Archives: News Items

Find the Latest from Trimble and The Harris Products Group, A Lincoln Electric Company in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trimble
Trimble Fabrication SmartTools is a drawing, routing and fabrication toolkit built to amplify Fabrication Parts in Revit to save time and increase productivity for mechanical contractors.

The Harris Products Group, A Lincoln Electric Company
HVAC/R service techs will love this kit! It meets the needs for most field repairs. This six-piece kit features Aluxcor® for aluminum and Stay-Silv® 15, the industry’s most used copper brazing alloy.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Building the Industry Workforce

LAARS, a Bradford White Company (and a benefactor of MCAA24), is working closely with MCAA and the United Association (UA) toward a shared vision of continuous support for a trained, skilled workforce that is committed to safety, quality, and productivity. LAARS and the UA have established more than 50 advanced water heater and boiler training labs across the United States, with many more in development.

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.

Congratulations to Drew Figura, 2024 Bolton Family Scholarship Recipient

Congratulations to Drew Figura, the recipient of the new Bolton Family Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship was established to pay tribute to the significant contributions that the Boltons have provided to the construction industry and the dedicated service they have provided to the employees of Arden Building Companies.

The scholarship honors the family’s dedicated volunteer work within the communities they service in Rhode Island, notably their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvements with the Ronald McDonald House. The scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton family’s legacy.

Drew is studying Construction Management at the University of Nebraska and is expecting to graduate in the winter of 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter and has interned with MCAA Member, the Helm Group.

“What I have gained as part of MCAA is lots of connections in the construction industry, which has helped me in school, but will also help me in the future during my career. This past summer I worked for a general contractor, but my student chapter mentor through the MCA-Omaha Leadership Academy was the project manager on the job. Having him there was beneficial and he taught me a lot about the systems being installed for the project. After my summer internship, my mentor offered me an internship at Helm Group. Before being part of MCAA, I didn’t even know what mechanical construction was.

In the past year and a half, I’ve learned that mechanical construction plays a large role in almost all construction projects. I can see myself in mechanical once I graduate in two years. I enjoy the team I’m working with and can see myself working there once I graduate.”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Drew on this prestigious scholarship and thank the Bolton Family and Arden Engineering Companies for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

EPA Issues First-Ever Limits on PFAS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.” Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to some serious safety and health issues, including cancers and impact to critical organs.

MCAA members have paid close attention to this issue since these harmful chemicals never fully degrade. PFAS are so prevalent that they can be found in the blood of almost every person in the U.S.

The EPA’s general summary of the final rule highlights fact sheets, presentations, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and regulatory information.

The final rule requires that:

  • Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
  • Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these maximum contaminant level (MCLs).
  • Beginning in five years (2029), public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation. 

The final rule establishes MCLs for six PFAS in drinking water, “PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL to account for the combined and co-occurring levels of these PFAS in drinking water. EPA also finalized health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these PFAS.” 

More information can be found here. The EPA is also holding three informational webinars:

  • April 16, 2024 (2:00-3:00 pm EDT) General Overview of PFAS NDPWR for Communities Registration
  • April 23, 2024 (2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT) Drinking Water Utilities and Professionals Technical Overview of PFAS NPDWR Registration
  • April 30, 2024 (2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT) Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series on Final PFAS NPDWR and PFAS Drinking Water Treatment Registration

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Distracted Driving Resources

Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year and seriously injures hundreds of thousands more according to the National Safety Council. MCAA’s distracted driving resources arm mechanical contractors with the resources needed to educate their workers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April and throughout the year. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Available resources include:

You may also be interested in the distracted driving and vehicle tips contained in these toolbox talks:

For a full list of MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health resources, visit this page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management

Embrace Cultural Identity, Overcome Fear & Pursue Your Dreams at the WiMI Conference

June 10 – June 12, 2024 | Cleveland, OH

The Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference is your platform for building lasting connections and fostering a supportive community. Networking opportunities abound, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies for success.

Be inspired by Princess Sarah Culberson, humanitarian and author. She will share her remarkable journey from fear to fabulous, exploring themes of self-discovery, courage, and embracing cultural identity. This empowering closing session will inspire you to overcome fear and pursue your dreams while advocating for yourself in both professional and personal spheres.

