What’s New

Preventive maintenance is crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of pumps and motors, which are essential components of commercial HVAC applications. An effective maintenance program can reduce unplanned downtime, decrease maintenance costs, and extend asset life. All of these drive business value, which is especially important in today’s competitive and challenging commercial building environment, when building operation teams are being asked to do more with less.

December 31 marks the deadline for Early Bird registration for the 2024 MCAA Annual Convention, so register today to take advantage of the discounted rates.

Looking to gain efficiencies, the BP Group undertook a high-level process reengineering process that resulted in the development of an online tool. MCAA’s PIPES (PROCESS INFORMATION PORTAL ENABLING SUCCESS) provides details of the solution to inspire others looking to undertake a similar project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The MEP Innovation Conference is renowned for selling out every year, and with good reason – it’s co-produced by three industry pillars: MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA. Join us in sunny Orlando, Florida, from January 29 – 31, as we bring together the best innovators in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing industry. Our sessions are peer-focused, offering real-world case studies from contractors just like you. Explore multiple learning opportunities through sessions, workshops, breakouts, facility tours, networking, and exhibits. Don’t let this opportunity slip away. Secure your spot now and stay ahead of the game in the ever-evolving MEP industry. Register today!

The Madison Area Mechanical & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (MSC) and Steamfitters Local 601 hosted their 35th Heat’s On event on October 21, 2023. More than 50 area steamfitters volunteered a day of labor to inspect and service heating systems in the homes of 69 veterans throughout Dane County.

Harris saw an immediate return on investment (ROI) from their Watts Specialties automated pipe cutter, with improved efficiency in cutting and handling and no need for hand-cutting for olets or saddles. Based in St. Paul, MN, Harris has 15 regional offices with more than 300,000 square feet of fabrication shops.

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.

MCAA welcomed its newest student chapter by granting a charter to Riverside City College during the MSCA23 Opening General Session on October 23rd on Marco Island, Florida.

Congratulations to Kolten Plekes and Gonzalo Ceja, the first recipients of the new MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship. The scholarship is named for Barbara Dolim, former Executive Director of MSCA, in honor of her efforts in promoting and ensuring future support for the mechanical service industry.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

It is clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing fast and coming into everyday use. In the near-future, AI systems will be paired with established technology, such as 3D laser scanning for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) applications. What many do not appreciate is that AI is still largely only as good as the quality of data fed into the system, either by human operators or through technology that gathers and organizes information, such as 3D laser scanners and cloud-based data platforms.

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 teaches instructors to enhance their skills, managers to build leadership skills, and finance teams to meet company objectives. Her newest classes focus on building the fundamental leadership skills of our industry’s field leaders, service leaders, and project managers.

Looking to reduce paperwork costs, H.T. Lyons, Inc. had service mechanics, project managers, and dispatchers work internally to create service software. MCAA’s Serviceeye provides details of the affordable solution to inspire others faced with the need to develop or customize software. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Nominations are open for the 2023 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award. This award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. Five individuals have received the award since its inception in 2018. Nominate someone today and they could be number six!

MCAA President Robert Beck, CEO of John W. Danforth Company, recently sat down with Trane’s Kristie Upton and Terry Dugan to discuss what they foresee for the coming year, and how manufacturers and contractors can work together to solve the industry’s most pressing issues, including the ongoing talent crunch.

The 2023 Beacon Economics study, commissioned for MSCA, delves into the critical economic dynamics shaping the mechanical service industry today. This analysis scrutinizes the impact of the real estate market, inflation, and labor shortages, among others, shedding light on how these factors will influence the economy and help MSCA members navigate and thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The safety landscape is evolving. Is your company’s safety and health program keeping pace? Jennifer McNelly, CEO of the American Society of Safety Professionals, and Alex Kopp, Director of Safety for The Association of Union Constructors, will help answer that question and inspire you to evolve your company’s safety and health program during MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference. Their sessions are just two reasons to attend MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!

Over the last several years, MCAA members have increasingly requested our safety videos in Spanish, and that comes as no surprise. Data show that 34% of construction workers are Spanish speakers, the largest of any industry in the U.S. The fatality rate for Hispanic construction workers remains higher than that for non-Hispanics, but with resources like these MCAA is working to bridge that gap.

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.

Enhance your strategic supply chain with the seven newest members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA23 Propel… it was a resounding success! We heard from inspiring keynote speakers, dove deep on education with  topics of leadership and personal growth, along with recession proofing, refrigerants, electrification, and more. We celebrated a new award, announced a new scholarship, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community all while having a lot of fun in the San Marco sun. 

Heightened competition has spurred mechanical contractors to share their impressive story of accomplishment, capabilities and convictions to bolster their image and competitive advantage. MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor highlights the need for regular promotion as a business development tool and offers tips for selecting a public relations consultant. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Registrations for MCAA24 are coming in hot, but you still have time to register and receive the Early Bird discount rate! These discounted registration rates will be available to MCAA members through December 31. The regular registration rates will go into effect January 1, 2024.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio hosted the inaugural meeting of its Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) group on October 26, 2023. Although this group is just starting its journey, it has already made a significant impact. In the spirit of “Socktober,” attendees generously contributed 145 pairs of socks to support Bethany House, a local women’s shelter.

Workplace safety includes more than PPE and fall protection, it encompasses workplace distractions and workplace violence. Identifying warning signs and taking appropriate actions to prevent workplace violence is important to everyone’s safety and health. These resources show viewers how to protect themselves and others if they find themselves in an active workplace violence situation. This month’s kit includes two full length videos on workplace distractions and workplace violence and a microlearning series on workplace violence protection.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

If your team is tired of callbacks because of a lack of hot water at the point of use and the labor required for manual balancing, thermostatic balancing, a more efficient domestic hot water balancing method, is now an option. Thermostatic balancing recirculates the hot water loop based on temperature, as opposed to pressure or flow.

Nominations are open for the 2023 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award. This award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. Five individuals have received the award since its inception in 2018. Nominate someone today and they could be number six!

MCAA is accepting recommendations for individuals to serve on national committees in the coming year. If you are interested in serving, review the committee descriptions below, then contact your local association executive to express your interest. Their recommendations are due to MCAA no later than November 3, so don’t delay!

Mechanical contractors must satisfy federal employment tax requirements with respect to all “wages” paid to employees. MCAA’s Tax Requirements Applicable to Travel Reimbursements, Advances and Subsistence Allowances explains the tax rules and addresses the related question of the employer’s right to deduct these payments as ordinary and necessary business expenses. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,500 grants for the 2024 MCAA Safety & Health Conference, which includes 50+ hours of education and training from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Forty grants are available for the January 16-18, 2024, event in Tucson, AZ, with grants limited to one per local.

Do you know how to help someone you suspect has overdosed on opioids? Find out, and gain the knowledge and confidence you need to respond during Narcan Certification for Opioid Overdoses. This course, presented by Rescue One Training for Life, is just one reason to attend MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!

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.

Atomatic Mechanical Services, Inc. and J.C. Cannistraro both rely on SureThread™ pipe from Wheatland Tube to keep their costs down. Cannistraro Fabrication Manager Billy Gardner said, “SureThread is the only brand we use for fabrication. It creates less wear on our tools, which saves us money.” Nick LaMonto, piping superintendent at Atomatic, added, “We’re threading every day. We can’t afford inferior pipe.”

All businesses, including mechanical contractors, should take great care that they maintain strict compliance with all antitrust laws and avoid the perception of violating the antitrust laws. MCAA’s Compliance with Antitrust Laws provides a summary of the issues at hand to assist your company in its compliance. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

To renovate an historic building while simultaneously seeking to reach new heights in sustainability, Holaday-Parks installed a water-saving vacuum plumbing system from AcornVac, a division of Morris Group International. The AcornVac system was among the solutions that earned the building recognition as one of the most environmentally friendly office spaces of its size worldwide. It also eliminates the need for costly trenching or core drilling.

As the former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director who led the most comprehensive restructuring of the agency in its history, John Brennan understands the challenges of transforming an organization. He will share specific examples of the mission-critical solutions he employed to boost leadership training and talent development. Learn how these efforts helped to create a more effective, efficient, and productive workforce and management structure during the 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

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.

The WiMI23 Conference inspired Debbie Siddall, Caitlin Schimmel, and Alyson Funkhouser, three staffers at D.A. Dodd, LLC, to write about MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) for their company newsletter. Learn more about their experience and how it has inspired them to become more involved at the local level.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA24 will be held March 17 – 21, 2024, at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes located in Orlando, Florida. We have a fantastic roster of speakers, education and entertainment lined up guaranteed to please every attendee. It’s a great opportunity to bring the whole family for an unforgettable week. We can’t wait to see you there!

To update the HVAC system at the Montgomery County Jail in Dayton, OH, Starco, Inc. relied on NIBCO’s new PressACR™ system to save at least 100 hours in installation time. Initially, press systems were not approved on the specs for the project, but Starco convinced the building owner and the project’s engineering firm, HEAPY, that PressACR would save time and money.

Over the last decade, the MCAA and the United Association (UA) have worked together on several safety and health initiatives. From presenting and education during the UA’s Instructor Training Program (ITP) and MCAA’s Safety & Health Conference to our newest project partnering together to bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention, launched on September 1, 2023, the partnership pays dividends to MCAA and UA members alike.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

With only three weeks to fully replace the riser system at a high-profile residential building, New York-based Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp. selected Victaulic to win the race against time. Ultimately, they remained ahead of schedule, completing the entire project in only 15 days. Despite spatial constraints at various stages of the project, Fresh Meadow navigated each challenge with reliable engineered solutions that will benefit the building’s tenants and management for years to come.

MCAA has once again raised the bar with the 2023 Fabrication Conference. Drawing an audience of more than 330 attendees, this year’s conference put a spotlight on the important role that fabrication plays. While most attendees were familiar with the gains companies receive like productivity, scheduling flexibility, coordination and safety, additional considerations were shared on how to optimize fabrication in ways that impact the entire organization. These methods were highlighted across tours of four Seattle-based member companies.

The Hearst Connecticut Top Workplaces have awarded MJ Daly, LLC, an MCAA member, a Top Workplaces 2023 award. The list is based solely on employee feedback from a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few. Congratulations to the MJ Daly team!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

With PypeServer technology, Strategic Mechanical, Inc., has sped up its fabrication processes and opened up new avenues for prefabrication. Strategic Mechanical serves clients throughout California; its 70,000-square-foot shop in Fresno, CA, includes an HVAC sheet metal shop, pipe fabrication shop, industrial metals fabrication shop, and electrical prefabrication. In this Q&A, Miro Telesmanic, vice president of operations, describes how Strategic Mechanical put PypeServer to work.

MCAA is excited to open registration for the 2024 Safety & Health Conference. We will be offering more than 50 hours of training and education from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Join us for three days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations, January 16-18, 2024 at the Loews Ventana Canyon in Tuscon, AZ.

Studies show that suicide is killing workers in the construction industry at five times the rate of work-related injuries like falls and struck-by incidents. And it’s killing them in all parts of the industry – including upper management. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to why this is happening nor is there an easy fix, but in many cases deaths from suicide CAN be prevented when we push mental health stigma aside and help one another. MCAA and our Alliance partners explored the topic during a September 13, 2023, webinar. This is one recording you won’t want to miss – you could help save a life!

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.

On average, service agreements see a 3-5x ROI in additional work. And yet, we’re seeing a shocking number of service departments simply giving up on selling service agreements. MSCA & BuildOps are hosting a webinar on October 11th at 1:00 p.m. Eastern to discuss real, actionable tactics on selling service agreements. Don’t miss out – register today!

MCAA members are invited to participate in a new survey by the American Supply Association (ASA), the national trade association of plumbing, heating, cooling, pipe and industrial/mechanical pipe, valves and fittings distributors, their suppliers and independent manufacturers’ representatives of those products. The survey aims to find out how distributors can adapt and improve their services for their plumbing and mechanical and industrial/mechanical PVF contractor customers. Please take a few minutes to participate.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

To expedite construction of a new university housing project designed as a hybrid of wood and steel, Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc. turned to Mueller Industries and its Mueller Streamline Co. products and piping systems specialists “We were able to save an incredible amount of time on the project thanks to Mueller” and its Streamline® ACR Press Fittings in particular, said Ross Halket, superintendent at Grodsky. Mueller’s products gave Grodsky “the ability to get stuff into tight spaces, [and with] no fear of burning the building down, the ability to run piping in areas where brazing would have been hazardous,” Halket noted.

Once again, MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA have partnered together to host the 2024 MEP Innovation Conference, January 29-31, 2024, in Orlando, FL. Immerse yourself in educational sessions, collaborative roundtable discussions, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations that spotlight cutting-edge technologies that can improve contractor’s productivity and profitability. Register by November 1, 2023, and save $200!

Subcontract agreements often include contractual provisions that seek to impose additional fines or penalties for safety violations. MCAA’s Enforceability of Contractual Fines/Penalties for Subcontractor Safety Violations explains how those provisions could impact a subcontractor and how best to avoid them. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Harris saw an immediate return on investment (ROI) from their Watts Specialties automated pipe cutter, with improved efficiency in cutting and handling and no need for hand-cutting for olets or saddles. Based in St. Paul, MN, Harris has 15 regional offices with more than 300,000 square feet of fabrication shops.

Construction has one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States, about four times higher than the general population. MCAA is proud to tackle Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention head on with a series of NEW resources developed in partnership with the United Association (UA).

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.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers have a responsibility to protect their workers from extreme heat. Every year, dozens of workers die and thousands more become ill while working in hot or humid conditions. Heat is the number-one cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 815 heat-related worker deaths and 70,000 heat-related serious injuries between 1992 and 2017. To protect workers, employers should establish a complete heat illness prevention program in addition to observing the heat index.

Hotel rooms are limited for the UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference (September 27-28, 2023 | Las Vegas, NV). If you plan to join us for this conference that focuses on topics such as the current need for manpower, organizing, workforce development, and more, register today to secure your room.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MSCA provides focused training programs for your operational personnel. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provide the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry. 

