Archives: News Items

Dues Increase Coming in 2025

The 2025 dues rates for MCAA and MSCA member construction and service hours will increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum dues assessment is based upon 12,000 hours ($1,200) per branch office, and the maximum assessment is 300,000 hours ($30,000) per branch office. New dues reporting forms will be provided in advance of the January 1 date. Watch MCAA.org and the National Update for an announcement.

National Service and Maintenance Agreement (NSMA) signatory contractors’ contribution rate will also increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum of 8,000 hours ($800) per office will remain the same. There is no maximum for NSMA signators.

Beacon Economics Report Offers a Strategic Decision-Making Tool for Service

The 2024 Beacon Economics Market Report for MSCA is here! This essential report delivers up-to-the-minute insights and data-driven analysis tailored for mechanical service contractors. Uncover updated key trends for 2024, including market shifts and economic forecasts that directly impact your business. This study is an invaluable resource for looking at market trends that will help guide strategic decisions and keep you competitive. Don’t miss out on this powerful tool—download the new report today!

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Pre-Job Conferences

Planning is essential to the successful completion of any job. MCAA’s Pre-Job Conferences outlines the importance of the pre-job conference as a planning tool and includes a sample agenda for use at these meetings. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • Who should chair the pre-job conference
  • Who should attend the meeting
  • Follow-up steps
DOWNLOAD

For related content mentioned in this bulletin, download the Project Manager’s Manual.

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

The Manufacturer/Supplier Council Annual Exhibit is Tuesday at MCAA25!

Everyone knows that Tuesday morning at the MCAA Annual Convention is exhibit morning! Held from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Exhibit is one of the highlights of the convention week.

During this three-hour exhibit, you will have the opportunity to visit over 100 booths offering the latest in software, technology, tools and the supplies you need daily on your job sites. Representatives from every company will be there to meet and discuss their products and services. This is your opportunity to gain new insights and knowledge about how your business can grow with products and services that cut costs, save time and reduce errors.

It’s all about relationship building. At MCAA, our M/SC members are equal and full members of the association and participate in many events. You will have opportunities throughout the week to engage with them and discuss their products and services.

Register for MCAA25 today!

CONVENTION WEBSITE

Find the Latest from Trane and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trane
Trane® has launched the new Thermafit® Model MAS air-source modular multipipe unit. MAS provides simultaneous heating and cooling with all the benefits of Thermafit modular design for ease of install in new and existing buildings.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The Murdock® tube evaporator in Maintenance Advantage® drinking fountains and bottle fillers is a more sanitary way to provide cold water. Murdock is a Morris Group International brand.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

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

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

Visit Smart Solutions

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Partnering to Accelerate Production with Morris Group International & North Mechanical

For a new medical product manufacturing plant, North Mechanical chose Morris Group International® (MGI) brands Acorn Engineering Company® and Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® to meet the tight deadline and accelerate the manufacturer’s production capacity. MGI’s flexibility and willingness to prioritize the contractor’s needs proved crucial in helping North Mechanical overcome obstacles and deliver a successful project.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

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

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

JRGF Internship Grant Upgrade & Additional Support Coming in 2025

The John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Internship Grant program will be upgraded for 2025, and will soon offer a new level of support for multiple entities involved with developing the future talent of our industry.

Student Chapters

  • Due January 15, 2025 (for calendar year 2024 interns).
  • Submitted by the Faculty or Industry Advisor.
  • Funds distributed in March 2025 to the student chapter.
  • Up to $500 per intern (8-week internship minimum, may occur anytime during 2024).
  • Up to $1,000 per full-time new hire from 2024.
  • One application per student chapter, per grant type.
    • Intended to offer additional support to student chapters that are connecting students with internship and full-time employment in the mechanical contracting industry. Chapters are encouraged to utilize this funding to bring additional students to conferences such as the GreatFutures Forum or MCAA Convention.
Student Chapter Internship Grant Form (Internships)
Student Chapter Internship Grant Form (Full-Time New Hires)

Affiliated Associations

  • Due April 1, 2025 (for 2025 plans).
  • Submitted by the Affiliated Association Executives.
  • Notified of award by May 1, 2025. Check goes to the Affiliated Association.
  • $5,000 grant (5 available).
  • One application per Affiliated Association, covering all related student chapters.
    • Intended to offer support for the development and growth of local student chapter programming that creates new employment opportunities or student inclusivity at events with potential employers, mentoring programs, or new student-focused resources.
Affiliated Association Internship Grant Form

Employers

  • Due April 1, 2025 (for 2025 interns)
  • Submitted by the company.
  • Notified of award by May 1, 2025, check to the company.
  • $1,000 grant (25 available).
  • One application accepted per company location.
  • Intern may be from any 2- or 4-year accredited college or university.
  • 8-week internship minimum may occur anytime during 2025.
  • Following the internship, a photo must be submitted with the intern on the jobsite, at the office, by a company sign, or in branded swag.
    • Intended to offer support to companies that are new to offering internships, small companies, or those that are looking to grow their internship program. 
Employer – Internship Grant Form

2024 Legacy Program (Employers) – Part 1 Internships

  • Due January 31, 2025, then will be discontinued.
  • Submit an application for each intern.
  • Companies with 1 intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant. Companies with 2 or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant. 
Part 1 Legacy Program: Internship Form

2024 Legacy Program (Employers) – Part 2 Full-Time New Hires

  • Due December 31, 2025.
    • To allow for Part 1 2024 interns to be hired upon graduation in 2025, the Part 2 Legacy Program will remain active until the close of 2025, and then will be discontinued.
  • For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 Legacy list to a full-time new hire, a $500 check will be mailed to the company, to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 Legacy list.
Part 2 Legacy Program: Full-Time New Hire Form

Visit MCAA’s Career Development Initiative page to learn more about student chapter programming or the JRGF website to explore the work JRGF is doing to further education in the mechanical industry.

UA ITF Offers 2025 Safety & Health Conference Grants

The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,600 grants for 35 individuals to attend the 2025 Safety & Health Conference (January 13 – 16, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, FL). Grants are limited to one attendee per local union education fund, and eligibility requirements must be met.

Share Your Insights on Technology Innovations with Dodge Construction Network

MCAA is partnering with Dodge Construction Network to conduct critical research on the state of technology across the construction industry, and your participation is vital to its success. This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your answers are strictly confidential and will not be associated with your name or the name of your company in any way.

TAKE THE SURVEY

As a thank you for participating, Dodge Data & Analytics will donate $25 for every completed survey—up to a total donation of $2,000—to Heavy Metal Summer Experience, an innovative six-week pilot program designed to expand work-based college alternatives, introduce high school students and recent graduates to careers in the building trades and help fill our industry’s skills shortages.

Thank you for helping the industry and participating in this important effort.

Nominations for MCAA’s Board of Directors Are Due January 13

The future of MCAA is fundamentally linked to the quality of the individuals who serve on its Board of Directors. MCAA members who would like to be considered for one of five vacancies are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Applications should be returned no later than January 13, 2025. Candidates and their spokespersons will be scheduled for interviews at the 2025 MCAA Annual Convention. Those who are selected will begin their terms in March 2025.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Corporate Structure: Using Outside Advisors/Directors

Outside advisors can help a company gauge management performance, answer operations questions, assist with planning for the future, arbitrate internal differences, and keep management alert to relevant changes in the external world. MCAA’s Corporate Structure: Using Outside Advisors/Directors offers tips for finding and involving these outside advisors. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • What to look for in an outside advisor
  • The pros and cons of involving them as members of the board of directors or members of an advisory committee
  • Compensation
  • Where to find people who will serve
  • Meeting mechanics
  • Clarifying your objectives
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Even Coffee Has a Shelf Life: Why the MEP Innovation Conference is the Fresh Brew Contractors Need

January 27-30, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA

For many contractors, coffee is as essential as any tool on the job site. It’s reliable, it keeps you going, and it has been around forever. But, as every coffee drinker knows, even the best coffee can lose its punch if it sits too long. Eventually, you need a fresh brew to get the full effect. The same goes for trusted practices in construction.

For decades, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors have relied on methods that have served them well, like keeping overhead low and focusing heavily on labor. These techniques built the foundation for many successful mom-and-pop shops. As businesses evolve into multimillion-dollar operations, so must the approach to managing overhead and improving efficiency. That’s where the 2025 MEP Innovation Conference comes in—it’s a chance to refresh your approach with the latest tools and insights directly from contractors who are already seeing real results.

Why Technology is Key to the Future of Contracting

Construction technology is advancing rapidly, and keeping up with new software, hardware, and processes is essential to stay competitive. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), and data analytics have become powerful assets, not just for improving project outcomes but for reshaping how teams work. For contractors, investing in technology means more than just having the right tools—it’s about ensuring your people know how to use them effectively. At the MEP Innovation Conference, you’ll see firsthand how leading contractors are implementing these technologies and training their teams to maximize the benefits, giving them a distinct edge in a fast-paced industry.

Learn from Real Contractors, Real Successes—and Real Challenges

At the MEP Innovation Conference, every session is led by contractors who are in the trenches, sharing real case studies, successes, and yes, even their failures. This is a chance to learn directly from those who have navigated the same challenges you’re facing and come out ahead. You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room—just open to learning. By hearing from industry peers who have tried, tested, and refined their approaches, you’ll gain valuable insights and practical ideas to bring back to your own team.

Register for the MEP Innovation Conference today and prepare for your fresh jolt of innovation and inspiration.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

ALI Class 24 Graduates’ Commitment to Collaborative Growth Heralds Bright Future for Mechanical Industry

On November 7th, MCAA President Rick Gopffarth joined ALI contractor-facilitators and faculty on UNC’s beautiful Kenan-Flagler executive education campus to congratulate the newest graduates of MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute. ALI Class 24 began as a group of strangers and rapidly evolved into a community of peers committed to collaborative learning and growth in a way that made it very apparent that the future of the mechanical industry is bright! These 34 MCAA and MSCA executives rose to every challenge as they learned and practiced leading-edge strategies to advance themselves, their teams, and their businesses.

Whether it was practicing coaching as a series of specific, measurable actions or using practical research-proven framework to explore creative solutions to industry issues like labor shortages, ALI Class 24 was there for it! The energy, engagement, and enthusiasm that these individuals brought to the classroom was remarkable. That’s not hyperbole: every single professor remarked on how impressed they were by our participants, and what a pleasure it was to teach them. While it’s true that UNC provides us a globally-ranked educational experience at a top-notch facility, it is the participants that make the Advanced Leadership Institute the unparalleled executive leadership program that it has become.

From the ALI Committee to all the graduates of Class 24: thank you, and congratulations!

Check out our ALI course video below to get a peek into the classroom and hear first-hand from past participants.

MCAA member company executives who are interested in the program can check out the ALI course page for more information, including the application release date for ALI Course 25.

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

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

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

XOi
XOi’s holistic communication tool changes the way field service companies do business by leveraging photos, videos, and smart technology to bring efficiency, transparency, and expertise to every job. In this microlearning series, you will see examples of how to automate tech checklists, learn the benefits of internal job documentation, and find some helpful preventative maintenance videos to reference.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
Take a deeper dive into RIDGID Diagnostics. Learn what we have to offer in terms of diagnostics, inspection & locating. Plus learn about our online business tool, RIDGIDConnect.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Learn More

Find the Latest from Josam Company and Marking Services, Inc. in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Josam Company
Josam Company is well known in the commercial plumbing industry for offering innovative engineered products to the marketplace. Our full line of drainage products offers labor-saving features and benefits with the installer in mind. With superior quality products that are easy to install and customizable to meet the demands of any drainage application.

