MCAA member Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI), a leading provider of mechanical installation and maintenance services, has announced a strategic partnership with New State Capital Partners (New State), a private investment firm based in New Rochelle, NY. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in HFI’s journey as it positions itself for accelerated growth and expanded market reach in the mechanical contracting sector.

Founded in 1985, HFI has grown to operate four regional offices, employ 700 professionals, and serve clients across twelve states. The company specializes in HVAC and plumbing solutions, with a strong focus on retrofit, renovation, and maintenance projects for commercial and institutional customers in healthcare, education, and other essential markets.

The majority investment by New State solidifies a shared vision for HFI’s future, emphasizing cultural alignment and a commitment to building an enduring, client-focused organization. HFI’s existing ownership and leadership teams will remain in place, ensuring continuity and stability as the company embarks on this new chapter.

“We are excited to partner with New State Capital Partners, whose collaborative approach and deep operating resources will help us enhance our systems, expand our service capabilities, and pursue new avenues for expansion,” said Steve Dawson, CEO of HFI and an MCAA Past President.

New State Capital Partners brings a proven track record in facility services investments, and their involvement is expected to drive both organic growth and strategic acquisitions for HFI. Shaun Vasavada, Senior Principal at New State, commented, “HFI is an established regional leader serving critical end markets, with a strong foundation for growth. We look forward to collaborating with the management team to drive continued success and accelerate growth in this sector.”

The transaction was supported by Amethyst Capital Group, LLC, an independent sponsor with expertise in infrastructure services investments. Advisory support for the deal was provided by Harris Williams LLC, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, GLC Advisors & Co., and Holland & Hart LLP.

As HFI celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company remains steadfast in its core values and commitment to clients and employees. The partnership with New State is expected to unlock new opportunities for geographic expansion throughout the Midwest and beyond, reinforcing HFI’s position as a market leader.

For more information about Harrell-Fish Inc., visit https://harrell-fish.com/. To learn more about New State Capital Partners, visit www.newstatecp.com.

Mechanical contractors face an uncertain insurance market. MCAA’s What is a Captive Insurance Plan/Group and What Can It Do For Your Company? explores the use of captive, or privately held, insurance as a way to mitigate risk and provide greater cost control relative to a contractor’s insurance premiums. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

• What captive is, and why contractors might join a captive plan
• What group captives are
• The captive structure
• How captives work
• The captive marketplace
• How contractors are using captives to avoid complacency
• How contractors are using captives to formalize their practices and create repeatable processes that drive predictable results
• Who qualifies to join

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

Find all of MCAA’s educational resources in the Resource Center.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

MCAA is saddened by the loss of Francis Henry Norton III, who died peacefully at his home on November 27, 2025. Our thoughts are with Claire, Kara, John and the extended Norton family during this difficult time.

Born on April 25, 1946, Frank was the eldest child of Francis and Margaret “Peg” Norton of Quincy, MA.

A proud and lifelong member of Pipefitters Local 537, Frank began his career as a service mechanic before becoming a business owner, founding Commonwealth Air in 1976. Together with his partner Bob Harvey, Frank grew CommAir into one of the region’s leading union HVAC service businesses before selling the company in 2001. He remained active in the industry throughout his career, serving as a trustee on several local and international union benefit funds and always embracing the lively spirit of the collective bargaining table.

Outside of work, Frank’s happiest hours were spent in the air or on the water. A seasoned boater, he belonged to the Wollaston Yacht Club as a young man and later to the Falmouth Yacht Club. He took great joy in cruising Waquoit Bay in his beautifully restored Lyman boats and often entered them (and won) boat shows at Lake Winnipesaukee. He was also a licensed pilot flying small aircraft out of Norwood Airport and always enjoyed flying across the northeast.

In his later years, Frank found his greatest joy in being “Gramps” to his beloved grandchildren: Frances, John Jr., and Rita Ferrante. He spent many days with them swimming in Grammy and Gramp’s pool, exploring the Cape and Islands by boat, and enjoying time as a family.

Frank will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and sense of purpose for his family, friends, and the industry to which he dedicated his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Claire Cummings Norton, and his daughter, Kara Norton Ferrante and her husband John Scanlan Ferrante, also of Hingham. He is also survived by his loving sisters: Carol Bailey, wife of Jim Bailey and mother of Lauren Schimizzi; Margaret Lakin and her late husband Paul; and Kathy Hunter, wife of Edward Hunter and mother of Ted Hunter and of Caroline Parsons.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 8, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Hannon Ballroom at Granite Links, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy, MA 02169.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Frank’s honor to https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/johnferrante/in-honor-of-frank-norton.

The future of MCAA is fundamentally linked to the quality of the individuals who serve on its Board of Directors. MCAA members who would like to be considered for one of three vacancies are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Applications should be returned no later than January 15, 2026. Candidates and their spokespersons will be scheduled for interviews at the 2026 MCAA Annual Convention. Those who are selected will begin their terms in March 2026.

MCAA Board of Directors Roles and Responsibilities

Purpose:
MCAA’s National Board of Directors serves as a governing board for all Association
matters.

Board Members Responsibilities:

• Serve in an advisory role to govern Association practices.
• Represent the national, as opposed to a local or regional interest
• Serve on national committees and task forces when called upon
• Support MCAA’s advocacy efforts, including the PAC
• Attend key association programs and conferences
• Actively participate in all Board meetings contributing to the discussion, brainstorming, and sharing of innovative ideas.

Time Commitment for Board Members:
MCAA’s Board of Directors traditionally holds three meetings each year; one at the
beginning of each annual Convention, one at the closing of each annual Convention, and one Summer Meeting. All of these meetings are held in person.

Board Commitment:
Two (3) year terms

Board of Directors Meetings Reimbursement Policy:
MCAA’s expense reimbursement policy for the Summer Board Meeting is as follows:

• Executive Committee – four nights of room rate and tax paid directly to the hotel by MCAA.
• Board Members and Past Presidents – three nights of room rate and tax paid directly to the hotel by MCAA.
• If you choose to stay beyond the allotted number of days, you will need to provide a credit card to cover the additional time.
• All attendees will need to provide a credit card at check-in to cover incidental expenses. These expenses are the responsibility of the member and will not be reimbursed by MCAA.

Reimbursable Expenses

• Airfare – Round-trip, non-refundable, 21-day advance purchase, coach airfare is
  reimbursed for the Executive Committee, Board Members, Past Presidents, and their partners – including baggage fees. (Please note that partner travel reimbursed by MCAA is considered taxable income by the IRS; therefore, you will receive a 1099-NEC if the value equals or exceeds $600.00. If you do not wish to receive a 1099-NEC, please submit your partner’s airfare in the amount of $599.00)
• MCAA does not reimburse for upgraded airfare (first class, business class, upgraded economy, etc.). If you choose to purchase non-reimbursable airfare, please book a dummy coach ticket at the time of booking to turn in with your expenses for reimbursement.
• Local ground transportation – MCAA will reimburse the roundtrip cost of a taxi or Uber between the airport and the hotel.
• Rental Car & Parking – MCAA will reimburse the cost of a standard rental car for anyone driving to the destination. MCAA will also cover on-site parking at the hotel.
• Airport Parking – MCAA will reimburse the cost of parking at your home airport or the taxi/Uber charge to/from your home if you do not drive to the airport.

MCAA’s Convention Board Meeting reimbursement policy is as follows:

• There are two Board meetings at the Convention. Board members and Past Presidents
  receive a per diem for each Board meeting they attend for a maximum check of $1,000. Executive Committee members will also receive a per diem for the Executive Committee meeting for a maximum check of $1,500, except for the President whose lodging and travel expenses are covered by MCAA.
• Airfare, travel, and incidental expenses are not reimbursed.

Antitrust:
All MCAA Committees are committed to fostering an open, competitive market, adhering to all anti-trust laws and regulations. As members, we pledge to avoid any actions or discussions that may infringe upon these principles, including but not limited to discussions about price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation, or any other conduct that could potentially restrict competition. Our interactions, both within the committee and externally, will be transparent, fair, and promote healthy competition. We recognize that any breach of these anti-trust policies could result in severe legal and reputational consequences for both the individual, the committee and MCAA as a whole.

The 2025 Industry Funds Conference brought together industry leaders, fund administrators, and association executives for two days of education, networking, and strategic insight from December 3–5 at the Resort at Longboat Key Club in Longboat Key, Florida.

Colleagues reconnected and new relationships were formed when the conference kicked off Wednesday evening with a record-breaking number of attendees.

Thursday began with opening remarks from Nick Sapnar, Industry Funds Chair. MCAA President Brian Hughes provided an MCAA Update that outlined organizational priorities and upcoming initiatives.

The morning continued with a forward-looking discussion on New Recruiting Strategies for Workforce Development. Speakers Chris Madello (UA), Tyler Jeffries (2060 Digital), and Tom Bello (MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.) shared innovative approaches to connecting with the next generation through social media, digital tools, and school partnerships, providing attendees with practical strategies to enhance local and regional recruiting efforts.

Michael Galfano of the UA followed up with an Apprentice Recruiting Standards Update, offering clarity on evolving expectations and sharing information about how locals and contractors can best work together to support new apprentices.

MCAA’s Frank Wall walked attendees through the newly updated Industry Improvement Funds Guide, highlighting enhancements designed to strengthen fund management and provide clearer guidance for both administrators and trustees. He was followed by Chuck Daniel (MCAA’s Senior Advisor to the CEO), who examined the opportunities and challenges that contractors face when considering private equity partnerships.

Friday morning began with a powerful session on Safety & Mental Health led by Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director, Safety, Health, and Risk Management, who walked through injury data, mental health trends, and the steps that MCAA and the UA are taking to support workers across the industry.

Next, attorney Jim Estabrook of Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper provided practical insights to help attendees better understand current shifts affecting construction, service, and labor relations—and how local Industry Funds can help navigate these challenges.

After a short break, MCAA CEO Tim Brink detailed The MCAA Roadshow, a fast-paced overview of the tools, resources, and programs available to help members thrive. Following that, Steve Lamb (MCAA’s Executive Trainee Program Consultant) gave attendees a deeper understanding of how to strengthen board performance through MCAA’s Board Mastery Workshop.

The conference concluded with an informative Legislative and Regulatory Update from Andrew Siff and Chris Granberg of Longbow Public Policy Group, who briefed the group on federal activities, regulatory changes, and policy issues impacting the mechanical contracting industry.

After two days of dynamic presentations, valuable networking, and productive discussions, the 2025 Industry Funds Conference closed. Attendees returned home with a clearer vision for supporting the long-term health of their industry funds and the broader mechanical contracting community.

MCAA thanks everyone who participated in and contributed to this exceptional event. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Save the Date: 2026 Industry Funds Conference

December 2–4, 2026
The Resort at Longboat Key Club | Longboat Key, Florida

When choosing which projects to bid on, mechanical construction contractors must evaluate several factors to ensure the project is a good fit for the company and has a high probability of success. MCAA’s Management Methods Bulletin, How Do I Pick a Project?, explores the factors that go into making an informed decision that will increase your company’s chances of successfully winning the bid and completing the project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explains how to:

• Assess project fit
• Review project details
• Evaluate financial aspects
• Consider the client and project owner
• Assess risk factors
• Examine competition
• Evaluate internal resources
• Review legal and compliance considerations
• Consult stakeholders
• Make an informed decision

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

Find all of MCAA’s educational resources in the Resource Center.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

The future of MCAA is fundamentally linked to the quality of the individuals who serve on its Board of Directors. MCAA members who would like to be considered for one of three vacancies are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Applications should be returned no later than January 15, 2026. Candidates and their spokespersons will be scheduled for interviews at the 2026 MCAA Annual Convention. Those who are selected will begin their terms in March 2026.

MCAA Board of Directors Roles and Responsibilities

Purpose:
MCAA’s National Board of Directors serves as a governing board for all Association
matters.

Board Members Responsibilities:

• Serve in an advisory role to govern Association practices.
• Represent the national, as opposed to a local or regional interest
• Serve on national committees and task forces when called upon
• Support MCAA’s advocacy efforts, including the PAC
• Attend key association programs and conferences
• Actively participate in all Board meetings contributing to the discussion, brainstorming, and sharing of innovative ideas.

Time Commitment for Board Members:
MCAA’s Board of Directors traditionally holds three meetings each year; one at the
beginning of each annual Convention, one at the closing of each annual Convention, and one Summer Meeting. All of these meetings are held in person.

Board Commitment:
Two (3) year terms

Board of Directors Meetings Reimbursement Policy:
MCAA’s expense reimbursement policy for the Summer Board Meeting is as follows:

• Executive Committee – four nights of room rate and tax paid directly to the hotel by MCAA.
• Board Members and Past Presidents – three nights of room rate and tax paid directly to the hotel by MCAA.
• If you choose to stay beyond the allotted number of days, you will need to provide a credit card to cover the additional time.
• All attendees will need to provide a credit card at check-in to cover incidental expenses. These expenses are the responsibility of the member and will not be reimbursed by MCAA.

Reimbursable Expenses

• Airfare – Round-trip, non-refundable, 21-day advance purchase, coach airfare is
  reimbursed for the Executive Committee, Board Members, Past Presidents, and their partners – including baggage fees. (Please note that partner travel reimbursed by MCAA is considered taxable income by the IRS; therefore, you will receive a 1099-NEC if the value equals or exceeds $600.00. If you do not wish to receive a 1099-NEC, please submit your partner’s airfare in the amount of $599.00)
• MCAA does not reimburse for upgraded airfare (first class, business class, upgraded economy, etc.). If you choose to purchase non-reimbursable airfare, please book a dummy coach ticket at the time of booking to turn in with your expenses for reimbursement.
• Local ground transportation – MCAA will reimburse the roundtrip cost of a taxi or Uber between the airport and the hotel.
• Rental Car & Parking – MCAA will reimburse the cost of a standard rental car for anyone driving to the destination. MCAA will also cover on-site parking at the hotel.
• Airport Parking – MCAA will reimburse the cost of parking at your home airport or the taxi/Uber charge to/from your home if you do not drive to the airport.

MCAA’s Convention Board Meeting reimbursement policy is as follows:

• There are two Board meetings at the Convention. Board members and Past Presidents
  receive a per diem for each Board meeting they attend for a maximum check of $1,000. Executive Committee members will also receive a per diem for the Executive Committee meeting for a maximum check of $1,500, except for the President whose lodging and travel expenses are covered by MCAA.
• Airfare, travel, and incidental expenses are not reimbursed.

Antitrust:
All MCAA Committees are committed to fostering an open, competitive market, adhering to all anti-trust laws and regulations. As members, we pledge to avoid any actions or discussions that may infringe upon these principles, including but not limited to discussions about price fixing, bid rigging, market allocation, or any other conduct that could potentially restrict competition. Our interactions, both within the committee and externally, will be transparent, fair, and promote healthy competition. We recognize that any breach of these anti-trust policies could result in severe legal and reputational consequences for both the individual, the committee and MCAA as a whole.