An array of captivating educational sessions and inspiring speakers round out the conference, which is designed to empower and uplift women at every stage of their careers.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned executive, the WiMI conference offers something for everyone. Gain valuable insights, expand your network, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges and seize opportunities.

Connect With the Latest Training from FastEST, Inc. and IMI Hydronic Engineering at MCAA.org

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.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

FastEST, Inc.
Included with every purchase or lease, FastEST Estimating Software provides online training with one of our experienced team members. Our customer service team is available 24/7 for training and any support you may need! For those who are wanting a more in-depth and hands on training experience, we are hopeful that by mid-year we will start our regional training classes back up. In the meantime please visit our website and the help section of our program for tutorial videos.

IMI Hydronic Engineering
Learn from experts and achieve the best results in hydronic systems. Our practical and theoretical training will include applications for projects, installations, commissioning, and operation.

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

New NCPWB Technical Bulletin Focuses on GMAW (MIG) & FCAW Welding Basics

The National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) has released a new Technical Bulletin that highlights the basics of GMAW (MIG) and FCAW welding. The bulletin describes the technical aspects of GMAW, explains how the metal gets from the wire to the workpiece (transfer modes), and highlights what contractors need to pay attention to when bringing the process into their shop or field fabrication site.

MCAA & NFPA Are Empowering Electrical Safety for Mechanical Service with New Training & Education

MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPA’s trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.

Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programming—and it’s all at a discounted rate.

See the brochure for offerings and discounts, then request more information at nfpa.org/mcaa-nfpa.

If you have questions that aren’t addressed here, please contact Raffi Elchemmas.

Find the Latest from Merit Brass Company and Morris Group International in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Merit Brass Company
Merit Brass Co. is thrilled to unveil the expansion to their press offering of CarbonPress® Fittings. The latest enhancements now encompass large diameters of 2-1/2” – 4” and the FKM (Fluoroelastomer) sealing elements for industrial applications.

Morris Group International
Enhance your skills with AcornVac®, a Morris Group International® brand! Learn how vacuum plumbing can help save water, energy, money and contribute to sustainable design for your next project!

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started. 

Gaining Protection and Productivity With Advanced Safety Technology

Murphy Company adopted MILWAUKEE TOOL’s latest M18 FUEL™ ½” Drill/Driver because it has the power and speed to keep them productive on the job, but also because of an enhanced safety feature that prevents injuries caused by over-rotation. The drill’s AUTOSTOP™ Control Mode senses over-rotation in a bind-up and automatically shuts off the drill, providing more control and reduced kickback. MILWAUKEE TOOL is a benefactor of MCAA24.

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.

Now Order 988 Awareness Chips & Stickers Direct to Your Door

MCAA is committed to stemming our industry’s high suicide rates by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Over the last year, MCAA partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 100k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips. At the same time, we built a comprehensive mental health program that includes dozens of toolbox talks and a world-class mental health awareness and suicide prevention video.

Additional stickers and chips are now available directly through the manufacturers of both. MCAA is pleased to say that both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label.

ItemHow to Purchase
StickersSee purchase options
ChipsContact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com.
Reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips.

MCAA is committed to supporting our members’ mental health by spreading the word that “it’s okay to not be okay.” Resources like these will help our industry step up and change the culture of not speaking up when you have a problem. Not all injuries are visible. Not all trauma is evident. Your mental health matters.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness Resources

Construction is a demanding, high-stress profession with one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. Providing training and connecting people with treatment services can be hard. MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness resources simplify the process. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

Available resources include:

  • A Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlighting an industry veteran’s success story. The video includes appearances by MCAA past president Robert Beck, the UA’s Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams.
  • A series of Mental Health Toolbox Talks that are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. English | Spanish
  • 988 Chips & Hard Hat Stickers highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
    • MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
    • UA members can order right from the UA’s webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).

You may also find the posters, flyers, and other resources available through these sites helpful:

Many of the resources mentioned in this article are also available through 20 Years of Safety Excellence – September 2023: Mental Health Awareness.

If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

Michael Mack Presented Distinguished Service Award

This year MCAA presented its highest award, the Distinguished Service Award, to Michael Mack. The DSA award celebrates a legacy of service and dedication to improving the mechanical contracting industry. During Mack’s career, he played a pivotal role in redeveloping MCAA’s Institute for Project Management, advancing its mission and dedicating years to its progress. Mack’s family joined him onstage at the opening general session of MCAA24 for the surprise.

2023-2024 Student Chapter Competition

At the MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 20th, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo was awarded the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on the 2023-2024 Student Chapter Competition.

CalPoly San Luis Obispo Sponsoring Local Affiliate: Northern California MCA
• Alex Hall – Executive Vice President
• Mike Stirling – Director of Member Relations

Faculty Advisors
• Paul Redden
• Joseph Cleary

The University of Wisconsin-Stout was the runner-up, placing second and received a trophy and a check for $5,000. 

Ball State University and McMaster University rounded out the final four. Both Honorable Mention finalists received trophies and $2,500 checks.

Six teams (out of the 24 submissions) were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order: 

  • California State University, Chico
  • Kansas State University
  • Kent State University
  • Missouri State University
  • Pittsburg State University
  • University of Maryland, College Park

The project involved submitting a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium. This included all piping, HVAC, controls and additional work required from the bid documents.  

Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the project:

  • MMC Contractors National, Inc. (supplying the project)
    • Jeremy Millard (Introduction & What Really Happened)
  • Procore (use of Project Management software)
  • Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software)
  • Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe values and fittings)

MCAA Career Development Committee – Judges

  • Justin Blackledge, The Waldinger Corporation – Omaha
  • Anne Finerfrock, W.E. Bowers
  • Sarabeth Gandara, U.S. Engineering Construction
  • Scott Hinton, Enerfab Power and Industrial, Inc.
  • Michael Russo, Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation
  • Kurt Voss, Integrated Facility Services
  • John Ziemann, Mollenberg-Betz, Inc.

Thank you as well to the Chair of the Career Development Committee, Andrew Palcan of Helm Group, for serving as the emcee for the competition in Orlando!

The MCAA Career Development Committee is currently hard at work planning for the 2024-2025 project. The next project will be announced this fall, and a Q&A session is on the schedule for the GreatFutures Forum in Seattle (September 26–28). Registration for the full conference is complimentary for MCAA contractor members and includes the GreatFutures Job Fair on Friday morning. Watch mcaa.org and MCAA’s National Update e-newsletter for information as the date gets closer.

Most Valuable Presenter

The Career Development Committee recognized a student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won. The audience members voted live between schools and ultimately Hans Stelpflug of the University of Wisconsin-Stout was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card, a complimentary seat in MCAA’s Preparatory Institute for Project Management, and the title of 2023-2024 Most Valuable Presenter. 

Hans is majoring in construction management and will graduate this spring.

University of Wisconsin-Stout Sponsoring Local Affiliate:
Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association

Faculty Advisor:
• Dean Wirtanen

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship

The Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship was developed to recognize a student not only interested in mechanical contracting, but specifically to a student with an interest in being a mechanical estimator upon graduation.  This $5,000 scholarship is available to a student who participated in the Final Four round of the MCAA Student Chapter Competition.

Pictured: Brian Helm (JRGF President), Daniel DeSoto (CalPoly), Rocco Bognet (Trimble), Ron King (Trimble), and Robert Beck (MCAA President)

Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship Winner:
Daniel DeSoto – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Congratulations to all the 2023-2024 participating teams!

On the Hunt for New Hires? Post to the GreatFutures Job Board to Attract Spring Grads!

Graduation season is quickly approaching and students majoring in construction-related fields are searching for that perfect first full-time position. Many of these spring graduates have internship experience at home, but are looking to explore a new geographic location. The GreatFutures Job Board is a tool to help match these students from 40 colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada with MCAA members looking to hire. Post your full-time, entry-level positions today to attract qualified students ready to start their career in mechanical contracting!

How to Post an Entry-Level Job or Internship 

  • Login with an MCAA username and password
  • Click on the job board within the Career Development page
  • Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
  • Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
  • When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
  • Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
  • Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
  • From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process

Hired an Intern? Submit an Internship Grant 

Already have an intern? Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2024! Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire. 

