Backend Category: Women in the Mechanical Industry Initiative

Find Your Voice with Empowering Education & Networking at the WiMI Conference

June 10 – June 12, 2024 | Cleveland, OH

Join your MCAA and MSCA peers for this year’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference. Experience an array of captivating educational sessions, inspiring speakers, and invaluable networking opportunities designed to empower and uplift women at every stage of their careers.

At the heart of the WiMI conference are its general sessions, where dynamic speakers share inspiring journeys of overcoming fear and embracing cultural identity. Education sessions put the focus on building and enhancing the key skills needed to thrive in our industry. And interactive roundtable discussions bring it all together, offering an opportunity to practice those skills while exchanging ideas on a diverse range of topics.

The WiMI conference is your platform for building lasting connections and fostering a supportive community. Networking opportunities abound, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies for success.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned executive, the WiMI conference offers something for everyone. Gain valuable insights, expand your network, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges and seize opportunities.

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Enhance Your Company’s Training & Leadership and Meet Your Financial Objectives with Skills from NEI Instructor Leah Gutmann – New Classes Added

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Leah Gutmann, owner of First Forward Consulting, LLC. Leah teaches instructors to enhance their skills, managers to build leadership skills, and finance teams to meet company objectives. Her newest classes focus on building the fundamental leadership skills of our industry’s field leaders, service leaders, and project managers.

Leah is certified to deliver training on a wide variety of leadership and financial topics. She has over 12 years of experience in the design, implementation and facilitation of educational programs, classes and seminars. Her 20-year career as a CFO and Finance Manager in the mechanical construction industry has given Leah the unique ability to offer training and consulting from a hands-on, in the trenches perspective. 

Leah offers six course series, each tailored for a specific audience and purpose.

The Field Leadership Series (FLS) builds the fundamental leadership skills every field leader must know, believe in, and be able to apply in practical and consistent ways to drive long term success for individuals, crews, projects, and organizations.

The Service Leadership Series (SLS) teaches participants to apply critical leadership skills to real service team problems, building confidence at both the individual and team level. Everyone participating will leave with tools and strategies that can be applied immediately to improve results at all levels.

In the Project Manager Leadership Series (PML), project managers will learn the essential tools needed to gain respect, get noticed, and be the project leader others follow because they want to, not because they have to.

The Instructor Training Series (ITS) Seminars train JATC instructors, association instructors, and organization subject matter experts to increase retention of material, connect with students, and transfer critical industry knowledge to the next generation, thus enhancing their organization’s competitive advantage. All classes are adapted to fit the needs of each instructor group and their application to the mechanical construction industry. 

In the Leadership Development Series (LDS) Seminars for Service and Construction, management level employees and team leaders focus on building strong communication skills and self awareness to help them be successful leaders.

The Financial Development Series (FDS) Seminars for Service and Construction offer customized coursework to address foundational, intermediate, or advanced topics for your identified group and will include direct application and practice to relevant projects, service work, and company financials.

Like our other NEI instructors, Leah brings her unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members. 

Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*

NEI WEBSITE

*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

MCA of Northwestern Ohio Hosts Inaugural WiMI Meeting

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio hosted the inaugural meeting of its Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) group on October 26, 2023. Although this group is just starting its journey, it has already made a significant impact. In the spirit of “Socktober,” attendees generously contributed 145 pairs of socks to support Bethany House, a local women’s shelter.

During the meeting, the participants took time to craft words of encouragement cards for the UA Local 50 female apprentices. These heartfelt messages will be hand-delivered, along with the book “Successful Sister” authored by Alicia Robinson, a steamfitter from UA Local 469.

WiMI is deeply committed to empowering women in the mechanical industry by providing valuable opportunities for networking, education, and mentorship, enabling them to advance and excel in their careers.

MCAA is excited to welcome the Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio WiMI group to the growing number of local WiMI groups.

WiMI Featured in D.A. Dodd, LLC Newsletter

The WiMI23 Conference inspired Debbie Siddall, Caitlin Schimmel, and Alyson Funkhouser, three staffers at D.A. Dodd, LLC, to write about MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) for their company newsletter. Learn more about their experience and how it has inspired them to become more involved at the local level.

