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MCAA Mourns Passing of Past President Sam Shuman

06e04437-37f4-4824-b84a-9272f0baee45Samuel A. Shuman of Speer Mechanical (Columbus, OH) and MCAA Past President passed away on April 12. He was 89. Shuman, a graduate of Penn State University, joined Speer Mechanical in 1957 and built it into one of the leading mechanical contracting businesses in Ohio.

He was active locally in the MCA of Central Ohio, serving as its president, a member of its Board of Directors and on several committees.

He was also active for many years in the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, serving on the Board as Past President and was a Cornerstone Award recipient.

He served as a member of MCAA’s national Board of Directors and on several committees, becoming national MCAA president in 1992.

Funeral services were held April 18 at the Overbrook Presbyterian Church in Columbus.

Obituary

MCAA Releases Safety Bulletin on OSHA’s New Silica Standard

MCAA’s new safety bulletin on OSHA’s new silica rule is now available. The bulletin describes the key compliance requirements and also summarizes the entire standard, which was published in the Federal Register on March 25.
The new standard becomes effective on June 23, but does not become enforceable in the construction industry until June 23, 2017.
The new standard:
  • Reduces the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) by 80% from 250 ug/m3 to 50 ug/m3;
  • Establishes an Action Level (AL) of 25 ug/m3;
  • Requires affected employers to use engineering controls to limit exposures;
  • Requires respiratory protection when engineering controls are ineffective;
  • Requires affected employers to develop written exposure control plans;
  • Requires affected employers to train affected workers on the risks associated with silica and how they can limit their exposures; and
  • Requires affected employers to provide medical exams to highly exposed workers.
To learn more, members may access the Safety Bulletin by clicking on the link below.

MCERF Thanks Its 2016 Contributors to Date

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) thanks its generous contributors who have given to the Foundation this year.

The Foundation acknowledges each contributor individually in this and other MCAA media, but the outpouring of supporters so far this year has been awesome. Therefore, we want to acknowledge all those who have financially supported the Foundation this year.

Thank you — your support is noted, valued, and vital to the work of our Foundation!

  • Anvil International
  • Armistead Mechanical, Inc.
  • Benicia Plumbing
  • CFI Mechanical, Inc.
  • Cleveland Plumbing Contractors
  • Coleman Spohn Corporation
  • CPMCA
  • Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois MCA
  • Ferguson
  • Foley Company
  • Gunthorpe Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
  • Hermanson Company
  • Icon Mechanical
  • Kinetics
  • William F. Lynch Company
  • Kenneth R. Marino
  • MCA of Akron
  • MCA of Central Ohio
  • MCA of Cleveland
  • MCA of Detroit
  • MCA of Eastern Missouri
  • MCA of Greater Springfield, Missouri
  • MCA of Indiana
  • MCA of Iowa
  • MCA of North Central Wisconsin
  • MCA of Rockford
  • MCA of Western Washington
  • MCA of Wisconsin
  • Mid-Atlantic MCA
  • Mid-Michigan MCA
  • Nooter Construction Company
  • North Mechanical Contracting, Inc.
  • Northern California MCA
  • Frank Schaetzke
  • Smith & Oby Company
  • Weldbend Corporation
  • West Chester Mechanical Contractors
  • West Michigan MCA
  • Western New York Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors

Find out more about MCERF’s educational and research activities that inspired so many generous contributions by visiting the Foundation’s website and then consider making a donation.

Donate to MCERF

Revisit MCAA 2016 — Photos and Recap Video Still Available

2d12d736-ab36-4730-8cd0-c190dcaddaf6The memories of MCAA’s best convention ever are now available on our photo site, mcaa.smugmug.com. You can view, download and share photos from special events or special moments with family and friends…for free as an MCAA membership benefit.

To access the photos, go to the link below, click on the MCAA 2016 folder and then choose the gallery you would like to view (there’s one for each day of MCAA 2016).

Scroll through the “thumbnail” photos until you see the photo you want and then click on it. Look for an icon on the lower far right, just under your desired photo, to download. It’s a downward area above a horizontal bar.

A recap of all MCAA 2016 events is coming next week on YouTube.

Download Your Photos

Watch the Recap Video by Builtworlds

MCAA’s Construction Technology Webinar on 3D Scanning

James Benham, who led several sessions on new and emerging construction technologies and cyber security at MCAA 2016,  presented his research findings in the first of a multi-part webinar series on construction technology on April 7, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time during MCAA’s Construction Technology Webinar.

The report, which is now available, provides a comparative analysis of 3D scanning technology. In 2016, MCAA partnered with JBK Labs to release this research.

Each part of the series evaluates and compares the benefits of specific products and software that contractors can apply in their operations.

