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Beyond the Classroom Video Series: Shaping a Career

In this month’s Beyond the Classroom, you will meet Andrew Palcan, a Project Engineer at Mechanical Inc. Palcan is a past MCAA Student Chapter member and an Architectural Engineering graduate from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Palcan talks about the career opportunities that arose from his involvement with MCAA GreatFutures. He discusses some of his experiences from past MCAA events and the MCAA Student Chapter Competition.

Palcan is currently a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee, which is made up of member contractors, whose aim is to provide education and resources to student chapter members. The committee’s goal is to connect students with members by creating networking and employment opportunities while ultimately cultivating the next generation of industry leaders in mechanical contracting.

Prepare to Reopen America with ASSE 12060 Water Quality Program Training

Get prepared to reopen America with training and certification in the ASSE 12060 Water Quality Program for Contractors and Tradespeople. This training and certification opportunity is ideal for contractors whose companies perform plumbing service, HVAC service, and sprinkler fitting. Key elements of the class are Implementing the CDC Toolkit, Recommissioning of All Buildings, Risk Assessment of All Systems, and Sampling Procedures. This class emphasizes water quality, however, air quality will also be addressed. The training session will be presented on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. In order to allow adequate time for shipping the necessary class materials, enrollment ends on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Class size is limited, and expected to fill up quickly.

The webinar fees include:

  • $155 – Application Handbook and Sampling Kits (The CDC Toolkit is embedded in the handbook); and
  • $115 – ASSE 12060 Exam

BROCHURE

ENROLL NOW
IMPORTANT: Be sure to include your complete street address. The handbook will be shipped to you as soon as you enroll

4/29 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 29 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

4/27 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 27 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

4/24 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 24 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

Kimberly Sikkema Receives Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Kimberly Sikkema, one of the two recipients of the Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship.  The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established the scholarships to honor the memory of Alan O’Shea, its former Executive Director, and memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Kimberly is a sophomore from Ferris State University earning her degree in HVAC/R. Kimberly explains why she was drawn towards a career in the mechanical contracting industry: “I see the growth and demand that is needed in the industry, both now and in the future. I am also looking forward to every day being a different learning experience that will expand my knowledge within the industry.”

Kimberly is the President of her student chapter, which she joined in 2018. She had the opportunity to attend the 2019 GreatFutures Forum.

She says, “MCAA has given me the opportunity to go on trips and be able to network with mechanical contractors within the industry, as well as receive a better understanding of the opportunities that are available working for a mechanical contractor.”

For example, Kimberly was able to gain experience in the Johnson Controls PCT software, as well as connecting PCG controllers to HVAC units and commissioning them as part of an internship.

“Once I graduate, I look forward to pursuing my career that I worked so hard for in college. I look forward to seeing the wide variety of opportunities that are out there in the world for me as a woman in the HVAC/R industry. Most of all, I look forward to expanding my knowledge by facing new obstacles every day, receiving more hands-on learning out in the field, as well as learning more from experienced, skilled individuals.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kimberly on this distinguished scholarship and thank the MCA of New Jersey for funding this scholarship to support younger students and keep them invested in the mechanical contracting industry.

Re-Opening Buildings Safely After COVID-19 Shutdown

As buildings are reopening after being shut down or used less during the pandemic, there is an inherent risk to the water and air systems. MCAA has drafted a comprehensive sample letter for our contractors to download and customize as needed before sending to building owners as they prepare to re-open their buildings in the safest way.

4/22 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 22 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

Webinar #9: COVID-19 Selling in Turbulent Times – Jim Bartolotta, Dave Bavisotto, Jaimi Lomas and Wayne Turchetta

These uncertain times have forced many companies to focus internally and hunker down. But this is the perfect time to go on the offense and embrace creativity and innovation. A panel of past MSCA board members and service contractors lead an informative session on refocusing your service sales priorities and implementing unique and proactive sales strategies. As your business continues to face tension between generating sales during a period of extreme economic hardship and respecting the threats to life and livelihood that have altered consumer priorities, you now have a unique opportunity to re-educate your customers and reinvent your offerings.

Additional Resources:

Webinar Polling Results
Sample letter for contractors to provide to building owners as they prepare to re-open their buildings.

This webinar was recorded Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

4/20 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 20 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

4/17 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 17 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

Bryce Danielson Receives Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to Bryce Danielson, one of the two recipients of the Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship.  The Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey established the scholarships to honor the memory of Alan O’Shea, its former Executive Director, and memorialize his many contributions to the mechanical contracting industry.

Bryce is a sophomore from the University of Nebraska studying Construction Management. He joined the student chapter in his freshman year and has attended both the MCAA Annual Convention and the GreatFutures Forum.

“The amount of support that the mechanical contracting industry has for students like me is what has drawn me towards a future career in this industry,” Bryce said. “Whether it is through the local contractors, my local student chapter, or the national association, I feel as if there is always someone to help and support my future career.”

His local contractor mentor showed him a job site and explained how the process works, answering his questions along the way. The student chapter has provided internship and networking opportunities, along with the chance to learn new things through its monthly meetings. MCAA events have also provided networking opportunities, along with real-world experience through the Student Chapter Competition, and a chance to learn from world-class speakers and industry professionals.

Ray Martin Company Internship Experience

Bryce has been interning for Ray Martin Company, an MCAA member, since May 2019. “I have been challenged with many tasks which include estimating and preparing bids, writing purchase orders and subcontracts, and helping with project management duties. They gave me opportunities that no other company would give a first-year intern.”

“I look forward to putting everything I have learned in college to work,” Bryce said, adding that “It’s one thing to learn about managing a large-scale project and another to actually do it. This is what I enjoy the most about mechanical contracting because almost every day is different. There is always a new problem that needs to be solved or a new project that is different than the last. I enjoy these because you always have to be quick on your feet and think of innovative ways to solve these problems to ensure the overall success of your project.

“Without my MCAA student chapter and the MCA of Omaha, I would have never been able to make the connection with Ray Martin Co. and obtain an internship that I am still doing today. Finally, MCA-Omaha has also supported me financially through different scholarships. This is a big deal to me because it allows me to stay focused on school and reassures me that the local mechanical contractors support me and all the members of our chapter.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Bryce on this distinguished scholarship and thank the MCA of Omaha, Inc. for its commitment to supporting younger students keeping them invested in the mechanical contracting industry.

Webinar #7: The Effects of COVID-19 on Construction Contracts – Notice, Contract Clauses, Schedule and Productivity Impacts – Paul Stynchcomb, William Ibbs and Douglas L. Patin

Panelists Paul Stynchcomb, CCM, PSP, CFCC, of The Ibbs Consulting Group, Professor William Ibbs, Ph.D. of The Ibbs Consulting Group and Douglas L. Patin, a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, a national construction law firm that serves mechanical trades, discuss ways to maneuver through contract clauses and analyses of various impacts that may arise due to COVID-19. The panel discusses pandemic-related subjects of contractual rights and remedies, force majeure clauses, proper and timely notice, applicable case law, impacts to the procurement chain, schedule impact analyses and potential adverse effects of the pandemic on labor productivity caused by crew disruption, absenteeism, materials and equipment unavailability and other potential effects of the pandemic.

Additional Resources:

This webinar was recorded Wednesday, April 15, 2020.

4/15 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 15 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

Webinar #6: HVACR/Plumbing Best Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic

A panel of leading contractors discuss important strategies to help companies deal with the current coronavirus situation. Panelists will discuss the role of HVACR/plumbing companies as essential services, crucial safety issues, impact on customers, the financial realities and a number of technical recommendations for mechanical/plumbing systems.

This webinar was recorded Friday, April 10, 2020.

4/13 Alston & Bird Coronavirus Flash Update

Alston & Bird have released their April 13 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.

Rock Hill Mechanical Meets Tight Timeline Thanks to Anvil International

Rock Hill Mechanical knew that Anvil International’s Gruvlok® system was a better choice for a new aquarium’s mechanical room than the originally specified PVC products. With quick delivery of the Gruvlok parts and the ease of installation, Rock Hill Mechanical met the tight timeline for completing St. Louis’s newest tourist attraction.

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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

MCAA Congratulates Student Chapter Competition Finalists

This year’s Student Chapter Competition project was demanding, allowing students to showcase their knowledge of mechanical contracting in a written proposal for a a real-world construction bid.

MCAA congratulates the four finalists: Ball State University, Milwaukee School of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, and the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The finalists were selected from among 33 submissions. Their insight into the project and the overall quality of their proposals impressed the judges, all members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee.

Thank you to Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation of Fresh Meadows, New York for providing this year’s project details. The project tasked students with developing a proposal to be the prime contractor on a chiller and cooling tower replacement project in the Penn South building in New York City. The project included the completion of all plumbing, piping and HVAC, electrical, controls and any other work required to complete the project as described in the bid documents.

Meet the Final Four Teams

Ball State University

Ball State received their charter at the 2016 MCAA Convention. They received a Chapter of Excellence Grant in 2019, recognizing their extraordinary performance and accomplishments in maintaining interest in the mechanical contracting industry. Sherif Attallah, Associate Professor of Construction Management, is the chapter’s faculty advisor.

This was Ball State’s first year placing in the final four of the competition.

The competition team consisted of all Construction Management majors:

  • Nick Brandon, Class of 2021
  • Gareth Brouwer, Class of 2021
  • Ross Debonis, Class of 2021
  • Michale Delong, Class of 2020
  • Austin Fest, Class of 2021
  • Cory Huffman, Class of 2021
  • Cassie Dorony, Class of 2020

Milwaukee School of Engineering

MSOE won last year’s Student Chapter Competition at MCAA19. The chapter previously won in 2011 and 2013.

They placed in the Final Four of the Competition in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2017. MSOE was a recipient of a 2019 Chapter of Excellence Grant. Blake Wentz, Department Chair of Civil & Architectural Engineering & Construction Management, is the chapter’s faculty advisor.

MSOE’s Competition Team:

  • Nathan Bevers, Class of 2020, Architectural Engineering
  • Luke Grohmann, Class of 2021, Construction Management
  • Lucas Haas, Class of 2020, Construction Management
  • Brooke Scott, Class of 2020, Architectural Engineering & Construction Management
  • Logan Stone, Class of 2021, Architectural Engineering
  • John Cunningham, Class of 2022, Architectural Engineering

Logan Stone is the 2020 recipient of the William A. Bianco, Jr Memorial Scholarship. Brooke Scott received the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship in 2019.

University of Maryland, College Park

This is Maryland’s first time back in the final four since 2014. After working on rebuilding the chapter that time, they won an Emerging Chapter Grant in 2019. Fitzgerald Walker, Academic Advisor for the Mechanical Engineering department, is in his first year as the chapter’s faculty advisor.

Meet Maryland’s competition team, all Mechanical Engineering majors:

  • Hailey Brennan, Class of 2022
  • Talha Dasti, Class of 2020
  • Samuel Gigioli, Class of 2021
  • Zachary Hood, Class of 2020
  • Ahmed Seck, Class of 2021 

Hailey Brennan is the 2020 Recipient of the Josam Endowed Scholarship.

University of Missouri-Columbia

Mizzou won the the Student Chapter Competition at MCAA17, and competed in the final four last year at MCAA19. The chapter’s current advisor is Lawrence Shilke, Manager Engineer of the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The competition team consists of all Mechanical Engineering majors:

  • Mohammed Al-Ramis, Class of 2021
  • Ellie Henshaw, Class of 2020
  • Austin Mathews, Class of 2020
  • Adam Moore, Class of 2020
  • Kylie Nedelka, Class of 2020
  • Evan Taylor, Class of 2021
  • Derrick Jenkins, Class of 2021

Kylie Nedelka recently accepted a second summer internship with SIEMENS. Read the full story HERE.

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulates all of the finalists and recognizes their commitment and dedication to this year’s project. A signification amount of time and effort has been put into the competition, and thank you all the student chapters for their commitment to the MCAA GreatFutures program

Please contact Megan Walsh if you have questions about any of our student activities or the internship grants funded by the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF).

Working Together Is Key to Addressing COVID-19 Labor-Management Issues

In a video message, UA General President Mark McManus and MCAA President Brian Helm discuss how cooperation, communication and common sense are fueling joint efforts to adapt to new working conditions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two organizations are working together and innovating to address changing conditions while at the same time protecting our workforce and our industry’s future.