MCAA’s Association Executives Council (AEC) recognized outgoing Chair Chip Martin at the conclusion of the 2023 AEC Best Practices Conference on August 2, 2023 in Carlsbad, CA. During his time in office, Chip (CPMCA and Arizona MCA) led the formation of the Arizona MCA and contributed to the development of the AEC Executive Trainee Program, which he will help launch in 2024. He also assisted in the development of the AEC Affiliate Board Orientation Manual and served as the AEC advocate on the MCAA Board of Directors. Thank you, Chip!

With more than 70 million baby boomers set to retire by 2030—more than 10,000 each day—organizations need to rethink the way they capture and transfer knowledge before it is lost forever.

There’s still time to register for MCAA’s Collective Bargaining Conference and the UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference this September! MCAA’s Collective Bargaining Conference will help improve your understanding of the bargaining process to assist in preparing for constructive negotiations. The UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference will focus on topics such as the current need for manpower, organizing, workforce development, and more. Register today and join us in Las Vegas, NV for both events!

Staying in touch with customers, employees and others who may be interested in your company’s products and/or services, upcoming events, or other business developments is critical to your company’s growth and success. Thanks to the availability of myriad print and electronic media, the Internet and social media, companies have many options for connecting with their internal and external audiences. This bulletin focuses on one option—newsletters. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Congratulations to MCAA member Baker Group on being named Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2023 Mechanical Contractor of the Year. The firm’s dedication to its employees and commitment to building lasting relationships with its clients earned Baker Group the title.

MCAA has become aware that some people have received an email stating that the MCAA Field Leaders Conference mailing list is available for sale. We would like to assure you that MCAA never sells lists of our members or our event attendees, nor do we authorize any third parties to do so.

B&W Mechanical, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Southeast, chose ServiceTrade software to help them make the move from paper to digital, shortening the time it takes to provide quotes for repairs. Swift, detailed, clear communication is one way that B&W builds trust that leads to long-lasting customer relationships.

In honor of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) Safe and Sound Week campaign, August 7-13, 2023, MCAA is re-sharing a series of safety videos created by the Safety Alliance between MCAA, TAUC, NECA, and SMACNA for your use to highlight key safety topics with your employees and co-workers. From mental health, fall protection and other OSHA Focus Four topics like electrical hazards and caught in-between/struck-by, take time to focus on safety, you will be glad you did!

MCAA is pleased to welcome the two newest members of the staff: Darnelle Everett and Sosina Haileselassie. They are supporting the Events and Accounting departments respectively.

Credit cards are rapidly becoming the preferred method of covering a variety of financial transactions between contractors and their vendors/suppliers and project owners. MCAA’s Credit Card Payments reviews the advantages and disadvantages of making payments via credit card to help you fully understand the benefits and costs involved. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The 2023 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE, has expanded to include additional educational offerings and four facility tours. This year’s conference will focus on specific fabrication operations for attendees, including a sheet metal-focused tour hosted by MacDonald Miller. MCAA’s 2023 Fabrication Conference is scheduled for September 11-13, 2023 in Seattle, Washington at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Limited space is still available for registration.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

In 2020, almost 3,000 fatal and over 200K nonfatal distracted-related motor vehicle accidents occurred. Commercial drivers are 6 times more likely to be involved in a critical safety event when participating in handheld browser activities. Also in 2020, there were fewer vehicles on the road, but the decrease in miles driven did not correlate to fewer accidents. Even with 11% fewer miles driven, vehicle accident deaths rose by 8.3%. This month’s kit includes resources on auto safety, forklift safety, and heavy equipment safety. Also, check out the four new CNA infographics in their fleet safety series.

With a goal of eliminating paper in the shop, increasing efficiency in cutting, and using barcode labels to improve shop workflows, Postler & Jaeckle started working with STRATUS software from GTP Services in 2015. Since then, the company has seen a continuous return on investment with STRATUS, most recently by using labels to increase efficiency with hangers.

On July 27, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued a hazard alert for heat. This action is to remind employers of their obligation to protect workers against heat illness or injury in outdoor and indoor workplaces. The agencies will also step up inspections and enforcement of heat-safety violations in high-risk industries, including construction.

Shinn Mechanical, a renowned and innovative mechanical contractor, has been selected to offer an exclusive tour of their cutting-edge sprinkler fitting fabrication operations at the highly anticipated 2023 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE. Contractors seeking insights into the forefront of mechanical contracting and productivity enhancement should not miss this exceptional opportunity.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

From apprentices to expert craftsmen, the construction industry employs a workforce that spans multiple generations. While an age-diverse workforce brings well-rounded skills and experiences to the table, it is not always easy to manage efficiently. Employee expectations and preferred communication styles vary greatly from generation to generation. With today’s labor shortages and low employee retention rates, if mechanical contractors want to attract and keep top talent, they need to explore strategies to help their age-diverse crews work together effectively.

MCAA’s 2023 Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE, has expanded this year to offer a broader view of fabrication opportunities for MCAA members. While the primary host, UMC, Inc, will showcase cutting-edge fabrication processes for large contractors, smaller tours are available to showcase distinct opportunities in sprinkler fabrication, sheet metal and light commercial and plumbing.

Interns working at MCAA member companies are a win-win for our industry. Employers secure top talent and build a pipeline of future employees and students gain hands on experience, create connections and develop the skills needed to further their interest in mechanical contracting.  Snap a picture of your summer intern by a company sign, on the jobsite or in company apparel and upload it with your Internship Grant Application.  Interns and sponsoring companies will be featured on the virtual Intern Wall at MCAA24 before the Awards of Excellence Breakfast.

Every company, regardless of size, will face succession planning issues at some time. MCAA’s Estate Tax Planning and Succession addresses the issues and possible strategies related to estate planning and succession to help ensure a smooth transition. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

Welding preheating is used to ensure weld quality and reduce the chance of cracking and other defects that can result in costly rework. Preheating is commonly used in field and shop applications when welding steel or steel alloy pipes or plates that are 1” thick or more. Applications that often use preheating include power plant and structural construction, as well as pipe fabrication. Here, Miller Electric outlines four common methods for welding preheating and how to choose the best option for your application.

Heat Illness poses a serious concern for worker safety and health in the mechanical construction and service industries. Join MCAA and Tyfoom as we review strategies to keep workers safe against heat illness during a 30-minute webinar on Thursday, July 27, at 3:00 PM EDT. The webinar will emphasize the importance of awareness, best practices, and effective communication in ensuring worker safety. It will also address strategies for doing so, including planning awareness and training, best practices, and consistent communication into the daily work routine. Register today – the webinar is a little over a week away!

Egan Company selected Josam Company’s drain system to ensure that LeafLine Labs, the premium medical cannabis cultivator in Minnesota, had the right drainage systems to meet their unique needs. Josam Company’s PRO-PLUS® Trench Drain System was a welcome change from other labor-intensive drain systems that Egan Company had used, saving time and streamlining installation.

Katie Spatcher has been promoted to Vice President of Service Sales at Arden Engineering Constructors, an MCAA member company. She will lead the company’s growing sales team. “Katie Spatcher has been pinnacle to the success of Arden Engineering’s service division over the years. We are delighted to announce her well-deserved promotion,” said John Puniello, President of Arden Engineering Constructors.

Reduced costs are just one benefit that a company realizes when it establishes a comprehensive safety program. A company’s productivity and business also improve. MCAA’s Safety and Productivity: Does Improving One Increase the Other? uses case studies to highlight the key ingredients for success: a commitment from top management and a clear plan of action that involves all employees. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Registration is open and already 50% sold out for the MCAA 2023 Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE. This benchmark event has been expanded to offer four facility tour options, allowing us to include more MCAA members than ever. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your understanding of mechanical fabrication, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative fabrication facilities. Join us in Seattle September 11-13, 2023. Learn more and register today!

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.

Calling all Safety Professionals. Have you ever wanted to present at a national Safety & Health Conference? Now is your chance to share your knowledge and expertise with hundreds of attendees from all over the country at the 2024 Safety & Health Conference in Tucson, AZ, January 16-18, 2024. Submissions are due July 14th, 2023.

Each year, thousands of workers suffer from heat illness while working in high temperatures, direct sun, and humid conditions; dozens even die. Many mechanical contractors spend part of their working day in hot environments, both indoors and outdoors. Workers performing physical labor are often exposed to hazardous heat conditions that can have severe safety and health outcomes. This month’s kit includes information and posters from MCAA, OSHA, CNA and Milwaukee Tool. We will also be partnering with Tyfoom on a free heat stress webinar on July 27th at 3:00 pm ET.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

A hospitality industry veteran opted for A.O. Smith for a dependable water heating solution for a new four-story Hampton Inn in Ashland City, TN. “Hampton Inns thrive on being local,” said hotel general manager Sammy Naquin, “so it made sense to turn to A. O. Smith, who is right here in Ashland City, for a solution.” Naquin worked closely with A. O. Smith, which specified two 750,000 Btu/hr Cyclone® XL commercial gas water heaters, recommended for the hotel’s size and water heating demands.

Heat Illness poses a serious concern for worker safety and health in the mechanical construction and service industries. Join MCAA and Tyfoom as we review strategies to keep workers safe against heat illness during a 30-minute webinar on Thursday, July 27, at 3:00 PM EDT. The webinar will emphasize the importance of awareness, best practices, and effective communication in ensuring worker safety. It will also address strategies for doing so, including planning awareness and training, best practices, and consistent communication into the daily work routine.

Seeking to improve shop productivity, Kinetics adopted the 5 S’s, a variation of lean thinking. By applying these actions, Kinetics’ employees were able to reduce wasted time, materials and information, thereby increasing their productivity. MCAA’s Five S’s: The Road to Improvement shares the process and the results the company was able to achieve. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Incorporating a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee into your company or organization provides endless benefits. Adopting a DEI committee, can aid your company in promoting diversity, addressing biases, increasing employee engagement, building a stronger reputation, proving dedication to ethical responsibilities, and creating an inclusive environment to drive positive change.

Calling all Safety Professionals. Have you ever wanted to present at a national Safety & Health Conference? Now is your chance to share your knowledge and expertise with hundreds of attendees from all over the country at the 2024 Safety & Health Conference in Tucson, AZ, January 16-18, 2024. Submissions are due July 14th, 2023.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Silicon Valley Mechanical, a full-service mechanical contractor in San Jose, CA, rapidly improved productivity and increased efficiency by putting PypeServer software into place. Here, Jamie Garza, detail manager, and Dean Garza, piping shop general foreman at Silicon Valley Mechanical, describe how they achieved those gains.

The MCAA Fabrication Conference boasts a rich history of bringing together professionals from the mechanical contracting and fabrication industries. Now in its 24th year, the conference has grown to be a pivotal event, serving as a platform for industry leaders, innovators, and experts to share their knowledge, insights, and best practices. With a focus on cutting-edge technologies, process improvements, and collaboration, the MCAA Fabrication Conference has continually evolved to address the ever-changing landscape of the mechanical contracting world, fostering a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the industry and ensuring its sustainable growth. Learn more and register today!

One of the classic mistakes that owners of mechanical contracting firms often make when transferring ownership of their company is not fully exploring all their options. MCAA’s Business Transition Options for the Mechanical Contractor reviews the various options for transferring ownership of a company and showcases the advance planning and analysis needed for a successful transfer. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

There are heroes among us who use their time, money, and generosity to propel their communities forward. They do things that are truly needed out of the kindness of their hearts and with a passion for making a difference. MSCA’s Everyday Hero Award has become a favorite way to recognize and award employees, peers, employers, and the community. Do you know someone who has stepped up and propelled their community into a better place?

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! In our continuous efforts to enhance your user experience, we will soon be implementing a significant upgrade to the WebLEM login process. Say hello to Single Sign-On (SSO)! Due to the transition to SSO, your company admin may have to regenerate your subscriber token and/or the API key. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but this step is essential to ensure a secure and uninterrupted login experience.

In a new fleet safety series, CNA, a member of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, offers MCAA members four infographic posters around the most common claim, auto safety. The posters address common issues including: tips to reduce auto accidents, situational awareness while driving, driving under the influence, and understanding distracted driving. MCAA thanks CNA for sharing these valuable safety resources with the entire membership.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

In recent years, the power needed to heat or cool buildings has fallen dramatically with the focus on reducing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact of HVAC installations. The flow rates in our installations are much lower now than in the past, especially if we use modulating controls on the terminal units. Here, IMI Hydronic Engineering explains the issues around low flow rates in boilers, cooling units, and pumps; solutions to guarantee the minimum flow rate; and effective ways to control low flow rates.

The 2023 MCAA Safety Statistics & Awards program recognizes member company safety performance from 2022. This year the MCAA Safety Excellence Initiative is proud to recognize 86 MCAA members companies. All applicants receive a valuable benchmarking report that will allow them to compare their own 2022 incidence rates with the aggregate rates of the other participating MCAA companies overall, those in the same size category, and with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics incidence rates.

MCAA President Robert Beck rolled out the association’s 2023-2024 initiatives in a series of conference calls with MCAA committee chairs, local association executives, and MCAA staff. MCAA has been working towards these goals already, and now we are going to show how it all ties together and is being supported by MCAA leadership.

Intense competition requires the parties to the collective bargaining process to jointly find a path to create wealth and build relationships that allow them to be more competitive in their markets. MCAA’s Developing Improved Labor-Management Relations provides a look back at past practices as well as a road map for improving your company’s relationship with labor. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Join PCA for the 4th Annual Plumbing Service Conference, the premier event in the plumbing industry. As the top plumbing service conference, we have curated an outstanding program with insightful sessions, contractor-led discussions, and an exclusive site tour of JPG Plumbing and Mechanical Services.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Not long ago, the impact of a tool on its user was not given much thought when it came to tool design. Today, thanks to advancements in technology and a better awareness of how repetitive use of a tool can contribute to injury, ergonomic tool design is becoming the norm. To help ensure you are making the best equipment investment for your team, here are basic ergonomic tool features to look for.

