Organization: MCAA

Understanding the Different Generations Can be Tricky. Register for MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference, March 22–25, to Learn How to Work Better with Every Generation.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will enjoy learning from Founder and CEO of JB Training Solutions, Brad Karsh.

For Millennials and Generation Z, understanding your Gen X or Boomer manager can be a tricky proposition. From tackling a first-time project, to asking for feedback, to inquiring about advancement opportunities, there is no syllabus to guide you through these tough topics. As a young professional, you might be comfortable with structure and collaboration but not all generations are ready to integrate those changes in the workplace.

Brad’s session, “OK Boomer: Managing Up in a Multigenerational World” will address the mantra that no generation is better or worse – every generation is just different. The group discovers perceptions of all the generations, including their own, to truly understand what has shaped them. They will recognize what makes their managers tick, and learn how they typically like to work. Importantly, we discuss how Millennials and Generation Z can dispel perceived entitlement, embrace feedback, understand a manager’s style, and display initiative to get ahead. Brad is the author of three business books, including the critically acclaimed Manager 3.0: A Millennial’s Guide to Rewriting the Rules of Management.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Registration is available for individuals and for companies (up to 10 registrants per company registration). Questions can be directed to eventregistration@mcaa.org. We look forward to seeing you in March!

Thank you, EVAPCO for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

REGISTER NOW

The Next Qualified Level Arc Flash Safety Training Webinars Scheduled for March 18, 2021

Make sure your service techs have the up-to-date safety training they need to protect themselves from arc flash and electrical shock hazards while working on equipment pushing 480 volts or less. The session covers all applicable OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E provisions, best practices, and real-world accident information.

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The next two webinars will be presented on March 18, 2021. The first webinar will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. EST, and the second is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST.

REGISTER TODAY

Take advantage of the MCAA/MSCA member discounted webinar prices below.

PRICING:

# of Trainees (per company)	Cost (per person)
1-5	$200/person
6-10	$175/person
11-25	$150/person
26-50	$125/person
51-100	$100/person
101+	Email for Pricing

If you can’t make it in March, the webinar will be taught again twice on April 22, 2021. Questions? Contact Pete Chaney.

MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight Episode 14 Welcomes Dean Taylor, Executive Vice President Sales for Anvil and Smith-Cooper International

In the fourteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series MCAA Co-Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Rick Gopffarth welcomes Dean Taylor, Executive Vice President Sales for Anvil and Smith-Cooper International. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Dean joined the company back in 1986 and has over 34 years of experience in the industry. Through the years, Dean has held several roles within the organization (from the ground up), working in the warehouse and inside sales before holding positions such as Warehouse Manager, Inside Sales Manager, Market Manager, and Regional Manager, continuing to work his way up to the Executive level. In his current role, Dean is responsible for global sales across all markets served, implementing and managing strategic sales plans to achieve sales goals.

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Showing Interest in the Industry

Ted McHugh left college with an education geared more towards a career in general contracting, with limited knowledge of the mechanical industry. However, he applied for a job at West Chester Mechanical Contractors, Inc. and quickly gained experience in various roles within the company.

Ted shares insight into the time and interest he put into researching the company and emphasizes that this is an important part of their hiring process, “When we’re hiring, we’re looking for somebody who’s interested in the company, interested in our industry and knows a little bit about it. Come into an interview and ask questions.”

A current MCAA Career Development committee member, Ted talks with passion when describing the variety of opportunities the mechanical industry offers to meet individual interests, and he is a great example of what you can achieve if you develop an interest and passion for the industry.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s 2020-2021 Tool & Equipment Rental Guide

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Need to Update Your Electrical Safety Program to Comply with NFPA 70E – 2021? MCAA Has What You Need

NFPA 70E is the industry consensus standard for electrical safety in the workplace. It is part of the National Electrical Codes, and it is revised by the National Fire Protection Association every three years. The most current version is NFPA 70E – 2021. Parts of the standard help us protect our service technicians from electrical shock and arc flash hazards. One of the provisions in the standard calls for affected employers to establish an electrical safety in the workplace program. MCAA’s Model Electrical Safety in the Workplace Program, which addresses work on mechanical equipment pushing 480 volts or less, was recently revised to make it consistent with NFPA 70E – 2021.

