Archives: News Items

The ALI: Unique Leadership Education for a Unique Industry Audience

MCAA’s Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) is now accepting applications for Course 19, which will run September 22-26 and November 10-15, 2019.

The ALI is a unique leadership education experience designed especially for senior executives from MCAA and MSCA member companies. This prestigious two-week program helps participants develop the skills and resources they need to successfully lead their firms, in an immersive on-campus experience at the Babson College Executive Education Center in Wellesley, MA.

The ALI is designed for individuals who have (or will have) chief executive responsibilities for their company, or for a significant business unit within the company. ALI alumni include executives from mechanical contracting firms across the country, as well as MCAA board members, past presidents, and presidents-to-be.

The program is considered one of the top executive leadership experiences provided by any member organization, anywhere. Babson itself is a number one provider of leadership and entrepreneurship programs in the world, and the relationship that has developed between Babson and MCAA over the years is a model for executive education partners everywhere. For more information on the program, visit our website.

The application deadline is May 31st, 2019, but space is limited and the course fills up quickly. Download the application today!

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, contact ALI Director Amy Harding at ALI@mcaa.org.

MSCA Minute Technology Challenge

Sometimes it takes only a minute to take a look at your business and find some answers to the questions that have been haunting you. Attendees at the MSCA18 annual conference stopped by the podcast booth to take part in the MSCA Minute Technology Challenge conducted by JBKnowledge.  Each participant answered 10 rapid fire questions about their current technology situation in — you guessed it — just 60 seconds! Watch the video and answer along, it’s a great way to gain a quick insight to how you compare to your industry peers when it comes to technology.

Management Methods Podcast, WebBook Offer Tips for Improving Labor-Management Relations

The Management Methods Committee has released a two-part podcast in conjunction with the its latest WebBook on the subject of Developing Improved Labor-Management Relations.

In an in-depth discussion, host Bob Lindbloom and co-host Brodie Arndt discuss various collective bargaining approaches with C. Richard Barnes, an internationally recognized mediator and the author of the bulletin.

You can play the podcast and bonus content directly from the WebBook or get them via the iTunes or Google Play stores.

Have questions or need support? Contact us at ManagementMethods@mcaa.org.

MCAA Member UMC Achieves Over One Million Work Hours Without Incident

Currently working in a fast-paced construction boom and doubling the company’s workforce in 2018, University Mechanical Contractors (UMC) exemplifies best-in-class safety excellence with the record to back it up. UMC just passed the tremendous safety milestone of one-million hours worked without a recordable safety incident.

The company has completely transformed its entire safety culture into a successful model of proud and empowered employees with astonishing results:

  • More than one-million consecutive-safe hours
  • 578 consecutive days recordable-incident-free company-wide
  • Three years recordable-free – Major projects group
  • More than one-fourth of reported incidents have been personal/non-work related – “keep small problems small”

“We established our new safety program to inspire the overarching principle that motivates UMC’s crews to work safely and to look out for one another—pride,” said Kirk Baisch, safety director and firm partner. Our “Pride-based Safety” program is based on knowing you’re doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons, especially when no one is looking.”

Warmest congratulations to all UMC employees from all of us at MCAA.

Sign Up Today for the 2019 Sales Masters Program!

The MSCA Sales Masters program is a highly customized program for intermediate to advanced HVACR and plumbing sales professionals looking to take their careers to the next level. The intensive nine-day program is designed to provide industry-specific training not found in any other sales program. The course is broken up into two weeks.

Week 1, April 7—11, 2019 at Woolley’s Classic Suites in Denver, CO, is taught by industry leaders with decades of HVACR sales experience. Participants will work through “real world” sales opportunities. Attendees will roll play through cold-calling, prospecting, qualifying, surveying, proposal development, and delivering a presentation as a sales team.

Week 2, November 3—8, 2019, at the University of Houston in Houston, TX, is taught by leading professors from the world renowned Sales Excellence Institute at the Bauer College of Business on the campus of the University of Houston. Attendees will master communication, negotiation, time management and other skills necessary to preform at the top of their game, while still remaining very specific to the HVACR and plumbing industry.

Ongoing follow up is provided by University of Houston sales experts after the class is complete to ensure new skills are being applied and goals are attained.

Class size is limited to provide optimal learning environment, so make sure to register today!

Members Can Save on OSHA 10- and 30-Hour Safety Standards Courses

Online OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction safety standards courses, and the OSHA 10-hour general industry safety standards course (for fabrication shops and mechanical service work) are available to MCAA and MSCA members at discount prices.

OSHA 10-Hour Construction (Discount not available for CAL OSHA 10-hour course)

Regular Price – $89        MCAA Member Price – $80.10

OSHA 30-Hour Construction

Regular Price – $189      MCAA Member Price – $170.10

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry

Regular Price – $89        MCAA/MSCA Member Price – $80.10

The provider of the courses, ClickSafety, is one of the few companies authorized by OSHA to provide these courses online. The company has a great deal of experience presenting top-quality safety training. To take advantage of your 10% discounts, visit ClickSafety  and use the MCAA VIP discount code: MCAA2019, which is valid through 2019.

