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MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition: Final Four Selected!

The results are in! Congratulations to our four finalists for the 2018 MCAA Student Chapter Competition:

This year MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition drew 28 teams, including two new chapters. The project involved the renovation of the heating and cooling systems for the Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse in New York City where chapters were tasked with coordinating the removal of the existing equipment and installing the new equipment.

The top competition prize is $10,000. The second place team receives $5,000 and the other two finalists will each receive $2,500.

You can see the final four teams compete at the 2018 MCAA Convention in the Grand Oaks Ballroom on Monday, March 26 at 1:30 p.m.!

The winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence breakfast on Wednesday, March 28 at 7:00 a.m. We’ll also be announcing the Chapter of the Year, Educator of the Year, and presenting new student chapter charters to:

Our convention is a great place to meet students from many schools who are interested in internships or jobs with MCAA member companies. You can attend the Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit on Tuesday, March 27 from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., where you will be able to talk to the students at their chapter tables.

Don’t miss the chance to meet our future industry leaders at this year’s Convention!

Visit the MCAA18 Website

Targeted Programming for Women Professionals Begins at MCAA18

If you’re a woman executive or employee of an MCAA/MSCA member company and you’re headed to MCAA18, join us for a networking reception and education session. The events kick off MCAA/MSCA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry forum. The forum will enable women in the mechanical industry to further enrich their careers through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities beyond those already offered through membership in MCAA and MSCA.

Network with MCAA/MSCA’s Leading Women

On Monday, March 26, 2018 join us from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. to meet and network with some of MCAA/MSCA’s leading women and share your ideas for future programing and other career-enhancing events!

Take Charge of Your Career Education Session

Women in the Mechanical Industry will sponsor a special education session on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. The session, based on Catalyst’s in-depth research study, The Promise of Future Leadership: A Research Program on Highly Talented Employees in the Pipeline, focuses on the two proven career advancement strategies that have the strongest payoff for women professionals:

Building mutually-beneficial relationships with influential others
Making achievements visible in ways that benefit the individual and organization

During this session, you will learn to:

Recognize the strategies you use to accelerate your career
Understand the full range of career strategies available
Discover which strategies work for women vs. men and why
Identify the areas in which you need help—whether in the form of opportunities, skills or insights—as you work to advance your career
Build or strengthen skills that will enable you to effectively leverage the career-advancement strategies that work for women
Develop a concrete plan for implementing these strategies at work
Expand your professional network

The session will be presented by Audrey Gallen, a Senior Director in the Learning Products & Programs Department at Catalyst. The organization works with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women and accelerate and advance women into leadership positions. She is a frequent speaker on the topics of unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, career advancement strategy, and LGBT workplace inclusion.

Learn More About MCAA18

Visit the MCAA18 Website

Anderson, Rowe & Buckley Shaves Hours, Speeds Up Cash Flow With MobiliForms From iBusiness

Anderson, Rowe & Buckley (AR&B) deployed MobiliForms from iBusiness Technologies, cutting labor costs and going paperless painlessly. “Our 100+ field techs are shaving time each day, and I’ve personally recaptured eight hours per week,” said Darin Sheridan, HVAC superintendent, who is tasked with overseeing the solution.

LEARN MORE

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

Last Chance to Register for MCAA’s Technology Conference

This week is your last chance to register for the MCAA Technology Conference. The conference provides insight on new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up with.

This year’s event addresses challenges for your entire team. It was designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakout and roundtables to allow for a dive deep for specific users:

For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

There are a lot of events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technology. Don’t miss this opportunity. Register now and I hope to see you in Austin this November 8-10.

Ready… Set… Go! MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition is Off and Running

MCAA student chapter members have been challenged to plan a project involving the renovation of the mechanical systems of a Brazilian restaurant in mid-town New York City—Fogo De Chao Steakhouse. The project, which was provided by Arista Air Conditioning Corporation, was announced during MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum in Indianapolis on September 30, 2017.

Project Presents Challenges

The project calls for the mechanical subcontractor to assist and coordinate the removal of the existing equipment and the installation of the new equipment using variable refrigerant flow technology (VRF). The contractor also must arrange for and coordinate the subcontracted work, manage the project within the space constraints of the restaurant (16,000 sq. ft.) and arrange all necessary city permits and licenses. The mechanical contractor may select the equipment manufacturer.

The original project design called for a chilled water system that was to be installed on the restaurant building’s roof, but the owner preferred a design option using VRF. A Simultaneous Heat Recovery system (producing heating and cooling at the same time) was selected, but bidders are to determine its design and operation.

Proposals Put Students’ Skills to the Test

Proposals are to be submitted in two segments. The first is to include pre-qualification data, such as corporate background, relevant project experience, financial information, a corporate organization chart, Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities, the company’s safety record, letters of recommendation and more. The second segment calls for project-specific information, such as a project staffing matrix, a schedule, a detailed construction and/or logistics project plan, unique means and methods anticipated, and a Total Lump Sum Cost Summary Breakdown.

Proposals also must include a Preventative Maintenance and Service Contract which must incorporate a complete energy service agreement covering all the installed equipment, complete tasking of all equipment, tracking and analysis of all energy used in the system, a monthly report of all energy used, a dedicated mechanic and a back-up familiar with the restaurant and the equipment, quarterly reviews of the energy spent, filter service, estimated labor and much more.

Bidders also must take into consideration the following requirements and information:

Bidders are invited to submit Value Engineering suggestions limited to alternative construction means and methods, alternative materials and items that will enhance the efficiency of the facility.
The city has requested that union labor perform all the construction work.
This is not a LEED project, and therefore no LEED certifications will be considered.
All rigging and hoisting are to be performed on Sunday only.
Construction crews are not allowed to use areas shared with other businesses in the building, including stairways and stairwells, lobbies and building entrances and exits.

Final Four Teams Will Present at MCAA 2018

Proposals, which are due December 15, 2017, will be evaluated by members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee. These members will select the top four scoring teams to present their proposals at the MCAA 2018 convention in San Antonio, TX on March 26, 2018. The winning team will receive $10,000, the second place team will receive $5,000 and the other two finalists will each received $2,500.

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact Harlee Gallo.

MCAA Tech Conference Brings Big Ideas Down to Earth

Small ideas can make a big difference to your company. The MCAA Technology Conference is an event that doesn’t just provide a few small takeaways, but a wealth of ideas that can be applied across your business. Technology is providing so many new tools, processes and software that even the most established contractors are having a hard time keeping up. The MCAA Tech Conference is your crash course on the latest tech trends in the industry and how other contractors are taking advantage of them.

This year’s conference addresses challenges for your entire team. MCAA fields a lot of questions on who should attend. This conference is designed for all areas of your company that work with technology. General sessions are combined with in-depth breakouts and roundtables to dive deep for specific users:

For BIM experts, we have sessions on keeping BIM costs in check, optimizing productivity and learning about the next generation of tools.
For service contractors, we have a full slate of breakout sessions on the hardware and software being used today by service contractors.
IT managers will find incredible insight from Nick Espinosa on cyber security threats from a hacker’s point of view. (Check out his video interview with BuiltWorlds)
Operations and management will learn how to sell technology to customers, hear about software designed for their use and understand what their IT team is asking them.

MCAA and MSCA host many educational events each year, but this conference is the only one that is MEP-focused with peers sharing ideas on the latest technologies. Don’t miss this terrific learning opportunity. Register now!

MCAA’s “A Day in the Life of Ted” Video – A Must-See for College Students!

“Despite being on the executive board of my school’s MCAA Chapter, I still didn’t fully appreciate what it is actually like to work for a mechanical contractor until this presentation. The “A Day in the Life of Ted” video was an excellent view as to what makes your section of the industry different than a typical building contractor.” That was one student’s reaction to the video at MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum.

The video follows Ted McHugh of West Chester Mechanical in Aston, PA through a typical workday. In addition to highlighting the daily demands associated with keeping a project on time and within budget, it showcases for students how a great future is achievable in the mechanical industry!

Going Retro – The Art of Retrocommissioning in HVACR

In the HVACR industry, most know all about the commissioning process but a new resurgence of retrocommissioning is making a comeback in the HVACR industry.

Properly commissioning an HVAC installation is a necessary process that ensures newly installed systems operate as intended and since many existing buildings are in poor shape, through retrocommissioning, contractors are trained to identify problems and offer solutions.

The process of retrocommissioning refers to identifying improvements that can increase the energy savings and performance of existing buildings. Considering that about half of all commercial buildings in the U.S. were constructed before 1980, it’s easy to see why there is a growing demand for contractors who offer retrocommissioning.

Some of the problems that Richard Starr, President and CEO, Enterprise HVAC Service and Control, Twinsburg, Ohio, and former national chairman of Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA), has uncovered during retrocommissioning include improper air pressures (zones that should be positive but are negative and vice versa), a lack of proper air changes per hour, and building controls that are not calibrated properly.

Ongoing retrocommissioning is absolutely vital to the performance of a building, said Thom Brazel, General Manager, Ruthrauff Service, Pittsburgh, PA, and former national chairman of MSCA.

For the full article in The News, click the button below.

Click For Full Article

Egan Realizes Rapid ROI with KEY2ACT’s MobileTech

Egan Company installed the MobileTech solution from KEY2ACT, slashing billing time and eliminating time-consuming paperwork. Chris Yelle, Egan’s service operations manager, estimated that Egan will see its return on investment (ROI) within 18 months of implementing MobileTech, which connects field staff to the back office, providing instant access to the information and enabling both sides to easily manage service calls and appointments.

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Looking for More Solutions that Deliver Quick ROI?

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Harrell-Fish Inc. Goes Digital with Jonas Construction Software – Move Slashes Payroll Processing Time, Improves Cash Flow

With their new Jonas Construction Software, Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI) is now able to turn around billings about five days quicker, improving their cash flow in the process. They have also reduced their payroll processing time from about four hours a month spread out across three employees to about an hour only with Jonas.

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Looking for More Ways to Save Time and Improve Cash Flow?

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Sloan Offers Low-Maintenance, High-Tech Approach to Commercial Restrooms

Knowing when to service or replace aging plumbing equipment is critical to maintaining a clean, operational commercial restroom. Like regularly changing the oil in your car, consistent preventive maintenance helps avoid critical, costlier repairs down the road.

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Looking for More Tips to Save You Time and Money?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

Plus, 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.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

2017 Student Internship Grants Available Through MCERF!

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) is again making available Student Internship Grants to all MCAA members who hire college students majoring in a discipline related to mechanical contracting. The grants are for $1,000, and MCAA members are eligible to apply for up to two grants during 2017.

MCERF funds the grants to encourage MCAA members to draw student interns into our industry. Everyone wins! The student gains valuable knowledge from the skills and experience of the contractor and his/her team which enhances the student’s resume and may positively affect his/her future career plans. The contractor gains from the student’s new perspective and savvy technology expertise and the grant helps cover the intern’s salary.

So when you hire a student intern this year, apply for a grant. It’s quick, easy and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come.

apply for a grant

MCAA Releases Safety Bulletin on OSHA’s Final Rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

MCAA has just made available its Safety Bulletin with information about the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) revised recordkeeping rule to Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses.

The revised rule requires affected employers to electronically submit, annually, specified occupational injury and illness information directly to the agency. The bulletin provides information on key compliance dates and a summary of recently amended provisions in the rule (29 CFR 1904).

MCAA Safety Bulletin on Final Recordkeeping Rule

MCAA’s Construction Technology Webinar on 3D Scanning

James Benham, who led several sessions on new and emerging construction technologies and cyber security at MCAA 2016, presented his research findings in the first of a multi-part webinar series on construction technology on April 7, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time during MCAA’s Construction Technology Webinar.

The report, which is now available, provides a comparative analysis of 3D scanning technology. In 2016, MCAA partnered with JBK Labs to release this research.

Each part of the series evaluates and compares the benefits of specific products and software that contractors can apply in their operations.

James Benham, founder of JB Knowledge and its research wing, JBK Labs, discusses the results of the first part of the study series on 3D Scanning Technology during this webinar. He explores and compares the differences in 3D scanning products, software and processes, also providing a glimpse of 3D scanning solutions that are still emerging.

If you missed the webinar, view our archived version here.

Download the report.