Organization: MCAA

Join MSCA & Convoy of Hope to Give Back at MSCA24

MSCA is partnering with Convoy of Hope during the annual MSCA educational conference to support a local organization in the community where the conference is being held, with needed supplies and hands-on assistance. Over the years these organizations have included food banks, homeless shelters, rescue missions and women’s shelters. Thanks to the generosity of our members and local associations, we have been able to provide over $700,000 in products and services to these organizations.

In 2024 we will once again be supporting Springs Rescue Mission, recipient of our efforts in 2019. The mission began with a Colorado Springs couple handing out sandwiches to homeless people in 1995. It has since blossomed into a full campus serving those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. 

Your support and donation can help us:

  • Raise $50,000 to deliver a tractor trailer full of needed supplies to people in need.   
  • Support a worthy volunteer organization that helps elevate their community to find a way out of poverty.   
  • Enjoy each other’s company while we pack thousands of hygiene kits to help the needy at MSCA24 during the Convoy of Hope Packing Party, September 24, 2024.

Check out our 2023 project and packing party then join us in supporting the Springs Rescue Mission. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but one that we can reach when we work together.   

If you, your company, or your local MCA would like to donate, you can find out more information by reading our flyer. Donations of any size are welcome and appreciated!  

We will be thanking our donors at the MSCA24 Education Conference, Explore, September 22-25, 2024, in Colorado Springs, CO at the picturesque Broadmoor Hotel. Registration will open May 20th, so mark your calendars!

Connect With the Latest Training from SPX Cooling Tech, LLC and Procore 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:

SPX Cooling Tech, LLC
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.

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.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Find the Latest from Autodesk, Inc. and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

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

Autodesk, Inc.
Success in a changing market comes from your ability to adapt while doing more with less. With improved collaboration throughout the project lifecycle, savings in time and money, and new capabilities like precision prefabrication, BIM makes the difference between surviving and thriving. Learn how the integrated tools in the AEC Collection can help you achieve better business outcomes.

Morris Group International
AVAILABLE NOW! MGI ConTrols® Pressure Reducing Valves are designed to reduce water pressure and protect plumbing system components. ConTrols is a Morris Group International brand.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s 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!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

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

Extra Eyes Onsite, Catching Errors Early & Cutting Travel Time

Thanks to photos and videos captured onsite by OpenSpace technology, U.S. Engineering fixed an error during construction that would have required expensive rework if it had not been caught early. With OpenSpace, U.S. Engineering managers are keeping tabs on projects remotely, saving hours of travel time and costs.

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.

Find the Latest from Trimble and The Harris Products Group, A Lincoln Electric Company 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:

Trimble
Trimble Fabrication SmartTools is a drawing, routing and fabrication toolkit built to amplify Fabrication Parts in Revit to save time and increase productivity for mechanical contractors.

The Harris Products Group, A Lincoln Electric Company
HVAC/R service techs will love this kit! It meets the needs for most field repairs. This six-piece kit features Aluxcor® for aluminum and Stay-Silv® 15, the industry’s most used copper brazing alloy.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s 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!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

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

Building the Industry Workforce

LAARS, a Bradford White Company (and a benefactor of MCAA24), is working closely with MCAA and the United Association (UA) toward a shared vision of continuous support for a trained, skilled workforce that is committed to safety, quality, and productivity. LAARS and the UA have established more than 50 advanced water heater and boiler training labs across the United States, with many more in development.

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.

Attention Contractors: Executive-to-Executive Meetings, Strategic Discussions & Innovation Await at MCAA Converge – Save Your Spot NOW

Event Dates: June 24 – 26, 2024 | Indianapolis, IN
Reserve Your Spot Today!

Want to improve your business relationships, gain product knowledge and leverage your business strategy? Join us for MCAA Converge. More than just a meeting, MCAA Converge is a meticulously crafted experience designed to address the unique needs of your company. Picture executive-to-executive meetings, a melting pot of strategic discussions, and an atmosphere buzzing with innovation.