James Benham, founder of JB Knowledge and its research wing, JBK Labs,  discusses the results of the first part of the study series on 3D Scanning Technology during this webinar. He explores and compares the differences in 3D scanning products, software and processes, also providing a glimpse of 3D scanning solutions that are still emerging.

If you missed the webinar, view our archived version here.

Download the report.

MCAA’s 3D Scanning Report Available

If you’ve been thinking about adding a 3D scanning system to your operations, be sure to check out MCAA’s report, 3D Scanning Technology – A Comparative Analysis.

The MCAA report is the first in a series of research on construction technologies that are now in use and becoming available in the near future. The report assesses various laser, non-laser scanning and photogrammetric hardware and software tools that mechanical contractors are using to map out projects.

Developed by JBKLabs, the research and development team of JBKnowledge, Inc., the report is free as a benefit of MCAA membership.

Download the report.

BP Mechanical Corporation Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $500 contribution from BP Mechanical (Glendale, N.Y.), winner of the 2015 E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation. And, BP designated half its contribution for MCERF Scholarships.

The MCERF Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the contribution which enables the Foundation to continue its education and research programs, especially the scholarship support, that help our industry advance. Find out more about MCERF and its programs by clicking on the link below.

Learn More

Set-Up Your Service Supervisors for Success

MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors program (April 28-29 – Brookfield, WI) will help supervisors understand how to coach, mentor, manage, and motivate their technicians.

Each attendee will receive a comprehensive manual containing more than 100 forms and worksheets to use for day-to-day responsibilities in areas such as safety, operations, training, tools, and vehicles.

Sorry, this event is over, but it will be repeated so check the calendar!

Tom Stone Becomes New MCAA President as MCAA 2016 Closes

Tom Stone of Braconier Plumbing & Heating Company, Inc. (Englewood, CO) became MCAA’s new president at the closing session of MCAA 2016.

Outgoing President Steve Dawson delivered farewell remarks after presenting plaques of appreciation to retiring Board of Directors members Chuck Fell, Jim Allen, Andy Kruse, Greg Lewis, and Dick Starr.

Robert J. Durr, Jr. of Durr Mechanical Construction, Inc. (New York, N.Y.) became the newest member of the Executive Committee, where he will serve as vice president/assistant treasurer.

Joining MCAA’s Board of Directors are Troy Aichele of Hermanson Company (Kent, WA), Michael Gallagher of The John F. Gallagher Company (Eastlake, OH), Patrick Lynch of CCI Mechanical (Layton, UT), Curtis Harbour of the Brandt Companies (Houston, TX) and Bill Tavenner of Ferguson (Newport News, VA).

United Association General President Bill Hite updated attendees on the latest developments concerning workforce training, market recovery efforts, and apprentice recruiting programs.

Rounding out the program was Navy SEAL Robert O’Neill, one of America’s most highly-decorated combat veterans of all time. He shared some of his harrowing experiences involved in Navy SEAL training, combat missions and the important lessons he learned about achieving success—be prepared to fight, perform under fire, trust your people and never quit. President Stone ended the program by inviting all to attend MCAA 2017 at the San Diego Marriott Marquis, March 5-9, 2017. See you there!

Annual Awards Breakfast Spotlights Exceptional Students

Outstanding MCAA student chapters, an educator and students’ achievements were celebrated at the Annual Awards Breakfast on March 23.

MCERF President Mark Rogers presented scholarship checks to Timothy Drake of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the Foster J. McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship ($2,500); Leah Hendricks of the Milwaukee School of Engineering for the William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship ($5,000); Andrew Palcan, also of MSOE, for The Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship ($5,000); and Kevin McIntyre, also of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship ($2,500).

Career Development Committee Chairman Troy Aichele awarded trophies and cash prizes to the finalists of this year’s Student Chapter Competition: first prize and $10,000 went to Student Chapter for Mechanical/Electrical Specialty Contracting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the $5,000 prize for second place went to the Rocky Mountain Chapter of MCAA at Colorado State University.

The University of NebraskaLincoln chapter was also honored as the 2015 Student Chapter of the Year, and Prof. Blake Wentz of the Milwaukee School of Engineering was honored as the 2015 Educator of the Year.

MCAA Honored Achievement, Welcomed Entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal

The Annual Awards Breakfast on March 23, 2016 honored members’ sports achievements, exceptional safety performance, innovation and generous contributions to MCERF.

Following the announcement of the winners of the golf tournament, tennis tournament, and Fun Run/Walk, MCAA President Steve Dawson announced the winners of the 2015 MCAA-CNA Safety Excellence Awards:

  • Southwest Town Mechanical (Orland Park, IL) (Category I);
  • Auburn Mechanical (Auburn, WA) (Category II);
  • Hooper Corporation (Madison, WI) (Category III);
  • Hermanson Company LLP (Kent, WA) (Category IV); and
  • McKenney’s, Inc. (Category V).

