Organization: MCAA

Congratulations to MCAA’s Emerging Student Chapter & Chapter of Excellence Grant Recipients

On behalf of the John R. Gentille Foundation and MCAA’s Career Development Committee, we are pleased to announce the following Student Chapters received a 2020 Emerging Chapter Grant: Bowling Green State University, Cypress College, Northern Kentucky University, and Virginia Tech, Blacksburg Campus.

The Emerging Chapter Grant was created to assist new chapters in becoming more established or struggling chapters in overcoming a challenge or obstacle. The financial assistance this grant money provides has helped chapters build stronger and better programs that attract and interest more students.

The John R. Gentille Foundation and MCAA’s Career Development Committee are also pleased to share the following Student Chapters received a 2020 Chapter of Excellence Grant: Ball State University, California State University, Chico, California State University, East Bay, Fairleigh-Dickinson University, Ferris State, Kansas State University, Kent State University, Purdue University, the University of Maryland, the University of Missouri- Columbia, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This Chapter of Excellence award recognizes student chapters for their extraordinary performance and accomplishments during the prior year, as well as encourage their continued growth and development.

Congratulations to all recipients and many thanks for your continued interest and participation in MCAA’s Student Chapter program.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Benefit of Connecting with Industry Professionals

University of Missouri-Columbia mechanical engineering major Kylie Nedelka first learned about the MCAA GreatFutures program after hearing the association president speak to her class a few years ago. It was here Kylie realized the many benefits of being involved with the program.

“Networking is by far the best thing you can do in your career,” Kylie said while stressing the importance of building a professional network. Using her networking skills, she has landed two internships with SIEMENS, a member of the MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council. Kylie landed her first internship opportunity at the 2018 GreatFutures Forum while riding on a bus to Disneyland, where she shared a seat and struck up a conversation with Kristin Junia, Program Manager at SIEMENS. The following day, Kylie made sure to stop by the SIEMENS booth at the forum’s career fair. This is where she could talk more in-depth with Kristin about her education and internship interests and was offered an internship on the spot.

We hope Kylie’s story inspires other students to put themselves out there and not be afraid to talk to and connect with people within the industry, as you never know where it will lead!

You can read more of Kylie’s story here.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Power of Networking

In this month’s Beyond the Classroom video, hear about the power of networking from former Wentworth Institute of Technology student, Nolan Rochler. 

Nolan is now a Project Engineer at J.C. Higgins and credits his learning and growth in the industry to those he had met at networking events through his student chapter. Upon graduating, he found this network to be quite useful. “You have people who are there to help you. They help you find endless opportunities. By coming to these events, you are able to build such a strong network and basically go anywhere,” Nolan shared. 

Participating in MCAA’s Annual Student Chapter Competition was also an invaluable experience for Nolan. He says really learning, understanding and dissecting a real-life project, is unlike any other learning process. Nolan reminds current students to take these learning and networking opportunities and “make it whatever you want to make it.” People in this industry welcome you in, respect you, and give you the opportunity to learn and grow. Use them to help set you up for success–Nolan certainly has!

Upcoming Beyond the Classroom videos will continue to showcase opportunities available to MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike who choose careers in the mechanical industry.

MCAA’s Annual Student Chapter Competition Projects Due Monday, December 7th!

MCAA has recently made the difficult decision to cancel our 2021 Annual Convention and hold MCAA’s first ever Virtual Education Conference. This conference will feature all traditional, highly anticipated MCAA events including, top notch education seminars, our virtual trade show/exhibit, and of course, the impressive Annual Student Chapter Competition. While this will be a new format, MCAA is committed to setting each of the Final Four teams up for success as they prepare to present their projects. Below is a timeline that provides an overview of how the Annual Student Competition will run for 2021. 

Monday, December 7th, all student chapter competition projects are due in Procore. All student chapters will be provided with their project results on Friday, January 15th. MCAA will then work with each of the Final Four teams to prepare for the Final Four presentations, including a technology requirement review and a thorough rehearsal. Final Four presentations will follow the standard time, twelve minutes per presentation, with ten minutes for Q&A. These presentations will be recorded then released to MCAA’s membership on Monday, March 22nd to kick-off MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference. 

We understand this is new, but MCAA’s Career Development Committee will be there every step of the way. Stay tuned for more information and registration details. If you have any questions, please reach out to MCAA’s Director of Career Development, Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org.

MCAA Welcomes Frank Wall as Executive Director, Operations

Frank Wall has joined the MCAA staff as the association’s Executive Director, Operations. Frank is no stranger to MCAA. He was the Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon for 12 years, followed by two years as the Executive Vice President of the M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania. During that time, he was also Chair of MCAA’s Association Executives Council. “I am personally excited to work with such a professional staff,” Frank said.

In his new role, Frank serves as Executive Director of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). He also focuses his attentions on MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) and Management Methods Committee.

Frank’s extensive experience in leadership development will serve him well in another aspect of his job, handling the human resources function for MCAA.

Frank and his wife, Colleen, have two sons and are expecting their first grandchild in January.

