Archives: News Items

MSCA23 Pushed Attendees to Propel

Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA23 Propel… it was a resounding success! We heard from inspiring keynote speakers, dove deep on education with topics of leadership and personal growth, along with recession proofing, refrigerants, electrification, and more. We celebrated a new award, announced a new scholarship, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community all while having a lot of fun in the San Marco sun.

New Award & New Scholarship

MSCA is proud to introduce a new scholarship in honor of a trailblazing individual who played a pivotal role in nurturing the Mechanical Service industry, Barbara Dolim. Each year, two exceptional students will have the opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship, ensuring that we continue to inspire and support the next generation of mechanical service professionals. The first recipients of the MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship were Gonzalo Ceja from Riverside City College and Kolten Plekes from Ferris State University.

MSCA also announced a brand-new award in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by our members: the MSCA Distinguished Service Award. With a vast community of incredible individuals, this award was established to pay homage to those who have consistently reshaped and improved our industry while exhibiting unwavering dedication to MSCA.

Our first recipient of this award is Jaimi Lomas, a person who has created an incredible legacy within the industry and MSCA.

Beginning by Giving Back

MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Friday, October 20, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Charity office, an organization working to wipe out hunger and provide critical food assistance to the over 152,000 individuals. MSCA also put in some hard work to make needed repairs at Wesley United Methodist Church.

Education, Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party & Social Activities

Erik Qualman kicked off our conference discussing how technology is revolutionizing the way we live and work and how your organization can harness it to drive innovation. On Tuesday morning, we heard from MCAA President Robert Beck followed by Aimee Copeland who touched our hearts as she taught us about overcoming adversity. Later that morning, spouses and students continued the commitment to service by participating in the 13th Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party, packing thousands of hygiene kits to be distributed to those in need worldwide. And to end our conference we learned about the skills needed to adapt to change, lead with courage, and build trusting relationships from Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman.

We had outstanding educational sessions and peer-led roundtable discussions each day. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together.

Everyday Hero Award

Eight years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award as a way to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Service Manager for L.J. Kruse Company, Will Kruse! MSCA has made a contribution in Will Kruse’s name for the amount of $2,500 to the Berkeley Humane Society which has operated as a no-kill animal shelter for dogs and cats for the past 125 years.

Recognizing Outgoing Leaders & Welcoming New Ones

Rich Happel concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Renee Fiorelli. Renee Fiorelli is the President of Peterson Service Company, Immediate Past President of the MCA of NJ and Co-Chair of the ITF. She is the past recipient of the Contracting Business HVACR Women of the Year award and a graduate of the MCAA ALI program. In partnership with the MCANJ, Renee spearheaded the creation of the local New Jersey WiMI chapter. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware.

The 2023-2024 MSCA Board of Managers was introduced as well. These members work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success.

They are:

Adam Wallenstein, Vice Chair
Neptune Plumbing and Heating Co.

David Geith, Treasurer
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Rich Happel, Immediate Past Chair
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Lindsey Grilec
PremiStar

Drew Harrison
Harrison Energy Partners

Mike Hupp
Harrell-Fish, Inc.

Al May
North Mechanical Services, Inc.

Michael McHenry
Ainsworth

Michael Rosone
Arista Air Conditioning Corporation

Relive The Event … or See What You Missed

VIEW PHOTOS

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Plan to Join the Fun Next Year

The next MSCA conference is shaping up to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for September 22 – 25, 2024, and plan to join us at the member favorite Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor

Heightened competition has spurred mechanical contractors to share their impressive story of accomplishment, capabilities and convictions to bolster their image and competitive advantage. MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor highlights the need for regular promotion as a business development tool and offers tips for selecting a public relations consultant. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

Why contractors need to invest in public relations
How to select a public relations consultant
The role of management’s commitment to public relations
Public relations as a craft

DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Register Today for MCAA24 and the Early Bird Discount!

Registrations for MCAA24 are coming in hot, but you still have time to register and receive the early bird discount rate! These discounted registration rates will be available to MCAA members through December 31. The regular registration rates will go into effect January 1, 2024.

Hotel rooms at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are also filling fast. Register today to secure an on-property hotel room.

MCAA24 will be held March 17 – 21, 2024 at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes located in Orlando, Florida.

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.

Tim Brink Featured on The People Business Podcast

MCAA CEO Tim Brink joined Frank Favaro for The People Business podcast on September 27, 2023. Listen as Tim shares his journey, from his grandfather’s plumbing business to the mentors who guided him, the importance of caring for people, and the value of authentic relationships.

Celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence Each Month of 2023 With a Safety Resource Kit

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. Each kit will include videos, webinars, trainings, and additional resources on each monthly topic.

November 2023: Workplace Safety

Workplace safety includes more than PPE and fall protection, it encompasses workplace distractions and workplace violence. Identifying warning signs and taking appropriate actions to prevent workplace violence is important to everyone’s safety and health. These resources show viewers how to protect themselves and others if they find themselves in an active workplace violence situation. This month’s kit includes two full length videos on workplace distractions and workplace violence and a microlearning series on workplace violence protection.

Worker Safety Training Videos & Accompanying Resources

Workplace Distractions

Workplace Violence

MCAA Microlearning Safety Videos

Workplace Violence Protection

DOWNLOAD RESOURCE SUMMARY

Find the Latest from Winsupply and GTP Software, 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:

Winsupply
Because we bring national buying strength to local support directly to you.

Learn More

GTP Software, Inc.
STRATUS, the premiere Virtual Design and Construction Productivity software solution for MEP Contractors, takes you beyond the model. Elevate your technology capabilities in the shop and field. Empower your team with information. Encourage more communication and engagement.

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

Jomar Explains How Adjustable Thermostatic Balancing Saves Time and Money

If your team is tired of callbacks because of a lack of hot water at the point of use and the labor required for manual balancing, thermostatic balancing, a more efficient domestic hot water balancing method, is now an option. Thermostatic balancing recirculates the hot water loop based on temperature, as opposed to pressure or flow.

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

Nominate a Safety Professional as the 2023 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year

Nominations are due by close of business on December 8, 2023.

Nominations are open for the 2023 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award. This award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. Five individuals have received the award since its inception in 2018. Nominate someone today and they could be number six!

To nominate someone from your company, or from another company, please complete the nomination form below and submit it by close of business on December 8, 2023.

The 2023 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award will be presented at MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference on January 18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ. The winner will be asked to participate in an on-stage general session interview after the award announcement.

The winner will also be invited to the MCAA24 convention in Orlando, FL, in March to receive the award onstage during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. Airfare, lodging, and registration will all be complimentary.

NOMINATION FORM

SAFETY & HEALTH CONFERENCE

MCAA National Committee Nominations are Due November 3

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 3, so don’t delay!

Committee Descriptions

If you have questions about, or need clarification of committee activities or functions, please call Jan Grillo or Tim Brink at the national office at (301) 869-5800.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION INFORMATION & FORM

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Tax Requirements Applicable to Travel Reimbursements, Advances and Subsistence Allowances

Mechanical contractors must satisfy federal employment tax requirements with respect to all “wages” paid to employees. MCAA’s Tax Requirements Applicable to Travel Reimbursements, Advances and Subsistence Allowances explains the tax rules and addresses the related question of the employer’s right to deduct these payments as ordinary and necessary business expenses. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

Withholding requirements
Deductibility substantiation requirements
Income tax consequences to the employee

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.

UA ITF Offers Grants for MCAA’s Safety & Health Conference

The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,500 grants for the 2024 MCAA Safety & Health Conference, which includes 50+ hours of education and training from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Forty grants are available for the January 16-18, 2024, event in Tucson, AZ, with grants limited to one per local.

The ITF Board of Trustees approved the grant so that individuals can learn firsthand about safety and health issues specific to the mechanical construction and service industries through world-class training and education. The grant, which was first announced in the UA’s Fall/Winter 2023 Safety News, is intended to cover 40 hours of wages and all travel related costs to attend the conference. Any unspent funds may be used by the local union education fund for other training program initiatives.

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

Attend all three days of the conference and
Provide proof of a current OSHA 500 credential

See the grant guidelines for more information, including how to apply. Please be sure to submit your ITF grant and have your attendee register for the conference by Friday, November 17.

If you have any questions, please contact Jocelyn Crowder, Fund Administrator, at JocelynC@uanet.org or 410-269-2000, ext. 4010.

GRANT GUIDELINES

Learn How to Respond to an Opioid Overdose Emergency at MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference

January 16-18, 2024 | Loews Ventana Canyon – Tuscon, AZ

Do you know how to help someone you suspect has overdosed on opioids? Find out, and gain the knowledge and confidence you need to respond during Narcan Certification for Opioid Overdoses. This course, presented by Rescue One Training for Life, is just one reason to attend MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!

In this course, you will learn:

To recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
The appropriate care to provide is based on the person’s breathing and level of responsiveness.
How to give naloxone using several different products – a nasal atomizer, Narcan Nasal Spray – to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference will offer more than 50 hours of training and education from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Join us for three days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations with 300+ occupational safety and health professionals, principals, owners, local affiliated executives, UA instructors, industry partners, NECA & SMACNA, and anyone who has safety and health responsibilities.

For the first-time in conference history we are being joined by TAUC’s EHS Committee and welcome all TAUC members to participate in this event.

Registration Pricing

This conference is one of MCAA’s most popular conferences and it sells out quickly. Register today to secure your spot! Member registration is $895 and guests are $295.

*Upon completing your registration, a link to book your hotel room will be emailed to you. If you encounter any issues while booking with the hotel please contact events@mcaa.org and we are happy to assist.

Extended Learning Courses

CHST $499
CPR Instructor: $299
CPR Provider: $49
CPR Instructor Renewal: $99

Have questions or interested in exhibiting? Contact us at events@mcaa.org or 301-869-5800.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Connect With the Latest Training from Viega and DEWALT Industrial 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:

DEWALT Industrial Tool Company
The DEWALT PERFORM & PROTECT™ line of tools and accessories is YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE™ on the job. They are designed to provide a high level of one or more of the following: dust containment, control, or low vibration, without sacrificing performance. These quick and easy product guides from DEWALT^® will help get you started using your tools.

Learn More

Viega
Discover how Viega’s press technology can help drive profitability and efficiency. Book a Viega Works session today with our technical consultants who offer real world experience and industry knowledge.

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

Cannistraro, Atomatic Keep Costs in Check With Wheatland Tube’s SureThread

Atomatic Mechanical Services, Inc. and J.C. Cannistraro both rely on SureThread™ pipe from Wheatland Tube to keep their costs down. Cannistraro Fabrication Manager Billy Gardner said, “SureThread is the only brand we use for fabrication. It creates less wear on our tools, which saves us money.” Nick LaMonto, piping superintendent at Atomatic, added, “We’re threading every day. We can’t afford inferior pipe.”

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

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 Compliance with Antitrust Laws

All businesses, including mechanical contractors, should take great care that they maintain strict compliance with all antitrust laws and avoid the perception of violating the antitrust laws. MCAA’s Compliance with Antitrust Laws provides a summary of the issues at hand to assist your company in its compliance. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

Provisions of the antitrust laws
Topics to avoid in discussion with other industry members
Penalties for violation of the antitrust laws
How antitrust laws impact your association

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.

Find the Latest from SLOAN and Oventrop Corporation 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:

SLOAN
More and more buildings are opting for carbon neutral products to meet environmental certifications. Learn how contractors can keep up and deliver on these goals.

Learn More

Oventrop Corporation
Oventrop’s Flypass Set
The Flypass Multifunctional Connection Set is a compact, versatile alternative to the standard coil kit. With less components and less leakage risk, it’s a more cost-effective and easier to install option for our customers.

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

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

Holaday-Parks Achieves Award-Winning Sustainable Plumbing Design With Morris Group’s AcornVac System

To renovate an historic building while simultaneously seeking to reach new heights in sustainability, Holaday-Parksinstalled a water-saving vacuum plumbing system from AcornVac, a division of Morris Group International. The AcornVac system was among the solutions that earned the building recognition as one of the most environmentally friendly office spaces of its size worldwide. It also eliminates the need for costly trenching or core drilling.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

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

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Be Inspired to Foster a Culture of Innovation by 2024 Safety & Health Conference Speaker John Brennan

January 16-18, 2024 | Loews Ventana Canyon – Tuscon, AZ

As the former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director who led the most comprehensive restructuring of the agency in its history, John Brennan understands the challenges of transforming an organization. He will share specific examples of the mission-critical solutions he employed to boost leadership training and talent development. Learn how these efforts helped to create a more effective, efficient, and productive workforce and management structure during the 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!

For the first-time in conference history we are being joined by TAUC’s EHS Committee and welcome all TAUC members to participate in this event.

Registration Pricing

This conference is one of MCAA’s most popular conferences and it sells out quickly. Register today to secure your spot! Member registration is $895 and guests are $295.

Extended Learning Courses

CHST $499
CPR Instructor: $299
CPR Provider: $49
CPR Instructor Renewal: $99

Have questions or interested in exhibiting? Contact us at events@mcaa.org or 301-869-5800.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.