This exclusive gathering of industry leaders will be set against the backdrop of Victory Field, home to the acclaimed Indianapolis Indians, and hosted at the luxurious Westin Indianapolis.

At 2024 MCAA Converge, we redefine engagement, offering a top-tier, strategic experience that goes beyond the local level. Executives from MCAA members –  25 manufacturer/supplier companies and 40 contractor companies – converge to explore a spectrum of topics: from current and future market conditions to upcoming significant projects, emerging technologies, and the invaluable art of relationship building.

“Roughly sixty percent of most mechanical and plumbing projects consist of material, equipment, subcontracts, and other soft costs. Through tactical meetings with member Manufacturers and Suppliers, MCAA Converge provides a platform for contractors to gain advantages on their projects through the implementation of emerging technologies, strategic planning, and negotiation. Finding ways to reduce costs and increase productivity through this event can significantly decrease labor risk and increase margins on current projects. Advantages gained at Converge could also be the difference between winning and losing future projects.” 

Rick Gopffarth, V.P. Marketing/Business Development, Dynamic Systems

The verdict from the most recent MCAA Converge? A resounding 9.3 out of 10, with 88% of participants expressing an overwhelming likelihood of attending the 2024 edition. Act swiftly, as only 40 spots await MCAA contractor companies, and a mere 25 for MCAA manufacturer/supplier companies.

Seize the opportunity to secure your company’s spot or schedule a personal meeting to delve deeper into what awaits. Don’t miss out – fill out the survey now and be a part of a transformative experience at the 2024 MCAA Converge! Reserve Your Spot Today!

EPA Issues First-Ever Limits on PFAS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.” Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to some serious safety and health issues, including cancers and impact to critical organs.

MCAA members have paid close attention to this issue since these harmful chemicals never fully degrade. PFAS are so prevalent that they can be found in the blood of almost every person in the U.S.

The EPA’s general summary of the final rule highlights fact sheets, presentations, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and regulatory information.

The final rule requires that:

  • Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
  • Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these maximum contaminant level (MCLs).
  • Beginning in five years (2029), public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation. 

The final rule establishes MCLs for six PFAS in drinking water, “PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL to account for the combined and co-occurring levels of these PFAS in drinking water. EPA also finalized health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these PFAS.” 

More information can be found here. The EPA is also holding three informational webinars:

  • April 16, 2024 (2:00-3:00 pm EDT) General Overview of PFAS NDPWR for Communities Registration
  • April 23, 2024 (2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT) Drinking Water Utilities and Professionals Technical Overview of PFAS NPDWR Registration
  • April 30, 2024 (2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT) Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series on Final PFAS NPDWR and PFAS Drinking Water Treatment Registration

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Distracted Driving Resources

Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year and seriously injures hundreds of thousands more according to the National Safety Council. MCAA’s distracted driving resources arm mechanical contractors with the resources needed to educate their workers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April and throughout the year. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Available resources include:

You may also be interested in the distracted driving and vehicle tips contained in these toolbox talks:

For a full list of MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health resources, visit this page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

Connect With the Latest Training from FastEST, Inc. and IMI Hydronic Engineering 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:

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.

IMI Hydronic Engineering
Learn from experts and achieve the best results in hydronic systems. Our practical and theoretical training will include applications for projects, installations, commissioning, and operation.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Gaining Protection and Productivity With Advanced Safety Technology

Murphy Company adopted MILWAUKEE TOOL’s latest M18 FUEL™ ½” Drill/Driver because it has the power and speed to keep them productive on the job, but also because of an enhanced safety feature that prevents injuries caused by over-rotation. The drill’s AUTOSTOP™ Control Mode senses over-rotation in a bind-up and automatically shuts off the drill, providing more control and reduced kickback. MILWAUKEE TOOL is a benefactor of MCAA24.