And, the winner of the 2015 E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation is The BP Group (Glendale, N.Y.) for PIPES (Process Information Portal Enabling Success). President Dawson and Management Methods Committee Chairman Dennis Shuman presented the award to COO/CEO and company founder John Losey and Principle Robert Barbera.

Mark Rogers, president of the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF), recognized the MCA of Chicago for its contributions to MCERF, which exceeded $500,000, earning the association Founder status.

Legendary NBA star and entrepreneur Dr. Shaquille O’Neal rounded out the program with stories from his experiences in the limelight and lessons learned from his parents and coaches that contributed to his many achievements. There’s so much more…

MCA of Houston Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) has received a $5,000 donation from the MCA of Houston, raising its total contribution to $102,500.

The Board of Trustees greatly appreciates the contribution which helps fund MCERF’s education and research activities that keep our industry growing and thriving. Find out more about MCERF activities by clicking on the link below and then consider making a donation.

Learn More

Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation has received a $2,500 contribution from Great Lakes Plumbing & Heating (Chicago, IL).

The Foundation Board of Trustees greatly appreciates this support which helps ensure the continuation of our education and research programs. Learn more about how MCERF is helping our industry grow and thrive by clicking on the button below.

Learn More

Department of Labor Releases Proposed Rules on Paid Sick Leave

The Department of Labor (DoL) has released proposed rules on Executive Order 13706 requiring direct federal contractors, prime contractors and subcontractors to provide accrued paid sick leave for workers on federal contracts at the rate of one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked, with no caps below 56 hours per year permitted. The leave carries over from year to year.

MCAA led a coalition of members and the representatives of the Construction Employers of America (NECA, TAUC, SMACNA, FCA International, and ICE-BAC) in commenting to DoL during a Listening Session last December. Follow-up written comments were submitted to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Analysis, which analyzed the Executive Order in hopes of gaining an exemption for workers covered by a construction collective bargaining agreement. OMB/OIRA granted MCAA’s request for a meeting to discuss the joint MCAA/CEA position on February 11. The proposed regulations were released two weeks later, with only a few elements reflective of the coalition’s position. At the February 11 meeting, the DoL and OMB regulators noted several areas of interest in the coalition position, and urged the group to comment to that effect in the comment period. MCAA and the coalition will be submitting further comments before the comment period ends on March 28, based on the written positions described above and other elements in the regulatory proposal. Interested members can use the written material at the links below to file their own comments. Go to the link below to access the EO13706 Paid Sick Leave proposal. Also, the MCAA/CEA written comments may be useful for state and local coalition efforts to address paid sick leave proposals that are coming up frequently in state and local legislative proposals across the country. In many of those instances, local construction coalitions have been successful in gaining an exemption from the paid sick leave requirements for construction workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.

MCAA/CEA Written Comments

MCAA/CEA Oral Statement

Paid Sick Leave Regulatory Proposal

Tom Brady on Peyton Manning

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“Congratulations Peyton, on an incredible career. You changed the game forever and made everyone around you better.”

MCAA 2016 will celebrate the fact that, together, we have made MCAA better than ever. Can you think of a more appropriate speaker at our Opening Session (just two weeks from today) other than Peyton Manning? We can’t.

See you in Orlando! We guarantee an awesome convention!

Build a Stronger Team

Growing_Developing_Service_SupervisorsMSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors program (April 28-29, Brookfield, WI) will help supervisors understand how to coach, mentor, manage, and motivate their technicians. Each attendee will receive a comprehensive manual containing more than 100 forms and worksheets to use for day-to-day responsibilities in areas such as safety, operations, training, tools, and vehicles. Sign-up for this program at the link below.

Register

Piping & Service Industry Coalition of Western New York Contributes to MCERF

The Piping & Service Coalition, a Western New York partnership of more than 50 contractors and nearly 1,000 highly-skilled union craftspeople represented by Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union No. 22, has made a $25,000 pledge to the Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF), a first-ever labor-management contribution.

The pledge will be paid in five $5,000 installments over the next five years, the first installment was presented earlier this month.

Robert Beck, president of John W. Danforth Company (Tonawanda, NY), and a proud member of the coalition, told MCERF “…the mission of the P&SIC is the promotion, advancement and education and training of the piping and service industry.” He noted that the coalition saw common values between themselves and MCERF in their mutual commitment to member education, which is what convinced them to make their pledge.

MCERF President Mark Rogers and the Board of Trustees expressed their deep appreciation for the generous support and the coalition’s commitment to education. Find out more about MCERF programs and how they benefit our industry by clicking on the link below.

Information and Donate