MCAA CEO Tim Brink has been honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who®, the leading publisher of biographical profiles. This prestigious award recognizes Tim’s outstanding leadership, achievements, and significant contributions to the mechanical and plumbing industry.
EMCOR Services, an MCAA and MSCA member, recently opened a new, 11,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art training facility in Phoenix, AZ. The facility lets EMCOR employees from across the nation attend in-person training sessions on topics ranging from the latest OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) equipment to safety best practices to automation-line tutorials, and everything in between—all while gaining valuable insights gleaned from real-life work situations.
A collaboration between MSCA and the new EMCOR Training Center gives members access to MSCA classes at the facility. There are a few spots left in the first one, Chiller Fundamentals I, a lecture-based course designed for service technicians seeking to develop or enhance their foundational knowledge of the topic. You can find out more and sign your techs up here.
Stay tuned for additional MSCA technical training classes at the EMCOR Training Center. Have a request? Email Teresa Pezzi at tpezzi@mcaa.org.
Take a sneak peek at the new training center in The ACHR NEWS, then see it in person during an MSCA training class.
MCAA and MSCA congratulate EMCOR Services on the new training center and Rich Happel, a past chair of the MSCA Board of Managers, on his role as the center’s director.
April 27–29, 2025 | Clearwater Beach, FL
The NCPWB Technical Conference is just around the corner! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, share, and connect. This year’s conference is packed with valuable content and unmatched opportunities to network with friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances. We’re also introducing for the first time, an exhibitor showcase on Monday afternoon where you can see the latest and greatest welding technologies.
Don’t Miss Out! This is your chance to stay ahead in the welding industry, gain valuable knowledge, and expand your professional network. Register today and join us for this unforgettable 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.
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:
FastEST, Inc.
Included with every purchase or lease, FastEST Estimating Software provides online training with one of our experienced team members. Our customer service team is available 24/7 for training and any support you may need! For those who are wanting a more in-depth and hands on training experience, we are hopeful that by mid-year we will start our regional training classes back up. In the meantime please visit our website and the help section of our program for tutorial videos.
Procore Technologies, Inc.
Procore Safety Certification
Safety matters. Now more than ever. Go beyond OSHA regs and PPE to help you and your team stay safe—during and after a crisis – with a free Procore Safety Certification.
Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.
May 19 – 21, 2025 | St. Louis, MO
If you enjoyed the PCA Lunch and Learn at Convention, and its lively discussion on plumbing special projects, get ready to take your plumbing service knowledge to the next level at the PCA Plumbing Service Conference!
This event is your best opportunity to learn, share, and grow in your understanding of plumbing service operations. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategies, gain insights from industry leaders, or connect with peers who share your challenges and opportunities, this conference is designed with you in mind.
With industry leaders, in depth tours, and invaluable networking, this is a conference you don’t want to miss.
Register today and be part of the future of plumbing service!
Twenty-three students were recognized with a variety of scholarships and for the first time, the scholarship total reached $100,000! McMaster University emerged as the victors for the Student Chapter Competition and returned to campus with a $10,000 prize, sponsored by DEWALT Industrial Tool Company, following their Final Four presentation at MCAA25. The MVP – Most Valuable Presenter was awarded to Parker Jenkins from Pittsburg State University.
Pittsburg State University was selected as the 2024-2025 Student Chapter of the Year (also going home with $10,000) and their faculty advisor, Shannon Nicklaus, was recognized as the Educator of the Year with a $5,000 award. Two new chapters were also chartered at the MCAA Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Monday, March 5th.
Brian Helm, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), congratulated the recipients of the following scholarships at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA25. He noted that the students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills within their chapter, and interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry.
ATP Inspiring Future Leaders Scholarship
Kaleb Kruse of Kansas State University is the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship provided by ATP Learning Solutions. The scholarship was established to recognize, support and inspire students in the mechanical industry.
Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship
Garvey France of Purdue University received a $2,500 scholarship check in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Trustees. Robert’s effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the United Association and the NCPWB resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program. The scholarship is in its third year and is sponsored by the NCPWB.
Josam Endowed Scholarship
Tyler Currie of Alfred State College was awarded a $2,500 endowed scholarship. Provided that all qualification are met, Tyler will receive this scholarship again during his junior and senior years. Josam Company established this scholarship endowment to assist a student studying a major related to MCAA’s scope, who intends on pursuing a career within the mechanical contracting industry.
Ann Mattheis Memorial Scholarship
Daniel Kellen of Iowa State University was awarded a $2,500 scholarship in memory of the former MCAA Director of Career Development, Ann Mattheis. Ann’s dedication and contributions to building the GreatFutures program left an enduring legacy for multiple decades of students and for the overall members of MCAA.
Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarships
Braidyn Hudson and Preston McDonald, both from Indiana State University, each received a $2,500 scholarship check in memory of Alan P. O’Shea, former Executive Director of the MCA of New Jersey. The scholarship is sponsored by MCA of New Jersey.
Robert T. Armistead Memorial Scholarships
Gina Carnovale of Kent State University and Bruno Portes of Fairleigh Dickinson University both received a $5,000 scholarship in memory of Robert “Bob” Armistead. In honor of Bob’s service as MCAA President, the selected winners are required to have served in the role as their local student chapter President. These scholarships were established by Armistead Mechanical, Inc. and the Family of Robert T. Armistead.
William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Gabriel Biagioni of California State University, Chico received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of a former President of the foundation and MCAA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient, William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr. The scholarship is sponsored by Kinetics.
The Bolton Family Scholarship
Shelby Gustafson of California State University, Chico was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to honor the significant contributions the Boltons have provided to the construction industry. This scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they serve in Rhode Island, notably their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvement with the Ronald McDonald House. The scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton family’s legacy.
Donald V. Brown, Sr. Memorial Scholarship
Griffin Souder from Pittsburg State University is the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by D.V. Brown and Associates, Inc., and in memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior.
DEWALT Patriot Scholarships
The DEWALT Patriot Scholarships, now in their fourth year, were created to recognize two veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career related to mechanical contracting. Thank you to DEWALT Industrial Tool Company for honoring our military and to our scholarship recipients for their service. Jaden Doebelin of Iowa State University (Iowa Army National Guard – Sergeant E-5 Military Occupational Special, Indirect Infantryman 11C) and Jeffrey Woodard of the University of Nebraska (United States Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class- Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist at 2nd Marine Division) each received a $5,000 scholarship.
EVAPCO, Inc. Engineering Scholarships
Yulien Liz of Fairleigh Dickinson University and Jennifer Tartaglia from the University of Maryland, College Park each received a $5,000 scholarship. EVAPCO, Inc. designed this new scholarship to recognize students whose goal is to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering, or a field of study relevant to mechanical contracting / equipment manufacturing that supports the mechanical industry.
FERGUSON – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarships
Olivia Kiefer from Iowa State University and Sophia Bernard from the University of Maryland, College Park each received a $5,000 scholarship, sponsored by Ferguson, to recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry. The two students will also be invited to attend the WiMI Conference in Kansas City this June.
Geiling Family Scholarship
This new $5,000 scholarship was presented to Drew Figura from the University of Nebraska. This scholarship supports students pursuing careers in the plumbing and mechanical trades, helping to develop the next generation of industry leaders. The establishment of the scholarship represents a commitment to investing in the future of the plumbing and mechanical contracting community.
Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Kyla Magee from the University of Nebraska received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of the founder of our foundation, Foster McCarl, Jr.
Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship
Brady Thompson from the University of Nebraska received a scholarship check for $5,000 in honor of Wayne, Emmett and Patrick Reilly. The John W. Danforth Company is the sponsor of the scholarship.
Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship
Kavan Limbasiya of Pittsburg State University received a $5,000 check for a scholarship that was developed to recognize a student who is not only interested in mechanical contracting, but specifically someone with an interest in being a mechanical estimator upon graduation. Trimble is the sponsor of the scholarship and has also donated complimentary use of the Trimble Estimation MEP software for our student chapter competition teams for the past few years.
Viega – Scholarship
Parker Jenkins of Pittsburg State University was the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Viega. Viega has graciously sponsored student chapter activities at the MCAA Convention for many years. The Viega scholarship is now in its third year.
Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship
Aidan Wolownik of Pittsburg State University received a $5,000 scholarship check in honor of former MCA/MSCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner. This scholarship is in its fourth year and is sponsored by MCA/MSCA of Cleveland.
Shannon Nicklaus, faculty advisor for Pittsburg State University, was recognized as the 2024-2025 Educator of the Year. He was selected for this honor based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through their MCAA Affiliate, MCA of Kansas City. In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award.
Pittsburg State University was selected as the 2024-2025 Student Chapter of the Year. Their faculty advisor is Shannon Nicklaus and Affiliate Association is the MCA of Kansas City. The Career Development Committee chose the winner based on a rubric that evaluates industry-specific educational opportunities, fundraising and community service efforts, recruitment tactics, and most importantly, mechanical contracting interest. Pittsburg State University received a trophy and a $10,000 award.
McMaster University won the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on this year’s Student Chapter Competition project, which involved submitting a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the MCAA Medical Research Project in New York City. This included all piping, HVAC, Controls and additional work required by the bid documents.
New this year, we thank DEWALT Industrial Tool Company for sponsoring the prize money for the Student Chapter Competition.
It is also with gratitude that we thank Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation for supplying the project and our project partners Procore, Trimble and Ferguson for supplying real-life learning resources to the student participants.
California State University, Chico was the runner-up, placing second, and received a trophy and check for $5,000.
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and Pittsburg State University rounded out the final four. Each of these Honorable Mention finalists received a trophy and $2,500. Honorable mentions are listed in alphabetical order.
Six additional teams that just missed the final four were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order:
The Career Development Committee recognized the student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won. The audience members voted via a polling link between Final Four presentations and ultimately Parker Jenkins of Pittsburg State University was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card, a complimentary seat in MCAA’s Preparatory Institute for Project Management (Pre-IPM), and the title of 2024-2025 Most Valuable Presenter.
MCAA is proud of the substantial investments that all of us are making to further the education of the outstanding students represented in the student chapters. Two new chapters were chartered during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA25:
Congratulations to all MCAA25 award winners and scholarship recipients!
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:
HGG Profiling Equipment, Inc.
By taking a digital approach to producing with a HGG ProCutter 600 RG, A&R Mechanical Contractors, Inc. has slashed the cutting process time in half and cut programming and training times enormously.
Morris Group International
See how easy it is to replace the bottle filler filter on the Murdock® Maintenance Advantage® cooler! With just a few steps, a new filter is ready for use. Murdock is a Morris Group International Brand.
Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!
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!
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.
Thomas J. Wanner, retired Executive Director of the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland, Inc. and a past chair of MCAA’s Association Executives Council, passed away on March 7, 2025. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by the entire MCAA family.
For over three decades, Tom’s career focused on labor relations, collective bargaining, education and training, legislation, codes and business operations.
He served as trustee for the National Mechanical Contracting Foundation, was chairman of the UCIP Apprenticeship and EEO Committee (a Cleveland labor/management program comprised of all building trade unions and corresponding associations), a member of the Cleveland City Council EEO committee and numerous local industry, business and civic organizations. He was also a part-time communications instructor at Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland campus.
Tom’s passions were his faith, his family, and time spent among friends.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susan, and daughters Kristina (Dustin) Davis and Elizabeth (Jeff Carcell), his seven grandchildren: Reegan, Jack, Quinn, Brogan, Aubrey, Evelyn and Clara, and his brothers Tim (Marcy) and Jim and sisters Molly (Dave) Taylor and Sally (Jerry) Martin. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Catherine (Katie) and John Arnold (Jack) Wanner and his brother, John.
When Tom retired, the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland established a $5,000 scholarship in his honor. The scholarship, which is administered by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), part of the MCAA, is presented at the MCAA annual convention as part of the student chapter program.