2024 WiMI Conference

The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help you discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.

2025 WiMI Conference

The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help you discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.

MSCA 2026 Annual Education Conference

Explore critical topics such as management, personnel, finance, service technology, training, and recruiting issues. This is the only industry conference specifically geared to service companies and the unique challenges and issues they face. Also included is an exhibit of products and services that can help you run your business more efficiently. Education sessions will help you make your time, resources, and personnel go farther. Plus, there are expanded opportunities for structured networking and peer group discussions as well as numerous social events.

 

MSCA 2025 Annual Education Conference

Explore critical topics such as management, personnel, finance, service technology, training, and recruiting issues. This is the only industry conference specifically geared to service companies and the unique challenges and issues they face. Also included is an exhibit of products and services that can help you run your business more efficiently. Education sessions will help you make your time, resources, and personnel go farther. Plus, there are expanded opportunities for structured networking and peer group discussions as well as numerous social events.

 

MSCA 2024 Annual Education Conference

Explore critical topics such as management, personnel, finance, service technology, training, and recruiting issues. This is the only industry conference specifically geared to service companies and the unique challenges and issues they face. Also included is an exhibit of products and services that can help you run your business more efficiently. Education sessions will help you make your time, resources, and personnel go farther. Plus, there are expanded opportunities for structured networking and peer group discussions as well as numerous social events.

 

MSCA 2030 Annual Education Conference

Explore critical topics such as management, personnel, finance, service technology, training, and recruiting issues. This is the only industry conference specifically geared to service companies and the unique challenges and issues they face. Also included is an exhibit of products and services that can help you run your business more efficiently. Education sessions will help you make your time, resources, and personnel go farther. Plus, there are expanded opportunities for structured networking and peer group discussions as well as numerous social events.

 

Check Out the Line Up for MCAA’s 2023 WiMI Conference

This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN at the Grand Hyatt and is packed with opportunities to learn, grow and discover all that you are capable of and what this industry has to offer.

Keynote Sessions

Our industry’s own, Kathy Crosby will use the personal DISC assessment tool to help attendees uncover valuable information about themselves and others. 

Best selling author, Diana Kander will show us how we can level up our simple questions to get significantly better results and drive innovation in the opening keynote presentation; Unleash Your Curiosity.  

In our Closing General Session, Be Who You Came to Be, through personal experience, stories, and research, Tara Renze, author and thought leader, will walk her audience through a three-step process to “be who they came to be”.

Education Sessions

In the Women & Mental Health in Construction session, Sally Spencer-Thomas, Co-Founder & President, United Suicide Survivors International, will dive into why mental health matters for women in construction, why leaders need to attend to risk factors and environmental drivers, and what action steps they can take.

John Koontz, MCAA Director for Project Management Education and Kathryn Crosby, Owner and Founder of C2 Consulting, Inc, have seen hundreds of success stories in this industry, and they will share the traits they all have in common in the Quality, Traits and Characteristics of Successful People in Our Industry session.

Colene Rogers, speaker and Executive Coach, will lead the session, Change the Conversation. Change the Culture, and provide practical tips to help attendees have conversations that address differences of opinion to resolve issues; what Colene calls Tough Talks.

Industry Panels

Keynote speaker, Diana Kander, will moderate an interactive discussion with some of our WiMI Committee members on lessons learned and keys to being successful in our industry.

Discover Your Allies, will be moderated by UA’s Special Representative for Training and Outreach, Laura Ceja and feature Ray Boyd, UA’s Director ‑ Education and Training, Bill Tavenner, Vice President of Sales at Ferguson Enterprises, Tom Bello, Executive Vice President of Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington and MCAA’s Director of Project Management Education, John Koontz. The panel will discuss how men can be allies and support the growth of women in our industry.

Additional Opportunities for Development & Networking

We have two sessions of roundtable discussions that will cover a variety of industry and growth-related topics led by WiMI committee members. Our evening receptions will provide additional time for networking and connecting with peers.

Check out the full line up of this year’s conference. Hotel rooms are filling up fast, so register today and lock in the group rate by May 14!

