Archives: News Items

“I have never been more proud to be a plumber for a union contractor…”

MCAA is a family. Tragically, members of our family now need our help. Many of our MCAA and UA families had their lives turned upside down by the unbelievable tragedy named Harvey.

That’s why MCAA established the MCAA Disaster Relief Fund. THANK YOU to those MCAA-affiliated local associations, individuals and member companies, both contractors and manufacturer/suppliers, that have contributed to our Relief Fund.

Together, We are Making a Difference!

If you would like to make a contribution to our Fund you can easily do so via a check made out to the “MCAA Disaster Relief Fund.” Checks can be mailed to the attention of MCAA CEO John Gentille at the MCAA National Office, 1385 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.

West Chester Mechanical Named 2017 Mechanical Contractor of the Year

Congratulations to everyone at MCAA member West Chester Mechanical of Aston, Pennsylvania for being named Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2017 Mechanical Contractor of the Year.

Owner and COO Mark Rogers’ key to success:

“Listen to people. Listen to others who do what we do. Listen to the guys from the UA. When you listen, that’s when you learn. That’s what has helped us get to where we are now. And take care of the people around you. Be part of their lives and do for them, and good things will happen for you.”

Well said!

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2017 Tech Conference Includes Focus on Service

MCAA’s annual Technology Conference has always been that one place where mechanical contractors in construction, plumbing, and service could get real life, technology information that companies could actually use but this year, a bonus has been added for service contractors.

A real effort and focus has been made this year to include relevant content for service contractors. With the guidance of service contractors on the Tech Committee, each general session will have pertinent information that will be of relevance to the service industry.

Additionally, each of the three breakout sessions will include a service focused topic that will allow MSCA members to dive deep on optimizing their operations.

We’d like to extend an invitation to your tech leaders in your organization to attend the Tech Conference to be held in Austin, Texas, November 8-10, 2017 at the JW Marriott.

Registration is now open for the 2017 MCAA Technology Conference. The registration fee is only $595 – a special value available to MSCA members.

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Going Retro – The Art of Retrocommissioning in HVACR

In the HVACR industry, most know all about the commissioning process but a new resurgence of retrocommissioning is making a comeback in the HVACR industry.

Properly commissioning an HVAC installation is a necessary process that ensures newly installed systems operate as intended and since many existing buildings are in poor shape, through retrocommissioning, contractors are trained to identify problems and offer solutions.

The process of retrocommissioning refers to identifying improvements that can increase the energy savings and performance of existing buildings. Considering that about half of all commercial buildings in the U.S. were constructed before 1980, it’s easy to see why there is a growing demand for contractors who offer retrocommissioning.

Some of the problems that Richard Starr, President and CEO, Enterprise HVAC Service and Control, Twinsburg, Ohio, and former national chairman of Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), has uncovered during retrocommissioning include improper air pressures (zones that should be positive but are negative and vice versa), a lack of proper air changes per hour, and building controls that are not calibrated properly.

Ongoing retrocommissioning is absolutely vital to the performance of a building, said Thom Brazel, General Manager, Ruthrauff Service, Pittsburgh, PA, and former national chairman of MSCA.

For the full article in The News, click the button below.

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Egan Realizes Rapid ROI with KEY2ACT’s MobileTech

Egan Company installed the MobileTech solution from KEY2ACT, slashing billing time and eliminating time-consuming paperwork. Chris Yelle, Egan’s service operations manager, estimated that Egan will see its return on investment (ROI) within 18 months of implementing MobileTech, which connects field staff to the back office, providing instant access to the information and enabling both sides to easily manage service calls and appointments.

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Looking for More Solutions that Deliver Quick ROI?

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

Harrell-Fish Inc. Goes Digital with Jonas Construction Software – Move Slashes Payroll Processing Time, Improves Cash Flow

With their new Jonas Construction Software, Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI) is now able to turn around billings about five days quicker, improving their cash flow in the process. They have also reduced their payroll processing time from about four hours a month spread out across three employees to about an hour only with Jonas.

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Looking for More Ways to Save Time and Improve Cash Flow?

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

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Get the Latest from SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc., ServiceTrade and More 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:

SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
The Marley LW Fluid Cooler uses patent-pending heat transfer technology and EC motors. More benefits: lower height, one-piece install, single-point power, factory-installed controls and wiring.

