Archives: News Items

Want Your Field Leaders to Become Business and Results-Oriented Managers? This Conference is for Them!

Read why Keith Atteberry, President/CEO of Marelich Mechanical, a large contractor in California, finds the MCAA training a must for his employees.

“Being a mechanical contractor in today’s market is as challenging as it has ever been. Technology and innovation are evolving at a rapid pace and it is imperative that we make every effort to assure all of our people are trained and educated to keep pace. This particularly holds true for our field personnel who are on the front lines daily.

As a large mechanical contractor, we provide a high level of training for our people on a consistent basis, but we are constantly looking for a program that helps take that training to another level. The MCAA Field Leaders Conference fits that need perfectly.

Not only does this program provide the highest level of education and training for our field personnel, it also allows them to interact with their peers throughout the country. This interaction is invaluable and stimulates our people with new ideas and energy. Besides providing everyone with great training, they come back highly motivated to take what they have learned and push it down throughout the organization. It is truly remarkable.

I cannot recommend this course enough and, if you want to take your team, and your company to the next level, make sure you take advantage of this course. We have sent a significant number of people to previous sessions and will continue to do so as long as they are offered.

Don’t miss out. Get your people signed up today!”

Learn more about the September 12 – September 14, 2018
Houston conference and register your team today!

Need an Electrical Safety in the Workplace Program to Comply with NFPA 70E – 2018? This Model Program is for You!

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently revised its standard for electrical safety in the workplace. NFPA 70E – 2018 requires affected employers to establish a written program for electrical safety in the workplace. MCAA’s Model Electrical Safety in the Workplace Program can be quickly and easily tailored to meet your company’s specific electrical safety applications.

This updated model program and all MCAA/MSCA safety resources are free to members as one of many benefits of membership.

If you have any questions about this publication, or NFPA 70E – 2018, please contact Pete Chaney at pchaney@mcaa.org or 301-990-2214.

Discover the Latest from Sloan Valve Company, ServiceTrade 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.

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ServiceTrade
ServiceTrade is customer service, sales, and service management software for mechanical service companies.

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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

Braconier Reins in Costs with Viega Products

Faced with the possibility of losing money on a building expansion project, Braconier Mechanical and Plumbing found that using Viega products was an easy way to trim costs. The ease of installation with the Viega press approach cut installation time dramatically, bringing costs back under control. In addition, Viega turned out to be a better choice for a job where the original specs called for threading pipe.

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

Check Out MCAA’s New Model Lockout/Tagout Program for Electrical Safety (Based on NFPA 70E-2018)

Introducing MCAA’s newest safety resource… Model Lockout/Tagout Program for Electrical Safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently revised its standard for electrical safety in the workplace. The most current version of the standard is NFPA 70E – 2018. This version imposes a new requirement concerning lockout/tagout of electrical energy sources. Affected employers must now establish a written lockout/tagout program specifically for electrical safety. The new requirement is independent of the long-standing NFPA 70E requirement for a written electrical safety program.

The program is available electronically, and it can be quickly and easily tailored to meet your company’s specific applications. The new model program and all MCAA/MSCA safety resources are free to members as one of many benefits of membership. If you have any questions about this publication, or NFPA 70E – 2018, please contact Pete Chaney at pchaney@mcaa.org or 301-990-2214.

Find the Latest from Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc., 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:

Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc.
The ENDURADRIVE™ Fan System Retrofit Kit is a direct drive motor system that provides 100% reliability on transmission components and a 90% reduction in maintenance costs, all while providing an increase in energy savings by 10%.

Learn More

Parker 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

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

Report Points to Resilience in Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension System

The construction industry’s multiemployer defined benefit pension system is showing signs of resilience, according to the recently revised Inventory of Construction Industry Pension Plans, MCAA and Horizon Actuarial Services’ groundbreaking analysis of historical trends in pension plans’ key operating data. Roughly 75% of all construction industry multiemployer plans are projected to be fully funded within 15 years according to the inventory, which is based on the annual reports (Form 5500) filed with the Labor and Treasury Departments for Plan Years 2006 through 2015.

Horizon Actuarial’s Cary Franklin, principal author of the report, notes that “plan resilience is the hallmark of the jointly sponsored construction industry plans,” which represent some 55% of all multiemployer plans nationally. Franklin also noted that the new data shows improved median plan funding status, reaching 82% in 2015, and modest growth in active participants in construction plans in years after 2011, all “modestly positive trends.”

“The 10-year data trends reflect the sound work plan trustees and bargaining parties continue to do to make sure the plan participants have good, hard-earned lifetime benefits they can rely on,” Franklin said, concluding that “labor and management plan trustees would benefit further if Congress would enact new options for plans to consider to help keep the system sustainable on a long-term basis.”

MCAA President Mike Brandt noted that, “Cary Franklin and his associates at Horizon have done a remarkable job – again – in producing this one-of-a-kind MCAA industry service and analysis, which is designed to help labor and management trustees benchmark their plan performance, help MCAA employers meet their year-end accounting disclosure requirements, and just as importantly – to guide national policy makers in enacting sound public policy decisions to allow plan trustees new options to improve the sustainability of the plans for the benefit of both employees and their families and their employers.”

“While the Fifth Edition of the Inventory shows some signs of steady improvement given the market rebounds since the 2008 Great Recession,” Brandt said, he cautioned that “there still is much underlying data in the Inventory underscoring the imperative need for deliberate legislative action – enacting the GROW Act H.R. 4997 – to give plan trustees more options and flexibility to keep these valuable benefits on a stronger and sustainable basis going into the indefinite future.”

For MCAA Construction Safety Week Lasts All Year

Construction Safety Week is an annual industry wide-education and awareness event. The Mission of Safety Week is to, “collectively raise the awareness of the construction industry’s continuing commitment to eliminating worker injury, and to clearly communicate its dedication to a shared culture of care and concern and the belief that every week must be Safety Week.” Construction Safety Week will be officially recognized this year May 7-11. MCAA encourages you to provide your workers all year long with education and awareness on several leading causes of injuries in the mechanical construction industry, and the best ways to prevent them. Suggested topics for 2018 are, manual handling of materials, falls from ladders, falls from other elevations, electrical hazards, and workplace distractions. Mechanical construction-specific safety resources are available to all MCAA members for free as a benefit of membership. The MCAA safety resources that address these suggested topics are accessible below.

Manual Handling of Materials

Musculoskeletal Wellness Video

Accompanying Pocket Guide

20-Question Multiple Choice Test

Test Answer Key

Falls from Ladders

Ladder Safety Video

Accompanying Pocket Guide

20-Question Multiple Choice Test

Test Answer Key

Falls from Elevations

Fall Prevention and Protection Video

Accompanying Pocket Guide

20-Question Multiple Choice Test

Test Answer Key

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Safety Video (Mechanical Construction)

Accompanying Pocket Guide

20-Question Multiple Choice Test

Test Answer Key

Workplace Distractions

Workplace Distractions Video

Accompanying Pocket Guide

20-Question Multiple Choice Test

Test Answer Key

Distracted Driving Prevention Guide

Iowa State Wins Student Chapter of the Year at MCAA18

The Career Development Committee chose the Student Chapter at Iowa State University as its Student Chapter of the Year. The chapter was selected based on how well it promotes an understanding of the mechanical industry and the career opportunities we offer. In addition to a trophy, Student Chapter representatives Brittany Gronewold, Riley McLaren, Stephanie Shah, and Paige Taylor accepted a $3,000 check.

Brad Perkins Named Educator of the Year at MCAA18

This year’s Educator of the Year award went to Brad Perkins of Iowa State University. The award, which included a check for $5,000, honored his mentoring ability, industry knowledge and involvement, as well as his active participation in MCAA’s Student Chapter program activities.

MCAA Welcomed Four New Student Chapters at MCAA18

Four new student chapters received their charters during MCAA18, bringing the total number of student chapters to 57. Jon Finch, Chair of MCAA’s Career Development Committee, was on hand to present the charters to the Robert Morris University Chapter of the MCAA, Indiana State University Student Chapter of the MCAA, MCAA Student Chapter at Auburn University, and CPMCA Student Chapter at the University of Southern California.

Robert Morris Charter MCAA18

The Robert Morris University Chapter of the MCAA charter was accepted by Dr. Tony Kerzmann, Associate Professor at Robert Morris University, and Rege Claus, Executive Director of the MCA of Western Pennsylvania, the chapter’s sponsor.

Indiana State Student Chapter Charter MCAA18

The charter for the Indiana State University Student Chapter of the MCAA was accepted by Student Chapter President Brenden Cox, Faculty Advisor Daniel Bawinkel, and John Rayburn, Executive Vice President of the MCA of Indiana, the chapter’s sponsor.

Auburn University Charter MCAA18

The MCAA Student Chapter at Auburn University charter was accepted by students Eric Brazell, Randall Porterfield, and Chase Lowden, along with Faculty Advisor Keith Rahn and MCA of Georgia representatives Ken Harbour (MCAA Board Member) and Gary Fowler. The MCA of Georgia sponsors the chapter.

CPMCA Student Chapter Charter MCAA18

The charter for the CPMCA Student Chapter at the University of Southern California was accepted by Student Chapter President Steve Yemeli, Vice President Felipe Hernandez, students Alexander Huerta, Alfredo Leal, Julia Lind, Kathy Deng, Nicole Wong, Professor Henry Koffman, and CPMCA representatives Harry Bederian and Chip Martin. CPMCA is the chapter’s sponsor.

Women in the Mechanical Industry Presented Inaugural Scholarships at MCAA18

Anna Rowe, a junior from the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Sarah Drummey, a senior from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, each received a $5,000 Women in the Mechanical Industry scholarship. The scholarships, which were presented by Women in the Mechanical Industry Co-Chair Jaimi Lomas, who is also Chair of MSCA, recognize the students’ exceptional scholastic achievement and leadership skills. Women in the Mechanical Industry is a new forum to further enrich the careers of women in the industry through networking, educational, mentoring and career development opportunities beyond those already offered through membership in MCAA and MSCA.

MCERF Presented Scholarships at MCAA18

MCERF announced the recipients of four MCERF Scholarships created to honor the industry leaders they are named after. The students receiving these scholarships were selected by our Career Development Committee for their exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry, work ethic and technical abilities.

McCarl Scholarship MCAA18

Jared Kirkland, a senior at Kansas State University, took home the Foster J. McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship. Shawn McCarl of S.P. McCarl & Company, the scholarship sponsor, presented the check for $2,500.

Bianco Scholarship MCAA18

Ben Pikus, a senior at Kent State University, took home The William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship sponsored by Kinetics. Kinetics Executive Vice President Global Operations Michael Cables, an MCAA past president, was on hand to present the $5,000 check.

Reilly Scholarship MCAA18

Zachary Queen, a junior at Kansas State University, received The Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship. Robert Beck and Nick Optis of John W. Danforth Company, the scholarship’s sponsor, presented the check for $5,000.

O'Shea Scholarship MCAA18

Ruth Edgar and Nate Snyder, both juniors at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, took home The Alan O’Shea Memorial Scholarship, marking the first time two scholarships were awarded. Kevin Armistead and Marty Drobny, representing MCA of New Jersey, the scholarship’s sponsor, were on hand to present the $2,500 checks.

MCERF Inducted Sloan Valve into its Partnership Enterprise at MCAA18

MCERF inducted Sloan Valve Company as a Partnership Enterprise member of the Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation. The Partnership Enterprise consists of those who have contributed over $100,000 to the foundation. In recognition of their very generous investment in MCERF, Sloan received a crystal commemorative plate. Parthiv Amin, Chief of Sales and Marketing Officer for Sloan accepted the honor on behalf of company President and CEO Jim Allen.

New Local Affiliate Welcomed at MCAA18

MCAA presented a charter to its 86th local affiliated association at MCAA18. The charter for the Association of Contracting Plumbers of the City of New York was accepted by ACP President Reed Rickman, Member Salih Alti, and Executive V.P. Terry O’Brien.

CFI Mechanical, Carrier Work Together to Keep School on Schedule

Close coordination with Carrier on a “just-in-time” delivery schedule is helping CFI Mechanical keep a Houston school renovation project on track while saving the contractor installation time and costs. By using Carrier HVAC systems, CFI mechanical is also meeting the school’s energy-efficiency goals.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

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

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

New Report Looks at How MCAA Members Use Technology

The MCAA-sponsored 2017 Construction Technology Report by JBKnowledge took an in-depth look at how the construction industry utilizes technology, software and IT. This week, MCAA released an “MCAA Focused” Report that analyzed the responses of MCAA and MSCA members. It looked at how MCAA members use and estimate BIM costs, track productivity, and emerging tech tools.

Part of the report focused on how MCAA members compare to the rest of the construction industry. It showed that MCAA members have a greater adoption of BIM and have higher use rates for BIM with especially with coordination and fabrication.

The MCAA focused report also explored how MCAA members are tracking BIM hours and estimating their costs. It found that far too many contractors do not track their BIM hours per project and as a result cannot use those hours to estimate the amount of time needed to perform BIM on a project.

The report also looked at emerging trends that contractors are currently testing. While the industry at large favors drones by a wide margin, MCAA members are far ahead of the industry on fabrication and modularization.

MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Award Winners

MCAA president Greg Fuller, and CNA construction segment director Mark Wilke presented five MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards at MCAA18 in San Antonio. The awards were presented at the March 28 Awards of Excellence Breakfast in front of 1,100 attendees. The awards were presented to:

Southwest Town Mechanical – Size Category 1 – Up to 100,000 Work Hours;

Xcel Mechanical Systems – Size Category 2 – 100,001 to 250,000 Work Hours;

University Mechanical Contractors – Size Category 3 – 250,001 to 400,000 Work Hours;

Winger Contracting Company – Size Category 4 – 400,001 to 1 Million Work Hours; and

The Hill Group – Size Category 5 – More Than 1 Million Work Hours.

Warmest congratulations from MCAA to all the safety award winners.

Need to Keep Your Workers Safe Around Heavy Equipment? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Heavy Equipment Safety Training Video reminds your workers that awareness is key to accident prevention when they are working around heavy equipment.

The video stresses the importance of:

Being aware at all times
Listening for backup alarms
Knowing what heavy equipment is operating nearby
Making sure equipment operators know where they are
Avoiding positioning themselves in any danger zones
Looking out for their coworkers

Download or play the video in English

Download or play the video in Spanish

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Want More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Discover the Latest from Viega, FastEST 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:

Viega
Time-consuming piping system repairs can lead to longer downtimes and lost revenue. A Viega MegaPress® Stainless fitting can be installed in 7 seconds or less, to get production back online quickly.