Category: Uncategorized

Find the Latest from Galloup Company and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Galloup Company
Galloup is a premier industrial distributor of pipe, valves and fittings, dedicated to service and support. Serving Michigan, Indiana and Ohio with nine facilities, including two distribution centers.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The MGI ConTrols® Sanitization Override feature temporarily raises water temperature up to 158°F to instantly kill Legionella and other bacteria. MGI ConTrols is a Morris Group International brand.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Making a Sustainable Business Transformation

For contracting companies looking to undergo a sustainable business transformation, making the sustainability shift can mean all the difference in future success. And environmental, social, and governance principles, often referred to as ESG, is a rapidly developing topic that you are likely hearing about now more than ever before.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Registration is Now Open for the 2025 MEP Innovation Conference!

Built with leaders from MCAA, NECA and SMACNA, the MEP Innovation Conference is ready share with you the most relevant information on new tools, software, technology and processes in order to improve your productivity and profitability.

Mark your calendars for January 27-30, 2025, and meet us in vibrant Los Angeles, CA for an unmissable conference experience! This event will foster collaboration, facilitate the sharing of best practices, and drive collective progress towards the future of the industry.

LEARN MORE

Thank you to our conference sponsors!

MCAA Shares Mental Health Resources In Honor of Construction Suicide Prevention Week

Construction continues to be a hard and high-stress profession with one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States. In honor of Construction Suicide Prevention Week from September 9-13 and National Suicide Prevention Month this month, MCAA is highlighting resources and training to help you to start or continue the conversation with your teams.

Available resources include:

  • MCAA’s award-winning Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlights the success story of an industry veteran, with appearances from MCAA president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams. English and Spanish versions are available to MCAA members via mcaa.org. The public video, available to all, can be found at YouTube.com/@MCAAmerica or directly here in English or Spanish.
  • Over the last year, MCAA has partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 150k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).
  • The UA/MCAA Mental Health Toolbox Talks are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start or continue the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. They are available in English and Spanish.
  • COMING SOON: MCAA’s newest education opportunity, the Construction Mental Health Summit will take place January 13th, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in conjunction with the MCAA/TAUC/SMACNA Safety and Health Conference. Developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), the half-day Construction Mental Health Summit will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values. There are many things we can do to take care of ourselves at a deeper level as well as take care of those we lead at a deeper level. Additional information and registration will be available in the coming months at mcaa.org.
  • MCAA members are invited to attend a Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry webinar put on by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), CIASP, and the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America (LSHFNA). The webinar will be held September 5 at 2:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

With these resources, we hope that your teams will spend time discussing this important industry issue. By learning how to support one another, they just may save a life.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Software Links Office and Field Saving Time and Hassle

With construction challenges increasing and timelines decreasing, DILFO turned to Trimble’s ProjectSight project management software to improve communication, manage risk, and save time on every project. Based in Ottawa, DILFO is one of Eastern Ontario’s largest mechanical contracting, HVAC services, and plumbing and heating contractors. The second-generation, family-owned business was founded in 1980 and employs more than 200 construction and service professionals. ProjectSight helped them streamline their document control and enhance team collaboration.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

MCAA Shares Mental Health Resources In Honor of National Suicide Prevention Month

Construction continues to be a hard and high-stress profession with one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month this month and Construction Suicide Prevention Week from September 9-13, MCAA is highlighting resources and training to help you to start or continue the conversation with your teams.

Available resources include:

  • MCAA’s award-winning Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlights the success story of an industry veteran, with appearances from MCAA president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams. English and Spanish versions are available to MCAA members via mcaa.org. The public video, available to all, can be found at YouTube.com/@MCAAmerica or directly here in English or Spanish.
  • Over the last year, MCAA has partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 150k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).
  • The UA/MCAA Mental Health Toolbox Talks are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start or continue the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. They are available in English and Spanish.
  • COMING SOON: MCAA’s newest education opportunity, the Construction Mental Health Summit will take place January 13th, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, in conjunction with the MCAA/TAUC/SMACNA Safety and Health Conference. Developed in partnership with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), the half-day Construction Mental Health Summit will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values. There are many things we can do to take care of ourselves at a deeper level as well as take care of those we lead at a deeper level. Additional information and registration will be available in the coming months at mcaa.org.
  • MCAA members are invited to attend a Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry webinar put on by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), CIASP, and the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America (LSHFNA). The webinar will be held September 5 at 2:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.

