Featured Resources

Quantifying the Value of Union Labor in Construction Projects

A new report by Independent Project Analysis (IPA), an independent international construction project engineering and research firm, shows that union mechanical contractors were 15% more productive than non-union contractors, with a more than 40% reduction in risks of cost and schedule overruns. MCAA members can download the full report, including methodology.

Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry

This planning tool helps you determine the costs associated with unplanned events, circumstances and factors that may impact the outcome, productivity and schedule of construction projects. New for 2024: a chapter exploring the factors that contribute to BIM cost and time overruns.

WebLEM

WebLEM is the industry’s most reliable authority for comprehensive labor units for typical project tasks. Quickly search for and retrieve information. WebLEM is reviewed and updated to reflect the latest products and joining methods. You will need your MCAA.org username and password to log in to WebLEM. For WebLEM access questions, please refer to the WebLEM Access FAQs page.

National Service and Maintenance Agreement

The National Service and Maintenance Agreement is an agreement negotiated and administered by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA) and the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) and is a signed contract between the UA and individual mechanical service contracting firms who apply and qualify. The Agreement is a nationally recognized tool that helps contractors provide quality, consistent service to their customers throughout the country and helps reclaim lost market share.

Of Interest

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

A decision to expand their workspace led J.M. Brennan to use Stratus to create a digital workflow that dramatically improved efficiency on the shop floor. After about two months, the investment had paid for itself with tremendous time savings, primarily in spooling. Integrating Stratus into the workflow not only transformed internal processes but also overall efficiency.

There is no time like the present, especially when it comes to hiring for interns and full-time employees post-graduation. Although May 2025 seems light-years away, it is at the forefront of students’ minds right now! MCAA resources and the GreatFutures Job Board provide inspiration and a way to connect. Read on to learn more about them and how they can benefit your company. 

The 2025 dues rates for construction and service hours will increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum dues assessment is based upon 12,000 hours ($1,200) per branch office, and the maximum assessment is 300,000 hours ($30,000) per branch office. New dues reporting forms will be provided in advance of the January 1 date. Watch MCAA.org and the National Update for an announcement.

A company’s employee manual sets expectations and delivers information. MCAA’s Guide to Human Resources Policies provides guidance on human resources policies to help MCAA members design their own employee manuals. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The MEP Innovation Conference is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for change and advancement in the construction industry. By attending, contractors can gain invaluable insights, connect with peers, and position themselves at the forefront of industry developments. Whether you are looking to learn, network, or be recognized for your contributions, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities to grow and succeed in today’s fast-paced world. Join us January 27-30, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA for sessions covering cutting-edge subjects such as construction technology, efficiency improvements, and innovative practices. Don’t miss this chance to get practical insights to apply in your work. Register today!

Arden Awarded Project Excellence Award by NECA

Arden Engineering Constructors (AEC), an MCAA member, received the 2024 Excellence Award from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) for their work on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) Bus Charging Station. The new charging stations will efficiently charge RIPTA’s electric bus fleet and will benefit RIPTA’s busiest bus route, reducing emissions and greenhouse gases. AEC’s engineers designed and installed the charging system, which includes ABB E-mobility pantograph technology and a backup gas-fired generator. Additionally, AEC installed an underground radiant snowmelt system to keep the plaza driveway clear during winter months. Congratulations to the AEC team!

When they hear “construction safety and health,” many people think of physical safety or acute injuries that happen suddenly, like falls, cuts, punctures, lacerations, or struck-by injuries. Some serious health hazards are less obvious. These hazards can affect hearing, breathing, the ability to move—your overall health. The effects of these health hazards can take time to develop. By the time you realize there’s a problem, the damage done can be a real inconvenience…or, in some cases, lead to lifelong issues. MCAA’s new Health Hazards in Mechanical Construction video will help workers protect themselves from these hazards. View or download the video in English and Spanish today! It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

If you want to fast-track your new and aspiring field leaders, MCAA has just the program! Once a week for 8 weeks, FFL students spend 90 minutes online with an experienced field leader, who walks them through best practices and practical strategies for running work and running a crew. From Planning to Leadership, from Documentation to Safety: our instructors break down the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of things that every foreman must understand to be successful. Registration is now open for the January courses beginning January 8. Sign your people up today!

MCAA’s Annual Convention is known for its cutting-edge educational opportunities, and MCAA25 is set to surpass all expectations! This year’s event is packed with four dynamic sections of educational seminars from Monday to Wednesday, delivering top-notch insights that will elevate your expertise. Register today and be part of the learning experience of a lifetime!

MCAA is accepting recommendations for individuals to serve on national committees in the coming year. If you are interested in serving, review the committee descriptions below, then contact your local association executive to express your interest. Their recommendations are due to MCAA no later than November 4, so don’t delay!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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Upcoming Events
November 3 – 7, 2024
ALI Course 24, Week 2
Chapel Hill, NC
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November 6 – 8, 2024
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November 6 – 8, 2024
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November 6 – 8, 2024
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November 11 – 13, 2024
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November 11 – 14, 2024
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December 4 – 6, 2024
2024 Industry Funds Conference
Longboat Key, Florida
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January 8 – February 26, 2025
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January 8 – February 26, 2025
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January 12 – 16, 2025
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January 13 – 17, 2025
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January 13 – 16, 2025
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January 19 – 23, 2025
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January 27 – 30, 2025
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March 2 – 6, 2025
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May 12 – 14, 2025
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May 19 – 21, 2025
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June 16 – 18, 2025
2025 WiMI Conference
Kansas City, MO
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June 23 – 25, 2025
2025 Converge
Minneapolis, MN
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July 28 – 30, 2025
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September 7 – 10, 2025
ALI Course 25, Week 1
Chapel Hill, NC
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September 8 – 10, 2025
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September 15 – 17, 2025
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September 21 – 25, 2025
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September 22 – 26, 2025
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October 9 – 11, 2025
MCAA 2025 GreatFutures Forum
Salt Lake City, UT
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October 12 – 16, 2025
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October 13 – 17, 2025
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November 2 – 6, 2025
ALI Course 25, Week 2
Chapel Hill, NC
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November 9 – 12, 2025
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January 12 – 14, 2026
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January 18 – 22, 2026
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January 19 – 23, 2026
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January 25 – 30, 2026
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January 26 – 28, 2026
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March 15 – 19, 2026
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April 27 – 28, 2026
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June 8 – 10, 2026
2026 WiMI Conference
Coronado, CA
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July 26 – 29, 2026
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September 24 – 26, 2026
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November 8 – 11, 2026
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March 7 – 11, 2027
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October 10 – 13, 2027
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March 19 – 23, 2028
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November 5 – 8, 2028
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October 20 – 23, 2030
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View Full Calendar

Featured Events
November 3 – 7, 2024

For over two decades, MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) has been helping to develop the executive leadership of MCAA members. The ALI is about developing the talents and business networks of leaders in the mechanical contracting industry.

January 13 – 16, 2025

MCAA, SMACNA, TAUC have partnered together to host the Safety & Health Conference, the biggest construction safety event of the year. The conference brings together safety professionals from across the construction industry to collaborate and explore the challenges and opportunities within our field.