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DISCover Your Professional Style at MCAA’s 2023 WiMI Conference

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference kicks off on Monday, June 12th with our Opening General Session – DISCover You. In this session led by Kathryn Crosby, attendees will complete a “style analysis” profile to produce a graph of the behavior and personality tendencies for each letter designation used in the popular DISC system specific to the attendee. Attendees will uncover valuable information about themselves and others, including why some relationships work and some don’t, along with why it is essential to adapt. Crosby will also reveal your “secret weapon “and how to use it.

Kathryn Crosby has more than 30 years experience in the construction business. While serving as Vice President and CFO for a mechanical contractor she was elected to the MCAA Board of Directors, nominated as chair for MCAA’s Project Management Education Committee, was active in the AGC, and served on the faculty of the MCAA’s highly acclaimed Institute for Project Management (IPM). Today, as owner and founder of C2 Consulting, Inc, Kathryn continues her dedication and love for the construction industry doing seminars and training throughout the U.S. and Canada. She currently serves on the faculty of IPM, Construction Education Institute, MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) and the UA’s Instructor Training Program. Kathryn has developed custom training programs for several trade organization and construction companies including the UA and Asbestos Workers.

This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN. See you there!

Learn More About WiMI23 & Register

WiMI-KC Featured in P1 Group, Inc. Newsletter

A recent MCA of Kansas City WiMI Committee (WiMI-KC) event inspired Tiffany Oldham, a digital media specialist with P1 Group, Inc., to write an article for her company’s newsletter. Learn more about the event and how WiMI-KC is engaging, empowering, inspiring and mentoring women in Kansas City’s mechanical industry.

Registration for MCAA’s 2023 Women in the Mechanical Industry Conference Is Open

MCAA launched our Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative in 2018 and it has continued to grow year after year. The WiMI initiative was created to enable women in the mechanical industry to further enrich their careers through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities. Over the years WiMI has brought education opportunities across all of MCAA’s events, including MCAA’s Convention, MSCA’s Education Conference, MCAA’s Safety & Health Conference and the MEP Innovation Conference. WiMI’s largest opportunity for education and networking for women in the industry is at our annual WiMI Conference.  

This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN and is a great opportunity for all women to DISCOVER  their potential. The conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help attendees discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.  

See you there!

Learn More About WiMI23 & Register

Celebrate Women in Construction Week & Register for MCAA’s 2023 WiMI Conference

Women in Construction Week or WIC Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. In 1998, NAWIC held the first WIC Week and it has grown and expanded each year since. This week, MCAA wants to celebrate the many successful women among our membership and this amazing industry.  

MCAA launched our Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative in 2018 and it has continued to grow year after year. The WiMI initiative was created to enable women in the mechanical industry to further enrich their careers through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities. Over the years WiMI has brought education opportunities across all of MCAA’s events, including MCAA’s Convention, MSCA’s Education Conference, MCAA’s Safety & Health Conference and the MEP Innovation Conference. WiMI’s largest opportunity for education and networking for women in the industry is at our annual WiMI Conference.  

This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN and is a great opportunity for all women to DISCOVER  their potential. The conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help attendees discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.  

JOIN US IN NASHVILLE

New Year, New Roles for Some MCAA Staff

MCAA has realigned some staff responsibilities for the future. Sean McGuire is the new Executive Director, JRGF (John R. Gentille Foundation). He continues in his role as Executive Director, Innovation Technologies & Fabrication. Sean has turned over his Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA) role to Teresa Pezzi, who also handles the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), a natural fit since mechanical and plumbing service frequently go hand in hand. Teresa’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) role has transitioned to Michaela Mueller, who continues as Director, Special Projects & Initiatives. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles!

Enhance Your Company’s Training & Leadership and Meet Your Financial Objectives with Skills from NEI Instructor Leah Guttman

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Leah Gutmann, owner of First Forward Consulting, LLC. Leah teaches instructors to enhance their skills, managers to build leadership skills, and finance teams to meet company objectives.

Leah is certified to deliver training on a wide variety of leadership and financial topics. She has over 12 years of experience in the design, implementation and facilitation of educational programs, classes and seminars. Her 20-year career as a CFO and Finance Manager in the mechanical construction industry has given Leah the unique ability to offer training and consulting from a hands-on, in the trenches perspective.   

Her Instructor Training Series (ITS) Seminars train JATC instructors, association instructors, and organization subject matter experts to increase retention of material, connect with students, and transfer critical industry knowledge to the next generation. All classes are adapted to fit the needs of each instructor group and their application to the mechanical construction industry. 

In her Leadership Development Series (LDS) Seminars for Service and Construction, management level employees and team leaders focus on building strong communication skills and self-awareness, skills that will help them to be successful leaders. 

Finally, her Financial Development Series (FDS) Seminars for Service and Construction offer customized coursework to address foundational, intermediate, or advanced topics for your identified group and will include direct application and practice to relevant projects, service work, and company financials. 

Like our other NEI instructors, Leah brings her unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Even during the COVID-19 era. Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members. 

Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*

Learn More About Leah’s Classes

Instructor Training Series (ITS) Seminars

Leadership Development Series (LDS) Seminars for Service and Construction

Financial Development Series (FDS) Seminars for Service and Construction

NEI WEBSITE

*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

Build Your Service Company’s Relationships & Success With Skills from NEI Instructor Nancy Bandy

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Nancy Bandy, Managing Director of TRAINSITIONS Consulting Group LLC. Nancy provides service contractors and employees with the skills they need to build on the company’s relationships and success.

Nancy draws on many years of experience in training and management consulting to develop and deliver highly effective custom training programs using proven experiential learning methods.

She is well known among MSCA members and has been responsible for developing and delivering many of the MSCA courses, webinars, and other resources highly popular with MSCA members. Prior to starting her own company, Nancy’s previous experience included executive positions with Coldwell Banker, Koll Real Estate Services, CB Richard Ellis and Strategic HR Services.

She offers four NEI seminar series designed specifically for service.

The Sales Development Series (SDS) Seminars for Service series is designed for your service sales team to excel by successfully prospecting, building presentation skills and fostering strong relationships with the customer.

Employee Development Series (EDS) Seminars for Service are geared towards all team members as they focus on developing and building the skills necessary to perform their best in and out of the office.

The Management Development Series (MDS) Seminars for Service are designed for managers to hone their coaching skills through positive feedback, motivation and recognition. The seminars teach how to build accountable teams and manage the dynamic of change. Fostering the idea of team success is key.

The Customer Service Series (CSS) Seminars for Service are designed for service professionals to enhance their service skills and create a culture of service starting at the top, with emphasis on customer loyalty and managing their most valuable assets.

Like our other NEI instructors, Nancy brings her unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.

Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*

Learn More About Nancy’s Classes

Sales Development Series (SDS) Seminars for Service

Employee Development Series (EDS) Seminars for Service

Management Development Series (MDS) Seminars for Service

Customer Service Series (CSS) Seminars for Service

NEI WEBSITE

*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

MCA of Chicago Starts WiMI of MCA of Chicago

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago hosted its first Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) meeting on August 29, 2022. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago is proud to host its own WiMI committee and provide these resources to the women in its membership, such as professional, networking, and educational events. MCA of Chicago looks forward to better supporting women involved in the organization. The Chicago WiMI committee will ensure women in the MCA of Chicago always have a seat at the table.

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

Now More Than Ever, Women Are Standing Out in This Industry

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Initiative wants to give a big shout out to WiMI Vice Chair Wendy Glauber! She was recently named a 2022 Women of Influence Honoree in the Executive Category through Buffalo Business First.

Glauber is the General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources for MCAA Member John W. Danforth Company, and one of 27 women recognized through the publication for her contributions to the Western New York community.

“Wendy has been a great asset to Danforth and truly exemplifies our organization’s mission and vision. Her recognition as a Women of Influence Honoree is a true testament to that,” said Patrick W. McParlane, President and COO of the John W. Danforth Company.

Glauber became Vice Chair of the WiMI Committee in 2022 at the Annual WiMI Education Conference. We are looking forward to celebrating more of the accomplishments of women in our industry, like Wendy Glauber.

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative was launched in 2018 to enable women in the industry to further enrich their careers. Over the years the initiative has given these women an opportunity for networking, career development, mentoring and education. If you’d like to learn more, you can find information here.