MCAA, NECA and TAUC Sign Strategic Alliance Agreement to Collaborate and Advance the Construction and Maintenance Industry

On Feb. 22, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) entered into a tri-party strategic alliance agreement to collaborate on issues impacting the construction and maintenance industry on a national and regional level.

Through this alliance, MCAA, NECA, and TAUC will conduct joint meetings and share information of mutual interest relating to environmental health and safety, industrial relations, government affairs, and innovation and technology. The three organizations will develop products and practices to jointly benefit their respective memberships, increase membership awareness of industry issues, and much more.

“MCAA, NECA and TAUC have come together in a strategic alliance to better serve our members and to strengthen our organizations in an effort to help protect the unionized construction industry,” said Timothy J. Brink, MCAA CEO.

“I am excited that NECA, TAUC and MCAA are joining together in this strategic alliance, which will align our efforts to provide the safest, most innovative work to project owners,” said David Long, NECA CEO. “Through this agreement, NECA will be well-positioned to serve its members in new ways by collaborating to serve the interests of the unionized construction industry across America.”

“Union contractors understand that our industry is always strongest when we work together,” said TAUC CEO Steve Lindauer. “TAUC’s new alliance with NECA and MCAA will strengthen our respective organizations and, most importantly, help us provide even greater service to our members moving forward.”

ABOUT THE MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) serves the unique needs of approximately 2,600 firms involved in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping and mechanical service. MCAA does this by providing their members with high-quality educational materials and programs to help them attain the highest level of managerial and technical expertise. Visit www.mcaa.org for more information.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
NECA is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office in Washington, D.C., and 118 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. Go to www.necanet.org for more information.

ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OF UNION CONSTRUCTORS
TAUC is the premier national trade association for the 21st century union construction industry. Our member firms include union contractor companies, local union contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction field. We demonstrate that union construction is the best option because it is safer and more productive and provides a higher quality and cost-competitive product. For more information, log on to www.tauc.org.

Is There A Way to Reduce Healthcare Costs, Increase Productivity and Improve the Overall Culture and Bottom Line? Register for Beverly Holcomb’s Session at MCAA’s Virtual Education Conference, March 22–25!

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from long-term health coach, Beverly Holcomb.

What if there was a systematic way to significantly affect you and your organization’s health and vitality while reducing healthcare costs, increasing productivity and improving the overall culture and bottom line? The real ROI is investing in YOU—first! Join us for Beverly Holcomb’s session, “You Know Your Company’s ROI – What’s Your Body’s ROI?”

In this seminar, you will learn which “4 Pillars” affect virtually all areas of health: nutrition, movement, recovery, integration; and how having one or more of these areas out of balance can contribute to—or cause—most of the top diseases we face today (i.e., obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s and more).

Beverly is the Co-Founder of “The SATAURA Project,” a comprehensive online educational platform that focuses on all areas of human health and potential. She has an extensive background in the design and facilitation of Integrative Corporate Wellness Programs. She has merged her expertise and passion into the development of live and online programs for corporations; with a laser focus on the long-term health and well-being of their employees. Her programs massively improve the overall culture, community, productivity, and bottom line, with a measurable R.O.I. for the organization.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Thank you, Ferguson for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

REGISTER NOW

Withum COVID-19 Bill Update – 02/24/2021

National accounting firm Withum shares some thoughts on recent developments related to the PPP, PPP2, Loan Forgiveness, and Employee Retention Tax Credits.

