Organization: MSCA

Webinar: Insights and Innovation Driving the Future of Commercial Contracting

The MSCA Annual Education Conference may be over, but MSCA education continues with our three-part webinar series, presented by MSCA’s esteemed level 1 sponsors. Each 30-minute webinar focuses on the latest technological innovations and forward-thinking strategies shaping the future of the mechanical services industry. In an ever-evolving landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential to driving growth, improving efficiency, and overcoming industry-wide challenges.

This is a great opportunity to bring some of the conference into your office! Each session will provide thought-provoking insights and practical takeaways you can bring to your business. Gain a competitive edge and position yourself at the forefront of the industry’s technological revolution.

Insights and Innovation Driving the Future of Commercial Contracting

Join Alex Kablanian, GM of Commercial & Construction at ServiceTitan, and Charlie Warren, Co-Founder and CEO of Convex as they explore the key market trends and economic indicators for the commercial contracting industry. They also dive into the transformative role technology plays and give a forward-looking perspective on the future of commercial services. This session offers valuable insights and strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Presented by ServiceTitan Commercial

Watch Now

Registration Now Open for the 2024 Industry Funds Conference

December 4, 2024 – December 6, 2024 | Longboat Key, FL

Join us for the MCAA Industry Funds Conference at the beautiful Resort at Longboat Key Club in Florida! This essential event will cover key topics such as the Do’s & Don’ts of Industry Funds, Mental Health, a JRGF Update, Legal Perspectives on Expenses & Documentation, and an Economic Update. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed, gain insights, and network with industry leaders. Register now to secure your spot!

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Project Manager’s Manual

Project managers ensure that work is completed on time, in accordance with contract documents, and at a profit. MCAA’s Project Manager’s Manual equips PMs with general information on project management in the construction industry, offering tips for handling day‐to‐day situations and avoiding some of the most common pitfalls. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The manual covers key topics like:

Managing change orders and claims
Job cost and labor control
Productivity
Scheduling
Safety
And much more

In addition to guidance, explanation, and best practices, it includes templates and examples of commonly used forms and documents like a Short Interval Schedule.

DOWNLOAD

MCAA offers a variety of additional resources of interest to PMs. Find them here.

Explore MCAA’s Comprehensive Suite of PM Education

Preparatory Institute for Project Management
Institute for Project Management
Advanced Institute for Project Management – registration now open!

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Amy Harding.

Dues Increase Coming in 2025

The 2025 dues rates for MCAA and MSCA member construction and service hours will increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum dues assessment is based upon 12,000 hours ($1,200) per branch office, and the maximum assessment is 300,000 hours ($30,000) per branch office. New dues reporting forms will be provided in advance of the January 1 date. Watch MCAA.org and the National Update for an announcement.

National Service and Maintenance Agreement (NSMA) signatory contractors’ contribution rate will also increase to $.10 per labor hour effective January 1, 2025. The minimum of 8,000 hours ($800) per office will remain the same. There is no maximum for NSMA signators.

MSCA Classes – Just a Few Spots Left!

The autumn 2024 MSCA classes are on the calendar and open for registration. MSCA provides focused training programs for your operational personnel. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provide the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry. Service Managers is SOLD OUT, but we still have a couple of spots left in the following:

Dispatcher Training Program
November 6-8, 2024 | Linthicum Heights, MD

Field Service Supervisors Training Program
November 6-8, 2024 | Linthicum Heights, MD

Sales Basecamp
November 6-8, 2024 | Linthicum Heights, MD

Help Us Develop New Service Training Courses

MSCA is always looking to expand our educational offerings to meet our members’ needs. We are creating new intermediate and advanced sales courses, as well as technical service courses, and we could use your help! Take just three minutes to fill out the survey so we can provide the training you need!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Relax and Connect with Peers at MCAA25 – Register Today!

Wednesday night is definitely the time to let your hair down at MCAA25! The evening will begin with a two-hour reception hosted by MILWAUKEE TOOL. Following the reception, everyone will join their local MCA groups for a gourmet sit-down dinner as a prequel to the big show…Bryan Adams! Register today to be part of the Wednesday night fun at MCAA25!

Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one of the most exciting live musicians in the world. He has 17 studio albums, and his song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards

Special thanks to our sponsors MILWAUKEE TOOL (reception), Daikin Group (dinner & concert beverages) and Watts Water Technologies (dinner) for making this evening memorable!

CONVENTION WEBSITE

Find the Latest from MSUITE and Xylem Inc. – Bell & Gossett 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:

MSUITE
Track. Manage. Share. FabPro is the fabrication industry’s first cloud-based software created by mechanical contractors and proven to meet the needs of the fast-paced, ever-changing construction environment.

Learn More

Xylem Inc. – Bell & Gossett
The next generation of variable speed ECM smart circulators is here. The ecocirc+ 20-18 replaces up to 70 pumps for heating, cooling and potable water applications and is the most reliable, efficient and easy-to-install smart circulator available today.

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

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.

Court Is In Session

Power and Combustion, Inc. partnered with Victaulic to minimize disruptions over the course of a nine-month HVAC overhaul, mitigating project risks and increasing onsite productivity while ensuring that the building—a courthouse—remained fully operational throughout construction. In the project’s second phase, Power and Combustion again leveraged Victaulic grooved solutions to enhance installation efficiency while upgrading the building’s mechanical room.

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

Learn to Make Your Construction or Service Team a Dream Team at the Safety & Health Conference

January 13-16, 2025 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Register now to receive early bird pricing!

Safety and Health can be exciting on its own, but at the 2025 Safety & Health Conference, 6x NBA Champion Scottie Pippen will take it to the next level. In this uplifting presentation, Scottie Pippen discusses the importance of embracing the fundamentals, supporting, and encouraging those around him, and doing whatever it took for his team to succeed. Let Scottie Pippen show you how to make your construction or service team a dream team. Register now to receive early bird pricing!

One of basketball’s most talented, versatile and successful players, Scottie Pippen’s improbable journey to the NBA landed him in Chicago, where he and Michael Jordan teamed up to lead of one of the game’s greatest dynasties. Scottie was beloved by his teammates and when you listen to him speak, you’ll understand why—his candidness, charisma, humor and wit provide audiences with memories they’ll never forget.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Contractors (TAUC) are pleased to bring you the inaugural Safety & Health Conference. This event will take place from January 13-16, 2025, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach, a family-friendly, oceanside resort in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

This new conference will feature dozens of presenters on topics from safety leadership to fall protection, and Machine guarding to artificial intelligence in safety. Attendees will also have a chance to celebrate safety excellence at our party on the beach with live music featuring the Milwaukee Tool Shed Band, sponsored by MILWAUKEE TOOL.

Due to the national shortage of blood, we are excited to host our first-ever blood drive during the conference, where attendees can pick a time on Tuesday or Wednesday to help with this national emergency.

New this year, we are kicking off two highly requested summits:

Construction Mental Health Summit ($299) on Monday, January 13, 2025
Sponsored by Procore
A half day workshop that will focus on the importance of understanding and leading through vulnerability, courage, connection, and compassion. There are many things we can do to take care of ourselves at a deeper level as well as take care of those we lead at a deeper level. Participants will join in this interactive experience to discuss the importance of courage, connection, and compassion in our personal and professional values.
Construction Risk Management Summit ($299) on Thursday, January 16, 2025
Sponsored by CNA
A half day workshop designed to push the limits for senior safety and health professionals or those with risk management responsibilities. This summit will focus on key topics in construction risk management including auto, workers comp, rework, prequalification, and an overview of the economics of an injury. You will hear from senior EHS leaders, contractor safety professionals, and directly from the insurance industry. This inaugural summit will leave you more knowledgeable about insurance and risk management in construction.

In addition to four days of education and training, attendees will have two days to learn from leading manufacturers and exhibitors about new technologies, software, and products at our conference exhibit.

We anticipate over 500 safety professionals and a sold-out conference.

REGISTER NOW TO JOIN US

January 13-16, 2025 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
Register now to receive early bird pricing!

Webinar: Losing Smarter: The Secret to Winning More Mechanical Services Revenue and 40% Faster Growth

Losing Smarter: The Secret to Winning More Mechanical Services Revenue and 40% Faster Growth

Are you ready to win bigger by actually losing more often? In this data-driven webinar, ServiceTrade’s VP of Marketing, Shawn Mims, shows you why losing clients and deals might be the smartest move your business can make. Learn to overcome loss aversion and harness the power of data to prioritize the right clients, raise prices, and build more sales pipeline—so you can win more than ever before. You will learn:

How to use data to prioritize high-value clients and opportunities while shedding the ones that cause chaos.

Proven strategies for building more pipeline, raising prices, and creating a sustainable competitive advantage.

Why losing more clients and deals can actually help you grow faster and improve profitability.

This webinar is perfect for mechanical contractors ready to scale their businesses by making data-driven decisions that lead to bigger wins!

Presented by ServiceTrade

WATCH NOW

Connect With the Latest Training from OpenSpace 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:

OpenSpace
Learn about reality capture for builders in our Resource Center. Find webinars, case studies, eBooks, and more to discover how OpenSpace can help you simplify construction project management.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
RIDGID wet/dry vacs, both small and large, deliver industry leading power, performance, and durability to get the job done right.

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

2025 PCA Plumbing Service Conference

The PCA Plumbing Service Conference is a two day must-attend event for contractors looking to enhance their service operations, drive profitability, and embrace innovation. To see the full schedule, click the register button and it will show you the speakers, agenda and hotel details.

Highlights of the PCA Plumbing Service Conference:

Tour of Murphy Company and Local 562 – In a PCA first, not only will attendees get to tour the operations, training and sales strategies of Murphy, but see Local 562’s cutting edge plumbing service training facilities. There will be multiple stops at each location, with an opportunity to engage with peers.

Contractor-Led Education Sessions – You will have the opportunity to dive deeper with the team from Murphy as they provide sessions on how to utilize SmartSheets, Sales strategies for plumbing service, and how to create a best-in-class safety culture that addresses mental health issues.

Technology & Innovation – Jonathan Slain, popular “Rock the Recession” speaker from MCAA Convention is back with a brand new keynote on AI and plumbing service. He will work to demystify AI, and give you tools to take back so you are working smarter, not harder.

Roundtable Discussions – Engage in an interactive roundtable session that address the key challenges and opportunities in plumbing service, from attracting and retaining talent, leading a team, and operational excellence.

UA Update – UA Director of Plumbing, Tom Bigley, will be presenting on Plumbing Service focused UA updates.

Peer-to-Peer Networking – Connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can help you set your business apart.

Celebrate Excellence at MCAA25 – Register Today!

The Wednesday morning Awards of Excellence Breakfast is a favorite for convention veterans and newbies alike and MCAA25 promises to continue that tradition. This morning the winners of the Sunday sports events will be announced (ASC Fun Run & Walk, NIBCO INC. Tennis & Pickleball Tournament and Victaulic & Carrier Golf Tournament). We will find out who won the Student Chapter Competition with prizes sponsored by DEWALT. The MILWAUKEE TOOL and CNA Safety Award winners will be unveiled. And, we will congratulate all students who receive scholarships. You won’t want to miss this celebration of excellence, so register today!

Following the awards presentation, Tim Tebow will take the stage to share his message with our membership. Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL Draft pick and a former professional baseball player. But these days Tebow devotes the majority of his time to the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF).

The mission of the TTF is to bring faith, hope and love to those who need a brighter day in their hour of need. TTF is currently fighting for people who can’t fight for themselves in over 60 countries and counting.

Special thanks to MILWAUKEE TOOL for sponsoring this morning.

CONVENTION WEBSITE

Find the Latest from Aquatherm LP 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:

Aquatherm LP
Engineered from scale- and corrosion-resistant polypropylene, Aquatherm Blue Pipe^® is ideal for commercial heating and cooling systems and many other non-potable applications. It is available in sizes ranging from ½-in. to 24-in. to handle any size project. Aquatherm pipe and fittings are connected using virtually leak-free heat fusion, and have an anticipated life span of 50+ years.

Learn More

Morris Group International
Chronomite offers an InviZible^® Spacer Kit for the Z Series InviZible Tankless Water Heater when a box cannot be fully recessed into the wall. Chronomite is a Morris Group International Brand.

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

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

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.

Baker Group Recognized as a Top Workplace in Iowa for the Eighth Consecutive Year

For the eighth consecutive year, Baker Group, an MCAA member, has been named a winner of the State of Iowa Top Workplaces award. This recognition underscores Baker Group’s commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture. The Iowa Top Workplaces list is published by the Des Moines Register based solely on employee feedback measuring multiple culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization. MCAA congratulates the entire Baker Group team creating this culture for success.

“At Baker Group, we invest in the well-being and growth of our employees, knowing that they are the heart of our success,” said Gary Bridgewater, Baker Group CEO. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible team and their dedication to our clients, our colleagues, and our work and to be acknowledged as a top workplace for the eighth year is an honor.”

Baker Group continues to expand its footprint in the Midwest and remains dedicated to delivering high-quality service while nurturing a workplace culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, and career development.

Iowa Top Workplaces is a part of the Top Workplaces recognition program, the nation’s most credible employer recognition program. The annual survey is administered by Energage LLC., a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. The anonymous survey uniquely measures a series of culture drivers, including alignment, execution, connection, and more.

About the Baker Group

Founded in 1963, Baker Group is one of the Midwest’s premier commercial and industrial full-service specialty contractors. Baker Group provides commercial and industrial services to clients from locations in Ankeny, Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Kansas City. More than 1,100 team members across these locations deliver a variety of services including: mechanical, plumbing, piping, electrical, sheet metal, building automation, process automation, security systems, fire alarm systems, parking revenue control, 24/7/365 service, and more. For more information about Baker Group, visit www.thebakergroup.com or connect with them on Facebook and LinkedIn.

New Lone Worker Safety Model Program Introduced at MSCA24

Lone workers are the focus of a new model safety program introduced by MCAA Chair Renee Fiorelli at MSCA24. The Lone Worker Safety Model Program helps contractors identify risks and hazards and ensure adequate systems are in place to protect those who work by themselves where assistance is not readily available when needed, or who do not have the benefit of interactions with others.

MSCA contractors around the country have started to implement dedicated lone worker safety programs to help increase productivity and improve the safety and health of the workers they serve. The new Lone Worker Safety Model Program facilitates this process by helping contractors to identify risks and hazards while at the same time ensuring adequate systems are in place to protect these workers’ health and safety. It can be easily tailored to meet each company’s specific needs, and highlights these areas and more:

Risk assessment
Risk mitigation
Responsibilities
Monitoring systems
Lone worker safety assessment

“Workers deserve a safe working environment, and contractors require that workers perform work safely. This program helps them both,” said Raffi Elchemmas, Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management for MCAA/MSCA.

DOWNLOAD THE MODEL PROGRAM

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Explore the the full range of resources for mechanical service contractors, including resources that are also of interest to mechanical construction and plumbing contractors, using the blue Find A Resource bar on our website or browse our collection of 700+ safety and health resources.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Business Transition Options for the Mechanical Contractor

One of the classic mistakes that owners of mechanical contracting firms often make when transferring ownership of their company is not fully exploring all their options. MCAA’s Business Transition Options for the Mechanical Contractor reviews the various options for transferring ownership of a company and showcases the advance planning and analysis needed for a successful transfer. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin covers:

How owner motives drive decisions
Understanding the tradeoffs necessary to meet the owner’s objectives
Transfer channels available
The valuation and liquidity issues associated with external vs. internal transfers

DOWNLOAD

WEBBOOK

In the related podcast, host Bob Lindbloom and co-host Rob Armistead discuss Exit Strategy Planning with Mario Vicari, business advisor to privately-held companies at Kreisher Miller. Play the podcast directly from the WebBook.

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.

September 19, 2024: IRS Proposed Rule and New IRS Guidance Document on the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit

Yesterday, The Department of Treasury (Treasury) and The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released pre-publication text of a proposed rule (NPRM) to provide guidance for the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act for “qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property.” The NPRM will publish in today’s Federal Register, subject to a 60-day comment period.

MCAA Expands Head Protection Efforts with Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H) Support

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are responsible for 25% of all construction fatalities, and many life-altering injuries. That’s why MCAA’s Safety & Health Initiative is supporting the efforts of Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H), a group that is addressing TBIs in construction by advocating for the conversion from hard hats to safety helmets.

H2H is a home for information, communication, and awareness of the benefits of providing construction workers with the most effective head protection available. The H2H website highlights the benefits of transitioning from hard hats to helmets and provides technical and regulatory information, creating an efficient landing spot for contractors to review helmet manufacturer information and share success stories.

MCAA’s Head Protection Video, which demonstrates the impact of objects dropped from 30′ both with and without head protection, was recently highlighted on the H2H site. MCAA members can view and download the video in both English and Spanish.

The H2H support is MCAA’s latest effort to improve head protection in our industry. Earlier this year, MCAA announced a multi-year partnership with the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab to develop the first ratings system for safety helmets. By supporting research that delivers objective data, MCAA is providing another tool to simplify member decision-making when discussing converting form hard hats to helmets.

VISIT THE H2H WEBSITE

Note: Hard Hats to Helmets (H2H) should not be confused with Helmets to Hardhats, which connects veterans with careers. Aside from having similar names, the two are unrelated.