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.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness Resources

Construction is a demanding, high-stress profession with one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. Providing training and connecting people with treatment services can be hard. MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness resources simplify the process. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Available resources include:

  • A Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlighting an industry veteran’s success story. The video includes appearances by MCAA past president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams.
  • A series of Mental Health Toolbox Talks that are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. English | Spanish
  • 988 Chips & Hard Hat Stickers highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).

You may also find the posters, flyers, and other resources available through these sites helpful:

Many of the resources mentioned in this article are also available through 20 Years of Safety Excellence – September 2023: Mental Health Awareness.

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

Find the Latest from Trane and FastEST, 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
Bring the power of building automation to smaller and less complex buildings. Simplify control, comfort, and operation while introducing efficiency advantages to your customers.

FastEST, Inc.
FastPIPE & FastDUCT Mechanical Estimating Software are designed to meet the needs of mechanical & plumbing contractors. It is easy to learn & use, has an extensive database of products, & has live pricing updates directly in the program.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s 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!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Model Accident/Incident Investigation Program

Accidents/incidents impact worker safety and morale, as well as a company’s bottom line. MCAA’s Model Accident/Incident Investigation Program provides a methodical process to help contractors prevent similar repeat accidents/incidents, underscore the company’s commitment to safety, and save money. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The model program guides users through the process of:

  • Compiling the facts associated with the occurrence of an accident/incident
  • Determining the real cause or causes of the accident/incident and
  • Initiating appropriate action to prevent recurrence

An accident/incident investigation report form is included.

You may also be interested in MCAA’s new Accident Investigation video for supervisors, which is available in both English and Spanish.

For a full list of MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health resources, visit this page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

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

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

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

SLOAN
Watch this tutorial to learn how to replace the override button on these Sloan top mount flushometers: G2, ECOS, and SOLIS.

Ridge Tool Company
The RIDGID® SeeSnake® CSx Via is a flexible, bring-your-own-screen solution, providing a convenient means to stream, capture & share inspection images using an iOS, Android, or Windows device.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Find the Latest from Charlotte Pipe & Foundry and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

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

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the nation’s leading maker of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings for the plumbing industry.

Morris Group International
The ConTrols® TempFlow® Valve self-adjusts and balances the recirculated flow and heat loss of each TempFlow-controlled zone. ConTrols is a member of Morris Group International.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s 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!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

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

Expand Your Regulatory & Legislative Knowledge at the National Issues Conference

May 6–8, 2024 | Washington, DC

MCAA invites you to participate in the 2024 National Issues Conference for a deep-dive into the key regulatory and legislative issues affecting the union construction industry. Along with our partners in the Construction Employers of America (CEA), we will host regulators and representatives from Congress for their expertise and insights on a variety of topics. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the latest information that impacts your business from the nation’s capital! Register today!

This event is put on by the members of the CEA, a coalition of seven premier national construction specialty contracting associations, working together to raise awareness among policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public about the value of high-quality American construction.

MCAA is a charter member of the CEA. The other charter members are:

  • International Council of Employers of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
  • FCA International
  • National Electrical Contractors Association
  • Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association
  • Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance
  • The Association of Union Constructors.

Join MCAA and our CEA partners May 6–8, 2024 at The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill for the event and be sure to take advantage of the opportunity for Hill appointments to ensure your voice is heard.

Find the Latest from Watts Water Technologies and CNA 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:

Watts Water Technologies
Grow your skills anytime, anywhere. Our Watts Works online training allows you to “Learn On-the-Go” with modules in less than 7 minutes, earn tokens and redeem for free merchandise. After you are done, you will feel confident with new knowledge and skills.

CNA
Mechanical contractors take on risk with each project, when was the last time you reviewed your insurance needs?

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s 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!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

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

Connect With the Latest Training from MIFAB, Inc. and ATP Learning Solutions (ATP) 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:

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!

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.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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