Part 1:

  • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2)
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
  • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant

Part 1: Internship Grant Application

Part 2:

For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company. Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion.
• Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.

Part 2: Internship Grant Application

2023-2024 Educator of the Year Winner – Joe Karpinski

The student chapter members at Kent State University proudly nominated Joe Karpinski for the MCAA 2023-2024 Educator of the Year award based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland, Inc. In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award.

“After teaching in the Akron Public Schools for 30 years, in 2005, Joe was approached by Kent State University to create a construction management program. In 2007, Joe founded the CM Major with just 15 students. In 2024, the program has a major, minor, over 30 courses, and 260 students.

2007 also brought the start of the MCAA Chapter at Kent State with the GreatFutures Forum being held just an hour away in Cleveland. Joe brought 13 students to the conference and in the Spring of 2008, Kent State’s MCAA Student Chapter was officially charted. 

The Kent State chapter and program would not be what it is today without Joe Karpinski. After 17 years at Kent State, and a fulfilling career of 47 years teaching, Joe will be retiring at the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester. On behalf of all the Kent State student members, we can confidently say that Joe has had a tremendous impact on who we are as students, chapter members, and early professionals.

We will miss him dearly and are eternally grateful for the scholarships, internships, jobs, support, and opportunities he has provided for us. Joe has been more than just an advisor to us. His mentorship will never be taken for granted and we are grateful to have been cared for by Joe as if we were a part of his family. We thank Joe for all his efforts over the years and we hope he has a lasting and enjoyable retirement. He has absolutely made his mark on Kent State and all of his students’ lives.

– Morgan Fischer – Kent State University Student

Morgan goes on to describe Joe Karpinski’s approach to several areas:

Recruiting

Joe makes announcements and explains in every class for many weeks about joining the MCAA chapter and encourages participation in the competition. His reach to all the students is a tremendous help. With teaching the internship course, he also assists in bridging communications between the student chapter and getting those students involved with mechanical contractors.

Employment Opportunities

Joe works with the Student Organization Board to organize two career fairs each year, hosting over 70 companies, including many from the MCA/MSCA of Cleveland chapter. This event is heavily encouraged for students to attend, although since some companies and students don’t attend, Joe is able to utilize his connections to follow-up and connect students for internships and full-time positions. Students always know they can come to Joe if they are unable to secure an internship, and he’s had great success in making connections over the years. 

Leadership

Joe could not be a better role model for the Kent State students. He is positive and an open-handed advisor, allowing his students to explore their ideas, but ready to help when needed. Joe has always only been a text, phone call, or email away and offers endless support for the chapter’s endeavors. Joe is always there to help tackle new ideas and the first in line to help obtain the resources needed by the chapter. 

Congratulations to Kent State’s Joe Karpinski on being awarded the 2023-2024 Educator of the Year! MCAA wishes you a happy and well-deserved retirement!

MCAA President Rick Gopffarth Shares His Vision for the Year Ahead

Newly elected MCAA President Rick Gopffarth shared his hopes for MCAA, his passion for developing the next generation of mechanical industry leaders, and the need to help members navigate the industry’s ongoing labor issues in a recent Contractor magazine article. Asked what one message he would share with his fellow contractors, he said, “Work hard, surround yourself with great people, lean on your friends and relationships, but more than anything, have fun. We are part of the greatest industry in the world. Embrace it, own it and enjoy the ride!” Gopffarth became MCAA’s president at the close of MCAA24 on March 21, 2024.

2023-2024 Student Chapter of the Year Winner – University of Maryland, College Park

At the MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 20th, the University of Maryland, College Park was awarded the 2023-2024 MCAA Student Chapter of the Year for their continued achievement and overall focus on offering career opportunities in mechanical contracting to their student membership.

Sponsoring Local Affiliate: MCA of Metropolitan Washington, Inc.

