Archives: News Items

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s The Management Audit: Peer Group Guidelines

To survive and grow in today’s marketplace, mechanical contractors must become better managers and business professionals. MCAA’s The Management Audit: Peer Group Guidelines explains how informally organized groups of non-competing contractors can assist each other through idea exchange to run their respective businesses more professionally and more profitably. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin:

  • Explains the pros and cons of management audits
  • Offers tips for forming a group of non-competing contractors to perform a peer review
  • Includes guidelines for peer group critiques
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and SPX Cooling 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:

Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

Learn More

SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Looking to tune up your evaporative cooling knowledge? SPX Marley Contractor Resources include live and on-demand webinars, School of Cool® training, installation videos and more. Check it out.

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

Honor Someone Who Goes Beyond to Make a Difference!

There are unsung heroes among us who go beyond what is asked of them, to do the things that are truly needed, out of the kindness of their hearts and with a passion to make a difference for the better. Whether it is helping the needy, aiding the elderly, volunteering for a charitable organization, or fostering children, they are truly heroes in every sense of the word. 

MSCA wants to honor our very own everyday hero and we need your help. In its seventh year, MSCA’s Everyday Hero Award has become a favorite recognition award for employees, peers, employers, and the community. Who do you know who has stepped up and gone beyond to make the world, their community, or their family, a better place? 

Submit your nomination by completing the brief survey below. MSCA will recognize them onstage at the MSCA22 Conference beyond in Huntington Beach, CA this October 16-19, as well as make a very generous donation to the winner’s charity of choice. Help us honor these generous and caring individuals today by nominating them for the MSCA Everyday Hero Award. 

Deadline for nominations: August 22, 2022.

NOMINATION FORM

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Nu Flow Technologies 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:

Morris Group International
Specification is a complex task. With the NEW Morris Group International Kwik Ship® Brands, you have a go-to selection of products designed to work together. Learn about our new program online!

Learn More

Nu Flow 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

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

Dormatech Sees Explosive Growth Fueled by BuildOps Cloud-Based Software Solution

Dormatech Mechanical Systems of Northern California faced a familiar litany of challenges using multiple software platforms to manage its business. After switching to an integrated BuildOps software solution, Dormatech rapidly increased revenue by 50 percent.

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 Guide to Human Resources Policies

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 guide includes information to help your company:

  • Define policies
  • Set expectations for conduct
  • Outline benefits
  • Detail a company’s drug-free workplace policy, including its drug and alcohol testing policy
  • Provide information and resources for complaints about harassment, discrimination, and retaliation
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Be Inspired by the Dynamic Speakers at the 2022 WiMI Conference

Three powerful, motivating and dynamic women – Sara Ross, Valorie Burton and Michelle Poler – will inspire women at all stages of their careers during the 2nd Annual WiMI Conference in Austin, TX, June 6-8. Don’t miss it – register today!

Kicking off the conference is Sara Ross. In her high energy keynote, Sara will share relevant and practical research and strategies for redefining how to succeed at work and in life. The audience is sure to walk away with the inspiration and tools needed to create healthier, happier, and higher performing lives and workplaces.

If we’ve learned anything in recent years, resilience is gold. On day two, life strategist and resilience coach, Valorie Burton, will be sharing her life-changing message through storytelling supported by the power of research and education in the cutting edge field applied positive psychology – the study of what happens when things go right with us.

Michelle Poler will be closing out the conference with authentic storytelling, engaging visuals and her 100 Days Without Fear experience. Her social movement has empowered millions to step outside of their comfort zone and tap into their full potential.

This year’s conference is designed for all women in the industry, from newcomers to executives. The conference will feature inspiring speakers, riveting educational sessions, exceptional networking, and roundtables filled with crucial conversations–you do not want to miss it!

Find the Latest from Mueller Industries, Inc. and Wheatland Tube 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:

Mueller Industries, Inc.
The Streamline® offering for press fittings is the latest example of the industry-leading innovation and commitment to customer needs that make Streamline® the standard for excellence.

Learn More
Wheatland Tube SureThread Continuous Weld Pipe

Wheatland Tube
The uniform grain structure of SureThread™ continuous weld standard pipe delivers exceptional strength and allows for each threading, bending and cutting – making installation fast.

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

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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Guide to Financial Statements

Understanding the elements of a basic financial statement is a must for anyone in business. MCAA’s Guide to Financial Statements demystifies the process of preparing and analyzing the financial information that is essential to your company’s success. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explains:

  • The purpose of each statement
  • What information financial statements contain
  • How to understand what that information is saying about a company
  • The information that can be found in footnotes
  • The importance of the MD&A (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations)
  • Financial statement ratios and calculations
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors Gives New Field Supervisors the Skills to Succeed

New field supervisors often lack essential management and leadership training. MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors fills that gap with the management and leadership training these team members need to confidently tackle today’s business challenges. The May 16-17, 2022, program will advance leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivation skills, giving supervisors and their companies a competitive edge. Register today!

The hands-on program uses real-world exercises and relatable videorecorded role plays to deliver skills that can easily be incorporated into field supervisors’ everyday responsibilities.

Those who finish the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and a comprehensive workbook of more than 100 sample forms, procedures, checklists, and reports that field supervisors use daily. Don’t miss out – register now!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Connect With the Latest Training from Mueller Industries, Inc.​ and MIFAB, 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:

Mueller Industries, Inc.
Streamline® ACR Copper Press Fittings | Installation Instructions Watch this video to learn about the installation process of the Streamline® ACR Copper Press Fittings for HVAC & VRF applications.

Learn More

MIFAB, Inc.
Have you seen MIFAB’s Video Library? We have over 25 videos – from our Quick Hub Couplings to our MR-500 Trap Seal Primer and more! We are continuously updating our video content. Check it out!

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

OSHA National Emphasis Program Aims to Protect Workers from Heat Hazards

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh joined Vice President Kamala Harris April 12, 2022 to announce a first-ever Occupational Safety and and Health Administration (OSHA) National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect workers from indoor and outdoor heat hazards. The NEP lists construction among the industries expected to have high exposures to heat-related hazards resulting in illnesses. MCAA is representing our members’ interests with OSHA because we know there is nothing more important than the health and safety of our workers, and you’re invited to join us.

Representing Member Interests

MCAA will be participating in OSHA’s stakeholder meeting on May 3, 2022. You are invited to participate in the virtual meeting by registering here. 

MCAA has already submitted feedback to OSHA on the proposed rule and commented through the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group.

Tips for Preventing Heat Illnesses

As temperatures begin to rise and it starts to get hot in parts of the United States, now is a good time to remind your employees about how to prevent heat illnesses. In particular, they should be on the lookout for:

  • Heat Stroke: As the body loses its ability to sweat, it can’t control its temperature (HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY)
  • Heat Exhaustion: The body sweats away too much water and salt
  • Heat Syncope: The body’s blood pressure becomes too low, resulting in dizziness or fainting and
  • Heat Cramps: The body experiences painful muscle spasms
NEP DETAILS
ADDITIONAL TOOLS FROM OSHA

Have Questions?

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

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and ATP Learning Solutions (ATP) 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:

Morris Group International
This labor saving floor drain cleanout uses our Twis-to-Floor® adjustment technology to level the top with adjacent surfaces after the floor is poured and floor coverings are installed. Constructed of Duco coated cast iron with a secured nickel bronze top for finished floors bearing foot and medium load wheeled traffic.

Learn More

ATP Learning Solutions (ATP)
ATP Learning Solutions offers technical expertise, instructional design, and attention to detail. We deliver high-level customized educational solutions designed to meet your training needs, using your content or ours.

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

MCAA Member Contributions to Ukrainian Relief Hit $77,000

Thanks to MCAA member contributions, an additional $5,750 has been donated to The MCAA Charitable Fund for Ukrainian relief. These donations will be added to $46,250 in member contributions and $25,000 from MCAA previously donated to support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is actively saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence in Ukraine. MCAA will continue to forward additional donations to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Please consider making a donation using the link on the MCAA website.

AMS Mechanical Solves Mysterious Pump Failures with Metraflex Magnet System

Called on to help a Chicago condominium that was having repeated pump failures, AMS Mechanical Systems determined the cause to be metal debris in the pumps. Metraflex Company’s LPD Mag, a high-efficiency, low-pressure-drop Y-strainer with a neodymium magnet, proved to be the perfect solution. AMS found the new, low-cost strainers were easy to install and effectively fixed the problem.

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

Improve Your Service Field Supervisors’ Performance with MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors

MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors fills the knowledge gap for field supervisors who are new to the role or lack management and leadership training. The May 16-17, 2022, program will advance leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivation skills, giving supervisors and their companies a competitive edge. Register today!

The hands-on program uses real-world exercises and relatable videorecorded role plays to deliver skills that can easily be incorporated into field supervisors’ everyday responsibilities.

Those who finish the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and a comprehensive workbook of more than 100 sample forms, procedures, checklists, and reports that field supervisors use daily. Don’t miss out – register now!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Find the Latest from Trane and Omegaflex, Inc. 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 creates comfortable, energy-efficient environments for commercial and residential applications with a full line of services. Contractors can count on unrivaled expertise and genuine partnership.

Learn More

Omegaflex, Inc.
CounterStrike CSST, MediTrac CMT, and DoubleTrac double containment piping systems are now listed by the ICC for seismic resilience per the ICC-ES ESR-4565 Report.

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

The WiMI 2022 Conference Will Empower You to Succeed

Now, More Than Ever is the time to get involved with Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI). The WiMI Conference is back, and it’s filled with information and inspiration, exceptional networking, and crucial conversations to empower you to succeed. Networking and social events will help you enhance your professional network. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.

At the conference, you will:

  • Establish connections and learn from women from across the country who share common experiences and goals.
  • Get professional and personal growth ideas and inspiration to encourage you to be the best that you can be.
  • Hear from keynote speakers who will empower you to succeed in both your business and personal lives. They will also inspire you to be a strategic leader and performer and teach you to face your fears to enhance growth.
  • Enjoy education sessions focused on personal branding, communication, and using the power of you!

There will be plenty of time for networking and socializing to enable you to build a support group of peers that can flourish long after the conference.

Registration is now open! Space is limited to two members per company office or school. The fee is $895 per person.

We look forward to seeing you in Austin!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Noreen Cournoyer Will Join the MCAA Staff

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Noreen Cournoyer, who will be joining the staff as MCAA’s new Associate Director, Conference Services starting April 4. Noreen previously planned events for the New Jersey Association for Justice and the National Association of Attorneys General. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and has since earned the Digital Event Strategist (DES) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credentials. She holds leadership roles with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Capital Chapter and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Research Foundation. MCAA is pleased to welcome Noreen to the staff and to the MCAA family.