MCAA 2011

GET THE BEST OF EVERYTHING BY REGISTERING EARLY FOR MCAA 2011

Start making your plans NOW to attend MCAA 2011 (March 6-10). When the blue-wrapped Convention Planning Guide arrives in the mail this week, take some time to review the featured speakers, the educational sessions led by leading business and personal development experts, the enjoyable recreational activities, the incredible social events and the outstanding hotels (Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, Wailea Beach Marriott) and facilities... all set against the beautiful Hawaiian backdrop that makes this convention so amazing. Then, register! Your chances of securing the hotel and room you prefer will never be better and you benefit from the Early Bird registration fee and an average 33% discount in room rates across all the convention hotels. Also think about extending your stay-either before or after MCAA 2011- at another resort on one of the other Hawaiian islands where MCAA has negotiated special rates.

FASB Update - Public Comment Extended Until September 20

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) extended until September 20, the public comment period for the first of its revised accounting standards that threaten construction employers that contribute to multiemployer defined benefit plans. Go to our FASB Resource Page for more information...

Watch the Video

Does your estimating process have defined steps and functions that can be repeated each time your firm prepares an estimate or is each one a new creation? Do you want to train your senior estimating personnel and chief estimators how to create a plan for a consistently successful system?

MCAA’s IPA (Institute for Project Acquisition) will show your personnel in three days how to acquire these skills—a "must" in today’s highly competitive marketplace. This is an advanced estimating conference and is not designed for entry level personnel. Register now since this will be offered only once this year. Go to www.mcaa.org/ipa for details and to register online.

Course Outline for BIM TECHNOLOGY for Mechanical Contractors Course
Now Available

MCAA's BIM Committee has put the finishing touches on its October 11-12 BIM TECHNOLOGY for Mechanical Contractors seminar, including the development of a detailed course outline. The outline lists all the topics to be covered during the two- day course, which will be held in Chicago at the Sheraton Gateway Suites - O'Hare in Rosemont. Committee Chairman Steve Shirley (University Mechanical, El Cajon, CA) states that, "Everyone asked us to cut to the chase and provide a course that focuses on the technology side of BIM, since it is definitely a technology-driven practice…so we've created a course that will be a 2-day total-immersion in BIM technology issues for mechanical contractors. We even have a number of prominent and relevant software vendors on board to provide free demonstrations of their leading edge products." Go to www.mcaa.org/education/mcaa/bimtech to see the complete course brochure, including the detailed course outline and to register online. Sell-out risk for this course is high, so those interested are encouraged to act quickly. For more information, contact Dennis Langley (dlangley@mcaa.org).

BIM Technology for Mechanical Contractors

MCAA Releases Green Associate Training Module

Green Associate Training Module

MCAA has released a new Green Associate Training Module, the country's only DVD-based LEED Green Associate test prep program. The module prepares MCAA contractors and their staffs for the newly developed LEED Green Associate professional credential, designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), for sales professionals, estimators, contractor owners and manufacturers. For project managers and those wishing to take their education a step further by earning a LEED Accredited Professional Building Design+Construction (LEED AP BD+C and LEED AP O+M) designation, the new credential also acts as the mandatory first step in the process.

MCAA's unique, three-part education program uses industry-leading faculty and allows you to learn without leaving your office, saving you travel time and costs. Begin by watching the comprehensive DVD, which explains LEED core concepts and strategies. The companion manual includes more detail and reference materials to help you prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam. After completing the DVD training, join a live webinar to review the material from the DVD and ask questions of the instructor, Courtney France. She is a LEED AP who has worked on more than 200 projects around the world that have applied the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)'s LEED rating system. And, MCAA produced the Green Associate Training Module in partnership with her company, France Sustainable Solutions.

In the last five years, MCAA and MSCA have prepared over 1000 mechanical industry professionals to become LEED Accredited Professionals through their live training programs. The new Green Associate Training Module is the evolutionary next step that allows contractors to prepare at their own pace, without missing time out of the office or incurring travel costs. This is accomplished by incorporating a DVD, with a handbook to visually explain concepts and strategies, and a webinar for direct interaction with the instructor.

To find out more, and to purchase the module, go to www.leedgatestprep.com.

We've Saved You a Seat...Click to Learn More!

MCAA-PAC

Working to Advance
Your Industry's Best Interests in the Legislative Process

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s political action committee has established a strong track record since its inception in 1999. Your Government Affairs Committee’s plan is to continue to build on that tradition. MCAA’s member leadership and Board of Directors have supported their PAC and recognize that effective public policy representation and political activity go hand in hand. Learn how to get involved.

Now Accepting Registrations for AIPM Class 7

Make your best project managers even better... much better! MCAA is now accepting applications for its upcoming Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM). The class takes place January 16-21, 2011 at the University of Texas in Austin and features a revised curriculum covering team building; keeping customers for life; insurance, bonding, and financial due diligence; claims; claims avoidance; operational management; goal setting; and much more. The topics, which are presented at a highly advanced level, are taught by the very best mechanical industry experts.

To get the most out of AIPM, MCAA recommends that you send only IPM graduates with some amount of project management experience, or advanced project managers with considerable experience. Get more information.

 

AIPM


Stimulus Spending Action Center

Green Building Initiatives Gain Ground in Next Round of Jobs Proposals

Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Building STAR Energy Efficiency Rebate Act of 2010, which would provide Treasury Department rebates to multifamily and commercial building owners that invest in substantial energy retrofits. The Rebuilding America Coalition's Building STAR program is being pressed for inclusion in several of the jobs bills that are moving forward. Also on the table are the Water Efficiency and Conservation Investment Act, which would provide tax incentives for installation of WaterSense approved plumbing fixtures, and the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act, which would provide an accelerated and/or bonus depreciation for fire sprinkler retrofits in multifamily and commercial buildings. For Stimulus-related archives, go to: MCAA's Stimulus Action Center at www.mcaa.org/stimulus.


Featured Sites

www.mcaagreen.org MCAA Supplier Partners...Adding Value to Your Supply Chain


MSCA STAR
MSCA 5 STAR Careers

MCERF
Project Home Again

Find What You Need with OPUS

OPUS

 

The Online Piping & Usage Specification (OPUS) is available online at http://opus.mcerf.org. MCAA's online resource allows the user to make dynamic combinations of pipe types, materials, applications and joinings.

Developed by a task group of MCAA contractors and Manufacturer/Supplier Council members, OPUS aims at those who are new to the industry, but all MCAA members are encouraged to use the system.



MCAA