Learn More

Marking Services, Inc.
MSI’s AIM Mobile Technology delivers on-demand 24/7 access to critical asset information. Our QR coded tags provide instant access to critical documents in the field. AIM will greatly increase productivity and efficiency in the field providing Asset and Document Management (O&M, Commissioning, Startup, Warranty, Submittals, etc.) to meet your turnover package needs.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

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

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

Visit Smart Solutions

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Enhancing Pipefitter Training: A Collaboration Between NIBCO & Local 597

Recognizing the need for skilled professionals equipped with knowledge and practical experience, NIBCO, a leading provider of flow control products, has partnered with Chicago Pipefitter’s Local 597 Union to enhance its training programs. This collaboration aims to elevate the level of training and ensure that apprentices are well prepared for the field.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

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

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Dues Increase Coming in 2025

The 2025 dues rates for MCAA and MSCA member construction and service hours will increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum dues assessment is based upon 12,000 hours ($1,200) per branch office, and the maximum assessment is 300,000 hours ($30,000) per branch office. New dues reporting forms will be provided in advance of the January 1 date. Watch MCAA.org and the National Update for an announcement.

National Service and Maintenance Agreement (NSMA) signatory contractors’ contribution rate will also increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum of 8,000 hours ($800) per office will remain the same. There is no maximum for NSMA signators.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Managing Killer Contract Clauses

Savvy mechanical contractors pay strict attention to the language in standard, preprinted contract forms and make modifications to protect themselves. MCAA’s Managing Killer Contract Clauses provides examples of killer contract clauses and suggestions for modifying the language to eliminate unnecessary risk. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers topics related to:

  • The work
  • The schedule
  • Indemnity and insurance
  • Payments
  • An assortment of other issues, including assignment, bond forms, notice of claim, attorney fees, venue and choice of law and labor harmony.
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

Nominations for MCAA’s Board of Directors Are Due January 13

The future of MCAA is fundamentally linked to the quality of the individuals who serve on its Board of Directors. MCAA members who would like to be considered for one of five vacancies are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Applications should be returned no later than January 13, 2025. Candidates and their spokespersons will be scheduled for interviews at the 2025 MCAA Annual Convention. Those who are selected will begin their terms in March 2025.

Student Chapters in the Community: Pitt State & UMD College Park

The MCAA student chapters at Pittsburg State University and the University of Maryland, College Park have been actively serving their communities this fall. MCAA celebrates their commitment to service by sharing their stories.

Pittsburg State University

MCAA Student Chapter members at Pittsburg State University created a Halloween costume for a local child with special needs.

(Pictured: Griffin Souder, the Heilman Family, Tabitha Watson, Aidan Wolownik – MCA Student Chapter President)

The 7-year-old elementary school student uses a walker, which limits the kind of costume he can wear. His mother entered a contest offered by Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes, a nationwide network of volunteers, sponsors and donors that provides costumes to children with special needs.

Aidan Wolownik and his classmates took on the task of creating an excavator costume for the child, who loves to be outside with his papa’s tractors. After spending two weeks working on the costume, the students delivered it and saw firsthand how the costume would change the family’s Halloween festivities.

“What I liked most about this project was seeing the joy it brought to the student. It was incredibly rewarding to create something that allowed him to express what he really likes. I also enjoyed the challenge of designing something unique that met his needs, and it was a great opportunity to be creative while making a positive impact.” (Aidan Wolownik)

University of Maryland, College Park

(Pictured: Gabriella Anthony and Francis T. Evans Elementary School students)

The University of Maryland, College Park student chapter read a construction-themed book, Grit Leads to Greatness, to third-grade students at Francis T. Evans Elementary School. Their goal: inspire the next generation to consider careers in the construction industry. This is the chapter’s second year reading to the school, and they plan to make the event an annual tradition.

(Pictured: Darell Payne – Assistant Principal, Gabriella Anthony – MCA Student Chapter VP, Rafiya Senghor – School Counselor)

The student chapter furthered their relationship with the school by donating $1,200 for much needed gym equipment and school supplies.

Share Your Story or Get Help Getting Involved

Congratulations to all of the MCAA Student Chapters that are assisting their local communities through volunteer work and charitable or educational projects.

  • Have an inspirational student chapter involvement story to share? Email MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org) with photos and details. 
  • Need help creating a service project or getting involved with the community? Reach out to your Local Association Executives and Industry Advisors to set up a meeting. They will be happy to discuss community-based opportunities and ways to collaborate with local MCAA Members.

MCAA looks forward to sharing your story next!