Archives: News Items

Find the Latest from Project DocControl, Mitsubishi Electric 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:

Project DocControl MCAA Virtual Trade ShowProject DocControl
Created by and for specialty contractors, Project DocControl helps you increase productivity, reduce risk, enhance company image and improve accountability with our Cloud or Server project management.

Learn More


Mitsuibishi Electric Kumo Cloud - MCAA Virtual Trade ShowMitsubishi Electric
Personal comfort just got smarter. Mitsubishi Electric’s kumo cloud™ app helps you provide more value and services to your customers with anytime, anywhere smart control of their HVAC system on almost any smartphone or tablet.

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

A Thank You from Our Family Members Devastated by Hurricane Harvey

Hear from some of those affected by the Houston floods earlier this year. Your donations to the MCAA Disaster Relief Fund are making a difference for them and other UA and MCAA family members whose lives have been turned upside down by natural disasters.

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.

Want to Teach Your Workers to Prevent Jobsite Fires? Check Out this Video!

MCAA’s Fire Safety Training Video will teach your workers to recognize common causes of jobsite fires and how to prevent them.

Your workers will learn about:

  • Health effects of smoke inhalation and burns
  • Common causes of jobsite fires
  • Proper fire prevention techniques
  • Safe fire response, including knowing when to fight the fire and when to get out and leave it to the professionals

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Discover the Latest from SIEMENS, QuoteSoft 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:

SIEMENS ZCUSIEMENS
Siemens ZCU is pre-engineered and factory-fabricated to reduce installation costs. It includes the VAV box with all controls & hydronics preassembled & leak-tested as a complete package. Guaranteed leak-free operation & warranty.

Learn More


QuoteSoft BIM & Estimating Software MCAA Virtual Trade Show
QuoteSoft
QuoteSoft BIM and Estimating Solutions – Increase Takeoff speed and bottom line with cost and labor estimating software for mechanical and HVAC contractors. Call for web demo today!

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

Anderson, Rowe & Buckley Shaves Hours, Speeds Up Cash Flow With MobiliForms From iBusiness

Anderson, Rowe & Buckley (AR&B) deployed MobiliForms from iBusiness Technologies, cutting labor costs and going paperless painlessly. “Our 100+ field techs are shaving time each day, and I’ve personally recaptured eight hours per week,” said Darin Sheridan, HVAC superintendent, who is tasked with overseeing the solution.

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

Want to Educate Your Workers About Workplace Distractions? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Workplace Distractions Safety Training Video will help your workers recognize and avoid the most common industry-related workplace distractions.

Your workers will learn about the four most common types of distractions:

  • Driving distractions
  • Electronic distractions
  • Environmental distractions
  • Personal distractions

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Find the Latest from Sloan Valve Company, Mueller Industries, Inc. 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:

Sloan Carbon Neutral ProductsSloan Valve Company
Sustainability in the Commercial Restroom – Sloan now offers a series of carbon-free products to reduce environmental impact.

Learn More


Mueller Streamline PRS MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Mueller Industries, Inc.
Mueller Industries’ Streamline PRS press fittings are the trusted, quality solution to flameless copper joining.

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

Announcing MSCA Sales Institute Program Schedule for 2018!

Announcing the MSCA Sales Institute Program Schedule For 2018!
Registration is Now Open So Sign Up For Your Class Today!

January 29 – 30, 2018, Sales Leadership Symposium in Irvine, CA
February 5 – 6 , 2018, Sales Basecamp in Phoenix, AZ
April 15 – 19, 2018, Sales Masters Week 1 in Oak Brook, IL
May 7 – 8, 2018,  Sales Basecamp in Chicago, IL
November 4 – 9, 2018, Sales Masters Week 2  in Houston, TX

MSCA’s Sales Institute, an MSCA University program is the first and only focused training program specific to service sales in the HVACR industry. This program, unlike any other, provides a clear career path for growing and developing service sales professionals to ensure their success, enhance their value to the company, encourage retention and, ultimately, increase sales. Nowhere else does such a comprehensive educational offering exist that focuses on your needs.

