Award during the recent CCA conference. The company was recognized for making health and safety a top priority. Kelson's safety department ensures that written safety procedures are available for complicated work tasks such as helicopter hoisting, tag and lockout, confined space entry and hoisting large or heavy items. The department also ensures that these procedures are communicated with all involved workers in a task orientation session before work begins. |
Shambaugh & Son Completes Next Generation FacilityShambaugh & Son, an EMCOR Group subsidiary, recently completed work as the design/build fire protection contractor for SYSCO Food Service's prototype "Next Generation" facility in Knoxville, TN. Shambaugh & Son was responsible for the design and installation of seven double interlocked pre-action sprinkler systems with linear heat detection for the freezer/cooler areas of the 353,000-square-foot facility. |
McKinstry Company Expands OperationsMcKinstry Company is expanding its Southwest operations to provide customers in Texas with a broad range of products and solutions to lower their energy use and reduce their environmental impact. The company will integrate the Direct Energy Commercial Services and Technology group into its operations as part of this expansion. Mc Kinstry's continued expansion into the Southwest region and Texas includes a presence in San Antonio, Dallas and the eastern part of the state, supporting its Energy and Facility Solutions business. The integration of Direct Energy's Commercial Services and Technology group is a logical extension of McKinstry's commitment to delivering sustainable and cost-effective energy and facility solutions to businesses nationwide. President Obama called McKinstry "a model for the nation" during a televised statement on October 29, 2008. |
Region II Peer Group Meets to Share Experiences, Get Updates on Key Issues |  |
| From March 26-28, members of the Region II Peer Group gathered in North Carolina to share experiences and hear from a variety of speakers. In addition to reports from each of the MCAA local affiliated associations, the group heard from attorney David Velander on common legal mistakes made by subcontractors. UA Director of Plumbing Services Gary Hamilton spoke about the UA's 2009 initiatives, and MCAA General Counsel John McNerney reported on the first 90 days of the Obama Administration, MCAA government affairs activities and the forthcoming MCAA National Issues Conference. Pictured (left to right) are: John McNerney, David Velander, Steve Lakin (MCA of Maryland, Inc.), Jack Weaver (MCA of Mid-Atlantic), Gary Hamilton, John Barrasso (MCA of Connecticut), Matt Hammond (MCA of Kentucky) Judy Gober (MCA of Chattanooga) and David Sink (MCA of Memphis). Not pictured is: Gary Fowler (MCA of Georgia), who took the photo. | |
 | MCAA's Institute for Project Management Graduates Its 44th Class |
| Thirty-eight students graduated from Class 44 of MCAA's Institute for Project Management (IPM). The IPM class is conducted in two, one-week sessions held several months apart. During their first week of study, students learn about the specific skills needed to be a mechanical project manager: interpersonal skills, negotiating skills, scheduling, productivity, claims avoidance, effective turnover meetings, pre-construction planning, and safety management. The second week includes classes on written communication skills, job cost control, conflict resolution, change orders, and contracts. IPM classes are currently sold out and the wait is about a year. Both sessions will be held at the University of Texas at Austin, with housing at a nearby hotel. To get on the wait list, e-mail Beth Miller or call 800-556-3653. | |
MCAA's Advanced Institute for Project Management Graduates Its Fifth Class |  |
| Twenty-Nine students graduated from Class Three of MCAA's Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM). The five-day AIPM class includes in-depth, advanced-level training on: productivity, change order management, conflict resolution, and establishing and retaining lifelong relationships. Space is available for AIPM Class Six, which will be held will be held January 10-15, 2010, at the University of Texas in Austin, TX, with housing at a nearby hotel. To register or get more information, visit www.mcaa.org/ipm or call 800-556-3653. | |
