Organization: MCAA

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Revised Management Methods Bulletin on The Next Generation of Data Security

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s revised Management Methods Bulletin on The Next Generation of Data Security. This bulletin is intended to provide guidance and insight of current tools and techniques to protect your data and operations.

The revised bulletin includes:

  • Updates to reflect more modern terms or solutions (for example, “Antivirus” is now “Endpoint Detection Response”)
  • Updates recommendations on products as new players have started outclassing a few of the old ones
  • Adds five new sections on the areas of “Digital Rights Management,” “Identity Management,” “Dark Web Monitoring,” “Password Management,” and “Penetration Testing.” All of these are now critical to defense.

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.

MCAA Sponsor Spotlight 25: Chris Peppler, Trimble

In the 25th episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Brian Helm, MCAA’s Immediate Past President is joined by Chris Peppler, Sr. Director, Marketing and Product, MEP Division for Trimble. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

In his role as Senior Director of Product Management and Marketing, Chris leads the global product strategy and go-to-market for Trimble MEP.  In his four years with Trimble, he has transformed the strategy to focus on cloud and providing more value to MEP contractors.  Prior to Trimble, Chris held a number of leadership roles at software technology companies, making positive impacts in the areas of product management, business development, customer success, and implementation.

Friday, July 30, 2021 | 2:00 p.m. EST

Sponsor Spotlight 24 with Matt McGrath from Parker Hannifin

In the 24th episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Timothy Brink, MCAA’s CEO is joined by Matt McGrath, Global Channel & Distribution Manager, Sporlan Division for Parker Hannifin. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

In his role as Global Channel & Distribution Manager, Matt has overall responsibility for global distribution in the Americas for the Sporlan Division of Parker Hannifin.  Matt started his near 30 year career with Sporlan and Parker in 1992 as a sales engineer and has taken increasing roles of responsibility including Regional Sales Manager, Commercial OEM Sales Manager and now has lead the distribution & aftermarket segments for 12 years.  Matt has been involved with the MCAA and MSCA since the launch of ZoomLock in 2016 and has been involved on the MS/C supplier council for the past 2 years. Matt has a degree in Engineering Management from Southern Methodist University and resides in St. Louis, MO. 

OSHA Releases COVID-19 ETS Inspection Procedures & Enforcement Policies

OSHA recently released a compliance directive titled Inspection Procedures for the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard. The directive is a guide for compliance officers implementing inspections and issuing citations involving:

  • Employer COVID-19 Plans;
  • Screening and Management;
  • Standard and Transmission Based Precautions;
  • Personal Protective Equipment;
  • Aerosol-Generating Procedures;
  • Physical Distancing;
  • Cleaning and Disinfecting;
  • Ventilation;
  • Employee Health Screening and Medical Management;
  • Vaccinations;
  • Training;
  • Anti-Retaliation;
  • Requirements at No Cost;
  • Recordkeeping; and
  • Reporting to OSHA.

If OSHA’s new Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 applies to your company, it may be helpful to understand what the agency’s compliance officers are looking for when they are inspecting affected workplaces, and how they are directed to issue citations for violations of the standard.

LEARN MORE

2021 Construction Technology Survey is Open with Need of Additional MCAA Input

MCAA has once again partnered with JBKnowledge to produce the annual Construction Technology Survey. For years, MCAA members participating in the survey have seen value not only in the results, but also in simply taking the survey itself. The 15 minute questionnaire forces respondents to ask themselves if they allocate resources properly, are they staying on top of innovative building trends and if they are using the right tools for their business.

By partnering with JBKnolwedge, MCAA is also able to see specifically how MCAA members measure up with the industry on technolgy and compare and benchmark the results. Following the initial survey release, a separate MCAA focused survey is produced that dissects member responses and focuses in on questions important to our members.

The in-depth survey looks at operations, spending, software usage, mobile strategy, workflow, BIM, and concerns about the future of construction. MCAA’s Director of Innovative Technologies, Sean McGuire adds, “We use this survey to help us position a lot of our education and research for the upcoming year. It gives us the best insight on the concerns and strengths of our members, as well as telling us how mechanical, plumbing and service contractors are performing next to the rest of the industry. It is vital for MCAA members to participate in order for us to get the proper direction for future programs.”

The window to take the 2021 Construction Technology Survey is now through mid-July. To take the survey or see last years results, please follow the links below.

Connect With the Latest Training from Conex Bänninger and XOi Technologies 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:

Conex Bänninger
Conex Bänninger offers online training for >B< MaxiPro, the innovative, flame-free press-fit solution specially designed for ACR applications. From training courses to industry updates, you will have all you need to press ahead.

XOi Technologies Training Resources
XOi’s holistic communication tool changes the way field service companies do business by leveraging photos, videos, and smart technology to bring efficiency, transparency, and expertise to every job. In this microlearning series, you will see examples of how to automate tech checklists, learn the benefits of internal job documentation, and find some helpful preventative maintenance videos to reference.

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 EVAPCO, Inc. and Lochinvar, LLC 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:

EVAPCO, Inc.
Using the power of capacitive deionization technology, EVAPCO Water Saver makes it easy to improve your water efficiency, lower your operating costs, and deliver a recovery rate of up to 90 percent. EVAPCO even manages the system’s routine monitoring for you.

Lochinvar, LLC
Heating the largest competitive swimming facilities calls for industry-leading efficiency and precision. The AQUAS® Commercial Pool Package was chosen as the heater supplier for the “Dream Designs” issue of Aquatics International trade publication.

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 Next Qualified Level Arc Flash Safety Training Webinars Scheduled for July 29, 2021

Make sure your service techs have the up-to-date safety training they need to protect themselves from arc flash and electrical shock hazards while working on equipment pushing 480 volts or less. The session covers all applicable OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E provisions, best practices, and real-world accident information.

VIEW BROCHURE

The next two webinars will be presented on July 29, 2021. The first webinar will take place from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ET, and the second is from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET.

REGISTER TODAY

Take advantage of the MCAA/MSCA member discounted webinar prices below.

PRICING:

# of Trainees (per company)Cost (per person)
1-5$200/person
6-10$175/person
11-25$150/person
26-50$125/person
51-100$100/person
101+Email for Pricing

If you can’t make it in July, the webinar will be taught again twice on August 26, 2021. Questions? Contact Pete Chaney.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s New Refrigerant Safety Video for Mechanical Service Technicians & Accompanying Materials

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s new safety training video Master the Hazards: Refrigerant Safety for Mechanical Service Technicians and its accompanying materials. This video provides essential information on the potential hazards associated with refrigerants, the ASHRAE refrigerant safety group classification system, proper use of refrigerant safety data sheets to identify the hazards and appropriate protective measures, and how to prepare for unexpected refrigerant releases.

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

VIDEO

POCKET GUIDE

TRAINING DOCUMENTATION SHEET

TEST

TEST ANSWER KEY

For additional, in-depth coverage of many of the topics in the manual, including training videos and materials, visit the Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and Harris Products Group 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Smith’s electronic trap primers come in a steel mounting enclosure for both flush or recessed mounting and can prime 4 to 36 traps. A factory pre-set, adjustable timer ensures water is injected into the trap every 24 hours. Visit us online to learn more about the electronic trap primers and our entire line of Smith Fluid Controls™.

Harris Products Group
For applications that require large volumes of heat, the INFERNO® propane torch delivers! Solid brass valve for precise flame adjustment. Built-in excessive gas flow safety valve. Works with 20, 50 or 100 lb. propane cylinders.

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

Brandt Companies Meets Aggressive Project Deadlines With RWC’s HoldRite

With just 25 months to construct a 12-story, two-building assisted living facility in Dallas, TX, Brandt Companies relied on the Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC) HoldRite products they have trusted for more than 15 years to save time while meeting code requirements. Brandt was commissioned to install firestop and plumbing systems. Project Superintendent Andrew Meshell and Project Manager Spencer Jackson chose HoldRite’s engineered firestopping solutions and pipe support products.

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

Sponsor Spotlight 23 Welcomes Terry Dugan from Trane

In the 23rd episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Robert Beck, MCAA’s Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Terry Dugan, Vice President – North America for Trane. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Terry Dugan is vice president, Commercial HVAC North America at Trane Technologies. In this role, Terry is responsible for North America sales and operations for the Trane® Commercial HVAC portfolio of high efficiency, industry-leading HVAC systems, services, controls and energy reduction solutions. A 35+ year veteran of the company, Terry has propelled business growth, innovation and operational excellence through a variety of general management and global leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to his current role, Terry served as vice president for the company’s Building and Energy Services business. He also serves as the lead director for Trane Technologies on the Mitsubishi Electric Trane U.S. (METUS) board of directors. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

Connect With the Latest Training from Uponor, 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:

Uponor, Inc.
Uponor is your one-stop shop for polymer piping. From concept to completion, our partnership delivers top-notch services and the highest quality products to take productivity to the next level.

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.

Find the Latest from Johnson Controls, Inc. and NIBCO 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:

Johnson Controls MCAA Virtual Trade Show

Johnson Controls, Inc.
Whether you’re building from scratch or retrofitting an existing facility or plant, Johnson Controls has nearly everything you need, with the most comprehensive line card in the industry.

NIBCO INC.
NIBCO INC. introduces additional configurations of its 585HP (High Performance) Bronze Ball Valves line. The original 585HP line was introduced earlier this year, representing a giant leap in innovation in the ball valve market. Designed for commercial and industrial applications, the lead-free 585HP ball valve line allows for easier installation, adjustability, and long service life.

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

Withum Webinar Will Share What All Businesses Need to Know About ERC and PPP

Pandemic legislation has created significant opportunities for small and medium sized businesses. Rules ever changing, the programs have been shaped time and time again. Spend one hour with Withum experts as they detail some of the programs which have been most beneficial to businesses. The free webinar takes place June 28, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT.

Learning Objectives

During this session, we will cover the most up-to-date details on the following:

  • Paycheck Protection Program – Analyze lessons learned and understand best practices and pitfalls to avoid. We will also discuss the current status of loans in review with the SBA.
  • FFCRA Credits – Identify the payroll tax credits available to employers compensating employees for sick and family leave time, as well as updates to the program regarding absences related to employees receiving the vaccine.
  • Employee Retention Credit – Clarify changes in the program rules and regulation, and review of your businesses’ eligibility is a must. Our team will have a detailed discussion on eligibility and the opportunity available. We will also discuss the important consideration of the interplay between the ERC and the PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculation.

We want to ensure that any questions around either of these relief efforts are clarified. Our experts can assist with further calculations and opportunities following the webinar.

Presenters 

  • Frank Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Market Leader, SBA Financial Assistance Services
  • Daniel Mayo, JD, LLM, Principal, National Lead, Federal Tax Policy
  • Matthew Walsh, CPA, MS, Lead, SBA Financial Assistance Services
  • Louis Young, CVA, Dealership Services, SBA Financial Assistance Services

REGISTER

Withum Webinar – ERC and PPP: What All Businesses Need to Know

Pandemic legislation has created significant opportunities for small and medium sized businesses. Rules ever changing, the programs have been shaped time and time again. Spend one hour with Withum experts as they detail some of the programs which have been most beneficial to businesses.

Learning Objectives

During this session, they will cover the most up-to-date details on the following:

  • Paycheck Protection Program – Analyze lessons learned and understand best practices and pitfalls to avoid. They will also discuss the current status of loans in review with the SBA.
  • FFCRA Credits – Identify the payroll tax credits available to employers compensating employees for sick and family leave time, as well as updates to the program regarding absences related to employees receiving the vaccine.
  • Employee Retention Credit – Clarify changes in the program rules and regulation, and review of your businesses’ eligibility is a must. Our team will have a detailed discussion on eligibility and the opportunity available. The Withum experts will also discuss the important consideration of the interplay between the ERC and the PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculation.