An analysis of more than 2,500 bids on 773 Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) building projects between 2017 and 2023 has found that project labor agreements (PLAs) increased bid competition by an average of 14 percent, with each additional bid increasing the likelihood that projects would be awarded below their official engineer’s estimates by 6 percent. The report was published by researchers at the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (ILEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Project labor agreements are pre-hire agreements between construction project owners and labor organizations that establish the terms and conditions of employment for skilled craft workers on large infrastructure projects. They have a long history as a de-risking mechanism and construction management tool for both the public and private sectors, ranging from the Tennessee Valley Authority to the construction of modern NFL stadiums. Public PLAs allow both union and nonunion firms to bid on projects. Most include provisions for preventing strikes and lockouts, creating uniform work rules and safety standards, harmonizing schedules between different types of crafts, and delivering a stable supply of the sufficiently skilled labor that such projects demand.
“Due to its large public investments and broad utilization of PLAs, Illinois offers a unique case study on their effect on competition in the construction marketplace,” said ILEPI Economist Frank Manzo IV. “In general, more competition is the best way to maximize value for end-users and reduce costs.”
Researchers examined more than 773 CDB public building projects valued at over $1.2 billion over a seven-year period that included an Executive Order by Governor JB Pritzker directing state agencies to comply with the Project Labor Agreements Act, passage of the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois plan to maintain and modernize state infrastructure, and passage of the bipartisan federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Fully 499 of the projects during the study period were covered by PLAs, and 274 were not.
In every year but one, PLA covered projects averaged more bidders per project, delivering an average of 14% more overall bid competition after controlling for project size and complexity, project location, project type, and other factors using common statistical techniques known as “regressions.” Similarly, researchers were also able to parse out impacts on both the overall cost of projects and the likelihood that projects were awarded at an amount below their initial engineer’s estimates. Each additional bid was correlated with a 4 percent decrease in the award amount (or project cost to taxpayers) and a 6 percent increase in the likelihood that a project was awarded for less than initial estimates. In summary, while PLA-covered projects tended to be larger and more complex than the non-PLA alternative, they were no more costly to build after controlling for other important factors.
“While prior research has documented the positive effects of PLAs on project efficiency, safety, job quality, and workforce development, this data reveals that PLAs enable policymakers to control construction costs by promoting greater competition,” added study coauthor, PMCR Director, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Professor Dr. Robert Bruno. “By promoting greater bid competition, the data shows that PLAs stabilize and can even reduce project costs, while still promoting job quality, safety, and the stronger apprenticeship institutions this industry needs to meet its long-term labor supply needs.”
The report notes that during the study period, Illinois saw a 28 percent increase in skilled trade apprenticeship enrollments. As demand for construction services boomed in recent years, so did reported shortages of skilled labor. This led elected officials and industry leaders to seek out new ways to expand access to new businesses and domestic labor supply pools, particularly among workers and entrepreneurs who have historically been underrepresented in the industry. The data shows that PLAs offer a potential solution. For example, PLAs produced an increase in market shares for firms owned by military veterans, women, and people of color by as much as 2 percent.
“Many PLAs offer incentives for hiring local workers, contracting with local businesses, and investing in efforts to expand business opportunities and domestic labor supply pools into historically underutilized communities,” Manzo added. “The data reveal that PLAs can be a valuable tool for building more Illinois-based small business owners, boosting the number of construction firms bidding on public projects, combatting industry labor shortages, and attracting more workers to in-demand careers in the skilled construction trades—all of which lower costs for taxpayers.”
May 5 – 7, 2025 | Washington, DC
Early Bird Rates end March 12 – Register Today and Save!
As a business owner in the mechanical contracting industry, you already juggle enough—projects, workforce management, regulations, and keeping up with an ever-changing market. But what happens in Washington, D.C. directly impacts your bottom line. The CEA National Issues Conference is your chance to influence the policies affecting your business, rather than just reacting to them after they’re set.
This is not just another conference. This is where mechanical contractors shape the future of their businesses and the industry. With exclusive Hill visits, you won’t just hear about policy—you’ll have a seat at the table with lawmakers who make the decisions.
New in 2025: Inside the Issues – Open Government Affairs Committee Meeting
Monday, May 5 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This half-day session offers MCAA members a unique opportunity to discuss legislative and regulatory priorities, advocate for the interests of mechanical contractors, and shape the future of our industry. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the advocacy work that drives MCAA’s mission and have the chance to explore how the Government Affairs Committee impacts their businesses directly. Open to MCAA members only. $125 fee invoiced separately by MCAA.
Returning in 2025: MCAA Member Dinner
Tuesday, May 6 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wrap up the day with a relaxing evening among fellow MCAA members. Enjoy great food, conversation, and camaraderie as we celebrate the conclusion of a successful event.
This is your chance to shape the future of the mechanical contracting industry. Don’t just watch the change—be part of it. Register today!
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting your livelihood and setting the stage for a bright future, MCAA has secured the services of Longbow Public Policy Group to advise our MCAA Government Affairs Committee (GAC). GAC Chair, Jim Gaffney will be passing along information relative to our industry on a regular basis.
On Monday, March 10, 2025 MCAA Lobbying Firm, Longbow Public Policy Group provided the following information:
Last Tuesday, President Trump delivered a joint address to Congress announcing the establishment of a new White House office on shipbuilding to increase U.S. production of commercial and military vessels. In following up on this announcement, MCAA learned that White House staff have already prepared a draft executive order creating this new office and directing 18 separate actions to bolster U.S. shipbuilding. These range from raising revenue for U.S. industry from fees on Chinese-built ships and cranes entering the U.S. to raising wages for nuclear-shipyard workers and instructing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to review government procurement processes for ships, including the Navy’s procurement process. President Trump also announced that he is planning to establish a “gigantic” natural gas pipeline in Alaska, saying that “Japan, South Korea, and other nations” want to be a partner in the pipeline. Under “Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage,” we also discuss the President’s call for repeal of the CHIPS and Science Act during his speech and the MCAA policy team’s related outreach on the law to members of Congress.