Applications for MCAA’s 2020 JRGF Student Chapter Grants Due September 14th!

JRGF provides funding through grants to help chapters cover the costs of projects, participation in the annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition, field trips, scholarships and travel to MCAA events. 

A Chapter of Excellence Grant is for chapters that are well-established and thriving but need additional funds for student scholarships, travel to MCAA events, special projects, field trips or other chapter operations. The grant is divided accordingly: 

  • $7,500 Chapter of Excellence Grant 
    • $5,000 Student Scholarships 
    • $2,500 Chapter Operations & Projects 

An Emerging Chapter Grant is for new or rebuilding student chapters to help cover the cost of student scholarships, travel to MCAA events, special projects, field trips or other chapter operations. The $3,000 grant is for either student scholarships or chapter operations. 

Deadline: September 14, 2020

Completed applications are due to Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org by Monday, September 14th.

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Thank You for Supporting Your Foundation

Please join us in saying thank you to the MCAA members who have given to the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) in 2020. Their support enables the JRGF to identify and work to solve the issues that confront the organized mechanical construction and service industry, challenges such as future workforce, productivity and technology.

Your peers supporting these vital efforts in 2020 are:

  • Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC
  • Binsky & Snyder, LLC
  • CCI Mechanical, Inc.
  • CFI Mechanical, Inc.
  • Cleveland Plumbing Industry Promotional and Education Fund
  • CPMCA
  • Dynamics Systems, Inc.
  • Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois MCA
  • Ferguson
  • Harrell-Fish, Inc.
  • Hughes Environmental Engineering, Inc.
  • John W Danforth Company
  • JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services, Inc.
  • Kinetics Systems, Inc. – (Bill Bianco Scholarship)
  • MCA of Akron, Ohio, Inc.
  • MCA of Greater Springfield, Missouri
  • MCA of Indiana, Inc.
  • MCA of Kansas City
  • MCA of Northwestern Ohio, Inc.
  • MCA of Rockford, Inc.
  • MCA/MSCA of New York, Inc.
  • McCauley Mechanical Construction, Inc.
  • Mechanical Contracting Industry Fund of Cleveland
  • Michael F. Russo
  • Mid-Atlantic MCA
  • Nooter Construction Company
  • North Mechanical Contracting, Inc.
  • Piping and Service Industry Coalition
  • Poole & Kent Corporation
  • Service Fitters Industry Promotional Fund of New York
  • The John F. Gallagher Company
  • West Chester Mechanical Contractors
  • Western New York Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

Learn more and donate on the JRGF website.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Real-World Experience Matters

In this month’s edition of Beyond the Classroom, Peter Gebert, a Washington State University student, talks about the highlights of being involved in his student chapter and how that involvement has led to more learning opportunities, hands-on experience, and ultimately two internships with McKinstry.

Gebert’s interest in Mechanical Contracting was piqued while on a field trip to Seattle, “I’m walking through all these high rises and they are putting in all this HVAC, heating, plumbing, electrical and that really kind of got me going.” Gebert said. “Wow, there is so much you can do, there is so much going on in construction other than concrete and steel.”

Upcoming Beyond the Classroom videos will showcase how MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike are benefiting from the program. They will also share the opportunities available to students who choose careers in the mechanical industry.

MCAA’s GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program Finishes Week 2

MCAA’s GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program has kicked off! Each of the 17 presentations is meant to help students navigate the proposal and bid process for the annual MCAA Student Chapter Competition project.  

Did we mention registration is free and you only have to register once for ALL of the presentations!

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the MCAA’s GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program website login instructions. This website includes:

  • All virtual program details;
  • Presentation descriptions;
  • Speaker overviews; and 
  • A full agenda with links to join the live sessions!

We encourage you to attend as many presentations live to interact with fellow students and engage with the presenters in the presentation Q&A. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions live, don’t you worry, the recorded presentations will be posted on MCAA’s GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program website AFTER the live session.

MCAA is sending a weekly Monday reminder email to registered attendees, highlighting the presentations for that week. Don’t forget to add them to your calendar!

MCAA’s GreatFutures Virtual Fall Program is sponsored by

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Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Finding Longevity in Your Career

In this month’s Beyond the Classroom, meet Sarabeth Gandara, a Preconstruction Engineer at U.S. Engineering. Gandara is a past MCAA Student Chapter member and an Architectural Engineering graduate from Milwaukee School of Engineering. In the video segment, Gandara talks about her experiences with MCAA and how the mechanical contracting industry is the perfect mix of technical and personal relationships. Sarabeth shares the importance of looking for a position with a company that has viable longevity.

Gandara is currently a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee, which is made up of member contractors, whose aim is to provide education and resources to student chapter members. The committee’s goal is to connect students with members by creating networking and employment opportunities while ultimately cultivating the next generation of industry leaders in mechanical contracting.

Upcoming Beyond the Classroom videos will showcase how MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike are benefiting from the program. They will also share the opportunities available to students who choose careers in the mechanical industry.