With these resources, we hope that your teams will spend time discussing this important industry issue. By learning how to support one another, they just may save a life.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Workplace Safety Resources

Workplace safety includes more than PPE and fall protection, it encompasses workplace distractions and workplace violence. MCAA’s Workplace Safety Resources help team members identify warning signs and take appropriate actions to prevent workplace violence. They also show viewers how to protect themselves and others if they find themselves in an active workplace violence situation. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Workplace Distractions

Workplace Violence

MCAA Microlearning Safety Videos

Connect With the Latest Training from SLOAN and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SLOAN
Planning a new facility or retrofitting an existing one? Ideal for drought-prone regions, learn about the solutions which conserve water across buildings and restrooms to make conservation efforts successful.

Watch Now

Ridge Tool Company
Watch a live demonstration of RIDGID’s innovative Pipe Fabrication tools, including the 975 Roll Groover, 915 Roll Groover, TRISTANDs and the PTC-400 Power Tubing Cutter.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Find the Latest from Trane and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trane
Trane® / Mitsubishi Electric VRF heat pumps and heat-recovery systems are strategic electrification solutions that can help you optimize heating and cooling with an all-electric, single or multi-zone, beginning-to-end HVAC solution.

Learn More

Morris Group International
MGI ConTrols® Alpha® Mixing Valve protects against dangerously hot water in any commercial sink, lavatory, tub, and/or shower application. MGI ConTrols is a Morris Group International brand.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Dispelling Myths Surrounding Heat Pump Technology

Mechanical service contractors frequently encounter comments and anecdotes about the challenges associated with air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. While some of these concerns stem from genuine issues, many perceptions are rooted in a past era when the technology was relatively unproven, and contractors had limited experience with installation and troubleshooting.

Two prevalent misconceptions revolve around the effectiveness of heat pumps in colder climates and their serviceability, applicable to both air source and water heating products. To address these misgivings and better equip professionals for customer discussions, ENERGY STAR has developed concise reference guides for each with the assistance of MSCA contractors. These resources not only tackle these challenges head-on but also aid in preparing contractors for productive conversations with customers who hold these perceptions.

Check them out here:

Heat Pump Water Heater Misperceptions
Air Source Heat Pump Misperceptions

Predictive Maintenance Streamlines Operations

With the nClarity predictive maintenance (PdM) platform, Mazza Mechanical transitioned from the traditional preventive maintenance model to a digital-based service, streamlining business operations considerably. Mazza Vice President Ledgie DeRose explained, “We are now able to get early warnings when issues emerge without having to go onsite. This is far more productive than our old approach of dispatching techs 12 times per year.”

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Equipment Safety Resources

In 2020, almost 3,000 fatal and over 200K nonfatal distracted-related motor vehicle accidents occurred. Commercial drivers are 6 times more likely to be involved in a critical safety event when participating in handheld browser activities. MCAA’s Equipment Safety Resources provide vital information to assist in reducing the risks associated with operating automobiles, forklifts, and heavy equipment, including four CNA infographics in their fleet safety series. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Forklift Safety

Heavy Equipment Safety

Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment

Supervisor Safety Training Videos

Safety Bulletins

Safety Guides

CNA Fleet Safety Infographics

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Offers a 20% Rebate on Instructor Fees for Select Classes

The education MCAA members and local affiliates depend on just got a little less expensive thanks to a new program that offers a 20% rebate on instructor fees for select National Education Initiative (NEI) classes, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Which Courses are Eligible?

The 20% rebate applies to all NEI classes except those offered by John Koontz, which are already subsidized by MCAA. Courses must be booked using the NEI portal on the MCAA website.

Does the Rebate Cover Expenses?

The rebate covers eligible instructor fees only. It does not cover expenses, which, as always, are the responsibility of the member company or local affiliate that books the course.

How Do I Make Fee Arrangements?

You will work out fee arrangements directly with the NEI instructor.

Sounds Great! What’s Next?

  1. Go to the NEI portal.
  2. Find the course that meets your needs and click the “Schedule A Course” button. The instructor will contact you to make schedule and fee arrangements.
  3. Pay the invoice you receive from the instructor after the course.
  4. Send a copy of the paid invoice to Priya Nirmal at the MCAA office.

How Does the Rebate Work?