White House Announces Changes to PPP:

Yesterday afternoon, President Biden announced changes to the PPP geared toward making the program easier to access for smaller businesses. Last night, the SBA released further guidance solidifying these changes:

Starting February 24, 2021 at 9am, the SBA will establish a 14-day exclusive loan application period for businesses/not for profits with fewer than 20 employees.
SBA will also enact the following changes to promote equitable access to SBA relief:
- Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formulas for these categories
- Eliminate restrictions for small business owners with non-fraud felony convictions and restrictions for student loan debt delinquency
- Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful US citizens (ITINs will be used for PPP)
The adjustments to the funding formula for these groups are not available at this time, neither is any information on whether these borrowers who have previously received PPP2 funding can apply for more with their lender
It is not clear if/how this will affect applications that are currently in processing with lenders or the SBA or whether funding will be delayed in these instances

PPP2 Update:

After re-opening for business in mid-January with new appropriations of $284 billion, the PPP has had it’s fair share of bumps along the way. Here are some updates:

Through February 21, the program has had 1.9 million loans approved for approximately $140 billion in loan dollars during 2021. Average loan size of approximately $73k is considerably less than the first round, as expected due to the employee count and maximum loan amount standards imposed
The SBA installed more than 50 validation checks to prevent fraud and misuse of program funds. An unintentional effect of this was that many otherwise eligible borrowers were being held from receiving funds due to “hold codes” not applicable to their situation. The SBA has indicated that they are working to correct this, and on February 10, 2020, issued guidance to lenders on how to bypass to allow borrowers to receive their funding.
The SBA has installed a loan cap of $35,000 per employee for funding within either a PPP1 or PPP2 loan. This cap is not specified anywhere in the legislation or subsequent guidance, however they have been limiting certain loan amounts of borrowers for this through the SBA E-Tran system. We believe this would be calculated at $20,833 in wages and $14,117 of employer sponsored health insurance, retirement contribution and state and local taxes. We are not sure how they are determining the $14,117 amount as that information is not supplied on an employee basis.
In last night’s release, the SBA announced they are working with their partners to improve the “digital front door” – presumably aimed at correcting some of the hold code issues previously identified.

For a refresher on the eligibility criteria for receipt of a second draw PPP loan, please visit our article here.

Loan Forgiveness Update:

The SBA has published the following forgiveness data through February 18, 2021:

Issued:	5.2 million loans	$521 billion loan dollars
Forgiven:	1.7 million loans	$152 billion loan dollars
Under review:	187k loans	$76.9 billion loan dollars
Not yet received by the SBA:	3.3 million loans	$292 billion loan dollars
Not forgiven:	– not provided –	$500 million loan dollars

Employee Retention Tax Credits (“ERC”):

Outside the PPP, the revamped ERC program has been the hottest topic of the new year for businesses in need of relief after the downturn has negatively impacted their revenues. The program, which carries a refundable $19,000 credit per employee for businesses who qualify for both 2020 and 2021, should be explored by ALL small businesses who have either had significant reductions in gross receipts or were fully or partially suspended due to government orders during 2020. A brief summary of each program is as follows:

2020 Opportunity: The CAA removed the requirement that businesses cannot obtain a PPP loan and claim the ERC. This means that any business that previously obtained a PPP loan can now retroactively claim the ERC for 2020 if they qualify. The test for the 2020 ERC is that the business must have suffered either (i) a full or partial suspension of its business operations due to COVID-19, or (ii) it experienced a decline in gross receipts for any quarter in 2020 by more than 50% compared to the same quarter in 2019.
2021 Opportunity: Under the CAA, businesses can now claim an ERC for the first two quarters of 2021, and the rules are less restrictive than they were in 2020. Two key changes include: (i) the maximum credit per employee is $14,000 in 2021, compared to $5,000 in 2020, and (ii) the decline in gross receipts test has been relaxed to include a decline of 20% instead of 50%. Businesses can also utilize the prior quarter to establish eligibility for the 2021 program. This means for Q1 2021, the Q4 2020 can be used to determine the 20% decline in revenues. There are other expansions of the ERC that are favorable for businesses with employee counts between 100 and 500.
Note that businesses can only claim the ERC for eligible wages that were not used to support PPP loan forgiveness, and this prohibition against double dipping applies in 2020 and in 2021.

Our team has put together some resources for small businesses to start evaluating whether they might benefit from this program. Please visit our ERC flowcharts here, or our article on the overall program here. We also invite you to view our on-demand webinar from last week here.

COVID-19 vaccine for employees: Can you require it? Should you require it? Can you offer incentives to encourage it?