Social media allows people to communicate with one another like never before, creating new opportunities for businesses to reach their target audiences. MCAA’s Guidelines to Using Social Media in Your Business offers advice and insight to help your business establish or benchmark social media and manage its social media presence. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Add your voice to 2024 MEP Innovation Conference and submit your education sessions today for the January 29-31, 2024 event in Orlando, FL. Built by MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA, the MEP Innovation Conference joins thought leaders across the electrical, mechanical and sheet metal trades to improve MEP contractors’ profitability and productivity. The deadline for proposals is Saturday, June 29, 2023.

Calling all Safety Professionals. Have you ever wanted to present at a national Safety & Health Conference? Now is your chance to share your knowledge and expertise with hundreds of attendees from all over the country at the 2024 Safety & Health Conference in Tucson, AZ, January 16-18, 2024. Submissions are due July 14th, 2023.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) or Ergonomic injuries are more than a buzzword. OSHA approximates that 1 in 3 injuries is an MSD and is costing U.S. workplaces billions of dollars each year. This month we are relaunching our recent video on Musculoskeletal Wellness. This video comes with a pocket guide, documentation sheet, test, and answer key. The kit also includes several microlearning videos and a supervisor video, both collaborations with our partners at CNA Insurance. You can also rewatch our Ergonomics webinar where we partnered with Washington University in St. Louis and CPWR to reduce MSDs in construction.

Join us for the 37th Annual MSCA Education Conference where we will change the view of our industry and our businesses while collectively navigating a future that is exciting, uncertain, and full of promise. Connect with your fellow MSCA members as we share our knowledge, our expertise, our ideas, and propel yourself and your business to greater heights.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Since 2010 MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope during the annual MSCA educational conference to support a local organization in the community where the conference is being held, with needed supplies and hands-on assistance. Due to the generosity of our members and local associations, we have been able to provide over $675,000 in products and services to organizations such as food banks, homeless shelters, rescue missions and women’s shelters. In 2023, MSCA and Convoy of Hope will partner with Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, a Marco Island-based charity working towards wiping our hunger.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA is partnering with Dodge Construction Network on a new study on jobsite safety, and your participation is vital to its success. The purpose is to track trends in safety practices in the U.S. construction industry. This survey should take approximately 12 minutes to complete. In return for qualifying for, completing and submitting the survey, you will have the option to have a summary report of the survey findings emailed to you. Thank you for helping the industry to continue to prioritize and improve safety.

More than two dozen people from underserved populations have entered the pipe trades in the last three years through a unique partnership between Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri (MCA EMO), and the Plumbing Industry Council (PIC). Now, the CHAMPIONS Initiative is preparing to launch a fourth cohort of women and minorities who will devote their summer to kick-starting an exciting new career through intensive training, formal mentorship, and job placement as a pre-apprentice with union mechanical and plumbing contractors.

We all know the plumbing industry is aging, much like our water infrastructure. The average estimated age of a master plumber is 58 years old. However, there are many young professionals entering the industry to make a difference. Plumbing & Mechanical would like to highlight these Next Generation All-Stars in their Top 20 Under 40 Contest. They will be spotlighting the young professionals that are driving the industry into the future.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

There are unsung heroes among us who use their time, gifts, and generosity to propel their communities forward. They do the things that are truly needed out of the kindness of their hearts and with a passion for making a difference. Who do you know who has stepped up and propelled their community into a better place?

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that OSHA has begun a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and to reduce hazards which are causing or likely to cause serious injuries and fatalities from falls while working at heights. Considering that falls remain the leading cause of fatalities and serious injuries in all industries, and the violation the agency cites most frequently in construction industry inspections, the agency has determined that an increase in enforcement and outreach activities is warranted.

#SafetyWeek is a wrap! But the safety & health of our workers, our teams, and each other continues to be of the utmost importance. You can view all of last week’s video clips below for tips to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of our workers below.

Tyfoom, an engagement platform for employee communication and training, today announced a partnership with the MCAA, which will give our members access to select MCAA-produced training and education material and products via Tyfoom’s video-based microlearning format. With Tyfoom’s advanced training capabilities and MCAA’s safety training content, members have everything they need to stay competitive and keep their employees safe.

Working at heights continues to be one of the most dangerous parts of construction and service. Each year falls are the leading cause of workplace fatalities and fall protection is the most cited OSHA violation. MCAA has put together a kit which includes training on Aerial Lift Safety, Fall Prevention and Protection, Ladder Safety, and Scaffold Safety. This kit also includes model programs on fall protection and fall rescue. This could be one of the most important kits of the year.

We are very pleased to announce that registration is now open for MCAA’s Collective Bargaining Conference and the UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference this September! Through the registration process, you will have the ability to register for both conferences at once, or select an individual conference.

This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN at the Grand Hyatt and is packed with opportunities to learn, grow and discover all that you are capable of and what this industry has to offer. Hotel rooms are filling up fast, so register today and lock in the group rate by May 14!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference kicks off on Monday, June 12th with our Opening General Session – DISCover You. In this session led by Kathryn Crosby, attendees will complete a “style analysis” profile to produce a graph of the behavior and personality tendencies for each letter designation used in the popular DISC system specific to the attendee. This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN. See you there!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Curtis Harbour has been named Brandt, a Southland Industries Company’s Vice President of Labor Relations. Curtis, who became MCAA’s Vice President / Assistant Treasurer at MCAA23, will transition to his new role effective June 1, 2023, eventually expanding that role to the enterprise level.

By installing antimicrobial cooling towers from Delta Cooling, Bluegrass Hydronics and Pump helped a rural Kentucky school district qualify for a federal grant to replace a failed tower and another nearing the end of its life. The units solved the two biggest issues the school district was facing: budget constraints and the need for durable solutions.

The use of permanent HVAC systems to provide temporary heat during construction introduces the possibility of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues down the line. MCAA’s Temporary Usage of HVAC Equipment explains why temporary heating, cooling and dehumidification equipment specifically designed for use during construction is preferable. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

A recent MCA of Kansas City WiMI Committee (WiMI-KC) event inspired Tiffany Oldham, a digital media specialist with P1 Group, Inc., to write an article for her company’s newsletter. Learn more about the event and how WiMI-KC is engaging, empowering, inspiring and mentoring women in Kansas City’s mechanical industry.

There are unsung heroes among us who use their time, gifts, and generosity to propel their communities forward. They do the things that are truly needed out of the kindness of their hearts and with a passion for making a difference. Who do you know who has stepped up and propelled their community into a better place?

Learn about federal procurement policy directly from U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Robin Carnahan during the 2023 CEA National Issues Conference. If you want to stay informed and involved in the legislative and regulatory policy issues that impact your business, you can’t afford to miss this conference! Join us May 2-4 in Washington, D.C. to hear about U.S. Department of Labor regulations from Jessica Looman, Wage and Hour Division Principal Deputy Administrator. Get the latest on federal construction procurement rules from Northern Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly. And learn about new pension and healthcare plan regulations from Mariah Becker of the NCCMP. Only a few spots remain. Register today!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

A new, state-of-the-art hospital in New York required that John W. Danforth Company use solder connections for mechanical piping and press fittings for the plumbing, so they looked to a trusted and reliable partner, Mueller Streamline Co., a primary subsidiary of Mueller Industries, that could provide both. That decision has paid off with a smooth construction process to date, supported by building information modeling (BIM) technology that ensured accuracy for prefabrication. Mueller Industries, Inc. is a major sponsor of MCAA23.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a standard requirement in many project specifications. MCAA’s BIM – What Is It and Is It Right for My Company? explains what BIM is and offers tips to help companies reap the greatest benefit from this technology. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA23 concluded a week of many moments and final thoughts from MCAA President Robert Bolton. UA General President Mark McManus joined us to talk about the strength of the UA/MCAA partnership. MCAA’s two fundraisers concluded and President Bolton awarded the prizes before recognizing MCAA’s retiring Board members and turning over the presidential gavel to new MCAA President Robert Beck. President Beck thanked Bolton for his commitment and passion over the last year and announced MCAA’s funding of the Robert H. and Alda Bolton Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $20,000. The new Executive Committee and new Board members were introduced to the membership.

Breaking ground on the Rex and Alice A. Martin Softball Training Center at the University of Illinois in April 2021, A&R Mechanical Contractors, Inc., faced the unique challenges of building during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent supply chain issues. They successfully completed the project on schedule thanks to NIBCO, which manufactures more than 90 percent of its products in the United States. “I would have to say NIBCO was very instrumental in helping A&R Mechanical get this project finished in a timely fashion,” said Chris Asklund, A&R Mechanical project manager. NIBCO is a major sponsor of MCAA23.

Worker health is at the heart of all that safety professionals do. This month the MCAA is packaging six worker safety videos and their accompanying materials with eleven worker safety resources and bringing you an infection control recertification webinar with the ASSE, the American Society of Sanitary Engineering. Members can refresh training on subjects such as Asbestos Awareness, Bloodborne Pathogens, Hexavalent Chromium, Silica, Radio Frequency Radiation Safety, Respiratory Protection as well as download guides, bulletins, and programs on each topic.

In the best of circumstances, state and local tax audits of construction contractors eventually turn adversarial and are not to be treated lightly. MCAA’s Preparing for a Sales Tax Audit will help you understand the process and the rules so that you can resolve any issues with practicality and technical proficiency. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

Time is running out to register for the Construction Employers of America (CEA) National Issues Conference. If you want to stay informed and involved in the legislative and regulatory policy issues that impact your business, you can’t afford to miss it! Join us May 2-4 in Washington, D.C. to hear about U.S. Department of Labor regulations from Jessica Looman, Wage and Hour Division Principal Deputy Administrator. Get the latest on federal construction procurement rules from Northern Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly. And learn about new pension and healthcare plan regulations from Mariah Becker of the NCCMP. Register today!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

More than 10,000 serious construction-related eye injuries happen each year, yet these injuries are preventable with proper eye protection. Help workers to understand why eye protection is critical. To celebrate 20 years of safety excellence, MCAA is releasing five impactful videos in 2023 to help improve safety & health across the entire industry.

Did you take MCAA’s ASSE 12020: Environment of Care, Infection Control and Construction Risk Assessment Professional Qualification Standard certification class in April 2020? If so, your certification is set to expire, and MCAA has prepared a free 2-hour recertification course through ASSE International. The goal of the ASSE 12020 personnel certification is to provide end users with contractors and technicians who can work as valuable members of construction risk assessment teams. You can assist in protecting building occupants from pathogens and other potential construction hazards while at the same time preventing outbreaks. Following the course, attendees will need to pass a recertification exam. The cost of the exam is $110. ASSE will provide additional details during the webinar. Join MCAA and ASSE on Thursday, April 13 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern to take the first step toward your recertification.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

You cannot eliminate the possibility of business disruptions—but you can prepare for them. Whether the cause is a storm, a cyberattack, or another unexpected event, a sudden disruption could affect your organization at any time. To grow and thrive in an uncertain risk environment, your business needs preparation to absorb, adapt, and be resilient to disruptive events. CNA, a benefactor of MCAA23, offers a series of short podcasts (about 15 minutes each) on risk and resilience.

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.

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative enables women in the mechanical industry to further enrich their careers through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities. This year’s WiMI Conference will be held June 12-14 in Nashville, TN. Join us to discover your potential. Register now – seats fill quickly!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA member WennSoft (formerly Key2Act), a provider of field service management, and building intelligence solutions, has been acquired by Volaris Group. “With the strength and global scale of Volaris behind us, we envision a bright future for WennSoft,” said Joe Alvarez, CEO. “We look forward to continuing enhancement of our product suite and solidifying our long-term commitment to add value for our customers, and partners.” WennSoft will continue to operate as an independent business unit led by Joe Alvarez.

Did you take MCAA’s ASSE 12020: Environment of Care, Infection Control and Construction Risk Assessment Professional Qualification Standard certification class in April 2020? If so, your certification is set to expire, and MCAA has prepared a free 2-hour recertification course through ASSE International. The goal of the ASSE 12020 personnel certification is to provide end users with contractors and technicians who can work as valuable members of construction risk assessment teams. You can assist in protecting building occupants from pathogens and other potential construction hazards while at the same time preventing outbreaks. Following the course, attendees will need to pass a recertification exam. The cost of the exam is $110. ASSE will provide additional details during the webinar. Join MCAA and ASSE on Thursday, April 13 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern to take the first step toward your recertification.

Barrier-free, accessible, and inclusive design is an important trend in building. Planning for a commercial restroom with all users in mind, regardless of ability, gender, or age, makes for a safer and more comfortable restroom that is easy for anyone to use. Contractors who embrace the concepts of inclusive design can stand out as partners who put users’ needs first, and Sloan, a benefactor of MCAA23, has innovative products to help. Inclusive design is pivotal for supporting people with disabilities and complying with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. It is also important as society’s awareness of gender identity grows.

Exposure to lung-damaging silica dust is preventable with proper respiratory protection. Help the more than 2 million workers who are exposed to silica each year learn why this protection is so critical to their health. To celebrate 20 years of safety excellence, MCAA is releasing five impactful videos in 2023 to help improve safety & health across the entire industry.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services’ adoption of new oil and grease interceptor monitoring technology from Zurn has significantly reduced pumping overspend and minimized the risk of backups for JPG’s customers. The increased monitoring is translating into more tank repair and replacement work as customers gain better visibility into their systems. Zurn Elkay Water Solutions is a benefactor of MCAA23.

Women in Construction Week or WIC Week celebrates and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. In 1998, NAWIC held the first WIC Week and it has grown and expanded each year since. This week, MCAA wants to celebrate the many successful women among our membership and this amazing industry. 

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.

