MSCA23 Pushed Attendees to Propel

Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA23 Propel… it was a resounding success! We heard from inspiring keynote speakers, dove deep on education with  topics of leadership and personal growth, along with recession proofing, refrigerants, electrification, and more. We celebrated a new award, announced a new scholarship, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community all while having a lot of fun in the San Marco sun. 

New Award & New Scholarship

MSCA is proud to introduce a new scholarship in honor of a trailblazing individual who played a pivotal role in nurturing the Mechanical Service industry, Barbara Dolim. Each year, two exceptional students will have the opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship, ensuring that we continue to inspire and support the next generation of mechanical service professionals. The first recipients of the MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship were Gonzalo Ceja from Riverside City College and Kolten Plekes from Ferris State University. 

MSCA also announced a brand-new award in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by our members: the MSCA Distinguished Service Award. With a vast community of incredible individuals, this award was established to pay homage to those who have consistently reshaped and improved our industry while exhibiting unwavering dedication to MSCA. 

Our first recipient of this award is Jaimi Lomas, a person who has created an incredible legacy within the industry and MSCA.

Beginning by Giving Back

MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Friday, October 20, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Charity office, an organization working to wipe out hunger and provide critical food assistance to the over 152,000 individuals. MSCA also put in some hard work to make needed repairs at Wesley United Methodist Church. 

Education, Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party & Social Activities

Erik Qualman kicked off our conference discussing how technology is revolutionizing the way we live and work and how your organization can harness it to drive innovation. On Tuesday morning, we heard from MCAA President Robert Beck followed by Aimee Copeland who touched our hearts as she taught us about overcoming adversity. Later that morning, spouses and students continued the commitment to service by participating in the 13th Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party, packing thousands of hygiene kits to be distributed to those in need worldwide. And to end our conference we learned about the skills needed to adapt to change, lead with courage, and build trusting relationships from Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman. 

We had outstanding educational sessions and peer-led roundtable discussions each day. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together. 

Everyday Hero Award

Eight years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award as a way to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Service Manager for L.J. Kruse Company, Will Kruse! MSCA has made a contribution in Will Kruse’s name for the amount of $2,500 to the Berkeley Humane Society which has operated as a no-kill animal shelter for dogs and cats for the past 125 years. 

Recognizing Outgoing Leaders & Welcoming New Ones

Rich Happel concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Renee Fiorelli. Renee Fiorelli is the President of Peterson Service Company, Immediate Past President of the MCA of NJ and Co-Chair of the ITF. She is the past recipient of the Contracting Business HVACR Women of the Year award and a graduate of the MCAA ALI program. In partnership with the MCANJ, Renee spearheaded the creation of the local New Jersey WiMI chapter. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware. 

The 2023-2024 MSCA Board of Managers was introduced as well. These members work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success. 

They are: 

Adam Wallenstein, Vice Chair
Neptune Plumbing and Heating Co.

David Geith, Treasurer
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Rich Happel, Immediate Past Chair
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.

Lindsey Grilec
PremiStar

Drew Harrison
Harrison Energy Partners

Mike Hupp
Harrell-Fish, Inc.

Al May
North Mechanical Services, Inc.

Michael McHenry
Ainsworth

Michael Rosone
Arista Air Conditioning Corporation

Relive The Event … or See What You Missed

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Plan to Join the Fun Next Year

The next MSCA conference is shaping up to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for September 22 – 25, 2024, and plan to join us at the member favorite Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.