Organization: MCAA

IAPMO & AWWA Publish Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure & Reopening of Building Water Systems

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have published the AWWA/IAPMO Manual-2022: Manual of Recommended Practices for the Safe Closure and Reopening of Building Water Systems.

This manual of recommended practice is intended to provide expert guidance on building water system safety. It provides sound and effective risk management practices for preparing water systems when buildings must be shut down or put into low-use modes, “exercising” building water systems during periods of no or low use, and evaluating and prepping water systems for reopening.

“This manual will serve as a practical reference for repeatable and reliable methods to manage building operations through a full range of challenges,” said Rich Benkowski, UA Department of Education Consultant.

Read the full press release and download the new manual below.

PRESS RELEASE
MANUAL

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Listening to Our Customers

A successful mechanical contracting company constantly seeks ways to enhance its business operations by encouraging honest feedback from customers. MCAA’s Listening to Our Customers explores customer types and offers tips and suggested questions to get customers talking. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers how to approach customers, tools for marketability and suggested questions to get customers talking for each of the following customer types:

  • Service
  • Design-Build
  • Industrial
  • Bid/Plan & Spec
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.

The Preparatory Institute for Project Management Adds Courses & Registration Will Re-Open at 12:00 p.m. EST on March 2nd!

Pre-IPM Classes 21 and 22 sold out in under six hours – so we have added two more courses for this year! Mark your calendars: registration will open at 12:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 2, on the Pre-IPM webpage.  The next Preparatory Institute for Project Management (PIPM) course begins May 9, and space is limited. If you have Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, new hires, or people transitioning to the office from the field or estimating, this online course is for them!

MCAA’s newest project management program, the Preparatory Institute for Project Management, was developed by the same team that oversees the Institute for Project Management (IPM) and Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM). This course provides an introductory education on everything from planning to scheduling; from cost control to professionalism.

 The 12-week online curriculum is intended for those with 0-3 years of experience and is designed to help flatten the learning curve for those new to the world of mechanical project management. In a series of 90-minute weekly classes, professional instructors and current mechanical contractors will explore topics essential to project management.

Registration will take place on a first-come, first-served basis – and classes fill quickly. Visit the Pre-IPM webpage to learn what you need to do to prepare for registration. The Pre-IPM team looks forward to welcoming your participants to the program this spring!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

The Preparatory Institute for Project Management Online: 2023 Registration Now Open

Registration for MCAA’s introductory project management program is now open! Our 2023 Preparatory Institute for Project Management (PIPM) courses begin May 8th, and the popularity of this program means that classes fill quickly – register today!

This 12-week online curriculum is designed to help flatten the learning curve for those new to the world of mechanical project management. In a series of 90-minute weekly classes, professional instructors and current mechanical contractors will explore topics essential to project management. This program is intended for those with 0-3 years of experience: Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, new hires just out of college, and individuals transitioning from the field or estimating.

Developed by the same team that oversees the Institute for Project Management (IPM) and the Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM), the PIPM provides an introductory education on everything from planning to scheduling; from cost control to professionalism. Registration will take place on a first-come, first-served basis – visit the course webpage to learn about course requirements and enrollment, and make sure you are ready for ‘registration day’!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Find the Latest from Morris Group International and Parker Hannifin 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
The Trap-Defender® trap primer is designed to be connected to any potable cold-water line. It automatically activates when a valve or faucet is opened, and the system experiences a drop in pressure.

Learn More

Parker Hannifin
ZoomLock® MAX, Press-To-Connect Refrigerant Fittings is the next step in ZoomLock’s evolution. ZoomLock MAX fittings provide better overall value than the original ZoomLock for today’s contractor.

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

The Preparatory Institute for Project Management Online: 2023 Registration Will Open February 16 at 12:00 p.m. EST

Registration for MCAA’s introductory project management program will open February 16, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. EST! Our 2023 Preparatory Institute for Project Management (PIPM) courses begin May 8th, and the popularity of this program means that classes fill quickly – mark your calendars!

This 12-week online curriculum is designed to help flatten the learning curve for those new to the world of mechanical project management. In a series of 90-minute weekly classes, professional instructors and current mechanical contractors will explore topics essential to project management. This program is intended for those with 0-3 years of experience: Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, new hires just out of college, and individuals transitioning from the field or estimating.

Developed by the same team that oversees the Institute for Project Management (IPM) and the Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM), the PIPM provides an introductory education on everything from planning to scheduling; from cost control to professionalism. Registration will take place on a first-come, first-served basis – visit the course webpage to learn about course requirements and enrollment, and make sure you are ready for ‘registration day’!

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Find the Latest from SLOAN and iBusiness 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:

SLOAN
Sloan’s new top-fill soap dispenser eliminates the hassle of going under the sink deck to refill soap reservoirs, saving time and preventing soap waste.

Learn More
iBusiness Technologies MobiliForms

iBusiness Technologies
Reduce costs and get paid faster with MobiliForms. Your identical, familiar forms now on iPad with signature and image capture. MCAA & MSCA members love MobiliForms because it pays for itself!

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 Working with Owners

Mechanical contractors that work cooperatively with owners, design teams, suppliers and subcontractors tend to have more successful and cost advantageous projects. MCAA’s Working with Owners provides information to assist you in doing just that by developing guidelines for an effective and cooperative work environment, establishing responsibilities up front, and scheduling regular meetings to discuss progress. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

  • Potential advantages and pitfalls of working with an owner
  • What to do before the contract is signed
  • What to do after the contract is signed
  • Proactively managing the relationship with the owner during construction
  • The owner’s general responsibilities
  • What to do after construction
DOWNLOAD

You might also be interested in the bulletin on Listening to Our Customers for tips on managing the owner relationship.

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 ATP Learning Solutions (ATP) 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:

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

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

2023 MCAA Safety Conference Highlighted Safety Leadership & Worker Health

    Safety is the top priority for MCAA contractors, and attendance at the 2023 MCAA Safety Conference proved it. The 2023 conference was the largest safety event in MCAA history, bringing together over 350 professionals to focus on safety and health in San Diego, CA.

    The conference featured 50 hours of education and training including keynotes on safety leadership, mental health, and safety management. It included 20 breakout sessions on current safety issues and priorities.

    “This has been one of the best conferences I’ve ever been a part of.”

    Tracy Haus, MCAA Safety & Health Committee Chairman and Baker Group Safety Director

    The conference celebrated its 20th anniversary at PETCO Park at an event hosted by the MCAA Board of Directors.

    Feedback from attendees was exceptional and highlighted the new expert panel discussion and presentation from Jen Massey, the UA’s Safety, Health, and Environmental Administrator.

    With the increased focus on health, from mental health to worker health, MCAA will expand the conference moving forward. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for the 2024 MCAA Safety & Health Conference January 16-18, 2024 in Tucson, AZ.

    ALI Course 23, Week 1

    This two-week executive leadership program is custom designed to develop the talents and business networks of leaders in the mechanical contracting industry. ALI is held at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business in Chapel Hill, which is ranked #2 in the nation for ‘Custom Executive Education’ and #1 for ‘Best Value in Executive Education’. The  program is highly interactive and workshop-based, with a focus on helping senior industry leaders develop and practice skills and proven strategies that can be immediately applied to the day-to-day challenges of running a company or business unit.

    Find the Latest from Uponor, 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:

    Uponor, Inc.
    Uponor Kitting Services speeds installs, increases accuracy, lowers labor and material costs, and enables better management of project schedules.

    Learn More

    Morris Group International
    Smith’s Zip-Trench® Polypropylene Trench Drain is a less expensive, labor-saving alternative to a cast-in-place trench drain. Available in 6” or 12” widths, this heavy-duty drain is a game changer.

    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

    Inspection Notice: Specific 3M Construction & Vest Style Harnesses

    3M has notified the industry of a potential issue that could result in some construction and vest style harnesses not performing properly. This condition results in the adjuster not being able to be adjusted or not locking in place after adjustments have been made. This manufacturing issue will result in the harness not performing properly in the event of a fall, which could result in severe injury or death. Protect your workers – read the inspection notice below.

    2023 MSCA Classes Registration Open

    The spring 2023 MSCA classes are on the calendar and open for registration. MSCA provides focused training programs for your sales and operational personnel. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provide the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry. 

    Sales Basecamp

    March 13-14, 2023
    Linthicum Heights, MD

    LEARN MORE

    Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program

    April 24-25, 2023
    Chicago, IL

    LEARN MORE

    Growing and Developing Service Supervisors

    April 24-25, 2023
    Waukesha, WI

    LEARN MORE

    Service Managers Training Program

    April 24-27, 2023
    Waukesha, WI

    LEARN MORE

    2023 MSCA Growing and Developing Service Supervisors

    The Field Service Supervisors Training Program is focused training designed specifically for improving the performance of your field service supervisors. Using proven methods, this program will advance skills in leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivational techniques, all of which will give the field supervisor an edge and the confidence to deal with the workplace challenges of today.

    2023 MSCA Service Managers Training Program

    Get the management and leadership skills you need to help your company succeed during this intensive four-day program. Whether you have come up through the trades with little or no formal management training or you want to enhance your management skills to become a more effective leader, this course is for you. Topics will include financial management, communications, coaching, managing conflict, motivating employees and more. A variety of small group activities, assessment tools, and skills-building exercises will help you apply the skills you learn in class, preparing you to go back to the office ready to use what you’ve learned.

    Class size is limited to first 30 registrants.

    2023 MSCA Sales Masters Program – Week 2

    Sales Masters Program Overview

    You have already enrolled and completed Sales Masters Week 1. Now enjoy Week 2 at the University of Houston.  

    Week 2 of Sales Masters is November 5-10, 2023 at the University of Houston in Houston, TX.

    Sales Masters (Week 2)

    In Sales Masters Week 2, the high level of training continues on the campus of the University of Houston’s Sales Excellence Institute. This week long-program will provide an unparalleled experience in a high-tech academic setting taught by acclaimed sales experts.  Participants will be challenged to use inventive thinking to cultivate their talents and elevate their sales skills to ensure peak performance. Attendees will learn through industry-specific case studies, experiential role-play opportunities and a personalized post-training plan to ensure implementation of concepts and tools learned. 

    Topics include:

    • Advanced topics in verbal and non-verbal communication 
    • Personal and organizational time management 
    • Understanding complex decision centers 
    • Developing strategic relationships 
    • Managing with influence, not authority 

    2024 MSCA Sales Basecamp

    Sales Basecamp is where it begins for entry-level service sales personnel. In this competitive and uncertain business landscape, the rules of sales and customer engagement have changed. This two-day program will prepare this recent hire with relevant skills for time management and confidently selling HVACR services. Closing the deal is demystified with this course.

    2023 MSCA Sales Masters Program – Week 1

    Sales Masters Program Overview

    With a curriculum designed by MSCA in-the-field experts in partnership with sales specialists from the University of Houston Sales Excellence Institute, this two-week program is perfect for service sales employees who often find it difficult to get useful training for their level of expertise that is specific to the mechanical service industry. The program comprises Sales Masters Week 1 and Sales Masters Week 2.

    Week 1 of Sales Masters is April 30-May 4, 2023 at Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, IL.

    Week 2 of Sales Masters is November 5-10, 2023 at the University of Houston in Houston, TX.

    Sales Masters (Week 1)

    The highly anticipated Sales Masters Week 1 is a new four-day program specific to the intermediate-level service sales employee. No longer new to the industry or perhaps even the company, this employee is a valuable member of the team with several years of experience that have refined his or her skills and abilities. But, these employees may be missing the tools and insights needed to really take their expertise to the next level. Sales Masters I will give these professionals the boost they need to become the go-to resource for their teams and customers.

    Topics include:

    • Establishing a prospecting plan to build your portfolio and identify new opportunities
    • Enhancing your proposal writing and presentation skills to proactively identify needs before they arise and opportunities for add-on services
    • Understanding the art of financial selling to create more consultative partnerships with customer executives on your accounts

    Sales Masters (Week 2)

    In Sales Masters Week 2, the high level of training continues on the campus of the University of Houston’s Sales Excellence Institute. This week long-program will provide an unparalleled experience in a high-tech academic setting taught by acclaimed sales experts.  Participants will be challenged to use inventive thinking to cultivate their talents and elevate their sales skills to ensure peak performance. Attendees will learn through industry-specific case studies, experiential role-play opportunities and a personalized post-training plan to ensure implementation of concepts and tools learned. 

    Topics include:

    • Advanced topics in verbal and non-verbal communication 
    • Personal and organizational time management 
    • Understanding complex decision centers 
    • Developing strategic relationships 
    • Managing with influence, not authority