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) shared information regarding these important questions. Before deciding to require employees to have the COVID-19 vaccination, employers should consider possible implications, and may decide to encourage or incentivize, rather than mandate, employee vaccination.

Highlighting NEI Instructor Leah Guttman

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Leah Gutmann, owner of First Forward Consulting, LLC.

Leah is certified to deliver training on a wide variety of leadership and financial topics. She has over 12 years of experience in the design, implementation and facilitation of educational programs, classes and seminars. Her 20-year career as a CFO and Finance Manager in the mechanical construction industry has given Leah the unique ability to offer training and consulting from a hands-on, in the trenches perspective.

Her Instructor Training Series (ITS) Seminars train JATC instructors, association instructors, and organization subject matter experts to increase retention of material, connect with students, and transfer critical industry knowledge to the next generation. All classes are adapted to fit the needs of each instructor group and their application to the mechanical construction industry.

In her Leadership Development Series (LDS) Seminars for Service and Construction, management level employees and team leaders focus on building strong communication skills and self-awareness, skills that will help them to be successful leaders.

Finally, her Financial Development Series (FDS) Seminars for Service and Construction offer customized coursework to address foundational, intermediate, or advanced topics for your identified group and will include direct application and practice to relevant projects, service work, and company financials.

Like our other NEI instructors, Leah brings her unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Even during the COVID-19 era. Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.

MCAA and UA Join Forces to Help Those in Need in Texas

As a state of emergency is declared in Texas, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America is working with the United Association to coordinate relief and provide supplies to those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our members, their employees and families, and everyone else in Texas as they get through this period of devastation. If you would like to join us in this effort, please follow the link below to contribute to the MCAA Charitable Fund. We, the UA and MCAA, are all in this together!

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Aerial Lift Safety Training Video

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s Aerial Lift Safety Training Video, an easy way to help meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A92 aerial lift safety training requirements.

Topics covered include:
• The significance of aerial lift load capacities
• How to properly inspect and function test lifts before use
• What to do when there is a problem with a lift
• The appropriate fall prevention and protection requirements for the two different types of lifts
• Safe operating procedures

DOWNLOAD OR PLAY THE VIDEO

You might also like these supporting materials:

Meet MAPC’s New Board Members

Madison Association of Plumbing Contractors (MAPC) Executive Director Julie Walsh announced this week that Paul Christensen will serve as MAPC President with Brian Schultz as Vice President, Chris Behrendt, P.E., as Secretary, and Jesse Pertzborn as Treasurer.

Meet the team that oversees the MAPC’s efforts to provide its members with the best education, resources, safety practices, industry relations, and networking events possible.

Paul Christensen | MAPC President

Owner/CEO/Project Executive of 1901, Inc.

Christensen began working for 1901, Inc. when he was in high school before completing a five-year apprenticeship as a member of Steamfitters Local 601 before he became a Foreman. He was promoted to Project Manager in 2010 and purchased the company in 2011.

Brian Schultz | MAPC Vice President

Vice President & Plumbing Department Head of Hooper Corporation

Schultz, a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, has nearly 25 years of experience in the plumbing field. He became the Plumbing Department Head of Hooper Corporation in April of 2013. Schultz was then promoted to Vice President of the company in January of 2017.

Chris Behrendt, P.E. | MAPC Secretary

Construction Manager at J. F. Ahern Co.

Behrendt, also a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has nearly 19 years of experience in the construction industry, and has been serving as a Construction Manager with J. F. Ahern Co. for over seven years.

Jesse Pertzborn | MAPC Treasurer

Vice President of H.J. Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection

Pertzborn continues to carry on the family business started by his great grandfather, Henry Joseph Pertzborn, in 1928. He joined the family business as a master plumber and designer for H.J. Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection in the mid 1990s. Pertzborn became Vice President of the company in April of 2014 following his father’s retirement.

To learn more about MAPC, visit the association’s website or contact Julie Walsh.

