Archives: News Items

Jim Jacobsen, Jr. Is the MCA of Chicago’s New President

The MCA of Chicago elected Jim Jacobsen, Jr., of DePue Mechanical, Inc.as its president during the association’s June 16, 2022, annual meeting. Jim is taking over from past president Charlie Usher of Ideal Heating Company.

Jim has been an active participant and Board Member at the MCA of Chicago since 2013. He grew up in Marseilles, IL, and graduated from Ottawa Township High School in Ottawa, IL. After high school, he attended The University of Chicago. He is a proud United States Navy Veteran and has worked in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, The Pentagon (Washington, D.C.) in the United States Navy Command Center.

MSCA Autumn Class Schedule Announced

From sales to dispatch to service management and supervision, MSCA provides education to build your knowledge and skills to take your career to the next level and help your company succeed. Registration is now open for all classes. Class size is limited, so register today!

2022 MSCA Sales Basecamp

September 12 – 13, 2022 | Linthicum Heights, MD (near Baltimore)

MSCA’s Sales Basecamp is the starting block for your entry-level service sales personnel. This two-day program will transform your recent hires, providing them with relevant skills for time management and the confidence to sell HVACR services.

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2022 MSCA Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program

September 26 – 27, 2022 | San Jose, CA

Service dispatchers are your company’s first point of contact with the client, and vital to the success of your business. MSCA’s Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program is designed to help new or experienced dispatchers advance their careers, improve satisfaction with their jobs, understand their vital role in the company, and significantly enhance their ability to contribute to their company’s success.

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2022 MSCA Growing and Developing Service Supervisors

November 10 – 11, 2022 | Orlando, FL

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. This program will advance leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivation skills, giving supervisors and their companies a competitive edge.

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2022 MSCA Service Managers Training Program

November 14 – 17, 2022 | Orlando, FL

Your service managers are charged with managing your team of service technicians to provide quality service efficiently and effectively. MSCA’s Service Managers Training Program is designed to hone service managers’ management and leadership skills. This highly interactive, hands-on workshop addresses typical daily challenges that service managers confront. It will give them the fundamental financial and interpersonal knowledge and skills they need for managing all aspects of the service operation.

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Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Teresa Pezzi.

Don’t Forget – Early Bird Registration Ends Friday, July 8! 

You don’t want to miss out on MSCA22 beyond! Hurry and take advantage of all that the MSCA22 Education Conference has to offer at our early bird rate. This year’s conference features: 

  • Amazing keynote speakers to inspire and motivate;
  • Timely education sessions focusing on today’s hottest topics;
  • Over 20 roundtable discussion forums on industry-specific concerns;
  • A special Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) program for all attendees;
  • MSCA+, a bonus program that focuses on your personal health and well being;
  • An exhibitors display showcasing the latest and greatest;
  • California sun, sand, and shades; AND
  • so much more! 

Register by July 8th for early bird pricing! 

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Find the Latest from Victaulic and SAWIN Service Automation, 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:

Victaulic
Victaulic is raising the bar on confidence with the Style 107V featuring shift limiting slant pads that provide tactile and visual verification and one-touch tightening for streamlined installation.

Learn More

SAWIN Service Automation, Inc.
SAWIN PRO ENTERPRISE is our premiere business offering, providing a streamlined service management software that consolidates all aspects of your business processes into one powerful solution. With SAWIN PRO ENTERPRISE you’ll be able to meet and exceed your customers’ expectations, even in the most complex service environments.

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

CLRC Report Helps Explain Economic Challenges Faced by Contractors

The Construction Labor Research Council’s (CLRC) new report, Contractor’s Cost Conundrum, explains some of the economic and staffing challenges faced by contractors. The report shows that recent increases in material prices dwarf the cost of living. It also explains variability and shows that extreme variability over time results in unpredictability in the cost of construction commodities and spending on construction and employment, making it difficult for contractors to plan.

Contractor’s Cost Conundrum is customized to your location. The report compares the cost of living (Consumer Price Index or CPI) to the extremely large increases in material prices. The report can be useful in collective bargaining situations and supports associations and contractors by showing that the recent high CPI numbers are just one part of a larger story with many challenges for contractors. The report will also assist contractors in better understanding the challenges and key economic factors that are critical to running a company.

The cost of a customized report is $750 for MCAA members. For more information, contact Carey Peters, Executive Director at CLRC, at 865-414-2678.

MCAA Congratulates 90 Member Companies on Safety Excellence

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 program provides six awards categories including awards for zero recordable cases, zero lost workday cases, recordable cases incidence rates that are 25% or more below the industry average, lost workday cases incidence rates that are 25% or more below the industry average, and two that are a mix of these items.

MCAA is pleased to give the following contractors special recognition for their safety performance.

Zero Recordable Cases

  • Thermalair
  • James T. Kay Co
  • Coleman Spohn Corp
  • Advanced Mechanical Corp
  • ACSI Mechanical
  • ACME Industrial Piping
  • Plains Plumbing Co
  • All Temp Refrigeration
  • The YMI Group
  • Power Process Piping
  • A J Allen Mechanical Contractors
  • Gartner Refrigeration
  • Air Comfort Corp
  • The Smith & Oby Co
  • Sexson Mechanical
  • Rand Construction Co
  • Muir-Chase Plumbing Co
  • Nooter Construction Co

Zero Lost Workday Cases

  • Horton Mechanical Contractors
  • Northland Mechanical Contractors
  • Gunthorpe Plumbing and Heating
  • Air Temp Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Ruyle Mechanical Services
  • Aldag/Honold Mechanical
  • Denali Construction Services
  • PLS Mechanical
  • Suttles Plumbing and Mechanical Corp
  • Poole & Kent

Congratulations to all recipients, and thank you to everyone who applied. Your support of this and MCAA’s other safety programs underscores your company’s commitment to safety.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Scheduling Best Practices

Modern construction projects require expertise in multiple forms of scheduling to account for proper work sequencing, resource allocation, and production planning. MCAA’s Scheduling Best Practices offers tips for adapting and improving skill and competency at scheduling. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

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WEBBOOK

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.

Connect With the Latest Training from Victaulic and Conex Bänninger (IBP Group, LLC) 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:

Victaulic
From one-hour seminars to full-day events, Victaulic University Continuing Education courses provide training on key industry concepts, including piping movement design, grooving and installation fundamentals, and gasket technology, as well as Victaulic HVAC and fire protection solutions. Request an instructor-led course or enroll in an online course today!

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Conex Bänninger (IBP Group, LLC)
Conex Bänninger offers online training for >B< MaxiPro, the innovative, flame-free press-fit solution specially designed for ACR applications. From training courses to industry updates, you will have all you need to press ahead.

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Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Learn More

Go beyond & Give Back at MSCA22 by Supporting Convoy of Hope

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. Over the years these organizations have included food banks, homeless shelters, rescue missions and women’s shelters. Due to the generosity of our members and local associations, we have been able to provide over $650,000 in products and services to these organizations.  

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. CAP OC works tirelessly to stabilize, sustain, and empower their community with the resources they need when they need them.  

Your support can help us:

  • Raise $50,000 to deliver a tractor trailer full of needed supplies to CAP OC 
  • Support volunteers that will perform much needed tasks to support the Orange County community
  • Enjoy each other’s company while we pack thousands of hygiene kits at MSCA22 during the Convoy of Hope Packing Party on October 18, 2022

Check out our 2021 project and packing party videos and then join us in supporting the Community Action Partnership Orange County. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but now is the time to go above and beyond. Checks payable to “Convoy of Hope” should be sent to MSCA, 1385 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. Thank you in advance for your support.

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And don’t forget, registration is now open for MSCA22 beyond. Spots are filling up quickly, so don’t miss out! 

REGISTER TODAY

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and nVent 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:

Morris Group International
Learn how vacuum plumbing can assist design professionals in addressing the need for a healthy, safe, and sustainable building design. Visit us online to learn more!

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nVent CADDY Rod Lock Strut

nVent
The nVent CADDY Rod Lock Strut allows for the quick creation and installation of trapeze assemblies. The pre-cut strut is ready to use out of the box and allows for quick prefab and easy installation.

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

Immediate Stop Use/Recall – Select 3M Shock Absorbing Lanyards

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.

RWC Outlines How to Select the Right Cast-in-Place Sleeve

When working on multistory apartment complexes or other large commercial buildings, you may be tasked with installing firestop products or materials around service penetrations, which can be a daunting task involving dozens or hundreds of units and a plethora of floorplans. You will also likely encounter a wide variety of pipe types and sizes along with slab heights. You will need versatile, efficient, and reliable options to cover the range of pipe penetrations for the job, while also keeping in mind firestop and building codes. Here are some tips for selecting the best cast-in-place firestop sleeve for the job.

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

MCAA & CNA Offer Resources to Educate Workers on the Importance of Trench Safety

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.

Resources from CNA

Resources from MCAA

Excavation Safety for Mechanical Construction Training Materials:

MCAA also offers a Model Excavation Safety Program that guides you through establishing a program that minimizes risk to your employees and ensures your compliance with OSHA requirements. It makes development and implementation of such a program as easy and cost-effective as possible.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Service Markups vs. Construction Markups

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.

The bulletin covers:

  • How overhead differs between service and construction contractors
  • The role of markups in providing a return on investment
  • Risk factors, and how they differ between service and construction contractors
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.

Join us at MCAA’s 2022 GreatFutures Forum and Get a Head Start on Hiring Your 2023 Interns and New Hires

Join us September 29-October 1 at the Boston Marriott Newton for MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum! We’re getting back to the basics this year and focusing on all the things that make mechanical contracting such an exciting career choice. What is mechanical contracting anyway?

Registration is complimentary for all students, faculty, local affiliates, and MCAA members! We want to see a ton of new contractor faces at GFF22, and especially at our reimagined job fair. The fall is the best time to hire for both summer internships and full-time employment and MCAA can’t wait to see the employment connections materialize throughout the conference.  

REGISTER NOW

Find the Latest from SLOAN and Reliance Worldwide Corporation 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:

SLOAN
Hygiene Beyond the Restroom – Sloan launches new innovation designed to explore space modifications to integrate handwashing as a permanent part of design infrastructure in commercial spaces. For more information, contact Sloan at: 800-982-5839 or customer.service@sloan.com.

Learn More

Reliance Worldwide Corporation
HoldRite celebrates its 40th anniversary of plumbing innovation. From its inception four decades ago, the brand has spent each day in the field engaging customers and solving job-site challenges to create efficient, safe solutions.

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

Tolin Mechanical Improves Business, Increases Transparency With XOi Vision

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.

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

WiMI Conference Delivered Education & Networking

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.

Our New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Is Available Online

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 digital version of the directory helps you:

  • Network from anywhere with linked email addresses.
  • Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
  • Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
  • Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance updating your member record at any time.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Contractor’s Equipment: A Guide to Better Security

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.

In addition, the bulletin includes advice on construction theft from law enforcement officials.

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.