Organization: MSCA

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.

Learn More

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.

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. 

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.

DOWNLOAD

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.

Learn More

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.

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

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.

Learn More

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.

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. 

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.

REGISTER

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.

Learn More

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

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. 

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!

Learn More

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

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Learn More

White House Opioid Announcement Features Alliance Partners

Today the White House announced a historic program targeting opioid overdoses. The White House Challenge to Save Lives from Overdose calls attention to construction industry efforts, including those of MCAA and our safety alliance partners at the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC).

The announcement comes on the heels of the State of the Union address, which highlighted the efforts of overdose advocate Justin Phillips, who lost her son, Aaron, to an overdose. In 2015, Phillips worked with the Indiana legislature to pass a law giving laypersons, including family and friends of someone with a substance use disorder, access to naloxone without a prescription. 

In today’s announcement, the White House notes:

“Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) represent over 10,000 union contractors, providing employment for hundreds of thousands of skilled trade workers in the United States. These organizations, in collaboration with union partners, trained thousands of workers on substance use disorder and overdose prevention and distributed a limited quantity of naloxone. MCAA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC endorse having naloxone at all construction sites and urge employers to make the lifesaving medication available to their workforce.”

MCAA and our safety alliance partners have been working together to tackle our industry’s opioid overdose epidemic in coordination with White House staff. Meetings with White House staff have focused on coordinating industry access to naloxone.

“MCAA is honored to be a part of this historic initiative,” said Raffi F. Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health and Risk Management. He added, “Together with our safety alliance partners, MCAA strongly endorses the continuation of creating awareness of and engagement in solutions to the opioid epidemic such as having naloxone on construction sites and making the lifesaving medication available to the workforce.”

CHALLENGE FACT SHEET
CHALLENGE WEBSITE

Find the Latest from SLOAN 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:

SLOAN
SloanStone® Molded Quartz sinks offer the perfect blend of beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness. With an industry-leading minimum of 85% quartz, these elegant, long-lasting sinks are growing in popularity.

Learn More

Morris Group International
Get hassle free maintenance with the Murdock® Maintenance Advantage® Program. These products can help make installation and maintenance easier. Murdock is a member of Morris Group International.

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

Learn to Negotiate as a Confident, Unified Team from NEI Instructor Ed Kommers

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Ed Kommers, former executive director of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington (MCAWW). Ed equips those new to negotiations with the tools and knowledge needed for effective multiemployer bargaining as a unified team.

Ed’s background includes everything from facilitating labor relations and participating on collective bargaining committees to mediating labor disputes between multiple unions, including jurisdictional disputes.

This background and his 20 years teaching at the University of Washington make him a natural fit to teach the Collective Bargaining (CBS) Seminars. The seminars provide multiemployer associations with the tools and knowledge needed for effective multiemployer bargaining as a unified team.

Like our other NEI instructors, Ed brings his unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a relatively new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.

Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*

LEARN MORE ABOUT ED’S CLASSES
NEI WEBSITE

*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

Shannon Paciorek Has Joined the MCAA Staff

MCAA is pleased to welcome Shannon Paciorek, our new Associate Director, Meetings & Events. Shannon previously planned meetings and webinars for the Association of Cancer Care Centers and its Oncology State Societies. Her background in television production includes an Emmy Award win for sports. A member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Shannon enjoys running and trying out new restaurants. She is married with two daughters and two dogs. On the weekends, you can find her on a soccer field or at a dance competition. MCAA is pleased to welcome Shannon and her family to the MCAA family.

Find the Latest from Jomar Valve and Orbitalum North America 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:

Jomar Valve
Jomar’s new bronze ball valves, with C89836 LF bismuth bronze, standard SS trim, blow-out proof stem, & NSF certified, are meticulously engineered to meet any need. Because performance always matters.

Learn More

Orbitalum North America
Orbitalum’s product line includes the industry leading GF series saws, RPG facers, Orbimat power supplies, and Orbiweld enclosed weld heads for precision stainless steel tube cutting, facing and welding.

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

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.

REGISTER

MCAA Adds ServiceTitan to Partners Offering Access to MCAA Resources

ServiceTitan is the latest addition to the growing list of software platforms partnering with MCAA. The company is actively working to bring MCAA’s safety and health resources into ServiceTitan to make it easier for contractors to use and access, joining existing partners like Tyfoom and MCAI.

“These partnerships mark a significant step forward in enhancing member engagement and raising awareness of MCAA’s vital safety and health resources. Whether it’s our newest collaboration with ServiceTitan or our alliances with Tyfoom and Training Vault, MCAA is dedicated to making these essential resources more accessible,” said MCAA CEO Timothy Brink. He added, “MCAA remains unwavering in its commitment to developing top-tier safety and health resources. We are grateful to our Manufacturer/Supplier Council members and local associations for their invaluable support in fostering member engagement and awareness.”

Now MCAA members have three companies that are committed to delivering important safety and health resources through their platforms. As always, MCAA members can visit mcaa.org to access the same resources there.

Accessing the Materials

MCAA members with existing  Tyfoom or MCAI Training Vault accounts should be able to access the MCAA materials via their accounts. If you do not see the materials, reach out to your company representative. ServiceTitan is actively working to provide access to the MCAA materials from within its platform and looks forward to announcing updates in the near future.

About ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan is the operating system that powers the trades. Trusted by over 12,000 contracting businesses, the end-to-end platform powers profitable growth for commercial and specialty contractors by connecting their service and construction operations in one place to help them optimize cash flow, increase workforce productivity, and improve their bottom line. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan equips tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.

About Tyfoom

Tyfoom is the #1 engagement platform for employee communication and training. We provide a simple and easy way to connect all employees with leaders every day to improve culture, productivity and employee engagement. Tyfoom employs non-disruptive, science-based techniques and gamification to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and increase accountability.

About MCAI Training Vault

Training Vault is an easy to use, convenient system that helps track all types of training — seminars, conferences, certifications, licenses, and more. The system is provided through the Mechanical Contractors Association of Iowa.

Learn How to Avoid Mistakes & Preserve Wealth While Succession Planning from NEI Instructors Terry & Lee Resnick

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Terry and Lee Resnick, partners in Resnick Succession Group. Terry and Lee teach business owners how to enhance, preserve, and ultimately transition their companies as well as non-business assets in the most tax and cost-efficient manner.

Terry and Lee’s firm is nationally recognized for its business succession, estate planning, and life insurance advisory and implementation planning expertise.

Experienced educational seminar and lecture presenters, the duo are ideally suited to teaching the Succession Planning (SPS) Seminars. The seminars provide business owners with planning strategies to help them avoid mistakes and preserve wealth during the succession planning process.

Like our other NEI instructors, Terry and Lee bring their unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a relatively new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.

Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*

LEARN MORE ABOUT TERRY & LEE’S CLASSES
NEI WEBSITE

*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.

Connect With the Latest Training from Johnson Controls, Inc. and NIBCO 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:

Johnson Controls, Inc.
For training services tailored to your specific needs, explore Johnson Controls courses and programs for all your HVAC Controls and Equipment, Fire Systems, and Security. From hands-on to CEU coursework, our comprehensive programs are designed to provide current industry knowledge about today’s connected building environments.

Learn More

NIBCO INC.
NIBCO is here to support the industry and we’re here to support you! When in-person training or distance is an issue, we bring the virtual classroom to you. Topics include Press System Installation, PressACR™, PressG™, BenchPress™, Valve Selection Basics, and Lead-Free Soldering.

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

Find the Latest from Trane 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:

Trane
Two lines. Less copper. Indoor composite water piping can reduce cost & complexity.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The ConTrols® Hi-Low Master Mixing Valve mixes hot water from the heater with cold water to the right temperature for the distribution system. ConTrols is a member of Morris Group International.

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

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! Early-bird registration discounts end March 1. 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.

REGISTER

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Things and Must Do’s to Protect/Secure Your Company’s Data

Technology is changing every day, but the need to secure company data remains constant. MCAA’s Things and Must Do’s to Protect/Secure Your Company’s Data reviews the basic steps contractors should take to keep intruders out and company data secure. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • Data storage solutions
  • Data security solutions
  • Data protection strategy and policy guidelines
DOWNLOAD

You may also be interested in MCAA’s The Next Generation of Data Security, which provides guidance and insight on current tools and techniques to protect your data and operations.

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.