Sign up using the links below:

Sales Leadership Symposium

Sales Basecamp

Sales Masters Week 1 Sales Masters Week 2

Find the Latest from Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc., Parker Hannifin 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:
Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.

The ENDURADRIVE™ Fan System Retrofit Kit is a direct drive motor system that provides 100% reliability on transmission components and a 90% reduction in maintenance costs, all while providing an increase in energy savings by 10%.

Learn More

Parker Hannifin MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Parker Hannifin
Transair® is the original aluminium pipe work system for industrial fluids and your best solution for Compressed Air, Inert Gas and Vacuum applications.

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

Need to Teach Workers About Hazard Communication? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Hazard Communication Safety Training Video will help your workers protect themselves from chemical hazards in the workplace.

Your workers will learn about:

  • The globally harmonized system for communicating chemical information
  • Hazard communication programs
  • Chemical container labels
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Plus, give workers a quick jobsite reference

Download the GHS Pictograms and Hazards Poster

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Need Help Managing Your Business Finances? Check Out These Bulletins!

Staying on top of your company’s finances can be challenging, especially during periods of economic volatility. With that in mind, MCAA’s Management Methods Committee produced bulletins that address the most critical accounting and financial issues facing your business.

The bulletins cover a wide range of topics from general guidelines—Tips to Help Contractors Manage Through an Economic Downturn, Guide to Financial Statements and Credit Policy Criteria—to more specific issues, such as Cash FlowService Mark-ups vs. Construction Mark-ups and Other Direct Job Costs (ODJC’s) and Indirect Job Costs. Each bulletin provides detailed, current information that will not only help you keep your finances in balance but may also streamline your company’s accounting processes and improve your business relationships with your customers, project associates and equipment suppliers.

Want to See All of the Management Methods Bulletins?

You can find them on our Management Methods Bulletins page, where they’re listed by category with links.

GO THERE NOW

Or in the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

VISIT THE RESOURCE CENTER

Want to Prevent Falls from Ladders? Check Out this Video!

MCAA’s Ladder Safety Training Video can help you prevent falls by showing workers how to inspect, transport, set up and use ladders safely.

Your workers will learn about:

  • Common reasons for falls
  • The safe use of ladders, including stepladders and portable straight ladders
  • How new ladder technology has substantially improved ladder safety

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

MSCA Appoints First Female Chair of MSCA Board of Managers

NEWS RELEASE

Mechanical Service Contractors of America Names First Woman Chair of MSCA Board of Managers

Jaimi Lomas, VP of Service, A.O. Reed & Co., makes MSCA history

ROCKVILLE, MD—The Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) announced the appointment of Jaimi Lomas, vice president of service at A. O. Reed in San Diego, CA, as the first woman chair of the MSCA board of managers during its 32nd annual education conference in Boca Raton, Florida. Kip Bagley, vice president of service at EMCOR Services, Mesa Energy Systems, Irvine, CA, will serve as vice chairman, Steve Smith, senior vice president of ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc., Glendale, CA, will serve as treasurer and Chris Carter, vice president of service at Murphy Company, St. Louis, MO, will now serve as past chairman.

Jaimi Lomas, vice president of service for A.O. Reed & Co. in San Diego, CA is a 20+ year veteran of the company and is responsible for sales, operations, and the overall growth and financial health of the service division. With over 10 years in her current role at A.O. Reed & Co., Jaimi is expert in building strategic customer relationships and has a true passion for developing internal culture and mentoring employee success.  As a female in a male dominated industry, Jaimi is focused on building an inclusive and diverse organization that reflects the community and allows individuals to contribute and reach their full potential. Jaimi was selected as the 2011 HVAC Woman of the Year by HVAC News, and has been an active leader with BOMA in San Diego for over 20 years. She has served on the MSCA marketing committee for 10 years and as its chairman for the past two years as well as serving on the MSCA Board of Managers for six years. Jaimi is currently President of the Mechanical Service Contractors of San Diego. For over a decade she has been a committed Big Sister for Girls Rising where she has inspired many young women.

Is Your Company’s Fleet Safety Program as Effective as it Can Be?

This is a great time of year to evaluate your company’s fleet safety program. Doing so can help you ensure that the program is effectively protecting affected workers and that your company is benefiting from the most current safe work practices and technologies.

  • Sobering Facts:
  1. Motor Vehicle Fatalities Are the Leading Cause of Preventable Deaths
  2. They Continue to Increase – Up 14% since 2014
  • Minimum Fleet Safety Program Components
  1. Identifying All Company Drivers

-Workers Who Take Vehicles Home

-Subcontractors

-Driving Own Vehicles for Company Business

  1. Screening and Selecting Drivers Carefully

-Employment History

-Motor Vehicle Reports

-Drug/Alcohol Violation History

-National and Local Criminal Background Checks

-Pre-employment drug testing

-Pre-employment physical exams

-Pre-employment eyes exams

-Licenses/Certifications

  1. Driver Training

-All Applicable Training

  1. Monitoring Driving Behavior

-Real-Time Insight into Driving Habits

-Software Tools/Sensors/GPS, etc.

  1. Formal Vehicle Inspection Processes/Vehicle Maintenance

-At least monthly

  • Collision Avoidance Technologies
  1. Automatic Breaking
  2. Forward Collision Alert
  3. Lane Change Alert
  4. Cross Traffic Alert While in Reverse
  5. Rear Parking Assist (Provides Distance to Objects)
  6. Rear View Cameras
  • Real Time GPS Tracking
  1. Provides Extra Element of Safety

-Getting Help to Drivers ASAP by Always Knowing Exact Locations

  1. Reduces Fuel Costs

-Curbs Poor Driving Habits

-Automated Alerts to Non-Compliance

  1. Improves Productivity & Reduces Operating Costs

-More Accurate Calculations of Time spent Traveling

-Optimizes Driver Routes – Quickest Routes/Fewest Stops

  • Video and Drive Data Sensors for Predictive Analytics
  1. Internal and External Cameras Monitor Drivers’ Behaviors
  2. Sensors Record Erratic Driving
  3. Data Analysis Software Analyzes Driver Performance
  4. Fuel Management by Measuring Speed
  • Sensors
  1. Speeding
  2. Rolling Stops
  3. Texting/Distractions
  4. Drowsy Driving
  5. Lane Departures
  6. Rollover Stability
  7. Following Distance
  • Distracted Driving Prevention Technologies
  1. Can be set so phones won’t work if vehicle is in motion except for 911
  2. Can be set so phones won’t work unless hands free technology is detected

Long-time partner in safety CNA has provided MCAA with several informational bulletins on various fleet safety subjects. Visit the following links to view the bulletins.

  1. Sample Fleet Safety Program Guide
  2. Driver Selection
  3. Sample Cell Phone Use Policy
  4. Vehicle Personal Use
  5. Winter Driving
  6. Negligent Entrustment
  7. Crash Investigations

 

MSCA and Convoy of Hope Video Highlights at MSCA CONNECT 2017!

MSCA & Convoy of Hope video highlights at MSCA CONNECT 2017 at the Palm Beach County Food Bank in Boca Raton, Florida!

For the eighth consecutive year, MSCA and Convoy of Hope worked together to assist a local charitable organization at MSCA’s annual education conference. This year, MSCA worked in Boca Raton at the Palm Beach County Food Bank, during MSCA CONNECT 2017.

Check out MSCA’s day of charity, hard work and fun.

 

Need to Teach Your Service Techs to Work Safely Around RF Radiation? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Radio Frequency Radiation Exposure and Protection Safety Training Video will teach your mechanical service technicians how to identify sources of RF radiation and protect themselves from overexposure.

Your techs will learn about:

  • Potential rooftop RF exposures
  • The best safe work practices
  • Other protective measures for situations where standard safe work practices may not provide enough protection

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

MSCA and Convoy of Hope Featured in News!

MSCA made the News – with HOPE anything is POSSIBLE!

For the eighth consecutive year, MSCA and Convoy of Hope worked together to assist a local charitable organization at MSCA’s annual education conference. This year, MSCA worked in Boca Raton at the Palm Beach County Food Bank, during MSCA CONNECT 2017.