Learn More

ServiceTrade
ServiceTrade is customer service, sales, and service management software for mechanical service companies.

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

Download Your New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Today!

Members have access to a full-featured digital version of our Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide. This version enhances the look and feel of our directory with digital-only benefits like these:

Network on the go with linked email addresses.
Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.

MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide is free as a member benefit.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Update your profile on our website, or contact Jan Grillo for assistance.

Sloan Offers Low-Maintenance, High-Tech Approach to Commercial Restrooms

Knowing when to service or replace aging plumbing equipment is critical to maintaining a clean, operational commercial restroom. Like regularly changing the oil in your car, consistent preventive maintenance helps avoid critical, costlier repairs down the road.

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Looking for More Tips to Save You Time and Money?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

Plus, 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.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

MSCA’s Plumbing Service 101 – Finding and Developing Great Plumbing Techs Webinar Now Available!

If you missed Plumbing Service 101, Module 3 – Finding and Developing Great Plumbing Techs, don’t worry, you can now access the webinar in both MSCA’s Resource Center and in Archived Webinars.

This third webinar in the MSCA original series, Plumbing Service 101, Finding and Developing Great Plumbing Service Technicians, provides an overview of where and how to find talented individuals and how best to train them. You will learn about the important traits to look for in your recruiting efforts and the skills needed for success.

In this webinar, Tom Bigley, UA Director of Plumbing Services, shares relevant information on UA Plumbing Service Training Programs.

Each module consists of a 60-minute webinar and corresponding workbook. Webinars and workbooks are free to MSCA/MCAA members.

Access the webinar in Archived Webinars

Enhance Your Service Dispatcher’s Performance!

ALMOST SOLD OUT!

As the first point of contact for your customers, service dispatchers are vital to your business. To ensure these crucial team members are well-prepared to effectively perform their role, register them for the MSCA Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program, September 18-19, 2017, in Dallas, TX.

New and experienced dispatchers will gain valuable insights and understanding about their importance to your business and its current and future success. This class is ALMOST SOLD OUT so sign your dispatchers up today!

Download brochure and register now

MSCA and Convoy of Hope Partner Again to Bring Hope in Boca Raton!

This year, prior to the commencement of MSCA 2017 Education Conference in Boca Raton, FL, MSCA and Convoy of Hope will partner once again to deliver a tractor trailer full of much needed supplies to the Palm Beach County Food Bank. MSCA Board members and other volunteers will help unload tens of thousands of pounds of goods, valued at over $40,000. MSCA volunteers will then assist with performing various needed tasks and activities at the food bank.

For more information, please click on the button below.

CLICK HERE

Take a look at last year’s turnout:

At our MSCA 2017 Education Conference, spouses and other volunteers will also pack approximately 75,000 meals and over 15,000 pounds of rice or beans which will be shipped to Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding Programs worldwide. We look forward to working again with a hardworking group of volunteers at our “Do Good – Feel Great” Packing Party on October 17, 2017.

MSCA’s Popular Plumbing Service 101, Third Webinar is June 13th and Registration is Now Open!

This third webinar in the MSCA original series, Plumbing Service 101, Finding and Developing Great Plumbing Service Technicians, will provide an overview of where and how to find talented individuals and how best to train them. During this webinar you will learn about the important traits to look for in your recruiting efforts and the skills needed for success.

It’s our pleasure to announce that for this webinar, Tom Bigley, UA Director of Plumbing Services, will be sharing relevant information on UA Plumbing Service Training Programs.

The webinar is scheduled for June 13 at 1:00 pm EDT, sign up today!

Now Access MSCA’s Plumbing Service 101 Webinars

If you missed the February and April Plumbing Service 101 webinars, no worries, you can now access the first and second modules of Plumbing Service 101 in both MSCA’s Resource Center and in Archived Webinars.

The first program module, Plumbing Service Business Basics, provides you with essential information on the value of adding plumbing services to your product offerings.

Plumbing Service Markets, the second module, will provide you with essential information on identifying and creating your specific niche market, growing your plumbing service client base and differentiating your company from your competitors.