Each month, you will receive a check from MCAA for 20% of the instructor fees paid for eligible courses, up to $5,000 per class. Here’s what a rebate may look like in a given month:

CourseInstructorBooked via NEI PortalInstructor FeeRebate (Fee x 20%, Up to $5,000 per Class)
Mechanical 101Cordell StrongY$3,000$600
Mechanical 201Suzy SmithY$5,000$1,000
PM Boot CampRobert GutierrezY$30,000$5,000
Customer CareMary JonesN$5,000$0
Total Rebate$6,600

Remember, MCAA is only offering rebates for select courses scheduled via the NEI portal. By not using the portal to schedule the Mary Jones course in this example, the contractor or local affiliate missed out on a $1,000 rebate.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

Connect With the Latest Training from LAARS, a Bradford White Company and FARO Technologies, Inc. at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

LAARS, a Bradford White Company
Laars Academy is our commitment to ensure our industry professionals have the training and knowledge needed to stay on top. Watch a recorded training session on Laars MagnaTherm FT at www.laars.com.

Learn More

FARO Technologies, Inc.
[WEBINAR] Discover the power of FARO® 3D Reality Capture and watch the on-demand webinar to explore how it assists builders and engineers in planning, designing, and managing MEP systems effectively.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Making the Latest Heat Pump Tax Credits Easier to Understand

Understanding the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act and its impact on pricing jobs for installing heat pumps or heat pump water heaters can be daunting. However, a new resource from ENERGY STAR aims to simplify this process, specifically tailored for selling and installing Air Source Heat Pumps, Heat Pump Water Heaters, and Electric Panel Upgrades. It’s crucial for both contractors and property owners to grasp these credits, as they can cover up to 30% of project costs.

Here’s a quick overview:

Total Annual Limit: The $2,000 heat pump credit can be combined with credits up to $1,200 for other qualified upgrades made in one tax year.

Effective Date: Products purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032.

Tax Credit: An amount taxpayers can claim on their federal tax return to reduce income tax owed.

Who Qualifies: Must be an existing home and principal residence (owned or rented). Does not apply for new construction and rental properties.

What to Keep: Customers should keep their receipts and any relevant materials, such as product labels, that identify the purchased product.

For a simple one-page explanation and a list of qualifying products, check out the resource provided by ENERGY STAR. 

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Find the Latest from Tecnar and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Tecnar
Boost productivity and quality with the Rotoweld 3.0, the ultimate automated pipe spool welding robot. Proven technology with over 35 years of reliability. Elevate your fabrication today!

Learn More

Morris Group International
The Maintenance Advantage® EZ Door™ Filter from Murdock, a brand of Morris Group International, allows replacement in four easy steps—unlatch door, remove filter, insert new filter, and latch door.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomic Safety Resources

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) or ergonomic injuries are more than just a buzzword. OSHA approximates that one in three injuries is an MSD and these injuries cost U.S. workplaces billions of dollars each year. MCAA’s Musculoskeletal Disorders & Ergonomic Safety Resources provide the information you need to reduce risk and ensure worker safety, including several videos developed in collaboration with our partners at CNA insurance and an ergonomics webinar developed in partnership with The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), Washington University in St. Louis, and Best Built Plans. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Musculoskeletal Wellness (Ergonomics) 

MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series

  • Worker Personal Health to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish
  • Safe Lifting Technique to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish
  • Proper Material Staging to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries – English | Spanish

Safety Training Webinar

Supervisor Safety Training Video

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical construction, service and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Connect With the Latest Training from A.O. Smith and SLOAN at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

A.O. Smith
We offer top notch training, available 24/7. You can learn about our Residential, Commercial, and even Tankless. Training includes items like How it Works, Installation, Application, & Service tips.

Learn More

SLOAN
Flushometer care and maintenance is important. Learn what to look for, when to look, and how to service and maintain manual diaphragm flushometers.

Watch Now

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Find the Latest from NuFlow Technologies and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

NuFlow Technologies
Becoming a NuFlow Certified Contractor is more than buying our equipment. We prepare our contractors with everything they need to develop new expertise, product offerings, and revenue streams. Grow your business with NuFlow!

Learn More

Morris Group International
Meet the Maintenance Advantage® key tool from Murdock, a brand of Morris Group International. This tool unlocks the maintenance features on the Water Cooler and Bottle Filler with EZ Door™ filter.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started.