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. This month’s kit focuses on power tool and hand tool safety. Every contractor and worker use tools to do their job. Injuries from improper use and choosing the wrong tool for the job happen far too often. This month’s kit provides members with information on the most common hand and power tool injuries in the mechanical construction and service trades. The videos highlight the tools most likely to be involved in an injury incident and teach proper use of the tools to help prevent injuries. Be sure to check out the additional resources from our partner in safety, MILWAUKEE TOOL, for additional information on power and hand tool safety.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have published the AWWA/IAPMO Manual-2022: Manual of Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems. This manual of recommended practice is intended to provide expert guidance on building water system safety. It provides sound and effective risk management practices for preparing water systems when buildings must be shut down or put into low-use modes, “exercising” building water systems during periods of no or low use, and evaluating and prepping water systems for reopening.

A successful mechanical contracting company constantly seeks ways to enhance its business operations by encouraging honest feedback from customers. MCAA’s Listening to Our Customers explores customer types and offers tips and suggested questions to get customers talking. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Exposure to hearing-damaging hazardous noise is preventable, yet only 50% of construction workers wear hearing protection. To celebrate 20 years of safety excellence, MCAA is releasing five impactful videos in 2023 to help improve safety & health across the entire industry.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Kristy Stephens, Executive Director of the MCA of Eastern Missouri, an MCAA affiliate, recently reported on the progress she and her team have made since she came aboard nearly 6 years ago. The board and the staff have embraced the challenge to guide the organization through systemic transformation, and it shows in their results.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA members can quickly post an entry-level, full-time job or internship to a network of close to 50 student chapters as a benefit of membership. These student members are enrolled in programs such as construction management, mechanical engineering, construction engineering, architectural engineering, HVAC, and other similar courses of study that are designed to prepare them for careers in the mechanical contracting industry. Post your jobs on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board today!

New ANSI fall protection standards go into effect in 2023 – are you prepared? Subject matter expert, George Stallings, answers some of the most pressing questions about the changes and discusses how MCAA contractors can prepare their companies. MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management, Raffi Elchemmas moderates the Q&A with our speaker and audience.

Mechanical contractors that work cooperatively with owners, design teams, suppliers and subcontractors tend to have more successful and cost advantageous projects. MCAA’s Working with Owners provides information to assist you in doing just that by developing guidelines for an effective and cooperative work environment, establishing responsibilities up front, and scheduling regular meetings to discuss progress. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. This month’s kit focuses on personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is the last line of defense, and sometimes all you need to prevent and injury or save a life. Preventable injuries impact our safety culture, company morale, and our bottom
lines. This month’s kit includes our newest videos on hearing protection, head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, and hand protection. These videos are a candid look at what happens when you don’t wear PPE, and how easily you can help yourself and others by wearing these lifesaving pieces of personal protection.

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.

MCAA and MILWAUKEE TOOL congratulate Ricky Reams, the 2022 Safety Professional of the Year award winner. Ricky has been a passionate safety leader for many years and his work to advance mental health is without equal. Ricky is the VP of Safety and Quality at Murphy Company in St. Louis, MO. The award was announced at MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference in San Diego, CA in January. The award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieving an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. Ricky has been invited to MCAA23 in Phoenix, AZ in March to receive the award on stage during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast. MCAA and MILWAUKEE TOOL congratulate Ricky and thank him for his commitment to safety.

Safety is the top priority for MCAA contractors, and attendance at the 2023 MCAA Safety Conference proved it. The 2023 conference was the largest safety event in MCAA history, bringing together over 350 professionals to focus on safety and health in San Diego, CA.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

3M has notified the industry of a potential issue that could result in some construction and vest style harnesses not performing properly. This condition results in the adjuster not being able to be adjusted or not locking in place after adjustments have been made. This manufacturing issue will result in the harness not performing properly in the event of a fall, which could result in severe injury or death. Protect your workers – read the inspection notice below.

Twenty-two MCAA Student Chapters submitted a proposal for the National Western Center Campus Energy project.  Congratulations to the Final Four and Merit Award teams. The teams will present their proposals on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 28th at MCAA23 in Phoenix, AZ.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The spring 2023 MSCA classes are on the calendar and open for registration! MSCA provides focused training programs for your sales and operational personnel. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provide the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry.

To compete successfully in today’s marketplace, mechanical construction, mechanical service and plumbing contractors need to market their businesses and the products and services they offer to existing and potential customers. To be effective in those efforts, they need to know the basics about planning, developing and using a marketing program. MCAA’s Guide to Marketing Your Business provides those basics to help contractors conceive ideas and assemble them into a successful plan that will help their businesses grow and thrive. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

High employee turnover of professional staff is a major issue facing the mechanical contracting industry today. It can have a massive impact on a contractor’s productivity and bottom line. MCAA’s Retention of Professional Staff outlines specific strategies that contractors can implement to increase their ability to retain employees as well as metrics that can be used to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

New ANSI fall protection standards go into effect February 2023 – are you prepared? Subject matter expert, George Stallings, will answer some of the most pressing questions about the changes and discuss how MCAA contractors can prepare their companies. MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management, Raffi Elchemmas will be there to moderate

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Phil Petillo is the MCA of New Jersey’s (MCANJ) new executive director. Phil has been the association’s education director for 10 years. During that time, he has made many improvements to the association’s instructional programs. He was also an integral part of communicating industry-related information, scheduling, planning, labor relations and working with MCAA. In making the announcement, MCANJ President Richard Tomaiko noted that, “Phil has demonstrated his ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and cordially. His personality and determination will undoubtedly lead to the continued success and development of the MCANJ and the Industry.” Marty Drobny will continue working with MCANJ during the transition period.

Every company should have plans to deal with emergencies and disasters. Well-executed plans can save lives, minimize the loss of assets, and even save the entire business. MCAA’s Disaster Recovery: Getting Your Business Back in Operation After a Disaster provides tips to help you develop and manage your company’s emergency response so that a disaster does not result in catastrophic losses for your business. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA has realigned some staff responsibilities for the future. Sean McGuire is the new Executive Director, JRGF (John R. Gentille Foundation). He continues in his role as Executive Director, Innovation Technologies & Fabrication. Sean has turned over his Plumbing Contractors of America (PCA) role to Teresa Pezzi, who also handles the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), a natural fit since mechanical and plumbing service frequently go hand in hand. Teresa’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) role has transitioned to Michaela Mueller, who continues as Director, Special Projects & Initiatives. Please join us in congratulating them on their new roles!

We hope that you enjoyed the holidays with your families. Together, we made it through 2022 and the challenges it presented. As we jump into 2023, let’s look at all we accomplished together in 2022.

To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. To kick off the year, we are focusing on new workers. New workers are often the most vulnerable to accidents and injuries. In this month’s kit we have videos, programs, and manuals, including a New Worker Safety Orientation video and several accompanying resources.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA wants to hear about all of your mechanical contracting interns and has revised the internship grant application process to ensure program success is being rewarded and celebrated.  

A clear, written credit policy is a vital part of every well-run mechanical contracting business. MCAA’s Credit Policy Criteria explores the essential ingredients of a credit policy to assist contractors in developing or fine-tuning their own policies. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The use of permanent HVAC systems to provide temporary heat during construction introduces the possibility of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues down the line. MCAA’s Temporary Usage of HVAC Equipment explains why temporary heating, cooling and dehumidification equipment specifically designed for use during construction is preferable. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Bassett Mechanical, an MCAA member, announced several leadership promotions that position the company for continued growth as well as delivering on its vision of Creating Customers for Life®. Jerod Steigenberger will become President of the 86-year-old family enterprise. Kim Bassett will assume the role of Chairperson of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Bill Bassett will become Chairman Emeritus. Patty Van Ryzin will be the Chief Human Resource Officer.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The MSCA Sales Leadership Symposium is taught by leading service contractors and designed for HVACR service sales leaders who are responsible for any aspect of sales in their company. Attendees will learn new ways to drive revenue growth, enhance the sales team’s productivity, and ensure employee retention. There are still a few spots left, so don’t delay! 

MCAA and long-time safety partner CNA bring you the prestigious MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards Program. The annual awards honor MCAA member companies’ successful safety programs and innovative safety initiatives because nothing is more important than the health and safety of our workers. Take a moment to celebrate your company’s successes – apply today!

MCAA will be hosting four Field Leaders Conferences in 2023 to welcome as many field personnel as possible. Help your field personnel become leaders by sending them to Scottsdale, AZ (April 3-5), Chicago, IL (May 17-19), San Francisco, CA (August 2-4) or Des Moines, IA (October 11-13). We will offer the same education in all four locations, ensuring your team receives high-quality education at the date and location most convenient for your company. Register your team today!

Employees working in warehouses and tool rooms manage tens of thousands of tools used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing and mechanical systems. MCAA’s Bluetooth for Tool Management provides an overview of Bluetooth technology to assist those considering a move to a Bluetooth tool management solution. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

College students across the country are finishing up finals and heading home for winter break. Following a few days of post-finals rest, their #1 priority will be to secure a summer internship or full-time position. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to put your company in the spotlight during the golden weeks between semesters! Post your entry level, full-time job or internship today and ring in the new year to successfully growing your workforce.

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.

Did you know that the MCAA currently has more than 50 worker and supervisor safety training videos? Each year MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative produces several new training videos, programs, guides, posters, toolbox talks and other resources. Our recently updated safety resource page helps members quickly identify the newly produced videos and resources to stay up to date with regulations and ahead of the curve with safety and health.

Mechanical contractors may benefit from Employee Stock Ownership Plans, innovative planning devices allowing for tax-favored transfers of stock ownership in a closely held business. MCAA’s Employee Stock Ownership Plans reviews the benefits and disadvantages of these plans to assist in strategic planning. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Mental health awareness is a growing priority in the mechanical industry. At the 2023 MCAA Safety Conference, hear from Josh Rizzo, a Bronze Star Medal recipient and longtime construction industry expert, on how to lead while taking care of yourself and the teams you serve. Join us January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Register today!

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Frank Favaro, President of ServeCentric Coaching in Cleveland, OH. Frank teaches sales employees where other companies drop the ball when it comes to customer interactions, relationships, and service and how to avoid those same mistakes.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Winger Companies tackled two challenges—the growing scale of its fabrication projects and a tight labor market—with Watts-Mueller machines that allowed them to do more with fewer people. General Manager Mike Smith said, “We increased our finished fabrications while cutting the cost of both consumables and manhours.”

Head injuries are preventable…all 50,000 per year! To celebrate 20 years of safety excellence, MCAA is releasing five impactful videos in 2023 to help improve safety & health across the entire industry.

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 teaches instructors to enhance their skills, managers to build leadership skills, and finance teams to meet company objectives.

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.

MCAA is on track to have the highest number of safety professionals in one place in over 20 years at MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference. The event will include 50+ hours of education and training, keynote speeches on safety leadership, and a celebration of safety. We will once again be joined by our partners in safety, the United Association. Join us January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Register today!

Ohio-based mechanical contractor Geauga Mechanical Company keeps projects on track and recoups more than 750 office hours annually through eSUB CLOUD’s project management and time tracking software. Prior to transitioning to eSUB, the contractor’s paper-based system of time reporting required field employees to call in to the office weekly or submit written time sheets that had to be reviewed, approved, and then manually entered into the accounting system.

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will begin accepting applications from states for $250 million in funding for energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits of commercial buildings. States may apply to DOE for seed money to start their own energy efficiency revolving loan fund that can be used to fund energy efficient upgrades or retrofits in the state. If a state already has an energy efficient revolving loan fund, this money can be used to bolster existing programs. Once state programs are set up, these monies will ultimately provide low or no cost funding to potential customers of MCAA members seeking to make energy efficient upgrades to their facilities.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s 2022 Fabrication Conference showcased how mechanical contractors are adopting and innovating in the built environment. McKinstry Company, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, hosted the tour this year and demonstrated to attendees how integrated digital design, collaboration and fabrication are creating a path for contractors that leverages combined productivity into profitability.

NEMCA’s WiMI New England chapter hosted its inaugural meeting on Friday, October 14, 2022. The group is committed to championing women in the mechanical industry by providing professional development, support, advocacy and networking opportunities for females across the region.

On October 29, 2022, JPG Plumbing and Mechanical Services, Inc. teamed up with Kingdom Investors and Kids Against Hunger to donate and package meals for thousands suffering from starvation and malnutrition. Kids Against Hunger partners with organizations like JPG in bringing people together to make a difference feeding starving children and their families throughout 70 countries. JPG employees, their family members, friends, and vendor partners packaged more than 42,000 meals for distribution by Convoy of Hope to feed families in Haiti. This is the second year JPG has partnered with Kids Against Hunger, and they will continue to make this an annual event.

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.

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Kevin Dougherty, who uses his industry experience to provide tangible solutions to today’s problems in an easy-to-listen-to style.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s 2023 Safety Conference includes 50+ hours of education from subject matter experts, plus inspiring keynote speakers like Connie Podesta. Connie will take you inside the minds of your most difficult employees and give you the tools to turn negative attitudes into positive, entitlement into accountability, complacency into productivity, complaining into solutions and “that’s not my job” into ownership. Join us January 17-19, 2023, in San Diego, CA. Register today!

Close collaboration between IMI TA, a branch of IMI Hydronic Engineering, and building designers led to a 23-percent savings in annual energy consumption (equivalent to $19,341) for an Oklahoma public building. The Lawton Public Safety Facility in Clay Coe, OK, is a 100,000-square-foot, four-story building with 350 working stations. The original design strategy for the facility included proportional control valves with no balancing valve on each terminal and a variable speed pump (VSP) differential pressure (DP) sensor.

The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) has partnered with ELECTRI International (NECA) and the New Horizons Foundation (SMACNA) to assess and produce a detailed report on construction contracting best practices. Our collaboration is meant to provide industry-wide data that supports our members’ contract negotiations and guidance on better contract language to reduce liability. With better practices in place, risk can be shifted away from trade contractors to the appropriate party, leading to a more profitable industry overall.

