Organization: MSCA

Recruit Top Talent & Apply for MCAA Internship Grants Today!

In keeping with its commitment to funding the mechanical contracting industry’s most critical human resource needs, the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) underwrites many of the activities of the MCAA Career Development Initiative. Chief among these is an internship program that allows MCAA members to identify and evaluate potential full-time hires for their companies.  

Through a structured internship program, MCAA enables its members to recruit talented students, giving members a flexible, cost-effective labor force without a long-term commitment. And, because students who work for MCAA member companies tend to remain in the mechanical contracting industry, each one captured is another step toward ensuring the industry’s human resource needs are met.  

Each MCAA member company can submit up to two internship grant applications per year. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, MCAA will send a $500 Visa Gift Card to the member company so it can present the Gift Card to the student at the start of their internship. MCAA will follow-up with each company and intern to ensure the process and overall internship was successful.

Please read Building a Successful Internship Program before applying for an internship grant. 

APPLY NOW

Learn to Be Your Best

Come together at this year’s MSCA Conference for a motivating and entertaining general session that will help you be your best when it matters most. Kevin Brown, author of The HERO Effect, will show you how to achieve greater results by eliminating “ordinary” thinking and mastering the habit of excellence. Own the moments that matter (and they all matter) by taking responsibility for your attitude, actions, and results and creating meaningful relationships that deliver an extraordinary experience for every “customer,” both at work and at home. This program delivers actionable ideas that every leader can implement immediately to begin creating a culture of excellence at every level in their organization.

During this session, MSCA will present the Everyday Hero Award to one of our industry’s unsung heroes. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn about one of your peers who does extraordinary things every day, simply out of the kindness of their heart. If this sounds like someone you know, there’s still time to nominate them for the award. Nominations are due by August 1, 2021.

NOMINATION FORM

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
October 14 – 17 | Scottsdale, AZ

Watch Past Webinar with Joe Montana on Mindset and the Power of a Winning Spirit (in Business and in Life)

You can now watch our latest webinar from June 17th with football legend turned entrepreneur, Joe Montana, co-hosted by BuildOps CEO and Co-founder, Alok Chanani. Joe shares his take on leadership, teamwork, and how to be your best in every situation with real life examples on and off the field.

Widely considered the best NFL quarterback of all time, Joe Montana personifies performance excellence and personal integrity both on and off the field. Yet the word most closely associated with him is not winner — it’s leader. He led the 49ers to 4 Super Bowl wins with unflappable poise and will forever be known as one of the toughest quarterbacks of all time.

Since his retirement in 1994, Joe has been active and successful in the Venture Capital world. In 1998 he co-founded the fund of funds, HRJ Capital, where he was an acting partner until 2004. At his departure, HRJ Capital was managing over $900M and investing across venture funds, leverage buyouts, hedge funds and real estate. In 2005 Joe co-founded Modern Bank, a commercial bank based in New York City which specializes in commercial loans and remains active today. He served as a board member from 2005 until 2010, when he began angel investing under the mentorship of Ron Conway. A handful of his investments include Pinterest, DropBox, Weave, CoreOS, ShipBob, OpenListings (acquired by OpenDoor), and Caliva. During this time, he also became an early investor in House Spirits, which recently sold off their Aviation Gin to Diageo, later made famous by Ryan Reynolds. In 2015, Joe turned his passion for investing into Liquid 2 Ventures, and brought together the core partners that still remain today.

WATCH VIDEO

The Next Qualified Level Arc Flash Safety Training Webinars Scheduled for June 17, 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.

VIEW BROCHURE

The next two webinars will be presented on June 17, 2021. The first webinar will take place from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ET, and the second is from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET.

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 June, the webinar will be taught again twice on July 29, 2021. Questions? Contact Pete Chaney.

Milwaukee Valve Pros Explain How to Check Your Check Valves

Depending on the application, check valves can get a bad rap. They are blamed for problems such as water hammer, vibration, reverse flow, leakage, or component wear and damage—all of which are harmful to downstream systems. However, the real cause of these problems usually stems from poor sizing and inadequate selection of the check valve for the application.

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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

MCAA Partners with Dodge Data & Analytics To Study Jobsite Safety

MCAA, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), and other organizations are partnering with Dodge Data & Analytics on a study of jobsite safety. The study will track trends in U.S. construction industry safety practices, and MCAA members are encouraged to participate. The survey will close on June 23, 2021.

