MSCA Connect DATELINE April 2017
Click and CONNECT with DATELINE, MSCA’s monthly newsletter! What you need to know to catch up on the latest news and information and all things – MSCA.
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MSCA Connect DATELINE March 2017
Click and CONNECT with DATELINE, MSCA’s monthly newsletter! What you need to know to catch up on the latest news and information and all things – MSCA.
MILWAUKEE TOOL Showcases Smart Solution on BuiltWorlds’ “All Hands on Tech”
On the most recent episode of the 
BuiltWorlds video series, All Hands on Tech, Steve Matson, MILWAUKEE TOOL’s Senior Product Manager, spoke about the capabilities of Bluetooth technology for tracking and handling tools. MILWAUKEE TOOL recently expanded their ONE KEY technology with the new TICK device that allows contractors to mount a construction-durable tracker to just about anything on the jobsite.
The TICK attaches to equipment by screws, zip-ties, epoxy or rivets. By placing them in discreet locations on heavy equipment like generators, gang boxes or ladders, the equipment’s location can be tracked within the company’s ONE KEY software.
The Bluetooth-based TICK is resistant to weather, water, dust and impact, making them ideal for a construction jobsite applications.
Now Access MSCA’s Plumbing Service 101 Webinars
If you missed the February and April Plumbing Service 101 webinars, no worries, you can now access the first and second modules of Plumbing Service 101 in both MSCA’s Resource Center and in Archived Webinars.
The first program module, Plumbing Service Business Basics, provides you with essential information on the value of adding plumbing services to your product offerings.
Plumbing Service Markets, the second module, will provide you with essential information on identifying and creating your specific niche market, growing your plumbing service client base and differentiating your company from your competitors.
Each module consists of a 60-minute webinar and corresponding workbook. Webinars and workbooks are free to MSCA/MCAA members.
L.J. Kruse Company Increases Profits and Reduces Errors with MobiliForms
By transitioning from paper forms to iPads using MobiliForms from iBusiness Technologies, L.J. Kruse Company saved time, increasing its billable hours. “We have dramatically reduced the time spent transporting and handling paperwork as well as eliminated mistakes,” said Nathan Kruse, vice president, L.J. Kruse Co. “MobiliForms has already paid for itself in time savings and eliminating errors.”
Interested in More Profit-Building Solutions?
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to see 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 features tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Participate in the 2017 Benchmarking Survey
At the 2017 MCAA Convention, MCAA announced a new partnership with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) to make benchmarking data relevant to mechanical contractors available to all MCAA members. We also introduced our newest publication: The 2016 Benchmarking Data for Mechanical Contractors (based on 2015 results). This publication, available free as a benefit of MCAA membership, provides members with data for comparing their business performance against industry averages for the mechanical contracting industry and featuring 20 key financial ratios with data segmented by region, revenue, form of business and best in class.
We are now moving into the next phase of our partnership with CFMA. As such, MCAA members are invited (and encouraged) to participate in the 2017 Benchmarking Survey (based on 2016 results). In addition to helping to collect additional relevant information making the survey even more meaningful to mechanical contractors, you will receive 3 reports analyzing your company’s financial information as a thank you for participating.
Completion is Easy
You only need to provide your financial data – and it should only take 30 minutes or less to input!
Why Should You Participate?
We need your company’s information to best deliver the data that details the industry!
PLUS, all participants will receive, free of charge:
- Your Company’s Performance Report – A $225 Value*
- TWO FREE Peer Group Comparison Reports – A $198 Value*
* Based on 2017 CFMA Non-Member Pricing
What’s Your Deadline for Participating?
All Financial Survey Online Questionnaires must be completed no later than May 12, 2017.
How Do You Participate?
It’s easy! After logging on to www.MCAAFinancialBenchmarker.com just click on the “Online Questionnaire” tab.
REMINDER: For security and privacy reasons, you are not able to automatically log on to the Benchmarker site with your MCAA user name and password. If you have not used the site before, you’ll just need to register as a new user (takes less than a minute!) and then you are ready to begin entering your information!
Is Your Data Kept Confidential?
All submitted data is held in strict confidence and is accessible solely by those authorized by CFMA. Only aggregate data is disclosed in the Financial Benchmarker Website. CFMA will have access only to respondents’ names and company names to verify participation.
What If You Have Questions?
Need assistance completing the questionnaire? Send an e-mail to cfmasurvey@cfma.org.
Everyone Benefits When You Hire a Student at the GreatFutures Forum
MCAA members who hire a student for an internship or a full-time position at MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum (September 28-30, Indianapolis, IN) will not only qualify for a $1,000 grant from the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF), but will also receive a $500 gift card. And, the student hired will receive a $500 gift card as well.
Even better, the Foundation has waived the two-grants per company limit for this event. Members may apply for as many grants as students hired.
We’re making it easy for you to find the right student(s) to fit your company’s needs. A Career Fair—the centerpiece of the Forum—will help you and the students match up their interest in our industry, energy, curiosity, technology savvy and problem-solving skills with your need for interns and/or full-time employees. You’ll get to know some of the brightest students from the best schools in the U.S. and Canada who are majoring in mechanical engineering, architectural engineering, construction management and other disciplines related to our industry.
Your company will have a booth where you can display its information and application forms and meet and greet over 100 future industry professionals. We’re also making available an interview area for the length of the conference where you can discuss future plans and opportunities with promising candidates.
The Career Fair is just the beginning of this exciting conference. Educational sessions—including the announcement of the 2017-2018 MCAA Student Chapter Competition—roundtable discussions, an evening at the NCAA Hall of Champions and the always challenging and fun annual mini competition will give you the chance to get to learn more about your company’s future employees.
More conference details will be coming soon, but for now mark your calendar and plan to be in Indianapolis for the best recruiting opportunity anywhere.
Questions? Contact Harlee Gallo.
Your Great Idea Worked for You…Why Not Others?
You found a way to overcome a challenge in the office, in the fab shop, on the project site or in dealing with customers and suppliers and it worked so well, your company’s bottom line benefited. If other companies are likely facing the same challenge, why not share the idea so that challenge becomes a thing of the past?
The E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation not only honors great ideas, but also publicizes them so all of industry may benefit. Whether it’s a more efficient approach to office operations or a device or procedure that eases the work flow in the shop or on a job, the idea may be worthy of one of MCAA’s most distinguished awards.
Nominations for the 2017 E. Robert Kent Award are due October 6, 2017. The innovation must be just that…unique. Commercial products, regardless of how new and innovative they may be, are not eligible. More information about the Award and the nomination form are available through the links below.
Please contact Ann Mattheis with questions.
MCAA’s ConsensusDOCS Discount Code Has Changed
We’re thrilled that so many of you are interested in ConsensusDOCS! When placing your order, be sure to use MCAA’s new Discount Code – MCAA100 – at checkout to receive the discounted MCAA member pricing.
Not familiar with ConsensusDOCS? The organization, of which MCAA is a participating member, publishes a comprehensive library of some 100 form documents drafted in a co-equal consensus process among the leading industry, owner, contractor and specialty contractor groups. Included are trend-setting contracting forms that address BIM and the newest forms of integrated project delivery.
T.H. Eifert Closes Over $400,000 in PM/Projects in First 12 Months with BuildingAdvice
Just one year after investing in the BuildingAdvice Energy Services Delivery platform, T.H. Eifert Mechanical Contractors has generated in excess of $400,000 in new preventive maintenance (PM) contracts and pull-through sales, providing a sizable, early return on investment. The energy assessment and tracking tools from BuildingAdvice help T.H. Eifert make a solid case for installing and maintaining energy-efficient products.
Searching for Other Cost-Saving Solutions?
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to see 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 features tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Workplace Distraction Injuries Are On the Rise – MCAA’s Workplace Distraction Resources Can Help Keep Workers Safe
Are you assertively addressing distracted driving and other workplace distractions with your supervisors, fitters, plumbers, service techs, and other affected workers? Traffic fatalities increased by 6% in 2016, and 27% of crashes involve drivers talking and/or texting on cell phones. MCAA has a worker safety training video on workplace distractions and six other workplace distractions safety resources to help you get the message to your supervisors and all affected workers. To access the resources, please visit the following links.
Workplace Distractions Safety Training Video
Workplace Distractions Safety Training Pocket Guide
Workplace Distractions Safety Training Documentation Sheet
Workplace Distractions Safety Training Test
Workplace Distractions Safety Training Test Answer Key
Distracted Driving Reduction and Prevention Guide
Distracted Driving Safety Bulletin
With History of Success, John E. Green Selects Aquatherm PP-R Piping for School Expansion
John E. Green Co. of Highland, MI, cut labor and installation time by using Aquatherm’s polypropylene-random (PP-R) pipe systems for a 2013 project at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy (U of D Jesuit). The project went so well that when U of D Jesuit and John E. Green teams reconvened in 2014 to plan the school’s new science building, no other piping options were considered.
Looking for Innovative Ways to Meet Your Clients’ Needs?
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to see 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 features tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
CNA Provides Tips for Mitigating Material Handling Risks on Construction Sites
Manual material handling is the largest single cause of lost workday injuries in construction. One out of every four work injuries happens because someone lifted, carried, pushed, or pulled something the wrong way or lifted beyond his or her capacity. Workers should be trained on proper and safe material handling techniques either manually or by using mechanical means. The use of correct handling techniques is one of the ways to help reduce injuries.
Want More Tips and Ideas?
You’ll find tips and ideas on ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity in the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website.