While direct purchasing appears to offer advantages, hidden pitfalls may increase costs and delay project completion. MCAA’s Why Mechanical Contractors Should Furnish Equipment examines these advantages and pitfalls, giving contractors a well-rounded perspective on owner concerns and how best to address them. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Sloan, an MCAA member, with a 2022 WaterSense Excellence Award for helping people save water. In recognition of its commitment to promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2021, Sloan was honored during the WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) Conference and Exposition October 6 in Las Vegas along with 33 other awardees – utilities, manufacturers, builders, retailers, and other organizations that partner with WaterSense to promote water-efficient products, homes, and programs. Congratulations to the entire Sloan team!

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Nancy Bandy, Managing Director of TRAINSITIONS Consulting Group LLC. Nancy provides service contractors and employees with the skills they need to build on the company’s relationships and success.

When Sacramento-based Air Systems Service & Construction (ASSC) began shopping for new software, their main priority was improving customer experience. Within eight months of adopting ServiceTrade’s commercial service software in 2021, ASSC was already seeing significant improvements in customer communication and increasing efficiency.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

HVACR service companies that are thinking about adding plumbing to their company’s service offerings will benefit from MSCA’s new Plumbing Service 101 resource. In a series of five modules, Plumbing Service 101 highlights the benefits of offering plumbing service and investment challenges to consider before taking the leap. It also provides tips and resources that may be of interest to those with existing plumbing service operations.

Nominations are open for the 2022 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award, which is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who helps their company achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. To nominate someone for the 2022 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year, please complete the nomination form below and submit it by close of business on December 9, 2022.

MCAA has opened nominations for 2022 MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award, which is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who helps their company achieve an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form below and submit it by close of business on December 9, 2022. 

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.

Limbach Company LLC of Eastern PA, an MCAA and MSCA member, has been recognized as one of Philadelphia’s Top Workplaces by the Philadelphia Inquirer. This is the company’s fourth year in a row on the list. This year’s list recognizes 178 companies and organizations in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. “We are being recognized for something I have always known about this branch: we really do live out our core value of ‘we care’ – collectively and individually. We care about the work we do, the people we are, and those that we serve. This award goes to each of you for caring so deeply about our family here at Limbach,” Andy Wiegand, the company’s Vice President & Branch Manager, said to the team. MCAA congratulates everyone at Limbach.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

For decades, plumbing contractors have used inflatable or plumbing test balls to perform drain, waste, and vent (DWV) testing for new pipe installations, as required by plumbing code. But those traditional DWV testing systems often slow the plumber’s job down and can put them at risk of physical harm. In today’s world of labor shortages, plumbers and contractors need the best technologies available to get the job done efficiently and safely.

Retention of company records is critical for many reasons, especially the potential for litigation involving a construction project. MCAA’s Records Retention provides guidelines for establishing or refining a company’s records retention policy. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

National accounting firm Withum’s thought leaders will explore relevant topics to help your business stay agile and dynamic in the fast-changing business world during Withum’s Business and Finance Symposium: Future-Proofing your Business in an Era of Unknowns (November 9 and 16, 2022, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET). The online program will cover trending Tax and A&A concepts and discuss cryptocurrency, supply chain, transaction readiness, navigating turnover, and more.

Since the beginning of 2022, Har-Con has played a crucial part in a school expansion project, using MIFAB’s Quick Hub couplings and fixture carriers to stay on track. “The quick coupling is a great product that has saved Har-Con time and money through material cost and labor savings,” said Travis Welch, Har-Con project estimator.

MCAA is celebrating 20 years of safety excellence with our 20th anniversary safety conference. New this year, an extended learning (add-on) course will prepare safety professionals for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals’ Certified Safety Professional (CSP) exam. The course, which is limited to 20 students, is sponsored by MCAA’s newest Manufacturer/Supplier Council member, ClickSafety.

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.

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Woody Woodall, the managing principal of Customer Focused Solutions, Inc. Woody focuses on the building blocks of what makes a healthy and successful service company, with an emphasis on customer service, team-building and effective communication.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MSCA conducted a 2022 comprehensive benchmark survey to obtain current data on key performance indicators (KPIs) in the HVACR and plumbing service industry. The results were very insightful and sure to be beneficial to all MSCA members. The full report is now available, results are presented in two formats, one is overall results and the second is broken down by company size which can provide specific insight relevant to your company.

MSCA conducted a 2022 comprehensive benchmark survey to obtain current data on key performance indicators (KPIs) in the HVACR and plumbing service industry. The results were very insightful and sure to be beneficial to all MSCA members. The full report is now available, results are presented in two formats, one is overall results and the second is broken down by company size which can provide specific insight relevant to your company.

Mark Caudle, shop foreman of W.E. Bowers, estimated saving at least $35,000 per year and 20–­30 hours of labor per week by taking full advantage of the PypeServer software that came with one of its CNC pipe profilers. W.E. Bowers, a mechanical construction, service, and repair firm serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, operates a 42,000-square-foot steel shop with six overhead cranes, CNC pipe profilers from both Watts and Vernon (each running PypeServer Enterprise), and 11 pipe turners and automated welding stations, each with a certified welder and a shared fitter.

It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. In construction, imitation is the best form of profitability. Learning how innovative contractors have applied new technologies, processes and concepts is not only the first step in improving your company, but also an essential time and frustration saver. The 2023 MEP Innovation conference will help you do just that with peers from across the MEP trades. You won’t want to miss it! Register now to join us January 11-13, 2023, in Austin, Texas!

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Greg Fuller, Owner and CEO of North Mechanical Contracting, Inc., North Mechanical Services, Inc., NewJac Industrial, LLC, and Integrated Modular Construction, LLC. Greg provides a comprehensive look at fabrication that is ideal for anyone interested in starting or expanding their fabrication process.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Training is key in driving desired systematic improvement in any organization. Yet many businesses see training as an optional cost rather than as a necessary investment with a significant return. Consequently, training often drops to the very bottom of companies’ priorities. Prioritizing training, however, makes your employees more productive, more profitable while at work, and more committed to your organization.

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Mark Rogers, President of West Chester Mechanical Contractors, an HVAC, service and plumbing contractor that serves the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. Mark sheds light on how interactions and decisions made in the field impact all areas of a company.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

W.D. Manor Mechanical Contractors devised a better, safer dialysis box plumbing system, and now they are partnering with Whitehall Manufacturing, a division of Morris Group International, to manufacture and market the system. The W.D. Manor All-In-One Modular Dialysis Box by Whitehall® (model numbers 8193 and 8194) is easier and faster to install than traditional systems. Banner University Medical Center of Phoenix, AZ, installed the All-In-One Modular Dialysis Boxes in a major expansion project, saving hundreds of hours compared with traditional dialysis systems.

Looking for an intern or full-time new hire? Checkout MCAA’s newly revised job board to post your open positions to a network of student chapter members from close to 50 student chapters from across the U.S. and Canada.

Employee reviews are powerful tools in the performance improvement process. MCAA’s Employee Reviews provides guidelines and samples to help ensure a productive and beneficial review process for employees and their managers. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

National accounting firm Withum shares information to help you understand the tax implications of the recent Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruling addressing the proper treatment of improperly forgiven paycheck protection program (PPP) loans. The IRS ruled that the PPP loan forgiveness amount is not tax-free, even if the Small Business Administration (SBA) and lender granted the borrower full loan forgiveness, if the taxpayer did not satisfy the factual requirements for loan forgiveness.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago hosted its first Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) meeting on August 29, 2022. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago is proud to host its own WiMI committee and provide these resources to the women in its membership, such as professional, networking, and educational events.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago hosted its first Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) meeting on August 29, 2022. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago is proud to host its own WiMI committee and provide these resources to the women in its membership, such as professional, networking, and educational events.

2023 might seem like a far way off, but early registrants are not only taking advantage of the early-bird rate for the 2023 MEP Innovation Conference, but also spots in the facility tours. After a week of registrations, contractors have nearly filled the first release of tours at MCAA and SMACNA member Dynamic Systems Inc. The tours will include an explanation of DSI’s VDC operations and its integration to its sheet metal, plumbing and piping fabrication. More tours are to come. Register now to network with peers from multiple trades across the country and learn about industry advancements for the future of the MEP trades, January 11-13, 2023, in Austin, Texas!

As fabrication progresses towards manufacturing, a new approach is being taken that mirrors industrial manufacturing. For mechanical and plumbing contractors, this new approach involves a network of fabrication facilities, VDC resources and jobsite construction crews that work together to design and build projects as efficiently as possible. The 2022 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE will be hosted by McKinstry Company, who will share insight into their network of shops approach. Registration is temporarily sold out while we secure additional hotel rooms. If interested, sign up for the waitlist.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Initiative wants to give a big shout out to WiMI Vice Chair Wendy Glauber! She was recently named a 2022 Women of Influence Honoree in the Executive Category through Buffalo Business First.

General Piping, Inc. counted on NIBCO grooved butterfly valves to meet the strict deadlines of a high school renovation project. “NIBCO’s grooved butterfly valves were easy and fast to install, and they’ve performed well,” said Justin Richardson, project manager, who led the renovation of Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis, IN.

Unit prices are difficult to establish and even more difficult to utilize to establish a fair and equitable price for changes to contract work. MCAA’s Unit Pricing highlights the pitfalls of this pricing method and provides guidelines to help you avoid them. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Effective written communication is focused, clear and aims to accomplish a purpose. MCAA’s Business Writing for Success provides guidelines to help you consider and deliver messages that achieve the desired result. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Once again, MCAA has partnered with NECA and SMACNA to host the MEP 2023 Innovation Conference. This three-day event will include innovative presentations, collaborative roundtable discussions and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations highlighting the recent technologies that can improve MEP contractors’ productivity and profitability. Register now to network with peers from multiple trades across the country, and to learn about industry advancements and the future of the MEP trades, January 11-13 in Austin, Texas!

Construction is a hard and high-stress profession and has one of the highest rates of suicide in the nation. For the month of September, MCAA has joined forces with TAUC, NECA and SMACNA to acknowledge those affected by suicide, help raise awareness about mental health and connect individuals with treatment services. Our four trade associations are uniting behind fixing this problem and shining a light on the importance of your mental health. Together we have released a chip with the new suicide and crisis prevention number; #988. 

Construction is a hard and high-stress profession and has one of the highest rates of suicide in the nation. For the month of September, MCAA has joined forces with NECA, SMACNA and TAUC to acknowledge those affected by suicide, help raise awareness about mental health and connect individuals with treatment services. Our four trade associations are uniting behind fixing this problem and shining a light on the importance of your mental health. Together we have released a chip with the new suicide and crisis prevention number; #988.

The R-22 phaseout is fast-approaching… are you prepared? Are your customers? The key is to start planning now. Watch MSCA’s Phaseout Webinar, hosted by BuildOps.

Don’t miss out on the MCAA Converge, a unique and intimate event that offers customized executive-to-executive meetings tailored to meet your company’s needs. The approach brings together top decision-makers from MCAA contractor and MCAA Manufacturer/Supplier Council members, engaging in strategic and innovation-based discussions. Don’t delay – register today for the November 14 – 16, 2022, event in Arlington, TX. Registration closes September 16, 2022.

Enhance your strategic supply chain with the five newest members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference has earned rave reviews for its industry-specific content that gives field leaders at all levels the skills, understanding, and inspiration to positively impact their company’s bottom line. Learn what past attendees have to say and see how the conference content will benefit your field leaders and your company. The conference will offer the same education in Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14, 2022) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4, 2022). Register your field leaders today!

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Waldinger Corporation had several projects delayed or cancelled, while the John W. Danforth Company needed additional detailing support. Using GTP Services’ STRATUS software, they successfully collaborated on a large project, to the benefit of both companies. STRATUS allowed the contractors to share resources and also digitize their paper-based workflow, eliminating mistakes and increasing productivity.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Give your field leaders the skills they need to focus on growing company profits and brand when you send them to the Field Leaders Conference. They will return with an action item list, a fresh perspective on the latest tools and construction resources, and a network of other jobsite leaders to offer advice and provide support long after the class is over. The conference will be held in Kansas City, MO, November 2-4, 2022. Register your field leaders now!

Have you wanted to start a local Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) committee in your area, but weren’t quite sure where to start? The MCAA WiMI Committee has put together a comprehensive list of ideas and instructions that can be tailored to the specific needs of your area. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to wimi@mcaa.org.

With drought conditions stressing potable drinking water sources, jurisdictions are looking into the option of rainwater catchment and treatment for non-potable uses. MCAA is working as part of a coalition that includes the Plumbing Industry Leadership Council and the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association to understand how the industry is using rainwater catchment on projects. If you are a contractor that has worked on or is working on rainwater catchment projects, please take a moment to complete a short survey. Your responses will help the industry coalition understand current treatment procedures, uses and services.

Standard manufacturers’ warranties can expose contractors to unexpected exposures. MCAA’s Understanding Manufacturers’ Warranties explains potential exposures and offers tips for minimizing them. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

National accounting firm Withum shares information to help you understand the potential impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law on August 16, 2022. They note that the act, which includes $80 billion of increased funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), will meaningfully increase IRS audit rates, but the impact won’t happen overnight.

MCAA congratulates our very own Michele Hoffman on her selection as the recipient of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Education Foundation’s Carol A. Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award. The annual award recognizes an individual who has worked aggressively to promote construction as a viable career path, and Michele certainly fits the bill. MCAA CEO Tim Brink said, “Michele’s accomplishments are the result of years of hard work and dedication. I’m proud to have her as a member of the MCAA team.”

Congratulations to MCAA member Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI) on being named Plumbing & Mechanical’s 2022 Mechanical Contractor of the Year. The firm’s commitment to its employees, its dedication to improving the industry by educating everyone, and its eagerness to be adopt technology and innovation earned HFI the title.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Give your field leaders the skills they need to focus on growing company profits and brand when you send them to the Field Leaders Conference. They will return with an action item list, a fresh perspective on the latest tools and construction resources, and a network of other jobsite leaders to offer advice and provide support long after the class is over. The conference will offer the same education in two locations: Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14, 2022) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4, 2022). Choose your preferred city to learn more and register your field leaders now!