Fluke Recalling Certain Clamp Meters

Fluke is recalling certain models of its clamp meters. The first of the two recalls addresses meters manufactured at various times throughout 2019 and 2020. The concern is a manufacturing error that may render a safety function inoperable. The error could severely limit or eliminate protection against arc explosion, burns, or electric shock. To help protect your workers, determine whether your company has any of the affected clamp meters. If so, stop use of the meters immediately and follow the instructions for repair. LEARN MORE

The second of the two recalls addresses meters manufactured at various times throughout 2010, 2011, and 2012. In this case, the concern is a circuit assembly that may not be properly fastened, which could result in inaccurate voltage readings presenting shock, electrocution, and thermal burn hazards. LEARN MORE

Find Talent for Your Company’s Future Growth with the MCAA GreatFutures Jobs Board

MCAA members looking for talented young people to ensure their companies’ future competitiveness can get a helping hand from the MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board. Visit the board and login with your MCAA.org password to post your company’s internship and job opportunities. While you’re there, be sure to browse the student resumes to connect with potential matches. If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Walsh.

Learn How to Best Identify Potentially Critical Issues from Former Enron Corp. CFO, Andrew Fastow at the 2021 MCAA Virtual Education Conference.

As part of our Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, you will hear from Andrew Fastow.

When is it acceptable to engage in a transaction that technically complies with the rules but may be misleading? Can a transaction that technically complies with the rules be considered unethical or illegal? Is it ever appropriate to depart from Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)? In “Rules Versus Principles” Fastow will cite examples of such transactions at major companies, discuss the rationalizations made by executives to justify their decisions and discuss examples of how these decisions can cause great harm to stakeholders.

Andrew S. Fastow was the Chief Financial Officer of Enron Corp. from 1998 – 2001. In 2004, he pled guilty to two counts of securities fraud and was sentenced to six years in federal prison. He completed his sentence in 2011 and now lives with his family in Houston, Texas. Fastow currently provides litigation support at a law firm and consults with public companies.

Register today and join your MCAA friends and colleagues online at MCAA’s first Virtual Education Conference (VEC) Essential Learning for Unconventional Times, March 22 – 25, 2021.

Thank you, CNA for sponsoring this session and your continued support of MCAA.

REGISTER NOW

Find the Latest from Nu Flow Technologies and Craftmark Pipe Markers 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:

Nu Flow Technologies
The Nu Drain System is used to rehabilitate aged or failing sewer, drain, vent and waste piping without digging, trenching or destruction inside buildings. This CIPP system can clean, line and reinstate pipes with diameters as small as 2”.

Learn More

Craftmark Pipe Markers
Craftmark is a world leader in Pipe Markers, Valve Tags, Equipment Signs and Safety Products for Leading Mechanical Contractors across the U.S. MCAA members receive a 40% discount on all pipe markers!

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

New Buyer’s Guide Is One of Many Ways to Connect with MCAA Supplier Partners

The newly updated 2021 Buyer’s Guide is one of many ways MCAA connects you with the supplier partners that make up your strategic supply chain. Take a look for detailed information about their products and services, then use the contact information inside to learn more.

DOWNLOAD

MCAA members can also learn more about our industry’s top manufacturers and suppliers in several other ways.

Find Out What’s New in the Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council. Connect with participating companies for highlights and links to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest.

VISIT THE VIRTUAL TRADE SHOW

Connect with Manufacturer/Supplier Training Opportunities

As part of MCAA’s ongoing efforts to connect our contractor and manufacturer/supplier members, we have added a new Manufacturer/Supplier Training area on MCAA.org. Find it under the Resources menu. Visit any time to connect with the latest training opportunities from our supplier partners, including many virtual options.

VISIT

Learn from Contractor-Supplier Partnerships

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 Welcomes Steve Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer for Winsupply, Inc. in Sponsor Spotlight 13

In the thirteenth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series Rick Gopffarth, MCAA Co-Vice President/Assistant Treasurer welcomes Steve Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer for Winsupply, Inc. the Win Family of Companies headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Steve Edwards joined Winsupply in 2006. He began his career as a broadcast journalist working at television stations in Cincinnati and Dayton. He has had communications positions of increasing responsibility at Paramounts Kings Island, NCR Corporation and LexisNexis. He has won several communications awards and has extensive experience in crisis communications. Edwards graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in broadcasting.