Withum wants to ensure that any questions around either of these relief efforts are clarified. Their experts can assist with further calculations and opportunities following the webinar.

Presenters 

  • Frank Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Market Leader, SBA Financial Assistance Services
  • Daniel Mayo, JD, LLM, Principal, National Lead, Federal Tax Policy
  • Matthew Walsh, CPA, MS, Lead, SBA Financial Assistance Services
  • Louis Young, CVA, Dealership Services, SBA Financial Assistance Services

Martin Mechanical Inc. Reimagines Labor Scheduling, Improves Efficiency With LaborChart

Upgrading from Excel to LaborChart for labor scheduling proved to be an ideal solution for Martin Mechanical Inc., streamlining communication and making life easier for the whole staff. With LaborChart, “all the information is in one place and it’s easier to navigate. This helps everybody in our company,” said Seth Rogers, project manager and manpower supervisor for the Kansas City, MO, contractor.

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

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Safety Manual for Mechanical Fabrication Shop Workers

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s newly revised Safety Manual for Mechanical Fabrication Shop Workers. This quick reference tool provides critical information on 61 safety and health topics that are specific to work performed by mechanical fabrication shop workers. The topics include everything from bloodborne pathogens through welding-cutting-heating, and zinc exposures. The manual also includes updated information on how to properly administer CPR.

Download the Manual

For additional, in-depth coverage of many of the topics in the manual, including training videos and materials, visit the Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Take Advantage of Our Virtual Workshop Series – “Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times”

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) is pleased to bring you the McCarl Group’s 3 part virtual workshop for the owners of contracting companies. Combining over 50 years of construction industry experience you will benefit from a number of strategies designed to provide the participants with the tools necessary to navigate the future.


Session 1: A Different Deja Vu
Learn from the past, so we do NOT repeat our mistakes!


Session 2: Be Proactive
Learn how a dashboard and accountability is essential to build and grow your team.


Session 3: What is Your Plan?
Best of class is where you need to be in order to be sustainable.

About the National Education Initiative (NEI): MCAA will bring lifelong learning directly to you! The National Education Initiative Seminars are our best MCAA/MSCA programs – brought to your local association or even your company. Our goal is to provide ongoing and advanced education and training in support of individual and association growth across the mechanical contracting industry. We offer standard and custom-designed classes exclusively for your association or company’s unique needs and challenges. If you need training quickly or have a large group, we are here to help!

Baker Group Shows Support for National Guard and Reserve

Baker Group Chairman and CEO B.J. Baker, III signed an Employer Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve (ESSNGR). The June 14, 2021 signing was part of an event highlighting Baker Group’s continued commitment to supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. The company is an MCAA member.

B.J. Baker was joined by members of the Iowa office of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee. In signing the pledge, Baker Group unites with employers from across the country to affirm:

  • We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
  • We will provide our leadership team the tools necessary to effectively manage our employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
  • We appreciate the unique combination of values, leadership, and skills service members bring to Baker Group.
  • We will continue to actively recruit Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
  • We will provide continued support to service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“Our National Guard and Reserve forces are vital to our national security, whether on the battlefield half a world away, or in responding to a national disaster right here in the United States,” Baker says. “As an employer of several Guard and Reserve members, we are proud to provide them stability and flexibility to help balance their work and their commitment to serve. Baker Group is more than willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure these valuable employees are able to carry out their missions and responsibilities quickly and effectively when duty calls.”

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,300 volunteers in 54 committees. In its more than 45 years of service, ESGR has been responsible for trying to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

“Baker Group has a long history of supporting members of our military, whether they are active duty, reserve or veterans,” Baker says. “We are humbled by their sacrifice and proudly recruit them as they transition out of active duty or seek a supportive employer as they continue Guard and Reserve service.”

MCAA applauds Baker Group’s commitment to supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.