Archives: News Items

Connect With the Latest Training from SLOAN and FastEST, Inc. 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:

SLOAN
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) offered a pathway to build public spaces, including commercial restrooms with very specific fixtures that are “ADA-compliant.” Learn what the term means and how you can build and manage restroom accessibility for the needs of diverse building occupants.

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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.

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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

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Procore Technologies, 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:

Morris Group International
Complete jobs faster with fewer installers with Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® Labor Saving products. Sign up for a webinar consultation today to learn more!

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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.

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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

Learn About the Next Evolution of Infrastructure from Our Clean Energy: Geothermal Energy Exchange Webinar

Thermal Energy or Clean Energy is the reduction or elimination of carbon dioxide from energy sources. For example, heat pumps are a clean energy source for water heating and comfort cooling and heating. A heat pump water heater captures heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water inside the tank. Moving the heat instead of generating heat allows the system to operate more efficiently. This type of work is the everyday work of MCAA contractors.

Installing and servicing heat pumps will lead to significant state and federal financial incentives such as rebates, tax credits, loans, grants, and more. MCAA members are in the unique position to help reduce the carbon footprint of any city or state.

MCAA President Robert M. Bolton will be joined by subject matter expert on geothermal HVACR technologies, Jay Egg. Egg began a career in mechanical design engineering & contracting. As an expert consultant, Jay sits on several technical code committees internationally; notably the technical committee for the IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code. Jay has co-authored two McGraw-Hill Textbooks focused on geothermal HVAC technologies, and continues to write curriculum and lecture on the merits of Clean Heating and Cooling technologies. 

Join us on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern.

Jarrell Beats Completion Date With CerroPress Fittings

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

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

Find the Latest from Delta Commercial and Bitzer US, 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:

Delta Commercial
The Delta® MultiChoice® Universal Valve gives you the ability to change shower styles as easily as customers change their minds. Upgrade the style and functionality of your clients’ showers without altering the plumbing behind the wall, offering flexibility that you and your customers will appreciate. With MultiChoice Universal Valves, giving them what they want has never been so simple.

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Bitzer Screw CSH

Bitzer US, Inc.
BITZER is a global leader in the manufacture of Screw, Scroll and Semi-Hermetic Reciprocating Compressors for commercial A/C and refrigeration applications.

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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

Carlos Arias Will Join the MCAA Staff

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s The Management Audit: Peer Group Guidelines

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

The bulletin:

  • Explains the pros and cons of management audits
  • Offers tips for forming a group of non-competing contractors to perform a peer review
  • Includes guidelines for peer group critiques
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.

Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. 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:

Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

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SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Looking to tune up your evaporative cooling knowledge? SPX Marley Contractor Resources include live and on-demand webinars, School of Cool® training, installation videos and more. Check it out.

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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

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Nu Flow Technologies 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
Specification is a complex task. With the NEW Morris Group International Kwik Ship® Brands, you have a go-to selection of products designed to work together. Learn about our new program online!

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Nu Flow Technologies
Becoming a NuFlow Certified Contractor is more than buying our equipment. We prepare our contractors with everything they need to develop new expertise, product offerings, and revenue streams. Grow your business with NuFlow!

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Guide to Human Resources Policies

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

The guide includes information to help your company:

  • Define policies
  • Set expectations for conduct
  • Outline benefits
  • Detail a company’s drug-free workplace policy, including its drug and alcohol testing policy
  • Provide information and resources for complaints about harassment, discrimination, and retaliation
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.

Find the Latest from Mueller Industries, Inc. and Wheatland Tube 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:

Mueller Industries, Inc.
The Streamline® offering for press fittings is the latest example of the industry-leading innovation and commitment to customer needs that make Streamline® the standard for excellence.

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Wheatland Tube SureThread Continuous Weld Pipe

Wheatland Tube
The uniform grain structure of SureThread™ continuous weld standard pipe delivers exceptional strength and allows for each threading, bending and cutting – making installation fast.

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

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Offers a 20% Rebate on Instructor Fees for Select Classes

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

Which Courses are Eligible?

The 20% rebate applies to all NEI classes except those offered by John Koontz, which are already subsidized by MCAA. Courses must be booked using the NEI portal on the MCAA website.

Does the Rebate Cover Expenses?

The rebate covers eligible instructor fees only. It does not cover expenses, which, as always, are the responsibility of the member company or local affiliate that books the course.

How Do I Make Fee Arrangements?

You will work out fee arrangements directly with the NEI instructor.

Sounds Great! What’s Next?

  1. Go to the NEI portal.
  2. Find the course that meets your needs and click the “Schedule A Course” button. The instructor will contact you to make schedule and fee arrangements.
  3. Pay the invoice you receive from the instructor after the course.
  4. Send a copy of the paid invoice to Priya Nirmal at the MCAA office.