On March 6th, President Trump said that he would allow both Mexico and Canada to avoid the 25% tariffs that he put into effect last Tuesday on exports covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement for one month—until April 2, 2025. April 2nd is also the date that President Trump’s global reciprocal tariffs are supposed to take effect. Last Tuesday, President Trump also raised tariffs on China an additional 10% to a new total of 20%. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Trump’s tariffs, saying that “access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American Dream.” Instead, Bessent argued that the “American Dream is rooted in the concept that any citizen can achieve prosperity, upward mobility, and economic security.” The broad, temporary exemptions for Canada and Mexico come after some congressional Republicans questioned the wisdom of President Trump’s tariffs, including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), who said that he doubts that new tariffs are an effective way to address concerns about fentanyl entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) also said he was “uneasy” about the tariffs. House and Senate Republican leadership appeared split on the new tariffs as Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said he hoped the tariffs are temporary, but Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said the president is giving countries “a dose of their own medicine.” Congressional Democrats responded to the imposition of Trump’s tariffs by introducing resolutions last Thursday to terminate Trump’s use of authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The IEEPA allows Congress to introduce a privileged resolution to terminate the President’s use of authorities under the law, which must be brought to the House for a floor vote within 15 days. This vote will be an interesting test of Trump’s ability to enforce discipline with a growing number of GOP members of Congress anxious about the ongoing tariff whiplash.
Relatedly, on March 1st, President Trump signed an executive order requiring the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation to determine the effects imports of timber, lumber, and their derivative products have on U.S. national security, along with a separate executive order to stimulate domestic lumber production. These executive orders followed a Trump directive to the Commerce Department on February 25th to initiate a Section 232 investigation of copper under the Trade Expansion Act to determine the need for new tariffs on copper imports to rebuild copper production critical to the power grid, electric vehicles, military hardware, and many consumer goods.
On March 6th, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell in Washington, D.C. ruled that President Trump’s firing of Biden-appointed National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) member Gwynne Wilcox was unlawful and ordered that she be allowed to continue her unexpired term. Howell said that the President’s firing of Wilcox violated federal law that allows for NLRB board members to be removed “only for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.” Howell also noted in her ruling that “the President seems intent on pushing the bounds of his office and exercising his power in a manner violative of clear statutory law to test how much the courts will accept the notion of a presidency that is supreme.” This is one of many cases currently in litigation that may provide the Administration an opportunity to seek reconsideration of Supreme Court precedents allowing Congress to limit the President’s ability to terminate leaders at independent federal agencies like the NLRB.
Over the last two weeks, President Trump’s litany of executive actions faced legal complications. Multiple federal judges indefinitely blocked Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans. And last week by a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court declined a Trump Administration request for an emergency stay of an order requiring the Administration to unfreeze USAID funds for the narrow purpose of paying contractors for work already performed pursuant to programs authorized by Congress. On February 24th, a federal judge blocked the Trump Administration from conducting immigration raids at Quaker, Baptist, and Sikh places of worship based on First Amendment concerns. On February 25th, a separate federal judge blocked the Administration’s suspension of U.S. refugee programs, reasoning that President Trump’s actions amount to an “effective nullification of congressional will” in setting up the nation’s refugee admissions program. And on February 21st U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson in Baltimore blocked President Trump’s bid to halt federal funding for programs that incorporate “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) initiatives, because the judge found the policy likely violates the First Amendment by penalizing private organizations based on their viewpoints and being impermissibly vague by prohibiting an undefined range of conduct referred to as “illegal DEI.” This ruling led the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration on February 27th to issue a cancellation of its recent Training and Employment Notice (TEN) No. 21-24, which directed all recipients of federal financial assistance awards to cease all activities related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) or “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” under their federal awards in accordance with executive orders issued by President Trump.
The Senate last Thursday voted 66-30 to close debate on former Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s MCAA-supported nomination to be the next Labor Secretary. Chavez-DeRemer picked up the support of 15 Democrats, while Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) was the only Republican to oppose ending debate on her nomination. The strong, bipartisan vote paves the way for her to be confirmed as Labor Secretary when the Senate reconvenes this week. Also last Thursday, the Senate HELP Committee voted 12-11 along party lines to advance the nomination of Keith Sonderling to be Deputy Labor Secretary. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has not yet announced when the full Senate will consider Sonderling’s nomination. Additionally, over the past two weeks, the Senate also confirmed additional Trump nominees of interest to MCAA, including: (1) U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer; (2) Education Secretary Linda McMahon; and (3) Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.
On February 26th, House Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) announced the subcommittee vice chairs for the 119th Congress: (1) Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) will serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials; (2) Rep. Dave Taylor (R-OH) will serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment; (3) Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) will serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit; (4) Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) will serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management; (5) Rep. Tony Wied (R-WI) will serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation; and (6) Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) will serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
MCAA continues to urge the Trump Administration to defend the MCAA-supported project labor agreement (PLA) executive order issued by President Biden and its related procurement rules in the U.S. Court of Claims following a lawsuit engineered by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) to undermine this rulemaking creating a presumption that federal contracting officers should use PLAs on federal construction projects expected to cost $35 million or more. Accordingly, we were pleased that the Trump Justice Department (DOJ) on February 24th filed a motion in the Court of Claims in MVL USA Inc. v. U.S. urging the court not to take the “unprecedented step” of rescinding President Biden’s 2022 executive order (EO) on PLAs and the regulations implementing it. DOJ argued that the Court of Claims doesn’t have the authority to rescind the regulations or the EO under its bid protest jurisdiction. DOJ further argued that challenges to the validity of a regulation governing federal procurement generally must take place in federal district court under the Administrative Procedure Act, and that the pending contractors’ bid protests should be dismissed for mootness because agencies have already cancelled four of the contract solicitations at issue and amended the others to remove the challenged PLA requirements. We are awaiting a decision from the court, but so far, the Administration has kept its pledge to defend the PLA executive order.
Given the inclusion of Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements the MCAA fought to secure in the CHIPS and Science Act, the policy team has been discussing with lawmakers President Trump’s remarks to a joint session of Congress last Tuesday calling the CHIPS and Science Act “horrible” and urging Congress to repeal the law and use any unspent funds to reduce the deficit. Citing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s announcement last Monday of plans to spend $100 billion to build chip plants in the U.S., Trump argued the financial incentives in the CHIPS Act are unnecessary because companies are committing to build microchip plants in the U.S. to avoid his tariffs. MCAA quickly rallied against President Trump’s call to repeal the CHIPS Act. We were pleased that a critical mass of Republican senators made clear that they view the money allocated to bolster chip production in the U.S. as a critical national security priority and have no interest in an outright repeal of the law. It also came to light that most of the CHIPS Act money has already been spent. While there may be an appetite to make adjustments to the program and how it is administered, we are not currently concerned that we will have a fight over a full repeal of the law.
As the MCAA policy team continues to advocate against the rescission of the MCAA-supported final rule modernizing Davis-Bacon prevailing wage, we are also busy engaging on the Trump Administration’s plans to shrink the federal government’s real estate footprint. Reducing the federal government’s real estate footprint by selling federal buildings and terminating federal leases covered by Davis-Bacon would diminish the volume of federal prevailing wage work in many markets.
These concerns spiked last Tuesday when the Trump General Services Administration (GSA) designated 443 “non-core” federal properties for “disposition” across 47 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico that represent almost 80 million rentable square feet—12 times the size of the Pentagon. The GSA estimates that selling these properties could save more than $430 million in operating costs. Last Wednesday, however, the GSA removed the list of federal properties it was potentially looking to sell and a page featuring the previous “non-core” property list now says the list will be “coming soon. The GSA did not say why it removed the list from its website. Tuesday’s announcement followed the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) elimination of nearly 750 federal leases with additional terminations expected. DOGE is focused on exercising early terminations on more of the approximately 3,000 federal leases that are currently in their “soft term” phase—meaning they can be terminated without penalty or buyout. These developments followed a directive from the Trump Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget on February 26th for federal agencies “to undertake preparations to initiate large-scale reductions in force (RIFs)” and to develop Phase 1 “Agency Reorganization plans” by no later than March 13, 2025. These agency RIF and reorganization plans must result in a “reduced federal real property footprint” for each agency and a “reduced agency topline” for each agency.
The Trump Administration is developing these plans at a time when commercial real estate in many markets is still reeling from high interest rates and the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, a new analysis on February 25th found that the Trump Administration’s plans to terminate federal leases and sell government buildings threatens to weaken the recovery of the U.S. office market, particularly in Washington, D.C., and other cities with a significant federal government presence, including the Los Angeles; New York; Atlanta; Hagerstown, MD; and Martinsburg, WV areas. The Administration’s plans to shrink the federal real estate footprint were also mentioned at the National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans (NCCMP) panel we participated in last week as a notable concern for construction industry multiemployer pension plans because of the reduction in union work hours it could cause.
Last week, the MCAA policy team engaged lawmakers ahead of a House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development hearing entitled, “Strengthening WIOA & Improving Outcomes for America’s Workforce.” Leading up to the hearing, we were reemphasizing points we have consistently pressed on the importance of reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), especially given the collapse of a bipartisan deal to include the MCAA-supported A Stronger Workforce for America Act to reauthorize WIOA in an omnibus spending package at the end of last Congress. We were pleased that our outreach bore fruit, as both Subcommittee Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Alma Adams (D-NC) expressed support for the Stronger Workforce for America Act and said they hoped to get the legislation “back on track this Congress.” We are continuing to have conversations with lawmakers on the importance of reauthorizing WIOA to maintain momentum from this hearing.
This Wednesday, BlackRock and the Bipartisan Policy Center are hosting a summit in Washington, D.C. to discuss ways to avoid “an impending crisis” when it comes to retirement. The summit aims to develop legislative plans to improve retirement planning for Americans. From the early outreach we have done, it is expected to primarily focus on improving the defined contribution system and getting more people into retirement savings programs. The MCAA team is in touch with the Bipartisan Policy Center and will monitor these discussions for any issues related to multiemployer plans. The event sponsors seemed cool to making any multiemployer reforms a focus of their summit.
As we continue to educate new and returning lawmakers on the MCAA’s pension reform priorities, we wanted to be sure you were aware that on February 20th, House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee Chair Rick Allen (R-GA) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi seeking an update from the Department of Justice (DOJ) about its recovery of taxpayer funds erroneously paid to deceased beneficiaries under the Special Financial Assistance program signed into law by President Biden to save the most endangered defined benefit multiemployer plans. Chair Walberg has launched an investigation and is “seeking information about the steps DOJ is taking to ensure that taxpayer money is recovered after the Biden-Harris Administration made improper payments to multiemployer pension plans.” The letter notes that last Congress, the Committee under Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) sent similar requests to former Attorney General Merrick Garland in August and December 2024 but never received a response.
There were several decarbonization developments of note over the last two weeks on which the MCAA has been engaged:
The MCAA policy team lobbied several congressional offices in support of a Congressional Review Act resolution (H.J. Res. 35) to disapprove of a Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency final rule that established a new fee on methane emissions from oil and gas producers. At the request of the resolution’s sponsors, on February 25th, the MCAA wrote to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and urged both party leaders to support quick passage of the resolution. The following day, the House passed the resolution by a vote of 220-206. Building on this momentum, MCAA pressed to have it passed in the Senate on February 27th by a vote of 52-47. The resolution now heads to the President, who is expected to sign it into law.
On February 27th, the House voted 221-198 to pass MCAA-advocated H.J. Res. 20, a Congressional Review Act resolution nullifying the Biden Energy Department’s rule mandating increased energy efficiency standards for natural gas-fired tankless water heaters. The MCAA was deeply involved in lobbying lawmakers to pass this CRA, doing considerable education on the flaws in the economic analysis justifying this radical decarbonization measure. With House passage secured, the MCAA policy team is continuing our work with the lead sponsor of the Senate version of this resolution, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), to advance this bill in the Senate and send it to President Trump’s desk.
On February 25th, the Senate voted 54-44 to approve another MCAA-supported Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution (S. J. Res. 11) that vacates an August 2024 Bureau of Ocean Energy Management rule that limited offshore drilling near archeological sites in the Outer Continental Shelf. Three Democrats—Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (NV), Jacky Rosen (NV), and John Hickenlooper (CO)—joined with all Senate Republicans in support of the CRA resolution. The House last Thursday followed the Senate and voted 221-202 to pass the resolution, with nine Democrats joining all but one Republican (Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick [PA]) in support of the resolution. It now heads to President Trump for his signature.
On March 5th, the House voted 222-203 to pass H.J. Res. 42, a Congressional Review Act resolution nullifying the Energy Department’s (DOE) October 2024 rule relating to “Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment.” The final rule revised DOE’s certification, labeling, and enforcement regulations for certain covered consumer, commercial and industrial products and equipment to align with amendments made to the energy conservation standards for such products and equipment by separate DOE regulations since 2022. The resolution now heads to the Senate for consideration.
On February 26th, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin took unexpectedly bold action by asking the White House to approve reversal of the Obama-era EPA endangerment finding in 2009 that gave the EPA authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act based on the threat they pose to public health and welfare. Reversing the 2009 endangerment finding would eliminate the legal justification for EPA regulation of six greenhouse gases—hydrofluorocarbons, methane, perfluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, and carbon dioxide—under the Clean Air Act and relieve EPA of having to regulate climate pollution from power plants, oil and gas infrastructure, and vehicles. It would also impede efforts by future presidential administrations to issue regulations under the Clean Air Act targeting greenhouse gases.
On February 26th, during a tour of Sandia National Nuclear Laboratories, Trump Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that it is the policy of the Trump Administration for the U.S. be out in front when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), and that this requires having reliable and affordable sources of electricity to meet the growing demands of the technology sector. Wright’s comments come as many states are looking to nuclear energy to power the growing number of planned data centers necessary to support tech companies’ AI plans. Relatedly, on February 25th, Holtec International, the owner of the Palisades nuclear plant in Michigan, signed a strategic agreement with Hyundai Engineering and Construction to build a 10-gigawatt fleet of small modular reactors in North America, starting with two units at the Palisades site. Holtec is aiming to bring the original Palisades reactor back online in October subject to approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It would be the first restart of a closed nuclear plant in U.S. history.
On February 26th, President Trump signed an executive order, “Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Cost Efficiency Initiative,” directing federal agencies to build a centralized system to seamlessly record every payment issued by the agency for covered contracts and grants, along with a brief justification submitted by the federal employee who approved each payment, and to generally make the payment justifications publicly available. The order further directs agencies to review all existing covered contracts and grants and determine whether to terminate or modify them “to reduce overall federal spending or reallocate spending to promote efficiency and advance the policies” of the Administration. For purposes of the EO, “covered contracts and grants” are defined as discretionary spending through contracts, grants, loans, and related instruments, but excludes: (1) direct assistance to individuals; (2) expenditures related to immigration enforcement, law enforcement, the military, public safety, and the intelligence community; and (3) other critical, acute, or emergency spending, as determined by the relevant agency head. Finally, the EO directs the General Services Administration to submit a plan within 60 days for the disposition of government-owned real property which has been deemed no longer necessary.
According to a memo issued on February 27th, the Department of Labor is preparing to cut the workforce of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) by 90%. According to the memo, OFCCP will shrink from 55 offices to four, and reduce its 479 employees to 50. The reduction comes after President Trump signed an executive order on January 21, 2025, that revoked former President Lyndon Johnson’s 1965 Executive Order 11246 that established most of OFCCP’s responsibilities to police federal contractors for anti-discrimination violations and affirmative action compliance. Under the plan outlined in the memo, OFCCP would “focus its mission” on enforcement of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities by federal contractors and subcontractors and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). OFCCP would maintain a “limited field presence” for Section 503 and VEVRAA reviews.
As Women in Construction Week comes to a close, the industry continues to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women who are shaping the future of construction. This week has highlighted their achievements, honored their dedication, and sparked inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in this dynamic field.
Day 1: Empowering Women and Driving Innovation
The week kicked off with a focus on breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in the construction industry. By showcasing the impact and leadership of women in the field, the week has helped spotlight the essential roles women play in driving progress across the industry. The message is clear: empowering women in construction is key to unlocking continued growth and success in the sector.
Day 2: Mentorship and Leadership with Michelle Mendoza
On Day 2, we heard from Michelle Mendoza, a 3rd Year Apprentice, who shared her inspiring journey from high school student to successful tradeswoman and now mentor. Her story of perseverance and commitment not only highlights the importance of mentorship but also serves as a beacon of encouragement for young women considering careers in the construction industry.
Day 3: Building Connections with Madelyn Shanahan
Day 3 featured Madelyn Shanahan, Project Engineer at BMWC Constructors, who spoke about the camaraderie she has experienced working alongside other women in the industry. Madelyn’s journey reflects the power of community and how women can collaborate to advance their skills, share knowledge, and support one another in achieving professional success.
Day 4: Supporting Women Through Local WiMI Chapters
The final day of Women in Construction Week focused on the local Women in Mechanical Industry (WiMI) chapters that provide invaluable support to women in the mechanical industry. These chapters offer networking opportunities, education, mentoring, and career development programs designed to empower women at every stage of their careers. Through WiMI’s dedicated efforts, women across the country are finding the resources and connections they need to thrive in their careers.
Women in Construction Week has underscored the vital role women play in shaping the future of the construction industry. By continuing to support, mentor, and empower women, we can break down the remaining barriers and drive innovation that will fuel the industry for generations to come. Let’s keep the momentum going—celebrating achievements, fostering leadership, and creating new opportunities for women in construction.
Things you can do today:
Data shows that 34% of construction workers are Spanish speakers, the largest of any industry in the U.S. MCAA’s Spanish-Language Safety Training Resources deliver ready-made training for Spanish speakers, with topics ranging from mental health to PPE. They’re just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
MCAA’s current Spanish-language training resources, and their English-language counterparts, are:
Explore the full range of resources using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.
Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.
June 16 – June 18, 2025 | Kansas City, MO
The ripple effect of change begins with one small action – and in the mechanical industry, women are making waves. This year’s theme for the Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference, The Ripple Effect: Women Impacting Our Industry, highlights the powerful role women play in shaping and driving change across the industry. Women are not only breaking barriers but are leading the charge for innovation, progress, and inclusivity, creating lasting impacts that reverberate far and wide.