The survey should take approximately 12 minutes to complete. MCAA members who submit completed surveys will have the option to receive a summary report of the survey findings emailed to them.

Your survey responses are strictly confidential and will not be associated with your name or the name of your company in any way. Your responses will be combined with others and only presented as averages or percentages, or by visual means that cannot be linked back to individual answers. Your responses will be stored in a password protected database that can only be accessed by analysts at Dodge Data & Analytics.

SURVEY

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Fire Safety Training Video & Accompanying Materials

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 Fire Safety Training Video and its materials. This 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

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

Download the Video and Accompanying Materials

Video | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Connect With the Latest Training from SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. and FastEST, Inc. at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Looking to tune up your evaporative cooling knowledge? SPX Marley Contractor Resources include live and on-demand webinars, School of Cool® training, installation videos and more. Check it out.

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FastEST, Inc.
Included with every purchase or lease, FastEST Estimating Software provides online training with one of our experienced team members. Our customer service team is available 24/7 for training and any support you may need! For those who are wanting a more in-depth and hands on training experience, we are hopeful that by mid-year we will start our regional training classes back up. In the meantime please visit our website and the help section of our program for tutorial videos.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

Celebrate Resilience & Hope TOGETHER

As we come together for this year’s MSCA Conference we will celebrate a year of resilience, perseverance, and hope. Our Opening Session speaker J.R. Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded during his service, will remind us that resilience shows up in the world in many ways. His inspiring message of hope, optimism, and resilience will demonstrate that a combination of gratitude for what we have and a commitment to reaching for what we want, despite current circumstances, are the building blocks for a better tomorrow.

MSCA’s Everyday Hero Award recognizes others who are building a better tomorrow…our industry’s unsung heroes. These individuals do extraordinary things every day, simply out of the kindness of their hearts. If this sounds like someone you know, nominate them for the award. Be sure to submit your nomination by August 1, 2021.

NOMINATION FORM

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
October 14 – 17 | Scottsdale, AZ

MCAA 2024 Annual Convention

The MCAA Annual Convention is the highlight of the association’s year. With a reputation as the industry’s premier educational event, the MCAA Convention offers something for all members. Attendees will experience a first class trade show featuring the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, social functions that never cease to amaze and delight, exceptional education seminars and the chance to network and connect with industry peers. Don’t miss the opportunity to see what your trade association can do for you.

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and GTP Services, LLC 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Water hammer arresters control the destructive forces, pounding noises and vibration which develop in a piping system when a column of non-compressible liquid flowing through a pipe line is stopped abruptly. Smith’s piston type water hammer can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They are made from lead free copper and rated for 60 PSI.

Learn More

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

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

New Report Shows MCAA Members Lead in Technology Innovation, Lag in IT Budgeting

A new report provides MCAA members with a mechanical industry specific look at how MCAA members are using construction technology. The report, developed by JBKnowledge, is based on the 2020 Construction Technology Report released in March.

The 2020 Construction Technology Report provides an in-depth analysis of how the industry approaches technology based on thousands of responses from those in all areas of the construction industry, including MCAA members.

The new 2020 Supplementary Report for MCAA Members narrows the focus to MCAA members, comparing MCAA member responses with the rest of the construction industry.

In many ways, MCAA members are leading the rest of the industry in technology innovations. This can be seen in the use of fabrication and mobile devices, and the integration of construction apps and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Technology implementation and coordination have given many MCAA members a chance to take a leading role in the coordination and design of projects.

One area of that mechanical and plumbing contractors could use more help on is information technology (IT) budgeting. Compared to the rest of the industry, MCAA members tend to bill IT expenditures directly to jobs less often. They also require a greater budgetary commitment for their crucial IT workflows to positively impact productivity.

Both reports can be downloaded by MCAA members for free:

MCAA Supplementary Report

2020 JBKnowledge Construction Technology Report

Questions about either report, or anything else related to the Construction Technology Initiative, can be directed to Sean McGuire.

Lexington Plumbing Locks In Savings, Energy Efficiency With Lochinvar Systems

To provide an energy-efficient system for a Kansas county jail, Lexington Plumbing employed Lochinvar’s exclusive SMART SYSTEM interface to simplify installation and operation of two new Lochinvar ARMOR water heaters. “We consistently recommend Lochinvar equipment because of their constant innovations and technologically advanced systems,” said Don Lawhon of Lexington Plumbing.