For contractors interested in how to establish and optimize their plumbing service operations, the 2022 PCA Plumbing Service Conference is the perfect opportunity! The conference scheduled for September 14-15 in Kansas City, Missouri, combines contractor-led presentations, roundtable discussions and a facility of Lexington Plumbing’s Kansas City headquarters.

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Vincent Sarubbi Jr., who will be joining the staff starting September 6, 2022. He will be MCAA’s new Director, Government Relations, learning the ropes from John McNerney. Vince comes to the MCAA after a decade of service on Capitol Hill advising Members of Congress on a variety of issues directly related to MCAA members’ business interests, including healthcare, education/apprenticeship, labor, and pension issues. MCAA is pleased to welcome Vince to the staff.

Properly drafted corporate minutes that reflect the actual intentions of the corporate directors and shareholders can be, and frequently have been, the factor that tips the scales in the taxpayer’s favor during disputes with the Internal Revenue Service. MCAA’s How to Set Up Tax-Wise Corporate Minutes explains the bottom-line importance of these important business documents. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA member XOi Technologies, a leading provider of technician-focused technology solutions, has formed a partnership with the United Association (UA) that delivers XOi’s innovative AI-based tech-enablement solution to HVACR instructors and registered service apprentices across the United States.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Stacy Zerr will become the MCA of Kansas City’s (MCAKC) next Executive Director on October 31, 2022. She brings over 24 years of mechanical contracting experience to the role, most recently as the Director of Pre-Construction Services for The Waldinger Corporation in Des Moines, Iowa. Stacy is active in MCAA as Chair of the Innovative Technologies Committee and as a member of both the Project Managers Education Committee and the Women in the Mechanical Industry Steering Committee. “We look forward to the leadership and professionalism that Stacy will bring to the association, and we’re excited to have her join our team at the end of October,” said Greg Stanger, MCAKC President.

Registration is now open for the 2022 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE. The conference is returning to Seattle, November 2-4, 2022 with a tour of one of the country’s most dynamic mechanical contractors – McKinstry Company. It will feature how innovative contractors are integrating digital information throughout their fabrication process by using a “Model-to-Machine” approach.

MCAA has partnered with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) for Safe + Sound Week, August 15-21, 2022. This nationwide event, held each August, recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.

Those working in the field come to MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference prepared to discuss their companies, their projects and the challenges they face, but they leave with a new network of peers. In sharing their own experiences and listening to others, attendees build new relationships that allow them to exchange advice and support long after they leave. The conference will be offered in both Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14, 2022) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4, 2022). Register your field leaders today!

Equipment leasing may provide attractive advantages, however much consideration should be given to the overall costs and benefits before making this important decision. MCAA’s Purchase vs. Lease Considerations helps contractors consider the overall costs and benefits before making this important decision. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has fully endorsed the 2020 edition of MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry. ASHRAE’s endorsement joins those of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), making the guide an industry standard for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) industries.

New workers are often the most vulnerable to accidents and injuries. To help, MCAA produced a New Worker Safety Orientation video and several accompanying resources including, a pocket guide, documentation sheet, test, and answer key. This package of resources is meant to train new workers on how to identify common hazards in the mechanical industry, and how to protect themselves from those hazards. Topics covered include: stop work authority, pre-task planning, PPE, working at heights, fall protection, fall prevention, power tool safety, hazard communication, housekeeping, and emergency procedures.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA Member Arden Building Companies recently hosted an Intern Day to familiarize new interns with the company and the industry. The event was hosted by Robert Bolton, CEO of Arden Building Companies and MCAA’s President, John Puniello, President of Arden Engineering Constructors, and Ciara Fusaro, HR Manager for Arden Building Companies. It included a mix of fun and games and serious learning about the industry, including a demonstration of Arden’s new Spool Welding Robot and a tour of the Unique Metal Works sheet metal fabrication facility. Arden’s interns are learning from the teams at Arden Engineering Constructors in Pawtucket, RI, Corporate Mechanical of New England in Woburn, MA, and MJ Daly in Waterbury, CT, all MCAA members.

The MCAA Field Leaders Conference provides those working in the field with the skills needed to be business and results oriented leaders who focus on growing company culture, brand and profits. During this intensive conference, attendees will learn from industry experts including facilitators who have been in their shoes and worked their way through the ranks to become successful business owners and from their peers from around the country as members of breakout session teams. The conference will be offered in both Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14, 2022) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4, 2022) this fall. Register your field leaders today!

The MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE, is going to Seattle this November 2-4 with a tour of one of the country’s most dynamic mechanical contractors – McKinstry Company. This conference is one of MCAA’s most popular conferences and it sells out quickly. Registration is limited to 2 people per company, including those with multiple locations. Register now!

MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative was launched in 2018 to enable women in the industry to further enrich their careers. One woman who has been a role model for this initiative is President of Peterson Service Co and Past President of MCANJ, Renee Fiorelli. As the first female president of MCANJ in it’s 100-year history, Fiorelli is no stranger to being one of the few women in the room. But she is also no stranger to this industry.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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.

The PCA has partnered with Lexington Plumbing of Kansas City to host the 2022 PCA Plumbing Service Conference from September 14 – 15, 2022. The event will center around a hosted facility tour of Lexington Plumbing’s commercial plumbing service operations. Registration is now open. Space is limited to 65 participants, so don’t delay – register today!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The MCAA Field Leaders Conference provides those working in the field with the skills needed to be business and results oriented leaders who focus on growing company culture, brand and profits. During this intensive conference, attendees will learn from industry experts including facilitators who have been in their shoes and worked their way through the ranks to become successful business owners and from their peers from around the country as members of breakout session teams. The conference will be offered in both Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14, 2022) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4, 2022) this fall. Register your field leaders today!

The use of permanent HVAC systems to provide temporary heat during construction introduces the possibility of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues down the line. MCAA’s Temporary Usage of HVAC Equipment explains why temporary heating, cooling and dehumidification equipment specifically designed for use during construction is preferable. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

At MCAA’s Field Leaders Conferences, you will hear from the best of the best. MCAA will be holding two 2022 Field Leaders Conferences: Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4). It’s a conference your lead field personnel cannot afford to miss and we hope to see them there!

MCAA and its partners in safety, CNA & MILWAUKEE TOOL, offer resources to help protect workers from heat stress.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA is pleased to be hosting two Field Leaders Conferences this Fall. The same conference is being presented in two different cities to welcome as many field personnel as possible. We will be in Indianapolis, IN (October 12-14) and Kansas City, MO (November 2-4). Help your field personnel become leaders and register them today!

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Kevin Dougherty, who uses his industry experience to provide tangible solutions to today’s problems in an easy-to-listen-to style.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

In 2021, the Department of Defense announced a new strategic effort to provide enhanced cyber security efforts for their building projects going forward. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will ensure accountability for companies to implement cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive data during the design, build and operations of DoD facilities. Recently, the DoD has simplified and revised the CMMC to make it more streamlined and faster in what they are calling, “CMMC 2.0”. 

Many employees are more comfortable using their own mobile devices on the job. MCAA’s Bring Your Own Device – Is It Right for Your Company? explores the advantages and disadvantages of a bring your own device (BYOD) policy to help mechanical contractors decide whether to adopt such a policy. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The PCA has partnered with Lexington Plumbing of Kansas City to host the 2022 PCA Plumbing Service Conference from September 14 – 15, 2022. The event, which is modeled after MCAA’s Fabrication Conference, will center around a hosted facility tour of Lexington Plumbing’s commercial plumbing service operations. Registration is now open. Space is limited to 65 participants, so don’t delay – register today!

MCAA’s Safety Statistics & Awards program recognized 90 MCAA members’ safety performance in 2021. All applicants received a valuable benchmarking report that will allow them to compare their own 2021 incidence rates with the aggregate rates of the other participating MCAA companies overall, those in the same size category, and with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics incidence rates. Those who qualified also received a certificate of commendation. Congratulations to all!

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.

Since 2010, MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope during the Annual MSCA Education Conference to support a local organization in the community where the conference is being held with needed supplies and hands-on assistance. In 2022, we will support the Community Action Partnership Orange County, a charity that has worked to enhance the quality of life in their community since 1965 by seeking to end and prevent poverty. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but now is the time to go above and beyond.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

3M has notified the industry of a potential manufacturing issue that could result in some lanyards not performing properly in the event of a fall. This could result in severe injury or death. Select 3M™ DBI-SALA® ShockWave™2 Arc Flash Shock Absorbing Lanyards are impacted and should be removed from service. See the recall notice for details and information about replacements.

More workers are killed or injured in and around excavations than in any other phase of construction work. MCAA and safety partner CNA offer resources that reinforce the importance of trench protective systems to keep your team safe during Trench Safety Stand-Down Week June 20 – 24, 2022 and every day.

Markups provide funds to cover overhead costs, a fair and reasonable profit, and some cushion in case estimated costs are exceeded. MCAA’s Service Markups vs. Construction Markups discusses the elements of a job estimate that may be considered for markups. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MSCA is conducting a comprehensive benchmark survey to obtain data in the HVACR and plumbing service industry. The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, but yields an incredible amount of knowledge. Please complete the survey by June 23, 2022.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Tolin Mechanical of Denver, CO, adopted the XOi Vision app to streamline data capture and communication among its technicians and customers, improving customer satisfaction, decision making, and repeat business. Tolin is a full-service facility management company that works with commercial, industrial, institutional, and government organizations to maintain safe, healthy, and energy-efficient building operations.

MCAA thanks everyone who attended the second annual Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference in Austin. It was a time to come together, to learn from peers in the industry, to expand networks, and to grow this incredible initiative. We are proud to have brought together such a dynamic group of women! Take a look at how the attendees spent the three jam packed days.

The full-featured digital version of MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our printed directory. Download your copy for digital-only benefits that help you stay connected throughout the year. Printed copies will mail in the next few weeks.

The layout of a construction job site and its corresponding security plan often make the difference between controlling losses and suffering costly thefts. MCAA’s Contractor’s Equipment: A Guide to Better Security provides general guidelines for improving security. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) fall protection standard Z359.14-2021, Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems, will go into effect on February 1, 2023. When it does, MCAA member companies will face several changes and additional testing requirements in an area that is among the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) most frequently cited violations. Prepare your company now by familiarizing yourself with the changes and purchasing equipment that meets the new standard.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Join us for the 36th Annual MSCA Education Conference where we will push beyond the boundaries to look at where our industry is headed in the future. Collectively we go beyond what we can do as individuals, and when we share our knowledge, our expertise, and our ideas, we move beyond what we can do on our own to something extraordinary. We look forward to seeing you October 16 – 19, 2022, in Huntington Beach, CA!

Nashville Machine Company took on the complicated task of removing and replacing an aging water heating system so large it would not fit through the mechanical room doors. Installing a new system from Lochinvar went smoothly thanks to the flexibility of the Lochinvar products, which also promised excellent energy efficiency, making them the ideal choice for the project.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

A&R Mechanical Contractors, Inc. credits PypeServer software with dramatically improving efficiency in its fabrication shop; pipe cutting tasks that used to take hours can now be done in 10 minutes or less. Justin Powers, A&R’s virtual design and construction (VDC) and fabrication business unit manager, oversees work across the spectrum from contract award to field installation. He described his company’s typical workflow and tools and the impact of integrating PypeServer software.

MCAA and MCAC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), confirming the long-standing partnership and collaboration between the two associations. In addition to the promotion of the mechanical contracting sector, the MOU also sets out guidelines on the sharing of educational resources, industry best practices, as well as attendance at MCAA and MCAC events.

When a customer files bankruptcy, mechanical contractors face legal and other pitfalls that may affect their business relationship with that customer. MCAA’s Doing Business with a Customer in Bankruptcy reviews each of these to help contractors preserve relationships and protect their bottom line. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

Join us for the 36th Annual MSCA Education Conference at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa on October 16-19, 2022. As always, the program will be packed with four days of remarkable educational offerings, current industry trends, and connecting with friends! Registration opens June 6 with early bird registration of $1,600 for members and $650 for partners.

The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) has released its 2022 Union Craft Labor Supply Report. The industry’s only union-specific report focused on construction and maintenance shows great confidence in the industry’s growth prospects.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

In today’s high-tech world, when people talk about tool timesavers they tend to focus on the latest Bluetooth technology or the newest gadget. Yet, technology is not the only way to cut down time on a jobsite: tools that allow you to work smarter, not harder, can help any professional get to the next jobsite more effectively and efficiently.

Companies that let employees use company vehicles may face liability should an accident occur. MCAA’s Avoiding Potential Liability from Employees’ Use of Company Vehicles describes the most common types of liabilities and offers tips to help reduce them. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Thermal Energy or Clean Energy is the reduction or elimination of carbon dioxide from energy sources. For example, heat pumps are a clean energy source for water heating and comfort cooling and heating. We will be joined by subject matter expert on geothermal HVACR technologies, Jay Egg. Join us on Thursday, August 18th at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Missouri’s C.E. Jarrell Mechanical Contracting Co. Inc. finished an extensive project ahead of the fast-track completion date by using CerroPress® press-to-connect domestic water fittings and CerroTube™ copper plumbing tube from Cerro Flow Products LLC®. Press fitting saved time and labor compared with sweating or soldering joints. Without a need for flame, Jarrell did not need a fire watch or special permits. They installed CerroPress copper fittings in sizes 1/2” to 2 1/2” throughout the facility.

Now, More Than Ever, is the year to attend the WiMI Conference, June 6–8 in Austin, TX. This year’s agenda includes riveting educational sessions.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The performance of any health care building is linked to the HVAC ecosystem, as accurate indoor temperature and air quality are critical in health care settings. However, each project comes with its own set of challenges. IMI Hydronic Engineering has over 300 years of combined experience on hydronic systems.

MCAA is pleased to welcome Carlos Arias to the MCAA staff. Carlos, who is originally from Guatemala, will be the new voice answering the phones at MCAA starting May 2, 2022. Carlos began his service career in the hospitality industry with many years at several major Washington, DC hotels. He has spent the past 16 years working in property management in Gaithersburg, MD, a suburb near the MCAA office. On weekends Carlos spends time with family and friends at cookouts, enjoying music and dancing, and traveling to the beach. Join us in welcoming Carlos and his family to the MCAA staff family.