The WiMI Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable knowledge, and be inspired by the journeys of those who have dared to lead. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned executive, the WiMI Conference is a platform for you to find your voice and expand your influence within the industry.
SESSION HIGHLIGHT: Opening General Session
The conference kicks off with an engaging Opening General Session, featuring Wendy Glauber, Vice President of Human Resources & General Counsel at John W. Danforth Company and MCAA WiMI Committee Chair, and Amanda Comunale, VP of Construction Technology and End-user Engagement at ASC Engineered Solutions. These dynamic leaders will explore key industry themes, share valuable insights, and discuss actionable strategies that attendees can apply in their own careers. This session promises to provide an inspiring start to an event that emphasizes empowerment, innovation, and the ripple effects of leadership.
At the heart of the WiMI Conference are its diverse and dynamic educational sessions. These captivating talks provide the perfect space for both personal and professional growth. Expect to hear from extraordinary speakers who share their stories of overcoming fear, embracing their cultural identities, and navigating the challenges that women in our industry often face.
This year’s theme invites you to not only learn from experts but also empower yourself to take bold steps in your own career. Whether it’s honing technical skills, sharpening leadership abilities, or learning how to build confidence in your unique voice, the WiMI Conference is designed to equip you with the tools necessary to succeed. You’ll walk away with the skills and insights needed to drive your career forward with confidence.
Networking at WiMI is more than just exchanging business cards – it’s about forging meaningful, lasting connections with individuals who share your passion and drive for the industry. The WiMI Conference fosters a supportive community where women can collaborate, share experiences, and discuss strategies for success.
In addition to the education sessions, interactive roundtable discussions provide the perfect environment to put what you’ve learned into practice. These intimate settings allow for open conversation and knowledge-sharing, enabling attendees to discuss a wide variety of topics, from technical challenges to personal growth. The insights gained here will not only enrich your professional journey but will also empower you to tackle the next wave of challenges head-on.
As the theme suggests, the ripple effect begins with action, and the WiMI Conference is the perfect platform to kick-start that action. Women in our industry are already changing the game – from leading teams and projects to advocating for diversity and inclusivity. By joining this empowering event, you become part of that ripple effect, contributing to a larger movement for positive change.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, valuable connections, or professional development, the WiMI Conference offers something for everyone. This year, we celebrate the impactful ways women are driving transformation in the mechanical industry, and we invite you to be part of the movement. Together, we can continue creating ripples of positive change, one connection, one conversation, one opportunity at a time.
Join us at the WiMI Conference – empower yourself, connect with others, and leave ready to make your mark on the industry.
Women in Construction Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. Today, we focus on the local WiMI chapters that empower women in the mechanical industry with opportunities for networking, education, mentoring, and career development. They’re here to support your journey—helping you connect, learn, and advance in your own community!
Find a WiMI chapter near you using the handy map below.
Don’t see a chapter near you? Consider working with your local affiliated association to start one! 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.
Working together, we can help break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. Let’s continue to support and empower women in construction, driving progress for the industry as a whole.
May 19 – 21, 2025 | St. Louis, MO
The plumbing service industry is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, best practices, and customer expectations shaping the way we do business. PCA, the Plumbing Contractors of America, is MCAA’s best resource for plumbing. The PCA Plumbing Service Conference is a must-attend event for contractors looking to enhance their service operations, drive profitability, and embrace innovation.
This dynamic conference brings together MCAA plumbing service contractors for an immersive experience including an in-depth tour of the operations of MCAA member Murphy Company, a look into the UA’s plumbing service training at Local 562, as well as contractor-led education sessions, industry insights, peer networking, and hands-on learning.
Here’s what you can expect:
Tour of Murphy Company and Local 562 – In a PCA first, not only will attendees get to tour Murphy Company’s operations, training and sales strategies, they will also see Local 562’s cutting-edge plumbing service training facilities. There will be multiple stops at each location, with an opportunity to engage with peers.
Contractor-Led Education Sessions – You will have the opportunity to dive deeper with the team from Murphy Company as they provide sessions on how to utilize SmartSheets, sales strategies for plumbing service, and how to create a best-in-class safety culture that addresses mental health issues.
Technology & Innovation – Jonathan Slain, popular “Rock the Recession” speaker from MCAA25, is back with a brand new keynote on AI and plumbing service. He will demystify AI and give you tools to help you work smarter, not harder.
Roundtable Discussions – Engage in an interactive roundtable session that address the key challenges and opportunities in plumbing service, from attracting and retaining talent to leading a team and operational excellence.
UA Update – UA Director of Plumbing Tom Bigley will present the latest plumbing service-focused UA updates.
Peer-to-Peer Networking – Connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can help you set your business apart.
The PCA Plumbing Service Conference is designed for service managers, business owners, and industry leaders who are committed to driving success in their companies. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an emerging leader, this event will provide actionable insights to elevate your business.
Staying competitive in the plumbing service industry requires continuous learning and adaptation. The PCA Plumbing Service Conference is your opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge, forge meaningful connections, and position your business for long-term success.
Register today and be part of the future of plumbing service!
April 27–29, 2025 | Clearwater Beach, FL
The NCPWB Technical Conference is just around the corner! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, share, and connect. This year’s conference is packed with valuable content and unmatched opportunities to network with friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances. We’re also introducing for the first time, an exhibitor showcase on Monday afternoon where you can see the latest and greatest welding technologies.
SESSION HIGHLIGHT
Welding of Duplex Stainless Steels
Duplex Stainless Steels are a family of stainless steels that contain a dual microstructure of ferrite and austenite which give them unique properties. These materials are currently in widespread use throughout industry in numerous applications. Due to their many benefits these steels are rapidly growing in popularity. However, duplex stainless steels must be welded correctly in order to maintain the intended properties in service. During this session, Stan Gingrich of Weldmet Consulting Eng. will discuss lessons learned, special fabrication considerations and much more.
Additional sessions will cover these cutting-edge topics:
Varsity Welding: Welding has been pegged as an “alternative” career path by everyone from high school guidance counselors to parents. The stigma is real – with high school students facing overwhelming pressure to choose college over a trades path in 88% of students. So how do we change the game? Come listen to Demi Knight Clark, change maker, on empowering women+ & girls in trades with onboard programs.