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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

Sponsor Spotlight 21 Welcomes Mark Marini from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®

In the 21st episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer welcomes Mark Marini, VP – Morris Group International for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®. 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.

Mark Marini is Morris Group International, Inc. (MGI) Group Vice President since June 2020. Don Morris CEO of (MGI) elevated Mark to his VP role, to blend the resources of the various MGI companies into a cohesive suite of plumbing and fire protection product solutions. Working closely with Jay R Smith Mfg. Inc. we strive to have best in class inventories closest to our customers as well as true manufacturing at our Montgomery, AL facility reducing lead times and controlling quality.  Mark joined Morris Group International, Inc. in 2018 as Director of Sales and Marketing for Chronomite Laboratories, Inc. Prior to joining Morris Group International Inc., Mark worked for Zurn Industries starting in 2000. While at Zurn he worked in various sales roles to include; National Sales Manager for Specification Drains, Director of Contractor Sales, and prior to his departure in 2018 he was Director of Sales. Mark has been active in MCAA since 2008 and enjoys adding value for Contractor partners. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Penn State University.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video & Accompanying Materials

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 Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video and its materials. Damaged and defective materials handling equipment can be hazardous. Protect your workers by ensuring they receive proper training with these resources.

The video includes:

  • Tips for pre-use inspections
  • Specific recommendations for inspecting jacks, forklifts and other types of lifts, hoists, cranes, and rigging equipment

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

Download the Video and Accompanying Materials

Video | Video – Spanish | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

You Might Also Like These Resources

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Helm Group, Inc. Streamlines Work, Wins Jobs with Autodesk’s BIM 360

Helm Group, Inc. (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) combines leading technology like BIM 360 within Autodesk Construction CloudTM with Lean construction principles to implement new design, engineering, and construction methods. For example, by fabricating multitrade skids in an offsite fabrication shop, Helm Group increases collaboration and drives efficiencies to deliver highly complex projects while achieving certainty in cost, schedule, and quality. BIM 360 enables the coordination and data sharing that allows the fabrication to be so accurate that, once it arrives onsite, all that is necessary is to lift it into place and install it.

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

Loosening of CDC’s Face Covering Recommendations Do Not Alter Employer Compliance Obligations

The CDC recently changed its COVID-19 recommendations regarding the use of face coverings for fully vaccinated individuals. Under the new guidance, fully vaccinated individuals, in most cases, no longer need to wear face coverings indoors or out, or practice social distancing. However, the loosening of the recommendations does not change affected employers’ compliance obligations. Masks and distancing are still mandatory “where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” Employers should be aware that OSHA recently implemented a special emphasis program to enforce worker COVID-19 protections.

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Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
RIDGID is #1 in pressing for a reason. In this training we walk through the RP 350 and RP 342-XL. We talk about all the applications and uses to ensure you get the most out of these tools.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

MSCA & You Supporting Convoy of Hope

MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope since 2010 to deliver supplies to families in need who live in cities where the association holds its annual conference. This partnership has resulted in the donation of more than $550,000 in food, goods, labor, and equipment that benefit individuals and families nationwide.

This year, we will support the Phoenix Rescue Mission, and we need your help.

TOGETHER, we can:

  • Raise $50,000 to deliver a tractor trailer full of needed supplies to the Mission
  • Support volunteers that will perform much needed tasks and activities at the Mission
  • Enjoy each other’s company while we pack thousands of hygiene kits to help the needy

Check out our 2019 project and packing party, then join us in supporting the Phoenix Rescue Mission. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but we can get there TOGETHER.

LEARN MORE

What to Consider Before Requiring Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccinations

In most states employers may legally require their workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, provided that they make reasonable accommodations for medical or religious objections. However, doing so could result in negative consequences, so there are several items your company should consider before deciding whether to require their workers to get vaccinated.

  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and the results of the adverse reaction meet the criteria for an OSHA recordable injury (medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work, etc.), OSHA considers the case to be “work-related.” Employers are required to treat the case as a “recordable illness;”
  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, in some states the case could result in a worker’s compensation claim. Be sure to check with your worker’s compensation carrier before you proceed;
  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and the case is not covered by worker’s compensation the employer may be subject to a lawsuit;
  • Some states may prohibit employers from mandating the vaccines; and
  • Mandating vaccines may violate local collective bargaining agreements.