To survive and grow in today’s marketplace, mechanical contractors must become better managers and business professionals. MCAA’s The Management Audit: Peer Group Guidelines explains how informally organized groups of non-competing contractors can assist each other through idea exchange to run their respective businesses more professionally and more profitably. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

There are unsung heroes among us who go beyond what is asked of them, to do the things that are truly needed, out of the kindness of their hearts and with a passion to make a difference for the better. Help us honor these generous and caring individuals today by nominating them for the MSCA Everyday Hero Award. 

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Dormatech Mechanical Systems of Northern California faced a familiar litany of challenges using multiple software platforms to manage its business. After switching to an integrated BuildOps software solution, Dormatech rapidly increased revenue by 50 percent.

A company’s employee manual sets expectations and delivers information. MCAA’s Guide to Human Resources Policies provides guidance on human resources policies to help MCAA members design their own employee manuals. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Three powerful, motivating and dynamic women – Sara Ross, Valorie Burton and Michelle Poler – will inspire women at all stages of their careers during the 2nd Annual WiMI Conference in Austin, TX, June 6-8. Don’t miss it – register today!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The education MCAA members and local affiliates depend on just got a little less expensive thanks to a new program that offers a 20% rebate on instructor fees for select National Education Initiative (NEI) classes, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Understanding the elements of a basic financial statement is a must for anyone in business. MCAA’s Guide to Financial Statements demystifies the process of preparing and analyzing the financial information that is essential to your company’s success. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

New field supervisors often lack essential management and leadership training. MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors fills that gap with the management and leadership training these team members need to confidently tackle today’s business challenges. The May 16-17, 2022, program will advance leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivation skills, giving supervisors and their companies a competitive edge. Register today!

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.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh joined Vice President Kamala Harris April 12, 2022 to announce a first-ever Occupational Safety and and Health Administration (OSHA) National Emphasis Program (NEP) to protect workers from indoor and outdoor heat hazards. The NEP lists construction among the industries expected to have high exposures to heat-related hazards resulting in illnesses. MCAA is representing our members’ interests with OSHA because we know there is nothing more important than the health and safety of our workers, and you’re invited to join us.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Thanks to MCAA member contributions, an additional $5,750 has been donated to The MCAA Charitable Fund for Ukrainian relief. These donations will be added to $46,250 in member contributions and $25,000 from MCAA previously donated to support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is actively saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence in Ukraine. MCAA will continue to forward additional donations to the International Committee of the Red Cross. Please consider making a donation using the link on the MCAA website.

Called on to help a Chicago condominium that was having repeated pump failures, AMS Mechanical Systems determined the cause to be metal debris in the pumps. Metraflex Company’s LPD Mag, a high-efficiency, low-pressure-drop Y-strainer with a neodymium magnet, proved to be the perfect solution. AMS found the new, low-cost strainers were easy to install and effectively fixed the problem.

MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors fills the knowledge gap for field supervisors who are new to the role or lack management and leadership training. The May 16-17, 2022, program will advance leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivation skills, giving supervisors and their companies a competitive edge. Register today!

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Now, More Than Ever is the time to get involved with Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI). The WiMI Conference is back, and it’s filled with information and inspiration, exceptional networking, and crucial conversations to empower you to succeed. Networking and social events will help you enhance your professional network. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry. Register now for the June 6-8 event in Austin, TX. Space is limited.

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Noreen Cournoyer, who will be joining the staff as MCAA’s new Associate Director, Conference Services starting April 4. Noreen previously planned events for the New Jersey Association for Justice and the National Association of Attorneys General. She graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA, and has since earned the Digital Event Strategist (DES) and Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credentials. She holds leadership roles with the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Capital Chapter and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Research Foundation. MCAA is pleased to welcome Noreen to the staff and to the MCAA family.

As construction-related claims become more frequent and expensive than ever before, new trends have emerged in the types and causes of losses. CNA offers tailored coverages to help construction companies mitigate these risks, along with resources to help keep projects and workers safe.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA has joined forces with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) to create an even more robust guide to equipment recovery costs for mechanical, electrical, line and other construction contractors. The guide offers insights on contractor-owned equipment to ensure industry professionals have the most updated costs to inform internal estimating, project proposals for new and potential customers, and cost accounting efforts.

For decades, engineers have relied on a formula dating from 1940 to estimate peak water demand, a key factor in specifying the smallest pipe size that will provide sufficient water pressure for every fixture in a building to function normally. Sloan’s chief scientist, Kay Herbert, Ph.D., has developed a new formula that yields more accurate water demand estimates— which can save costs, reduce water use, and prevent bacteria growth. (Sloan is a benefactor of MCAA22.) The new formula is ideal for modern engineers grappling with green technology, touch-free fixtures, and hygiene concerns in the post-COVID-19 era.

MCAA’s Fraud Prevention provides guidance to assist you in considering the sources of fraud and establishing policies and procedures to prevent its occurrence as much as practically possible. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA’s The Next Generation of Data Security provides guidance and insight on current tools and techniques to protect your data and operations. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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.

MCAA President Armand Kilijian announced that the MCAA Charitable Fund will make a $25,000 contribution to help Ukraine and invited everyone to add their own donations to that amount using the link on the MCAA website.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

After losing a large project because they did not work in Revit, icon Mechanical made the switch to Revit, later adding Trimble SysQue. Tim Riedle, vice president of engineering for icon, credits the addition of SysQue with helping icon get ahead of schedule on their projects. (Trimble is a benefactor of MCAA22.)

MCAA’s How to Find, Hire and Manage Student Interns will help companies develop a successful strategy for recruiting and managing student interns to ensure that every internship is rewarding for both the student and the company. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA’s Safety-Talk email listserv puts the collective brain trust of a network of safety professionals at your fingertips. MCAA members are invited to join in – ask questions, share information, and be in the know about all things safety. Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas to join or learn more.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Renovating an active hospital is challenging in the best of times; to complete a transplant hospital’s new unit in the midst of a global pandemic, Rand Construction needed products that could be delivered on time and installed quickly and safely. Gruvlok® grooved couplings and fittings from ASC Engineered Solutions were the perfect fit. ASC is a major sponsor of MCAA22.

MCAA’s United Association National Labor Agreement Summary and Comparison bulletin provides a list of the current UA National Agreements along with a summary of their provisions, labor groups affected, and the jurisdictions covered. This information will prove particularly helpful for contractors facing upcoming labor negotiations. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The sales world has evolved over the last two years to meet the challenges of today. The MSCA Sales Masters classes have been updated to better prepare sales teams for future success. NOW is the time to provide this relevant and important training to your sales employees to ensure their skills and abilities are focused, fine-tuned and far-sighted. Registration is open for our next two-part class. Week 1 will take place May 1-5, 2022 in Itasca, IL (near Chicago). Week 2 will be held November 6-11, 2022 in Houston, TX. Don’t delay – register today!

This updated program will help new and experienced dispatchers understand their vital role in their companies and advance their careers by enhancing their ability to contribute to your company’s success. Register now for the April 12-13, 2022 event in Denver, CO.

As President Biden and our western allies level sanctions on Russia, options for cyberwarfare against Russia are being planned and executed against Moscow. Official Russian government websites have already experienced outages and disruptions and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is warning of retaliatory cyber-attacks on U.S. infrastructure and businesses. Now is the time for your business to prepare for this possibility.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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 Business Transition Options for the Mechanical Contractor bulletin and podcast, which reviews the various options for transferring ownership of a company and showcases the advance planning and analysis needed for a successful transfer.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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.

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.

THE CROSBY GROUP has issued a remove from service and arrange for return and replacement notice for a selection of screw pin anchor shackles. These shackles may have a condition that can reduce the ultimate load capacity from the published catalog values. The shackle bow may have a previously undetected indication, and continued use may result in loss of load, property damage, severe injury, or death.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA is pleased to welcome Amanda Haneke to the MCAA staff. Amanda is the new voice answering the phones at MCAA. She took over the role from Melanie Thompson-Ott, who is now the Assistant Director, Registration and Conference Services. Amanda previously worked for Starbucks and Severn Bank (now Shore Bank). She lives on a farm in Davidsonville, MD (20 minutes from Annapolis) with her grandmother. When she isn’t busy taking care of her grandmother or five chickens, she is an avid gardener and canner. She grows vegetables and herbs and makes pickles, relish, jams, and other treats. Her passion is baking custom cakes. Join us in welcoming Amanda and her family to the MCAA staff family and congratulating Melanie on her new role.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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 Exposed: Keeping Your Data to Yourself After an IT Breach. This resource explains what company executives can do to protect their companies if their website is hacked and defaced, their files are held for ransom, or their Data Center goes offline with no estimate for restoration.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Watch the video to see highlights from the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference.

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 MSCA’s Plumbing Service 101 webinars and workbooks. These resources cover fundamental plumbing concepts for mechanical service contractors thinking about entering the plumbing service business.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has withdrawn the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard on vaccine mandates as an enforceable emergency temporary standard. OSHA remains committed to pursuing a proposed rule through the formal process. Both MCAA and the UA continue to strongly encourage the vaccination of workers against COVID-19.

Last week the MCAA presented one of the most exciting Safety Directors’ Conferences ever. The first in-person conference in two years brought together safety professionals from around the country for world-class education on best practices and safety and health issues specific to the mechanical industry. Participants also heard keynotes on safety leadership from Capt. Richard Phillips, Olympian Vince Poscente, and longtime safety advocate Regina McMichael during the January 18 – 20, 2022, event in sunny Florida.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) invites MCAA members to participate in its 2022 Union Craft Labor Supply Survey, the industry’s only union-specific survey focused on construction and maintenance. The survey is once again being conducted in conjunction with the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC). Survey responses are due by February 11, 2022.

Sales Basecamp is where it begins for entry-level service sales personnel in the HVACR and plumbing industry. This in person class will be March 28-29, in Linthicum Heights, MD, next to BWI airport.

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 the MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Refraining from Distracted Driving. This video will teach your workers how refraining from distracted driving can help prevent motor vehicle collisions.

Today the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a decision regarding the highly controversial OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 vaccination.

Congratulations to everyone at Bassett Mechanical for being named PHC News magazine’s Contractor of the Year. The company, which is a member of MCAA and the MCA of North Central Wisconsin, was selected for its effective Behavior Based Safety Program, 85-year history, comprehensive capabilities, and customer-centered approach. Included among these pillars is the company’s long-standing motto, “We Answer to You®”, and its vision of Creating Customers for Life®.

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Frank Favaro, President of ServeCentric Coaching in Cleveland, OH.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Today is the first day the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) can begin enforcement of the planning and record keeping mandates in its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccine mandates. While the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard oral arguments of the appeal on January 7, 2022, it has not reached a determination. While that could happen at any time, it will most likely happen before the February 10, 2022, the compliance deadline for testing. MCAA has all the tools to help your company comply today.

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 the MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Worker Personal Health. This video will teach your workers simple personal health practices that can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

There have been many requests from MCAA members for a simple and easy way to track & report the Emergency Testing Standard (ETS) from OSHA for both the vaccine requirements and weekly testing. Tyfoom has created just that!

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 website, home of the latest information and resources from your association, at your convenience.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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 Resource Center, which includes a variety of filters to help you find trusted information and tools, easier and faster.

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.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) will begin enforcement of its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccine mandates in early 2022 barring an emergency stay from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). MCAA’s Safety Bulletin on the ETS, the MCAA Model COVID-19 Mandatory-Vaccination Policy, and NEW MCAA Model COVID-19 Vaccination, Testing and Face Covering Policy outline what needs to be done to be compliant with the ETS.

To operate with fabrication level precision, it takes precise ITM content that doesn’t come with the software out of the box. Contractors need to create their own catalog of ITM components or work with third-party providers to purchase ITM-managed databases.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

A three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals dissolved the stay of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccine mandates and testing on December 17, 2021. An emergency stay application has since been filed with the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and OSHA has announced new compliance deadlines for implementation and enforcement of the ETS.

The new year will bring a new opportunity to take advantage of MSCA’s Sales Leadership Symposium. Taught by industry experts, the symposium will teach sales leaders how to drive revenue growth and enhance profitability through a structured sales approach. Attendees will take home innovative ideas, crucial skills, and an invaluable Sales Leadership Tool Kit with over 90 pages of resources. HVACR and plumbing industry sales leaders won’t want to miss it! Register now and join us January 13 – 14, 2022, in Phoenix, AZ.

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 the MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Proper Material Staging. This video will teach your pipefitters, plumbers, sprinklerfitters, welders, service technicians and fabrication shop workers how to protect themselves from the musculoskeletal injuries that occur when materials are improperly staged.

The Safer Federal Workforce (SFW) Task Force issued updated Frequently Asked Questions based on Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on non-enforcement of vaccination on Federal contracts and subcontracts. The guidance, which applies to those that had been governed by the vaccination mandates in EO 14042, comes after recent court decisions stayed the effectiveness of those rules pending further legal challenges.

MSCA is holding an in person Sales Leadership Symposium, January 13-14, 2022 in Phoenix, AZ!

Legislative and regulatory developments are picking up pace in Washington, DC, in advance of the Congressional recess. Key issues of interest to MCAA members include vaccination requirements, clean energy, electric vehicle tax credits, and revised Davis-Bacon regulations.

Whether you have come up through the trades with little or no formal management training or you want to enhance your management skills to become a more effective leader, MSCA’s intensive four-day MSCA Service Managers Training, April 4-7, 2022, is for you!

At the request of members and local affiliate executives, the deadline for MCAA/MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award nominations has been extended until Friday, December 17, 2021. The award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieving an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence.

MCAA Member Baker Group announced that BJ Baker III stepped down as Chief Executive Officer on December 6, 2021. BJ’s innovations during more than 45 years with the company, including 38 years as CEO, have shaped Baker Group into an industry leading specialty contractor. He will continue as the Chair of the Baker Group Board of Directors and remain an active member of the leadership team. Gary Bridgewater will become Baker Group’s new CEO and Doug Kumm will fill the role of President.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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/NECA/SMACNA’s White Paper on Project-Specific Loss of Productivity Analysis Methodologies. There is no question the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry as a whole. This white paper has been prepared as an independent guide for contractors who are required to, or choose to, prepare project-specific labor inefficiency analyses.

Safety and health professionals are registering for MCAA’s 19th annual Safety Directors’ Conference in record numbers. Don’t miss out! Join them at Disney World in Orlando, FL, January 18 – 20, 2022, to: get the latest information on the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), explore the newest safety innovations, hear from Olympic Skier and Best Selling Author Vince Poscente on Radical Safety, and more. You won’t want to miss it! Explore the event brochure to learn more. Better yet, click the register button and sign up today! We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

Lochinvar boilers installed more than 25 years ago on Finger Lakes Community College’s (FLCC’s) main campus delivered state-of-the-art high efficiency in their day, but the college needed to upgrade to meet its ambitious energy-reduction goals. EMCOR Services-Betlem recommended Lochinvar’s XRGI®25 combined heat and power system, integrated with a new KNIGHT® boiler system, to provide hot water and space heating across nearly 500,000 square feet of campus buildings—resulting in a cogeneration system that creates energy as it works.

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 GHS (globally harmonized system) Pictograms and Hazards Poster. This poster will teach your workers to recognize the pictograms used on chemical labels and understand the hazards associated with each.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

AIM Mobile Technology and Field Implementation Services from Marking Services Inc. (MSI) allow Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) to keep track of documents for thousands of facility assets—which not only helps them comply with rigorous requirements for health care institutions but also saved money by ensuring easy access to warranty information for a failing piece of equipment. The move from paper to digital helps the hospital provide care that aligns with best practices.

Congratulations to the Sales Masters Class of 2021! Over 2 weeks these attendees worked hard to hone in their sales skills and now they are ready for great things!

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.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 on November 5, 2021. While the standard has been temporarily stayed by the Fifth Circuit, MCAA wants to help mechanical construction, service, and fabrication shop employers prepare in the unlikely event the stay is temporarily lifted and OSHA decides to initiative enforcement. To that end, we’ve prepared this Safety Bulletin offering a quick overview of potential impacts and a Model COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Policy. Both are now available free to members as a benefit of membership.

MCAA offers a capsule digest of some key public policy, legislative, and regulatory developments in Washington, D.C., that will influence the MCAA policy agenda in the near and intermediate terms.

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Michele Hoffman, who will be joining the staff starting January 1, 2022. She will be MCAA’s new Director, Career Development as Megan Walsh moves back to full time responsibilities in the Events Department. Michele comes to us from MCA-Omaha, where she spent 13 years working with their local board and committees, and in event management and communications roles. During that time, she served as the Industry Advisor for the University of Nebraska Student Chapter, which was named MCAA Student Chapter of the Year in 2015, 2019, and 2020. She has been a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee since 2018. Michele is originally from central Illinois, a graduate from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Advertising Major), and currently resides in Omaha. MCAA is pleased to welcome Michele to the staff, and her husband Eric and their two children to the MCAA staff family.

Dustin Allen of Trimble and Trent Station of J.W. McClenahan discuss the advantages of using cloud-based collaboration tools that allow you to leverage your investment in BIM to streamline Revit prefabrication workflows.

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 the MCAA/CNA MICROLEARNING SAFETY VIDEO SERIES: Safe Lifting Technique to Help Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries. This video will teach your pipefitters, plumbers, sprinklerfitters, welders, service technicians and fabrication shop workers how to protect themselves from the musculoskeletal injuries that occur when materials are improperly lifted and moved by hand.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Over the course of the MCAA22 Convention there will be opportunities to hear from inspiring speakers on the topics that matter. Join us as we reunite in San Diego March 13 – 17, 2022. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Baker Group recently hosted 200 contractors to their Des Moines, Iowa operations as part of the 2021 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE. As hosts, they shared with attendees how they perform every aspect of their operations, including BIM, engineering, multi-trade fabrication, safety and transportation.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Atomatic Mechanical Services Inc. credits XOi with helping them manage their workload. “Before using XOi, we were on the brink of having to hire more inside support to handle quotes,” said Jordan Goldenstein, general manager of Atomatic’s residential group. “Now, with this smoother process, we are able to handle the work with our existing personnel.”

On Friday, November 12, 2021, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit continued its stay on the implementation of the OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccine mandates and testing pending a full review of the request for a permanent injunction. It also directed OSHA to “take no steps to implement or enforce the mandate until further court order.” MCAA will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.

Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA21 … it was a resounding success! We enjoyed the beautiful casitas at the JW Marriott in Scottsdale, Arizona with views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains. We heard the inspiring life story of JR Martinez who kicked off our conference speaking  about how his struggles and successes helped him  face adversity. Then Kevin Brown touched our hearts as he described the ways we can all be heroes. And to end our conference we learned how to continue to go together, with Shola Richards.

As MCAA resumed in-person programming this fall, industry leaders from across the nation gathered at Babson College for this year’s Advanced Leadership Institute. This cohort of executives from both the construction and service sectors studied strategic decision-making, managing organizational change, conflict resolution, and a whole lot more. After two intensive weeks of leadership education, Friday marked the graduation of the 21st Advanced Leadership Institute class.

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 2021 3D Scanning Technology Research Report. The report assesses various laser, non-laser scanning and photogrammetric hardware and software tools used by mechanical contractors. MCAA members stand to benefit from these and other rapidly evolving technologies that can expedite work, increase precision and prevent mistakes.

With MSUITE’s FabPro software, Limbach successfully streamlined operations in a pop-up fabrication shop with multiple trades working side-by-side, minimizing assembly and installation time. The combination of exceptional teamwork, technology, and advanced planning led to completion of the project two months early and helped the building owner save $5.6 million.

Dick Starr received the 2021 D.S. O’Brien Award of Excellence at the MSCA21 education conference in Scottsdale, AZ on October 14. This award was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication and outstanding commitment to our industry and to MSCA.

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 Mechanical Service Safety Training Video and its materials. This video will teach your service techs how to protect themselves from the most common safety hazards in the field.

Here are a few notable examples. There’s much more to explore. See the full program, meet the speakers and learn about everything we have planned for when we reunite in San Diego March 13 – 17, 2022. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration is now open for MCAA’s 19th Annual Safety Directors’ Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, January 18-20, 2022. This conference brings together hundreds of occupational safety and health professionals, MCAA local affiliate executives, United Association safety instructors, principals, owners, and others who have safety and health responsibility.

On November 6, 2021, the attorneys general in ten states (Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa) sued the Biden administration over the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 that would have been effective immediately. As anticipated, the ETS has been stayed by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. MCAA members won’t have to worry about enforcement until the courts hear, and rule on, the lawsuits.

For the past eleven years, MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Tuesday, October 12, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to the Phoenix Rescue Mission, a short distance from the location for MSCA21.

Innovation comes from hard work, grit and the successes and failures that go along with it. If you are fortunate, you can improve your processes from the trials and errors of your peers. Join MCAA, NECA, and SMACNA for the MEP Innovation Conference, powered by Trimble, the most in-depth conference on construction technology and innovation. Register now for the January 24 – 26 2022, event in Tampa, Florida. Capacity is limited and it will sell out.

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.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The Safer Federal Workforce (SFW) Task Force issued more detailed compliance guidance for direct Federal prime contractors and subcontractors performing on direct Federal contracts subject to the COVID-19 employee vaccination mandates under the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14042. MCAA summarizes the November 1, 2021, guidance.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is issuing an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19. This ETS is effective immediately, although all aspects of the standard, other than testing, are enforceable starting December 5, 2021. Testing requirements become enforceable starting January 4, 2022.

Seven years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award, thanks to the inspiration of MSCA21 D.S. O’Brien Award winner Dick Starr.  The award was created to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. 

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA and MSCA gave a very special thanks to Barb Dolim for her service as MSCA’s Executive Director for more than 39 years. MSCA Chair Mike Star, the current members of the MSCA Board of Managers,  many of the past MSCA Chairs, MCAA President Armand Kilijian, and MCAA CEO Tim Brink were on hand to express their thanks and wish Barb well on her upcoming retirement. The celebration took place at MSCA21 in Scottsdale, AZ on October 14, 2021.

MCAA is now accepting applications for the 2021 MCAA & MILWAUKEE TOOL Safety Professional of the Year award. The award is presented annually to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led his or her company to achieving an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence. The award winner for 2021 will be announced during MCAA’s 2022 Safety Directors’ Conference.

MCAA is ‘ALL IN’ for our 19th annual Safety Directors’ Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, January 18-20, 2022. This conference brings together hundreds of occupational safety and health professionals, MCAA local affiliate executives, United Association safety instructors, principals, owners, and others who have safety and health responsibility.

MSCA recognized outgoing Board members, welcomed a new chair and introduced the members of the 2021 – 2022 MSCA Board of Managers during the MSCA21 Closing Session on October 17, 2021.

On October 25, 2021, the White House revoked the prior COVID-19 travel restrictions and announced that as of November 8, 2021, international travelers traveling to the U.S. by air will be permitted to enter the U.S. if they are fully vaccinated, can present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their entry into the United States, and agree to comply with public health precautions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Member involvement from those serving on MCAA and MSCA national committees helps all of us run more successful businesses and strengthens our industry. MCAA/MSCA members who are willing to serve on a national committee in 2022 are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Completed applications are due by November 5, 2021.

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 Jobsite Safety Inspection Checklist. This checklist can be easily customized to help keep you organized and on track when you perform safety inspections.

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.

The Trustees of the UA International Training Fund (ITF) are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, instructors, and students participating in training events sponsored by the ITF. To ensure safe and healthy training, the ITF has developed and adopted the following Preparedness Plan.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

On October 15, 2021, the White House announced that as of November 8, 2021, the COVID-19 travel restrictions for international travelers coming into the United States will be lifted for those who are fully vaccinated or can present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their entry into the United States.

Come enjoy all the awesome sounds, styles and way cool dance steps from the 1980’s decade we’d love to forget, but are happy to remember. Complete with skinny ties, fashionable hairstyles, and horn-rimmed glasses, the Spazmatics recapture the best of the worst. Don’t miss the Spazmatics at MCAA22’s Opening Party on Sunday, March 17th.

MCAA first launched the Technology Conference for MCAA members back in 2016 as a way to share knowledge and spark ideas and innovation through collaboration, demonstration and peer-to-peer instruction. The event has continued to grow year after year. In 2021, the conference was renamed and pushed further with the inclusion of NECA and SMACNA contractors providing a broader depth of experience. This year, MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have announced a joint partnership, bringing over 60 of the most innovative contractors to present January 24-26 at the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference, powered by Trimble.

The ultimate goal of every heating and cooling installation is to provide the desired indoor climate at the lowest possible energy cost. Today’s advanced control technology means that, in theory, achieving this goal is possible. In practice, however, even the most sophisticated controllers do not always perform as promised. The result is lower-than-desired comfort level and high energy expenditure. The controllers can only perform their functions as specified if the three key conditions for hydronic control are fulfilled.

With a combination of planning, clear policy, and common sense, your business can use social media to engage with its target audience and achieve its goals. MCAA’s Management Methods Bulletin: Guidelines to Using Social Media in Your Business is intended to provide necessary advice and insight to businesses that choose to use social media platforms to promote their products and services and connect with their customers.

Since 1996, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has presented their annual Industry Partner Award to individuals or organizations who are allied with the electrical construction industry. This year, NECA presented and recognized MCAA with the 2021 NECA Industry Partner Award at their annual Convention in Nashville.

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 Accident Investigation for the Mechanical Trades Safety Training Video. This video provides your supervisors with step-by-step instruction on how to conduct a thorough accident investigation. It also helps them understand why accident investigations are so valuable.

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.

FARO Technologies Inc.’s FARO® Focus S 350 Laser Scanners “are really allowing us to send one guy in to a project and capture in a few hours what a team of people used to do over the course of a week—field measuring, documenting, etc.,” said Mark Lamberson CPD, national virtual design and construction manager of Limbach Holdings Inc.

MCAA has updates to two items relevant to the Biden Administration’s recent COVID vaccination mandates, including a Federal contract clause and guidance on health plan coverage issues relating to vaccinations.

MCAA recently announced the launch of the new MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Video Series. Together with our partners in safety, CNA, we developed a series of easy-to-watch safety videos that are each under 3-minutes! Please enjoy the four MCAA/CNA Microlearning Safety Videos.

The Baker Group will host the 2021 MCAA Fabrication Conference, powered by MSUITE, in Des Moines, Iowa November 8-10.  The conference combines a full day facility tour of The Baker Group’s fabrication facility with education and programming on new processes, tools and techniques to improve your productivity and fabrication.

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 Heavy Equipment Safety Training Video and its materials. This video reminds your workers that awareness is key to accident prevention when they are working around heavy equipment.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

MCAA extends a warm welcome to Teresa Pezzi, who will be joining the staff starting this week. She will be MSCA’s new Executive Director, learning the ropes from Barb Dolim before her retirement at the end of the year. Teresa comes to us with 14 years of experience in event production and management, and specializes in building and maintaining client relationships. She graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz in her home state, but has happily transplanted to the East Coast. Teresa has been working on events for MCAA/MSCA since 2019, including the inaugural WiMI conference. MCAA is pleased to welcome Teresa to the staff, and her husband, Tobin Coziahr, to the MCAA staff family.

Together with the United Association (UA), MCAA is excited to bring you a new Clean Energy Heat Pump Performance Program. Heat pumps provide clean energy that can reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide from energy sources, thus operating more efficiently. Numerous state and federal financial incentives make heat pumps beneficial to both building owners and contractors. Signatory contractors and UA members are uniquely qualified to get trained and perform the work to reduce the carbon footprint for any state or city. Email Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org) or Robert Vilches (rvilches@uanet.org) to sign up.