Archives: News Items

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.

2017 Student Internship Grants Available Through MCERF!

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) is again making available Student Internship Grants to all MCAA members who hire college students majoring in a discipline related to mechanical contracting. The grants are for $1,000, and MCAA members are eligible to apply for up to two grants during 2017.

MCERF funds the grants to encourage MCAA members to draw student interns into our industry. Everyone wins! The student gains valuable knowledge from the skills and experience of the contractor and his/her team which enhances the student’s resume and may positively affect his/her future career plans. The contractor gains from the student’s new perspective and savvy technology expertise and the grant helps cover the intern’s salary.

So when you hire a student intern this year, apply for a grant. It’s quick, easy and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come.

apply for a grant

Now Available! MSCA’s Insights into Field Service Software Webinar

The Insights into Field Service Software webinar is now available to members for access. This webinar featured a discussion of the recent findings of the MSCA Field Service Software Report and its analysis of the current state of service software.

Technology expert Kelly Doyle with JBKnowledge helped participants gain a better understanding of how to identify and evaluate service software functionality — which provides the best fit for your company. MSCA past-chairman Scott Berger, Arista Air Conditioning, Long Island City, NY, facilitated the program.

The MSCA Field Service Software Report, part of the MCAA Construction Technology Research Series and the Insights into Field Service Software webinar are both available below.

Access here

MSCA’s Plumbing Service 101 Webinar Now Available

If you missed the February webinar of Plumbing Service 101, Plumbing Service Business Basics, don’t worry, you can now access the first module webinar 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. Three successful plumbing service contractors discuss the opportunities and decision factors to consider when thinking about plumbing service for your company. They also review the initial resource and investment requirements needed before delving into this venture.

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

The next webinar, Plumbing Service Markets, is scheduled for April 25, 2017 at 1:00 pm EDT.

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 Sales Basecamp Provides New Service Sales Professionals the Skills Needed to Succeed

If you have recently added new staff to your sales team or have members of your sales team that need a skills tune-up, register them now for the upcoming MSCA Sales Basecamp course, May 1-2 to be held in Philadelphia, PA. 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.

For additional details and to download a brochure, click below.

Details & Brochure

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

New EPA Refrigerant Management Regulations Go Into Effect

clouds The new updated EPA safe handling requirements for refrigerants under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act went into effect January 1, 2017. This includes a provision that reclaimed refrigerants, including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and HFOs, may not be resold unless it has been reclaimed by a certified reclaimer. In addition, the rule requires the following:

Lowers the leak rate thresholds that trigger the duty to repair refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant.
Requires quarterly/annual leak inspections or continuous monitoring devices for refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment that have exceeded the threshold leak rate
Requires owners/operators to submit reports to EPA if systems containing 50 or more pounds of refrigerant leak 125% or more of their full charge in one calendar year.
Requires technicians to keep a record of refrigerant recovered during system disposal from systems with a charge size from 5–50 lbs.
Revises the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification Exam to include ODS substitutes

Download the EPA Fact Sheet for HVACR Technicians here.

Additional information on the ruling can be found on the EPA website here.

What contractors need to know

Additional changes to the ruling go into effect on January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019.

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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Safe Work Distance Finally Established for Service Work on Low-Slope Roofs

In the past, mechanical service technicians were required to have fall prevention or protection systems in place while servicing HVAC equipment on flat roofs, regardless of how far they were working from the roof’s edge. OSHA’s newly revised walking-working surfaces rule now allows service technicians to perform their tasks without fall prevention or protection systems, but only under specified conditions.

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MSCA and Convoy of Hope Deliver Hope in Phoenix

Just prior to the recent MSCA conference in Scottsdale, AZ, MSCA and Convoy of Hope partnered to deliver a tractor trailer of supplies to Chrysalis, a domestic abuse, crisis and counseling center in Phoenix. MSCA Board members and other volunteers helped unload the over 40,000 pounds of needed goods valued at over $40,000. MSCA volunteers then assisted with various landscaping and cleaning tasks at the shelter. Take a look:

During the MSCA conference, spouses and other volunteers also packed over 15,000 pounds of pasta which will be shipped to Convoy of Hope’s Childrens Feeding Programs worldwide. This dynamic group of volunteers did an amazing job working hard while grooving to some great up-beat tunes!

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.