This area also features Smart Solutions Case Studies which spotlight mechanical contractors who found their win-win. In partnership with members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, these contractors found innovative ways to meet their clients’ needs by improving productivity, cutting costs and saving time on the job.
MCAA Resources Will Help You Prepare for Enforcement of OSHA’s Silica Rule
OSHA’s new rule to protect construction workers from overexposure to crystalline silica becomes enforceable on September 23, 2017. Under the right conditions, overexposure to silica can lead to silicosis and other health problems. To help its members protect their workers, MCAA provides the following resources:
- An MCAA Safety Bulletin that highlights key provisions and summarizes the rule;
- An MCAA Guide to Silica Safety;
- A silica safety training video and accompanying pocket guide, documentation sheet, test and test answer key; and
- A model silica exposure control plan.
All of these resources are available free to members as a benefit of membership. Access any of them individually using the direct links above, or click the button below to see all of them in the Resource Center. They’re free to members as a benefit of membership.
Discounted OSHA 10 & 30 Hour Courses Available Online as a Benefit of Membership
Online OSHA 10 & 30 hour construction safety standards courses, and the OSHA 10 hour general industry safety standards course (fabrication shops & mechanical service work) are available to MCAA and MSCA members at discounted 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 very few companies that are authorized by OSHA to provide these courses. The company has a great deal of experience presenting top-qualify safety training online. To take advantage of your 10% discounts, visit ClickSafety and use the MCAA VIP discount code: MCAA2017.
Parker Hannifin’s ZoomLock Braze-Free Fittings Allow Davis Mechanical to Fix Refrigerant Line Leak Fast
To repair a refrigerant leak in the computer room of an office tower tenant, Davis Mechanical Service, Inc. turned to Parker Hannifin Corporation’s ZoomLock™ Braze-Free Fittings, avoiding the need to use a torch or get a burn permit. As a result, Davis Mechanical completed the whole repair in less than an hour and with minimal disruption to the client.
Curious About Other “Smart Solutions”?
Check out the latest Smart Solutions Case Studies which spotlight mechanical contractors who found their win-win. In partnership with members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, these contractors found innovative ways to meet their clients’ needs by improving productivity, cutting costs and saving time on the job.
This section of our website also features tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Update Your HR Policies with MCAA’s New Guide
Have your human resources policies kept pace with change? If they don’t address electronic communications and social media, cell phones and other technology-centric issues, MCAA’s Guide to Human Resources Policies can help fill the gap. The guide, which reflects current trends and law, provides examples of human resources policies and guidelines. These provide a starting point from which you can customize the guide to meet your company’s needs.
Apartment Complex Boosts Energy Efficiency by 20 Percent with Daikin Chillers
Owners of a Washington, DC, apartment complex undergoing renovation selected Daikin products for their reliability and energy-saving potential. The choice not only improved comfort and energy efficiency in the buildings but also netted a $62,000 rebate from the local electric utility, enhancing the owners’ return on investment.
Interested in Other “Smart Solutions”?
Check out the latest Smart Solutions Case Studies which spotlight mechanical contractors who found their win-win. In partnership with members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, these contractors found innovative ways to meet their clients’ needs by improving productivity, cutting costs and saving time on the job.
This section of our website also features tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Ken Marino Makes Personal Contribution to MCERF
Kenneth (“Ken”) R. Marino, 
Secretary/Treasurer of Wayne Crouse, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has personally contributed an additional $2,500 to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF), which brings his personal total to $13,500. Ken was a two-term member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, serving from 2011 through the 2017 MCAA convention.
Marino says he’s proudest of the shift the Foundation made to promote and fund activities that directly create and support student chapters, fund internships, and help show faculty how to teach mechanical-related curriculum. “I am proud of my service with the MCERF Board of Trustees, and I am even prouder of how hard I know we strive to improve our industry’s ability to create and hire great young talent.”
MCERF President Mark Rogers extended his heart-felt thanks to Ken for both his past service to the Foundation and for his willingness to back up his convictions with financial support.
To learn more about MCERF or to make a contribution, contact Dennis Langley.
New in the Virtual Trade Show
Sloan Valve Company
Add the Finishing Touch to Your Project – Sloan’s special finishes or custom engravings can elevate your restroom design.
Zurn Industries, LLC
Saving time and money every step of the way, Zurn guides contractors through the building construction lifecycle to achieve the lowest cost of ownership.
Looking for More Like This?
Head to MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show! This area of mcaa.org connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council, because who doesn’t need the best strategic supply chain to enhance your productivity and profitability!
The companies participating in our Virtual Trade Show highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest to our contractor members. Each listing includes a write-up on the company and contact information.
In the “What’s New” section, we’ve highlighted the newest additions. We know you already love the exhibits at the MCAA Convention, MSCA’s Educational Conference, the Safety Directors’ Conference and our Construction Technology Conference. Now in addition you can catch the latest products and other offerings all year long!