Click the link below for the story!

Last Chance to Register for MCAA’s Technology Conference

This week is your last chance to register for the MCAA Technology Conference. The conference provides insight on new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up with.

This year’s event addresses challenges for your entire team. It was designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakout and roundtables to allow for a dive deep for specific users:

  • For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
  • For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
  • IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
  • Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

There are a lot of events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technology. Don’t miss this opportunity. Register now and I hope to see you in Austin this November 8-10.

MSCA Social Media Survey Winners!

We Have Winners! 
Congrats to the 10 winners who won – just for completing the one minute Social Media Survey! Many thanks to all who responded to the survey for your valuable feedback!

 

$100 Amazon Gift Card Winners:
Michele Hoffman, MCA of Omaha, Inc.
Richard Cooke, ABM Building Solutions, LLC
Chris Rainwater, McKenney’s, Inc.
Ron Timmons, American Mechanical Services of Colorado, Inc
John Ferrucci, F & F Mechanical Enterprises

 

$50 Amazon Gift Card Winners:
Jodi Van Haren, Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration, Inc.
Steve Hayes, The Brandt Companies, LLC
Pattie Krippendorf, Mechanical, Inc.
Daniel Huelsenbeck, Wagner-Meinert, LLC
Roger Eineichner, Penta Technologies, Inc.

 

Winners: Please email Mia Yi, Director of Communications at myi@mcaa.org, to claim your prize!

Ready… Set… Go! MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition is Off and Running

MCAA student chapter members have been challenged to plan a project involving the renovation of the mechanical systems of a Brazilian restaurant in mid-town New York City—Fogo De Chao Steakhouse. The project, which was provided by Arista Air Conditioning Corporation, was announced during MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum in Indianapolis on September 30, 2017.

Project Presents Challenges

The project calls for the mechanical subcontractor to assist and coordinate the removal of the existing equipment and the installation of the new equipment using variable refrigerant flow technology (VRF). The contractor also must arrange for and coordinate the subcontracted work, manage the project within the space constraints of the restaurant (16,000 sq. ft.) and arrange all necessary city permits and licenses. The mechanical contractor may select the equipment manufacturer.

The original project design called for a chilled water system that was to be installed on the restaurant building’s roof, but the owner preferred a design option using VRF. A Simultaneous Heat Recovery system (producing heating and cooling at the same time) was selected, but bidders are to determine its design and operation.

Proposals Put Students’ Skills to the Test

Proposals are to be submitted in two segments. The first is to include pre-qualification data, such as corporate background, relevant project experience, financial information, a corporate organization chart, Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, the company’s safety record, letters of recommendation and more. The second segment calls for project-specific information, such as a project staffing matrix, a schedule, a detailed construction and/or logistics project plan, unique means and methods anticipated, and a Total Lump Sum Cost Summary Breakdown.

Proposals also must include a Preventative Maintenance and Service Contract which must incorporate a complete energy service agreement covering all the installed equipment, complete tasking of all equipment, tracking and analysis of all energy used in the system, a monthly report of all energy used, a dedicated mechanic and a back-up familiar with the restaurant and the equipment, quarterly reviews of the energy spent, filter service, estimated labor and much more.

Bidders also must take into consideration the following requirements and information:

  • Bidders are invited to submit Value Engineering suggestions limited to alternative construction means and methods, alternative materials and items that will enhance the efficiency of the facility.
  • The city has requested that union labor perform all the construction work.
  • This is not a LEED project, and therefore no LEED certifications will be considered.
  • All rigging and hoisting are to be performed on Sunday only.
  • Construction crews are not allowed to use areas shared with other businesses in the building, including stairways and stairwells, lobbies and building entrances and exits.

Final Four Teams Will Present at MCAA 2018

Proposals, which are due December 15, 2017, will be evaluated by members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee. These members will select the top four scoring teams to present their proposals at the MCAA 2018 convention in San Antonio, TX on March 26, 2018. The winning team will receive $10,000, the second place team will receive $5,000 and the other two finalists will each received $2,500.

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact Harlee Gallo.