View the Brochure

PHC News Names J.C. Cannistraro Contractor of the Year

Congratulations to everyone at J.C. Cannistraro, LLC for being named PHC News magazine’s Contractor of the Year! The company, which is a member of MCAA and the New England MCA, was selected for its reputation as a leader in modular prefabrication and a very early adopter of construction technology.

Shuttle Service During MCAA19

We will of course be providing regular shuttle bus service to all of our off-site properties! Each property will have a dedicated shuttle. Additional shuttles will be added during peak times, so you won’t miss a thing! If you haven’t yet registered for MCAA19, there’s still time to do so. You can find all the event details and register online at our special MCAA19 website!

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®, GTP Services, LLC and More 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International

Stainless Steel is perfect for heavy use applications and extreme conditions. Smith’s Best In Class drainage products are durable, easy to clean, and in many cases the most cost effective solution.

Learn More


GTP Services, LLC - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
GTP Services, LLC
STRATUS, the premiere Virtual Design and Construction Productivity software solution for MEP Contractors, takes you beyond the model. Elevate your technology capabilities in the shop and field. Empower your team with information. Encourage more communication and engagement.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Looking for Just the Right Safety Incentive Program? This New Guide Will Get You There!

OSHA’s recent changes to its recordkeeping rule also changed the way that employers must implement their safety incentive programs. MCAA’s new Guide to Safety Incentive Programs walks the user through what’s permissible, and why OSHA is requiring the changes. The guide also provides sample programs for individual workers, groups of workers, such as a crew on a single project, and both categories combined. The appendices include examples of a Safety Observation Card/Checklist, Project Hazard Report Form, and Project Safety Observation Card. For more information about the guide, please contact Pete Chaney via email or call him at 301-990-2214.

 

Dispatchers Training Program is Just Around the Corner

The Dispatcher Training Program will be held March 30-31, 2020 at the Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Detroit, MI.

It is no secret that service dispatchers play a critical role in the successful operation of any HVACR service and plumbing service business. This updated program will help new and experienced dispatchers understand their vital role in their companies and advance their careers by enhancing their ability to contribute to your company’s success.

Many dispatchers do not reach their full potential because they are lacking the complex skill set needed to be effective in this role. This course will provide them with the opportunity to acquire these tools and successfully improve company productivity by getting the most from limited service resources, building strong customer relationships, and understanding their service technicians’ and service managers’ needs and capabilities. After completing this program, dispatchers will be able to improve their job performance and more effectively contribute to the success of their companies.

The program is broken down into 6 key modules:

  1. The Dispatcher and the Service Organization
  2. Communication Skills for the Dispatcher
  3. Partnering with the Service Technician
  4. Servicing the Customer
  5. Managing the Service Manager
  6. Working with the Rest of the Team

Class size is limited and it fills up fast —  Make sure these crucial team members join MSCA for the Dispatchers Professional Development Training Program!

Know Your MCERF Board Members – Dave Davia

In each installment of this series, we will profile a member of the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation’s (MCERF) Board of Trustees. These volunteers represent the association’s contractor, service, and manufacturer/supplier members, as well as its local affiliates and academic advisers. They work behind the scenes providing resources to ensure MCAA’s success in meeting education and research challenges confronting its members.

 

Currently, Dave Davia serves as the EVP and CEO of both the Colorado Association of Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors and the Mechanical Service Contractors Association of Colorado serving approximately 200 members. He possesses a diverse and accomplished background in public and private organizations.

He is a passionate champion of children and families having served on multiple charitable non-profit organization boards ranging from those working with families of children fighting cancer and others promoting affordable housing for the disadvantaged.

“Serving on the MCERF Board is both an honor and an opportunity. Its devotion to improving our industry by identifying and funding initiatives to attract and retain the best talent and its willingness to confront historic issues that most believe could never be solved is what really excites me about being a Trustee!”

Dave is a 4th generation Coloradan, married to Kathleen who is herself an enterprising small business owner. Together, they are raising their son Rocco.

For more information about MCERF, contact Dennis Langley.

E.M. Duggan Named Contractor of the Year by CONTRACTOR Magazine

Congratulations to everyone at E.M. Duggan for being named CONTRACTOR magazine’s Mechanical Contractor of the Year! The company is a member of both MCAA and the New England MCA. Len Monfredo, the company’s executive vice president, said, “It is an extremely humbling, exciting and validating honor to receive such a prestigious award. It will and has always been or focus to create and maintain a family atmosphere, making sure that all of our employees feel valued and know that they are part of the Duggan family.”

Safety Excellence Award Application Deadline Extended to January 16, 2019

MCAA and long-time partner in safety CNA bring you the industry’s most prestigious safety awards, the MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards. Top awards are based on your company’s safety program’s success, and innovative safety initiatives. There are first place winners in each of five size categories. Each first place winner is presented with a plaque at MCAA’s Annual Convention.

To be eligible to receive one of these awards, please complete and submit the application to MCAA by close of business on January 16, 2019. If your company wins an award, someone from the company must be available to receive it at the annual Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 6, 2019 at MCAA19 in Phoenix, AZ.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Pete Chaney via email or call him at 301-990-2214.

Application

Discover the Latest from LAARS, Uponor and More 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:

LAARS, a Bradford White Company - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
LAARS, a Bradford White Company

Powerfully innovative, MagnaTherm® HTD commercial boilers and volume water heaters feature 20:1 turndown on ALL sizes. Combustion is tracked through all firing rates for unequaled efficiency optimization.

Learn More


 
Uponor, Inc. - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Uponor, Inc.
Uponor ProPEX® Engineered Polymer (EP) Opposing-port Tees – Ideal for use in hydronic heating and cooling riser applications, ProPEX EP opposing-port tees from Uponor reduce the number of required fittings by 75% and required connections by 60%.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

WiMI Made a Show at MCAA19

MCAA/MSCA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry had a strong presence at this year’s MCAA Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, March 3-7, 2019. Attendees added to their 2019 conference experience by testing out their swing at the Virtual Longest Drive Simulator, sponsored by WiMI. Two $500 gift cards were awarded daily to the top male and female scorers.

WiMI also sponsored two power-house woman speakers this year. BBC World News America’s lead anchor and co-author of The Confidence Code: The Science and Art of Self-Assurance—What Women Should Know and The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self, Katty Kay, emphasized the importance of confidence and how with it, we can take on the world! Yet when we show up without it; we don’t ask for raises, request that important meeting, or take risks. In the success equation, research shows that confidence is even more critical than competence. Katty answered questions about where confidence comes from, why women tend to have less of it than their talents deserve and what we can do to acquire more of it!

Amy Marks, an industry thought leader and agent for change, discussed how to recognize the roadblocks, identify real opportunities, and create transformational change within the construction industry and your own business. She hit on the real roadblocks to success in enabling prefabrication, off-site, and modern methods of construction. Attendees left the discussion with a knowledge of worldwide trends in prefabrication and off-site construction as well as best practices for envisioning, creating and optimization prefab readiness. Amy is the CEO of XSite Modular, a design build firm that also offers consulting in modern methods of construction. Her firm focuses on the use of off-site prefabrication and the incorporation of design for manufacturing and assembly principles into complex, technology-embedded buildings.

All women in the mechanical industry were invited to attend the WiMI Reception Monday afternoon. Many took advantage of this great opportunity to meet and network with other amazing women in the construction and service industry.

See below for the full list of WiMI sponsored activities at MCAA19!

  • Virtual Longest Drive Simulator
  • Katty Kay: The Confidence Code for Women and Girls
  • Amy Marks: Driving Innovation with Modern Methods of Construction
  • WiMI Reception

Explore the Latest from Carrier Corporation, Parker Hannifin and More 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:

Carrier Corporation - MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Carrier Corporation

Carrier’s RTUs with a factory-installed, run-tested Staged Air Volume (SAV) system are designed to increase efficiency and comfort, and meet or exceed the new 2018 DOE Mandatory Efficiency Standard.

Learn More


 Parker Hannifin - MCAA Virtual Trade ShowParker Hannifin
Transair® is the original aluminium pipe work system for industrial fluids and your best solution for Compressed Air, Inert Gas and Vacuum applications.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Construction Technology Report Shows Emerging Trends on R&D and Product Usage

The latest Construction Technology Report, released this week by JBKnowledge and sponsored by MCAA, revealed new trends for the industry. The survey goes in depth on spending, software use and processes that contractors are taking advantage of.

One notable trend identified involves R&D and having dedicated staff and direction to research new technology. The survey quotes one participant, “We’ve established a Chief Innovation Officer role who oversees R&D and quality.  We R&D new products, materials and technology using existing staff (vs. full-time), but we do have a process for identifying and assessing materials & tech.”

MCAA has also seen a rise in the R&D focused staff among its members with a new role emerging called a Construction Technologist, or ConTech for short. Sessions are planned to discuss this at both the upcoming Construction Technology Conference in January and the MCAA Annual Convention in March.

Need to Create a Lockout/Tagout Safety Program? This Model Program Makes it Easy!

Many construction owners, general contractors, and construction managers require affected companies to establish written lockout/tagout safety programs that minimize risk to their employees and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations. MCAA’s Model Lockout/Tagout Program can be quickly and easily tailored to create your program. It makes development and implementation of such a program as easy and cost-effective as possible.

In addition to this model program, MCAA offers lockout/tagout training materials to simplify worker training.

If you have any questions about this or any other safety resources, or about other occupational safety and health issues, please contact Pete Chaney.

Find the Latest from Mueller Industries, SIEMENS and More 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:


Mueller Industries, Inc. MCAA Virtual Trade Show
Mueller Industries, Inc.

Mueller Industries’ Streamline PRS press fittings are the trusted, quality solution to flameless copper joining.

Learn More


SIEMENS - MCAA Virtual Trade ShowSIEMENS
Siemens ZCU is pre-engineered and factory-fabricated to reduce installation costs. It includes the VAV box with all controls & hydronics preassembled & leak-tested as a complete package. Guaranteed leak-free operation & warranty.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

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

Visit the 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!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS