The New England Mechanical Contractors Association (NEMCA), in conjunction with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, is proud to announce the formation of NEMCA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry, New England committee. The group hosted its inaugural meeting on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the Newbury Hotel in Boston.
MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Nancy Bandy, Managing Director of TRAINSITIONS Consulting Group LLC. Nancy provides service contractors and employees with the skills they need to build on the company’s relationships and success.
Nancy draws on many years of experience in training and management consulting to develop and deliver highly effective custom training programs using proven experiential learning methods.
She is well known among MSCA members and has been responsible for developing and delivering many of the MSCA courses, webinars, and other resources highly popular with MSCA members. Prior to starting her own company, Nancy’s previous experience included executive positions with Coldwell Banker, Koll Real Estate Services, CB Richard Ellis and Strategic HR Services.
She offers four NEI seminar series designed specifically for service.
The Sales Development Series (SDS) Seminars for Service series is designed for your service sales team to excel by successfully prospecting, building presentation skills and fostering strong relationships with the customer.
Employee Development Series (EDS) Seminars for Service are geared towards all team members as they focus on developing and building the skills necessary to perform their best in and out of the office.
The Management Development Series (MDS) Seminars for Service are designed for managers to hone their coaching skills through positive feedback, motivation and recognition. The seminars teach how to build accountable teams and manage the dynamic of change. Fostering the idea of team success is key.
The Customer Service Series (CSS) Seminars for Service are designed for service professionals to enhance their service skills and create a culture of service starting at the top, with emphasis on customer loyalty and managing their most valuable assets.
Like our other NEI instructors, Nancy brings her unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a 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.*
Sales Development Series (SDS) Seminars for Service
Employee Development Series (EDS) Seminars for Service
Management Development Series (MDS) Seminars for Service
Customer Service Series (CSS) Seminars for Service
*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.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago hosted its first Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) meeting on August 29, 2022. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago is proud to host its own WiMI committee and provide these resources to the women in its membership, such as professional, networking, and educational events. MCA of Chicago looks forward to better supporting women involved in the organization. The Chicago WiMI committee will ensure women in the MCA of Chicago always have a seat at the table.
MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Initiative wants to give a big shout out to WiMI Vice Chair Wendy Glauber! She was recently named a 2022 Women of Influence Honoree in the Executive Category through Buffalo Business First.
Glauber is the General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources for MCAA Member John W. Danforth Company, and one of 27 women recognized through the publication for her contributions to the Western New York community.
“Wendy has been a great asset to Danforth and truly exemplifies our organization’s mission and vision. Her recognition as a Women of Influence Honoree is a true testament to that,” said Patrick W. McParlane, President and COO of the John W. Danforth Company.
Glauber became Vice Chair of the WiMI Committee in 2022 at the Annual WiMI Education Conference. We are looking forward to celebrating more of the accomplishments of women in our industry, like Wendy Glauber.
MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative was launched in 2018 to enable women in the industry to further enrich their careers. Over the years the initiative has given these women an opportunity for networking, career development, mentoring and education. If you’d like to learn more, you can find information here.
Have you wanted to start a local Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) committee in your area, but weren’t quite sure where to start? The MCAA WiMI Committee has put together a comprehensive list of ideas and instructions that can be tailored to the specific needs of your area. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to wimi@mcaa.org.
MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative was launched in 2018 to enable women in the industry to further enrich their careers. Over the years the initiative has given these women an opportunity for networking, career development, mentoring and education.
One woman who has been a role model for this initiative is President of Peterson Service Co and Past President of MCANJ, Renee Fiorelli. As the first female president of the MCA of New Jersey (MCANJ) in it’s 100-year history, Fiorelli is no stranger to being one of the few women in the room. But she is also no stranger to this industry. Growing up in her family’s business, she tagged along with her father as a young girl. Fiorelli now serves as the treasurer for the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), a Trustee for the UA International Training Fund, and a member of the MCAA’s WiMI Steering Committee.
After graduating with an Engineering degree from the University of Delaware, she enrolled in a night education program to learn the specifics of the mechanical contracting business, including estimating and project management. Fiorelli encourages more women to enter the field and eventually become leaders.
When asked about the WiMI initiative, Fiorelli shared, “At the national level, we’re focused on creating opportunities for women in the industry to connect and meet each other as well as come up with ideas to recruit more women into our field,” she said. “We need to provide mentorship and career support so that women can flourish in this industry.”
As WiMI continues its outreach, we look forward to seeing more women in this industry succeed and be celebrated for their wide-ranging accomplishments, like Renee Fiorelli.
You don’t want to miss out on MSCA22 beyond! Hurry and take advantage of all that the MSCA22 Education Conference has to offer at our early bird rate. This year’s conference features:
Register by July 8th for early bird pricing!
Since 2010, MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope during the Annual MSCA Education Conference to support a local organization in the community where the conference is being held with needed supplies and hands-on assistance. Over the years these organizations have included food banks, homeless shelters, rescue missions and women’s shelters. Due to the generosity of our members and local associations, we have been able to provide over $650,000 in products and services to these organizations.
In 2022, we will support the Community Action Partnership Orange County, a charity that has worked to enhance the quality of life in their community since 1965 by seeking to end and prevent poverty. CAP OC works tirelessly to stabilize, sustain, and empower their community with the resources they need when they need them.
Your support can help us:
Check out our 2021 project and packing party videos and then join us in supporting the Community Action Partnership Orange County. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but now is the time to go above and beyond. Checks payable to “Convoy of Hope” should be sent to MSCA, 1385 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. Thank you in advance for your support.
And don’t forget, registration is now open for MSCA22 beyond. Spots are filling up quickly, so don’t miss out!
MCAA thanks everyone who attended the second annual Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference in Austin. It was a time to come together, to learn from peers in the industry, to expand networks, and to grow this incredible initiative. We are proud to have brought together such a dynamic group of women! Take a look at how the attendees spent the three jam packed days.
Join us for the 36th Annual MSCA Education Conference where we will push beyond the boundaries to look at where our industry is headed in the future. Collectively we go beyond what we can do as individuals, and when we share our knowledge, our expertise, and our ideas, we move beyond what we can do on our own to something extraordinary. We look forward to seeing you October 16 – 19, 2022, in Huntington Beach, CA!
Here are some of the highlights you can expect when you go beyond…
Visit the MSCA22 website for all the details and register today!
Now, More Than Ever, is the year to attend the WiMI Conference. This year’s agenda includes three riveting educational sessions highlighting current trends and pain points for women in the industry and workplace. CEO of a chain of Ace Hardware stores located in Washington, D.C., Gina Schaefer, will speak on defying the odds or seeking entrepreneurial endeavors in male dominated fields. Carol Frohlinger, Esq., President of Negotiating Women, Inc, will offer tools and techniques to confidently negotiate in both formal and informal workplace situations. Senior Professor of Practice of Marketing at the University of Houston, Amy Vandaveer Novak will lead an interactive session highlighting the business fundamentals that organizations use to create success and the importance of creating your own unique, authentic brand. Be sure to join us June 6–8 in Austin, TX!
Three powerful, motivating and dynamic women – Sara Ross, Valorie Burton and Michelle Poler – will inspire women at all stages of their careers during the 2nd Annual WiMI Conference in Austin, TX, June 6-8. Don’t miss it – register today!
Kicking off the conference is Sara Ross. In her high energy keynote, Sara will share relevant and practical research and strategies for redefining how to succeed at work and in life. The audience is sure to walk away with the inspiration and tools needed to create healthier, happier, and higher performing lives and workplaces.
If we’ve learned anything in recent years, resilience is gold. On day two, life strategist and resilience coach, Valorie Burton, will be sharing her life-changing message through storytelling supported by the power of research and education in the cutting edge field applied positive psychology – the study of what happens when things go right with us.
Michelle Poler will be closing out the conference with authentic storytelling, engaging visuals and her 100 Days Without Fear experience. Her social movement has empowered millions to step outside of their comfort zone and tap into their full potential.