How Does the Rebate Work?

Each month, you will receive a check from MCAA for 20% of the instructor fees paid for eligible courses, up to $5,000 per class. Here’s what a rebate may look like in a given month:

CourseInstructorBooked via NEI PortalInstructor FeeRebate (Fee x 20%, Up to $5,000 per Class)
Mechanical 101Cordell StrongY$3,000$600
Mechanical 201Suzy SmithY$5,000$1,000
PM Boot CampRobert GutierrezY$30,000$5,000
Customer CareMary JonesN$5,000$0
Total Rebate$6,600

Remember, MCAA is only offering rebates for select courses scheduled via the NEI portal. By not using the portal to schedule the Mary Jones course in this example, the contractor or local affiliate missed out on a $1,000 rebate.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Guide to Financial Statements

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

The bulletin explains:

  • The purpose of each statement
  • What information financial statements contain
  • How to understand what that information is saying about a company
  • The information that can be found in footnotes
  • The importance of the MD&A (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations)
  • Financial statement ratios and calculations
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.

Connect With the Latest Training from Mueller Industries, Inc.​ and MIFAB, Inc. 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:

Mueller Industries, Inc.
Streamline® ACR Copper Press Fittings | Installation Instructions Watch this video to learn about the installation process of the Streamline® ACR Copper Press Fittings for HVAC & VRF applications.

Learn More

MIFAB, Inc.
Have you seen MIFAB’s Video Library? We have over 25 videos – from our Quick Hub Couplings to our MR-500 Trap Seal Primer and more! We are continuously updating our video content. Check it out!

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Learn More

OSHA National Emphasis Program Aims to Protect Workers from Heat Hazards

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

Representing Member Interests

MCAA will be participating in OSHA’s stakeholder meeting on May 3, 2022. You are invited to participate in the virtual meeting by registering here. 

MCAA has already submitted feedback to OSHA on the proposed rule and commented through the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Work Group.

Tips for Preventing Heat Illnesses

As temperatures begin to rise and it starts to get hot in parts of the United States, now is a good time to remind your employees about how to prevent heat illnesses. In particular, they should be on the lookout for:

  • Heat Stroke: As the body loses its ability to sweat, it can’t control its temperature (HEAT STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY)
  • Heat Exhaustion: The body sweats away too much water and salt
  • Heat Syncope: The body’s blood pressure becomes too low, resulting in dizziness or fainting and
  • Heat Cramps: The body experiences painful muscle spasms
NEP DETAILS
ADDITIONAL TOOLS FROM OSHA

Have Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management, Raffi Elchemmas.

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and ATP Learning Solutions (ATP) 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
This labor saving floor drain cleanout uses our Twis-to-Floor® adjustment technology to level the top with adjacent surfaces after the floor is poured and floor coverings are installed. Constructed of Duco coated cast iron with a secured nickel bronze top for finished floors bearing foot and medium load wheeled traffic.

Learn More

ATP Learning Solutions (ATP)
ATP Learning Solutions offers technical expertise, instructional design, and attention to detail. We deliver high-level customized educational solutions designed to meet your training needs, using your content or ours.

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

MCAA Member Contributions to Ukrainian Relief Hit $77,000

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

Find the Latest from Trane and Omegaflex, 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:

Trane
Trane creates comfortable, energy-efficient environments for commercial and residential applications with a full line of services. Contractors can count on unrivaled expertise and genuine partnership.

Learn More

Omegaflex, Inc.
CounterStrike CSST, MediTrac CMT, and DoubleTrac double containment piping systems are now listed by the ICC for seismic resilience per the ICC-ES ESR-4565 Report.

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

Olson Plumbing Saves Time, Cuts Costs with Josam Drainage Products for Hospital Installation Project

Tight timelines are a constant in building, but supply chain disruptions triggered by the COVID pandemic have complicated matters further. Olson Plumbing turned to Josam Company for drainage products that could meet the specifications and timing required for a new Colorado hospital. Josam’s packaging, labeling, and shipping method saved Olson Plumbing time onsite, cutting labor costs.

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

The WiMI 2022 Conference Will Empower You to Succeed

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

At the conference, you will:

  • Establish connections and learn from women from across the country who share common experiences and goals.
  • Get professional and personal growth ideas and inspiration to encourage you to be the best that you can be.
  • Hear from keynote speakers who will empower you to succeed in both your business and personal lives. They will also inspire you to be a strategic leader and performer and teach you to face your fears to enhance growth.
  • Enjoy education sessions focused on personal branding, communication, and using the power of you!

There will be plenty of time for networking and socializing to enable you to build a support group of peers that can flourish long after the conference.

Registration is now open! Space is limited to two members per company office or school. The fee is $895 per person.

We look forward to seeing you in Austin!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER