The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a freeze on several energy efficiency rules enacted during the Biden administration, marking a significant shift in policy. The freeze will apply to a range of appliances, including products that were a focal point for industry stakeholders, such as MCAA, the United Association (UA) and other concerned groups.

MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference provides field leaders with the skills they need to be business- and results-oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand. Now there’s another reason to attend – financial assistance from the United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) in the form of a $5,500 grant. Register now for the first 2025 Field Leaders Conference (May 12 – 14, 2025 in Washington, DC) and apply for your grant.

On February 13, 2025, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12), and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) reintroduced the bipartisan “Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act,” a critical piece of legislation designed to ensure timely completion and protection for workers on federally financed water infrastructure projects. This bill, which aims to require primary contractors working on such projects to hold surety bonds, ensures that local sponsors and subcontractors are compensated in the event of contractor default before project completion.

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Pre-IPM is back! This year’s classes will begin April 28th: if you have Assistant Project Managers, Project Engineers, new hires, or people transitioning to the office from the field or Estimating, this online course is for them!

Over 175 students from 32 MCAA student chapters are registered for MCAA25. They will soon be scoping out MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board for companies they would like to meet with in Austin to discuss internships and entry-level, full-time positions. Post your job today and be sure to stop by the ‘Hire Me’ Job Fair outside the Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit to meet with potential candidates in person. Head over to the Connection Corner or Student Chapter Networking Reception for additional informal conversation opportunities with students.

On Friday February 7th, the U.S. Department of Defense Undersecretary of Acquisition signed an order directing all Pentagon contracting officers (COs) to remove language creating a presumption favoring use of a project labor agreement (PLA) in solicitations for large scale construction projects valued at $35 million or more and to revise all existing solicitations consistent with this Directive. The Undersecretary’s Directive also applies to Army Corps of Engineers Projects.

Specialty contractors on a Design-Assist project participate in a project’s design, providing input that maximizes system efficiencies, reduces costs, and potentially limits design errors or omissions. MCAA’s Design-Assist offers tips for mitigating the risks inherent in this type of project. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Don’t miss out… MSCA operational and sales training programs are open for registration and selling out quickly. This collection of programs, unlike any other, provides the continued training to set your employees apart in the HVACR industry. Limited space remains in our classes for field service supervisors and service managers, so act now and register today!

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

The 2025 MEP Innovation Conference in Los Angeles brought together over 700 attendees from the mechanical, electrical, and sheet metal trades. This marks another successful year of bringing together industry leaders, technology experts, and contractors focused on driving innovation.

The NCPWB Technical Conference is just around the corner! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn, share, and connect. This year’s conference is packed with valuable content and unmatched opportunities to network with friends, colleagues, and new acquaintances. We’re also introducing for the first time, an exhibitor showcase on Monday afternoon where you can see the latest and greatest welding technologies. Don’t miss it – register today!