Orbital Welding Solutions for Restricted Access Applications: Field construction often challenges welders with applications where there is very little space to fit a manual torch or a weld head. Joint proximity to pipes, walls and other obstructions can make a relatively easy weld difficult to execute. In other cases, lack of direct line of sight may force a welder to use mirrors or other implements, drastically increasing the level of execution difficulty. Presented by: Janusz Bialach, P.Eng, Division Manager, Liburdi Group.
Welder Continuity Record Keeping: Proper welder record-keeping requires a commitment to good communication. This session will cover the exchange of information between the UA local Authorized Testing Facilities and the NCPWB chapters they work closely with. Presented by: Bob Derby, Training Specialist, United Association.
Implementing Advanced GMAW (HyperFill®) to Overcome Industry Challenges: There are many challenges when welding piping including the shortage of skilled labor, capital purchase justification, increasing throughput, and implementing new technology. This session will explain the benefits of the HyperFill® and HyperFill-STT® advanced GMAW processes and how they can be used to solve these challenges. Presented by: Chris Wilson, Welding Engineer, Lincoln Electric and Daniel Snell, QA/QC Manager, Mollenberg-Betz, Inc.
Advancing Pipe Welding with Autonomous Technology – Addressing Labor and Fit-Up Challenges: Autonomous technologies are transforming industries, and pipe welding is no exception. Faced with the dual challenges of skilled labor shortages and inconsistencies in pipe fit-up, the adoption of autonomous systems offers a path to increased precision, efficiency, and quality. By leveraging advancements in vision systems, image processing, and real-time adaptive controls, autonomous welding solutions are addressing these persistent issues head-on. Presented by: David Jordan, Director, Global Growth & Strategy, Novarc.
Best Practices for Thermoplastic Pipe Installation Focused on Welding, Supports, and Pipe Stress Design: This session will discuss best practices for thermoplastic systems including piping installation, sleeves, pipe guides, fixed points, vertical supports, change of direction supports, continuous supports, valve supports, other design considerations, bullet proofing your system, and different welding technologies. Presented by Casey Williamson, Georg Fischer.
The Ultimate Pipe Spool Welding: Welding spool pipes presents unique challenges. Unlike beams, pipes feature an open root that requires real-time control of the penetration depth. Additionally, the imperfections inherent in pipes mean that preparations are always a compromise, rendering each weld to be slightly unique. Achieving perfection in such conditions relies on the ability to dynamically adjust to these inherent irregularities. Real-time control over the weld pool is essential to achieve this. Trying to approach this problem by finding a way to make perfect and repeatable preparations has been unsuccessful. Instead, the solution lies in using a welding robot equipped with adaptive welding control. See the solution McCarl’s used to automate their pipe spool welding. Presented by: Stamati Georgaris, VP Rotoweld, Tecnar and Jon Bushmire, Operations Manager, McCarl’s.
Breakout Session Table Topics: Engage in an interactive discussions to share insights, ask questions, and provide input on various topics.
Don’t miss the chance to be at the forefront of welding innovation! Join us at NCPWB25 for these industry-leading presentations and the information you need to stay on top of other welding issues. Register today!
Women in Construction Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. This week highlights their achievements, honors their dedication, and inspires future generations to pursue careers in the field. Today, we hear from Madelyn Shanahan, Project Engineer at BMWC Constructors, on her journey and the camaraderie she has found working and growing her skills alongside other women.
I am a Project Engineer for BMWC Constructors, specifically working on projects for our pharmaceutical clients. I am currently assigned to my largest project yet, with over 300,000 LF of pipe. This facility is part of a brand-new campus in Northwest Indiana.
I love my team, especially my female peers who rock in the field! I’m privileged to say we have moved together to our next project. It’s an asset to have wise, seasoned females with the heart of a teacher who find new ways to challenge me. And bring a smile to my face at work!
I am proud to work for a mechanical contractor and grateful for the doors it has opened. This industry is a community of folks who know the challenge exists and choose to face it head on. Those are the people I want to learn from and grow alongside.
By highlighting and honoring women like Madelyn who are building relationships while they build their careers, we can help break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. Let’s continue to support and empower women in construction, driving progress for the industry as a whole.
Women in Construction Week is an important opportunity to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. This week highlights their achievements, honors their dedication, and inspires future generations to pursue careers in the field. Today, we hear from Michelle Mendoza, 3rd Year Apprentice, on her journey from high school student, through the trades, a successful career, and now as a mentor.
“When I was in high school everyone was pushed to go to college. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and I didn’t want to put myself in debt for something I was unsure of.
“I heard about the trades, did some research, and learned that they pay you to learn. I went to an Open House event at the Local Training Facility and saw firsthand what a plumber does. It was nothing that I thought it was. It caught my eye, and I applied. I’ve been happy ever since.
“Being in the trades has been a journey, and not always an easy one. When I look at how far I have come since I started, I am proud of myself. The skills, knowledge, and experience I’ve acquired being in the apprenticeship… 18-year-old me would have never thought that I would be where I am today. I’m able to knock out all of my work at school and mentor those younger than me on the job site. Teaching them things I’ve learned over the years and helping them with any questions they have has been a very fulfilling feeling. It shows that even on the hardest days it was all paying off, especially since I used to be the one asking all of those questions!”
By highlighting and honoring women like Michelle who are inspiring future generations to pursue careers in the field, we can help break down barriers and create new opportunities for growth and innovation. Let’s continue to support and empower women in construction, driving progress for the industry as a whole.
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:
Jomar Valve
At Jomar, we know that precision is paramount. So optimize your design decisions and tap into our ever-growing library of accurate, technical 3D design files. Available in RFA, DWG, and STP formats.
SLOAN
Sloan’s latest remote visual guidance software is easing troubleshooting, diagnostics, and leading to quicker resolutions for maintenance teams, regardless of where they are located.
Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!
Attending MCAA25? Get in-person insights by visiting our manufacturer/supplier partners during the Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit on Tuesday, March 4.
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!
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.