This year’s conference is designed for all women in the industry, from newcomers to executives. The conference will feature inspiring speakers, riveting educational sessions, exceptional networking, and roundtables filled with crucial conversations–you do not want to miss it!
Now, More Than Ever is the time to get involved with Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI). The WiMI Conference is back, and it’s filled with information and inspiration, exceptional networking, and crucial conversations to empower you to succeed. Networking and social events will help you enhance your professional network. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.
At the conference, you will:
There will be plenty of time for networking and socializing to enable you to build a support group of peers that can flourish long after the conference.
Registration is now open! Space is limited to two members per company office or school. The fee is $895 per person.
We look forward to seeing you in Austin!
Ali Brown has joined the staff at MCA-Omaha as the Associate Executive. She replaces Michele Hoffman, who is now MCAA’s Director, Career Development. Ali’s background made her a good fit for the role. She explains, “I am no stranger to MCA-Omaha; I was a part of our student chapter throughout my time in college.” MCA-Omaha Executive Vice President Kelsey Johnson said, “I am so excited to have Ali fill the role of Associate Executive at MCA-Omaha. It was an amazing opportunity to “go full circle” with a member of our student chapter. Ali has the first-hand knowledge and expertise from being a long-time and active member, and she will no doubt bring new and creative ideas to the already successful program.”
Ali expanded on her student chapter experiences, saying, “I worked with our contractors on different committees for local events and through our mentor program as well as spending some time with two of our contractors as an intern and in a full-time position.” She added, “I am incredibly excited to take on this role and continue working with our contractors in the Omaha area!”
MCAA congratulates our very own Megan Walsh, CMP, DES, on her selection to the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) “20 in Their Twenties” class of 2022. This award identifies and brings together the brightest and most talented young event management professionals from around the world.
Since joining the MCAA team in 2017, Megan has proven she is knowledgeable and skilled in event management, capable of communicating in a calm demeanor no matter the situation, and a loyal team member who contributes for the betterment of the association, overall demonstrating incredible leadership qualities. Megan is currently MCAA’s Director, Conference Services & Career Development.
Megan and fellow members of the 2022 Class will be recognized as the next generation of industry leaders at PCMA’s Convening Leaders Conference in Las Vegas at the start of the new year.
MCAA and MSCA gave a very special thanks to Barb Dolim for her service as MSCA’s Executive Director for more than 39 years. MSCA Chair Mike Star, the current members of the MSCA Board of Managers, many of the past MSCA Chairs, MCAA President Armand Kilijian, and MCAA CEO Tim Brink were on hand to express their thanks and wish Barb well on her upcoming retirement. The celebration took place at MSCA21 in Scottsdale, AZ on October 14, 2021.
MSCA Chair Mike Star said:
It has been my pleasure to get to know Barb, to serve as the MSCA Board of Managers Chair this past year and witness her commitment to the industry firsthand. Her extraordinary dedication, passion, and creativity has built the MSCA community we all enjoy today.
MCAA CEO Tim Brink spoke of the impact Barb has had during her time with MSCA, saying:
Barb has been with MCAA for over 39 years becoming executive director for MSCA in 1985. Over the years there have been many changes, from how we engage with MSCA members, changes in the industry itself, and even Barb’s evolving style, but one thing has remained completely consistent: her daily commitment to the Mechanical Service Contractors Association and her deep collaboration with the United Association in administering the National Service and Maintenance Agreement.
Barb has always led with vision—she played a key role in the development of the new marketing and membership initiative in 1990 that propelled MSCA to be the premier resource for the mechanical service industry.
Barb recognized the need for focused and robust education and developed MSCA’s first-ever national education conference in 1985. In 2019, MSCA’s 34th Annual Education Conference at the Broadmoor Hotel was attended by a record 780 people. This year’s conference sold out in 10 days. This is what Barb built.