Each module consists of a 60-minute webinar and corresponding workbook. Webinars and workbooks are free to MSCA/MCAA members.

Access the webinar in Archived Webinars

Distracted Driving Prevention Resources

Distracted driving in the construction industry is a growing concern, especially for construction employers. Traffic fatalities increased by 6% in 2016, and 27% of crashes involve drivers talking and/or texting on cell phones. The risk of crashing when engaged in visual-manual sub-tasks is three times that of non-distracted drivers. Fortunately, MCAA and it’s long-time partner in safety CNA have produced resources that will help you address the concern in your own companies. These resources include a recently revised CNA bulletin on Limiting Driver Distractions, MCAA’s Distracted Driving Reduction and Prevention Guide, MCAA’s Safety Bulletin on Distracted Driving, and MCAA’s worker safety training video on Workplace Distractions.

MSCA Introduces Plumbing Service 101 Webinar Series and Workbooks

Mechanical Service Contractors of America is pleased to announce its much anticipated Plumbing Service 101 webinar series and workbooks!

Each webinar and workbook module will focus on a key facet of operating a successful plumbing service business. Each module consists of a 60-minute webinar and corresponding workbook. Webinars and workbooks are free to MSCA/MCAA members.

The first program module, Plumbing Service Business Basics, is scheduled for February 28th at 1:00 pm EST and will provide you with essential information on the value of adding plumbing services to your product offerings. Three successful plumbing service contractors will discuss the opportunities and decision factors to consider when thinking about plumbing service for your company. They will also review the initial resource and investment requirements needed before delving into this venture.

Registration is now open for this exciting, new webinar series so register below today. Prior to the webinar, make sure to download the Plumbing Service Business Basics Workbook available as a free download to MCAA/MSCA members.

Download workbook here

MSCA’s Sales Basecamp Accelerates Performance

Do members on your service sales team need a refresher course? Have you recently added new staff to your sales team? If your answer is yes, register them now for the upcoming MSCA Sales Basecamp course, May 1-2 to be held in Philadelphia, PA.

This is the last MSCA Sales Basecamp course of 2017. This popular 2 – day program will provide the skills needed to build long-term customer relationships, efficiently and effectively prospect for results, understand the MSCA Sales Cycle, prepare for that first critical meeting and handle objections professionally during the proposal presentation.

Click below for details or to register your sales team members.

Details & Brochure

MSCA Releases Field Service Software Report

MSCA announces the release of the Field Service Software Report, fourth in the MCAA Technology Research Series, as developed by JBKnowledge. This report analyzes the current state of service software deployment and helps demystify the process for evaluating and implementing service software in an organization.

The report is based on data collected through a technology survey of MSCA members undertaken earlier this year. James Benham, president of JBKnowledge discussed the report results at a special session during the MSCA annual educational conference held in Scottsdale, AZ. The report explains features and functions members should expect to find in service software and evaluates currently available service software.

Members can download their free copy of the MSCA Field Service Software Report here.

HVACR Manufacturer Training Classes for 2017

New HVACR chiller training courses are now being offered by the United Association Training Department in conjunction with Carrier Corporation and Johnson Controls through the 2017 Regional Training System.

These courses will be taught by authorized factory instructors, incorporating manufacturer specific curriculum, and have limited availability. Admittance into each course is subject to registration policies by each participating manufacturer.

These classes are open to all UA technicians and are being offered at NO charge to attendees – registration fees will be covered by the International Training Fund (ITF). Employers will only be responsible for wages and all travel costs. Class size is limited and these classes fill up quickly. Priority is given to UA instructors. For additional information and to register for these classes, please contact your local UA training coordinator. If you have any questions, or need additional information, contact Richard Benkowski, UA Training Specialist at 412-525-0044 or richb@uanet.org.

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Registration for Popular MSCA Service Managers Training Program Now Open

The 2017 MSCA Service Managers Training Program is now open for registration. Scheduled for March 27 – 30, 2017 in Baltimore, MD, this intensive four-day class will provide service professionals with critical management and leadership skills to enhance their performance, provide added-value to their company and ensure their success. The program was developed with the service manager’s typical day-to-day problems in mind and will address key topics in financial management, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, coaching and motivation. Class size is limited and program sells out quickly so register today. To download a brochure and registration form click here.