  • Tom Bello – Executive Vice President
  • Randall Chenworth – Director of Education

Faculty Advisor

  • Fitzgerald Walker – University of Maryland, College Park

Career Development

During the past year, the chapter participated in three field trips on the UMD (University of Maryland) campus to learn about mechanical systems first-hand. The students especially enjoyed their tour of the UMD Kim Engineering Building HVAC system, one of the most efficient and sophisticated mechanical systems on campus. By touring all floors of the building, they got an idea of the scale and complexity involved in the construction and conditioning of a commercial building that controls the indoor air quality for numerous classrooms and laboratories. The students were able to apply some of the principles from their campus tours directly to their 2023-2024 MCAA Student Chapter Competition project. The chapter received a Merit award for a Top Ten placement in that competition. 

Student members also organized a professional development meeting where one of their MCA Metropolitan Washington mentors presented “things to do and NOT to do as an intern or new employee.” The session emphasized items such as work attire, appropriate and formal communication, and punctuality. 

Recruitment

Coming into the 2023-2024 school year, the UMD student chapter members knew that recruitment would be one of the most important factors to focus on. With only 4 returning students, they made a plan to attend several student organizational meetings and fairs in hopes of attracting students interested in mechanical contracting. Through their recruitment strategies highlighted below, the chapter successfully grew from 4 to 17 students. 

  • Attended the New Student Fair
  • Attended the Mechanical Engineering Student Organizational Fair
  • Talked to fellow students one-on-one
  • Collected recommendations from professors
  • Sent Engineering Department mass e-mails
  • Participated in classroom visits to announce the chapter
  • Arranged for MCA of Metropolitan Washington to present to a Project Management class

One of the most successful recruiting fairs was the A. James Clark School of Engineering New Student Fair, which focuses primarily on incoming freshman and new mechanical engineering students. Due to the younger demographic of this event, the chapter was able to focus on recruiting students who could learn from current chapter leaders and then continue the chapter in the future. Likewise, the ClarkLEAD Engineering Student Organization Fair is a program where new first-year and transfer students participate in activities to develop a sense of connectedness to their peers and community. During this fair, three members of the student chapter spoke on a panel and shared the benefits of belonging to their chapter in front of 60 new students.  

The chapter also used an interview process for potential members this year. Prospective students interviewed with the chapter’s co-presidents, who explained the basics of the chapter, MCA of Metropolitan Washington, and MCAA with a PowerPoint. Each prospective student could then determine whether chapter membership is consistent with their goals and career aspirations. The interviews also allowed the co-presidents to see if the prospective student was a good fit for the chapter and its end goal of educating future mechanical contractors and engineers.

Student Chapter Fundraising

Student chapter members volunteered to staff golfer registration, a putting contest and a raffle at the MCA of Metropolitan Washington Student Chapter Golf Tournament. This event, which invites mechanical contracting companies from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to the UMD Golf Course, provides an excellent opportunity for student chapter members to interact with mechanical contractors in a more relaxed and non-interview-based setting. The event raised over $18,000, including close to $2,000 from the student raffle.

Community Service

One especially notable event for the chapter was reading to students at Francis T. Evans Elementary School. The chapter members read “Grit Leads to Greatness,” a children’s book that highlights the need for the trades as two siblings go on a journey in a dystopian society. One book (sponsored by Procore) was distributed to each chapter at the MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Milwaukee last fall. After reading the book to a 3rd grade class, the chapter members answered numerous questions about mechanical contracting and learned this was the first exposure to the trades for many of the elementary students. The chapter loved the experience of sharing their passion for the industry so much that they worked with faculty advisor Fitzgerald Walker and the MCA of Metropolitan Washington to distribute 70 copies of the book to children at that school a month later. 

The UMD students also held a food drive on campus this past winter. Following the month-long drive, they delivered three large boxes full of non-perishable food items to the University of Maryland food pantry. The chapter wanted to do something to give back to those less fortunate in their community, especially during the holiday season.

Congratulations to the University of Maryland, College Park on this well-deserved recognition!

Find the Latest from Trane and FastEST, Inc. in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

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

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trane
Bring the power of building automation to smaller and less complex buildings. Simplify control, comfort, and operation while introducing efficiency advantages to your customers.

FastEST, Inc.
FastPIPE & FastDUCT Mechanical Estimating Software are designed to meet the needs of mechanical & plumbing contractors. It is easy to learn & use, has an extensive database of products, & has live pricing updates directly in the program.

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training

Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started.