As you can see, there are a lot of people here who appreciate what you have done, and who will miss your leadership, passion, and guidance. I think it’s remarkable that your time with us has been particularly defined by one key word: Service. Thank You
Barb Dolim also took the stage to thank all the MSCA members. She was presented with an award from MCAA for her remarkable service. She also received electric bikes for her and her husband Mike, a present from her Board of Managers and Past Chairs. Woody Woodall presented the gift for them while expressing how important and profound Barb’s time with MSCA has been.
While it was an emotional moment, all are excited for Barb to continue onto the next step in her life. Mike Star summed it up best by concluding the celebration with these words:
Barb, congratulations on your retirement, it was 39 years in the making…and you have truly earned it!
She really has earned a wonderful retirement in her new home state, Utah. She is joined by her husband, Mike, both her children and their spouses, and their four (and soon to be five!) grandchildren.
MCAA has developed the most in-depth conference on construction technology and innovation to date. MCAA first launched the Technology Conference for MCAA members back in 2016 as a way to share knowledge and spark ideas and innovation through collaboration, demonstration and peer-to-peer instruction. The event has continued to grow year after year. In 2021, the conference was renamed and pushed further with the inclusion of NECA and SMACNA contractors providing a broader depth of experience. This year, MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have announced a joint partnership, bringing over 60 of the most innovative contractors to present January 24-26 at the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference, powered by Trimble.
Sessions at this year’s conference will be led by the country’s leading mechanical, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal and service contractors. The MEP Conference will provide a comprehensive view of the solutions digitizing our processes, using VDC software, fabricating all trades, coordinating projects with new software and using new tools to improve productivity. Sessions will be geared toward Operations Managers, VDC teams, Project Managers and Fabrication Managers.
Conference registration will be limited due to COVID restrictions. Registration will be open to MCAA/MSCA, NECA and SMACNA members as well as their union affiliated partners. For more information, visit the MEP Innovation Conference Website and register today!
Reunite with your MCAA family and dance the night away with the Spazmatics! Come enjoy all the awesome sounds, styles and way cool dance steps from the 1980’s decade we’d love to forget, but are happy to remember. Complete with skinny ties, fashionable hairstyles, and horn-rimmed glasses, the Spazmatics recapture the best of the worst. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and style makes for an evening of pure energy and entertainment. Don’t miss the Spazmatics at MCAA22’s Opening Party on Sunday, March 17th.
Registration is now open. Save your spot today!
Since 1996, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) has presented their annual Industry Partner Award to individuals or organizations who are allied with the electrical construction industry. This year, NECA presented and recognized MCAA with the 2021 NECA Industry Partner Award at their annual Convention in Nashville.
In early 2021, MCAA, NECA and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) joined forces in a strategic alliance agreement to collaborate on issues impacting the construction and maintenance industry on a national and regional level. Through this alliance, the associations conduct joint meetings and share information of mutual interest relating to environmental health and safety, industrial relations, government affairs, innovation and technology. The associations work to develop products and practices to jointly benefit their respective memberships, increase membership awareness of industry issues and more.
Earlier this year, MCAA and NECA also partnered together to put on the 2021 MEP Innovation Conference, held virtually this past April. Registration is already open for the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference held jointly with MCAA, NECA and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) for January 24-26, 2022. This annual event will be held in-person, showcasing the industry-defining innovations being seen across the mechanical, electrical and plumbing contracting industries.
MCAA thanks NECA for this recognition and looks forward to many more years of joint collaboration in order to advance the unionized construction industry.
MCAA extends a warm welcome to Teresa Pezzi, who will be joining the staff starting this week. She will be MSCA’s new Executive Director, learning the ropes from Barb Dolim before her retirement at the end of the year. Teresa comes to us with 14 years of experience in event production and management, and specializes in building and maintaining client relationships. She graduated from the University of California Santa Cruz in her home state, but has happily transplanted to the East Coast. Teresa has been working on events for MCAA/MSCA since 2019, including the inaugural WiMI conference. MCAA is pleased to welcome Teresa to the staff, and her husband, Tobin Coziahr, to the MCAA staff family.
