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Happy New Year to Our MCAA Family

We hope that you enjoyed the holidays with your families. Together, we made it through 2022 and the challenges it presented. As we jump into 2023, let’s look at all we accomplished together in 2022.

Together we:

Hosted the first in-person Safety Directors’ Conference in two years thanks to the Safety & Health Committee and our conference sponsors, CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL.

Collaborated and shared experiences with the latest technologies at the annual MEP Innovation Conference with our Innovative Technologies Committee, our partners at NECA and SMACNA, our title sponsor, Trimble, and our event sponsors: Procore and MILWAUKEE TOOL.

Congratulated the first-ever MEP Innovator of the Year Award winners, including Jeff Elwell, Director of Innovation and Technology at E.M. Duggan Company in Boston, MA.

Partnered with CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Work Group on Preventing Struck-By Injuries to research factors that contribute to struck-by incidents and ways to prevent them.

Released NCPWB Technical Bulletins covering pipe welding basics, how to meet ASME Section IX requirements, what welders are allowed to weld in production based on the test conditions and how to protect workers from welding fumes thanks to NCPWB Consultant Walter Sperko, P.E. and the NCPWB leadership.

Welcomed the Greater Boston PCA as our 92nd local affiliate and Executive Director Andrew DeAngelo and President John Marani to the MCAA family.

Provided guidance to help businesses prepare for possible cyber attacks from Nick Espinosa, MCAA’s Chief Security expert.

Refreshed the Advanced Leadership Institute (ALI) curriculum to dynamically respond to the ever-changing challenges facing today’s mechanical industry leaders in partnership with the ALI Committee and the faculty and instructional designers from our new partners at Kenan-Flagler School of Business, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Congratulated the 36 graduates of ALI Class 22.

Introduced two new John R. Gentille Foundation scholarships at the MCAA22 Convention: the Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship, in honor of our beloved and recently retired MCA of Cleveland exec, Tom Wanner, and the DeWalt Patriot Scholarship recognizing veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career in the trades.

Donated $93,750 to Ukranian relief efforts through a combination of $68,750 in member contributions to The MCAA Charitable Fund and MCAA’s $25,000 donation. All donations support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is actively saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence in Ukraine.

Provided comments supporting the proposed modernization of Davis Bacon and related acts thanks to MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney and the members of the task force that reviewed and analyzed the 105-page regulatory proposal: Chuck Daniel, MCA of Maryland; Chip Mitchell, KDB, LLC.; Carl Neimeyer, Bernward Mechanical & Construction Solutions; Jason Rogers, J.C. Cannistraro, LLC; Bill Schatzman, Modern Controls, Inc.; Adam Snavely, EMCOR Services Poole and Kent Corporation; and Charlie Usher, Ideal Heating Company.

Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC), confirming the long-standing partnership and collaboration between the two associations.

Provided information to help members prepare for the new ANSI fall protection standard for retractables that will go into effect on February 1, 2023.

Joined forces with NECA and SMACNA to create an even more robust Tool and Equipment Rental Guide to equipment recovery costs for mechanical, electrical, line and other construction contractors with help from EquipmentWatch, the industry leader in equipment data.

Welcomed new staff members Noreen Cournoyer, Carlos Arias and Vincent Sarubbi Jr. They and the entire MCAA staff are here to help you.

Partnered with industry leaders to bring you daily trainings and education events across the country during National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Thank you to MILWAUKEE TOOL, TYFOOM, Little Giant Ladders, CLICKSAFETY and CNA.

Presented a Clean Energy: Geothermal Energy Exchange Webinar to educate members about the next evolution of infrastructure thanks to MCAA President Robert M. Bolton and subject matter expert on geothermal HVACR technologies, Jay Egg.

Partnered with The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) to investigate how third-party pre-qualification requirements affect members’ businesses. An article in The Constructor User reports the findings.

Hosted another successful AEC Best Practices Conference for our association executives on best practices to help their local associations succeed. Thanks to the Association Executives Council for your leadership, and to all the execs who shared ideas and experiences.

Produced a digital version of MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide that enhances the look and feel of our printed directory.

Presented the second annual Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference thanks to the leadership of the WiMI Committee members.

Conducted a 2022 comprehensive benchmark survey to obtain current data on key performance indicators (KPIs) in the HVACR and plumbing service industry.

Partnered with CNA to offer resources that reinforce the importance of trench protective systems to keep workers safe during Trench Safety Stand-Down Week and every day.

Gave 65 attendees an inside look at Lexington Plumbing’s operations at the 2022 Plumbing Service Conference thanks to the Plumbing Contractors of America Board of Directors and to Lexington Plumbing of Kansas City for hosting the event.

Collaborated with the Center for Construction Research and Training and the Arizona State University’s Ira Fulton Schools of Engineering to conduct a survey designed to help industry stakeholders better understand some potential welding risks. We hope the data gathered can further the implementation and usage of safety measures to reduce workers’ exposure to welding-related harm.

Partnered with CNA and MILWAUKEE TOOL to offer resources to help protect workers from heat stress during the summer months.

Produced a video series on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which will ensure accountability for companies to implement cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive data during the design, build and operations of Department of Defense facilities. Thanks to MCAA’s Chief Security Fanatic, Nick Espinosa, for his work on the videos and to the John R. Gentille Foundation and Electri Foundation for the research grants that funded the project.

Produced a poster to help your workers quickly understand the differences between the OSHA requirements for low-slope work under Mechanical Service (1910 Standards) and Mechanical Construction (1926 Standards), and ultimately create safer jobsites.

Introduced a series of articles highlighting women in the industry. The first two articles feature Renee Fiorelli and Wendy Glauber, both members of the Women in the Mechanical Industry Committee.

Produced a New Worker Safety Orientation video and several accompanying resources. This package of resources is meant to train new workers on how to identify common hazards in the mechanical industry, and how to protect themselves from those hazards. Topics covered include: stop work authority, pre-task planning, PPE, working at heights, fall protection, fall prevention, power tool safety, hazard communication, housekeeping, and emergency procedures.

Received The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)’s full endorsement of the 2020 edition of MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime—A Primer for the Construction Industry. ASHRAE’s endorsement joins those of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the American Subcontractors Association (ASA), making the guide an industry standard for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) industries.

Partnered with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for Safe + Sound Week, which recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.

Congratulated the 450 graduates of Preparatory Institute for Project Management (Pre-IPM) Classes 15-20. All graduates completed 12 weeks of online introductory project management training.

Worked to help understand how the industry is currently using rainwater catchment on projects through the MCAA’s membership in the Plumbing Industry Leadership Council and specifically the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association.

Produced a comprehensive list of ideas and instructions for those interested in starting a local Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) committee in their area. Thanks to the MCAA WiMI Committee for their input.

Welcomed new WiMI chapters at the MCA of Chicago and the New England Mechanical Contractors Association (NEMCA).

Welcomed five new members to MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council. ClickSafety, Liberty Pumps, OpenSpace, Novarc Technologies and ServiceTitan are eager to help enhance your strategic supply chain.

Joined forces with NECA, SMACNA and TAUC to recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Together, we acknowledged those affected by suicide, helped raise awareness about mental health and connected individuals with treatment services through a chip with the new suicide and crisis prevention number; #988.

Revamped MCAA’s GreatFutures Job Board to help those looking for entry-level interns or full-time new hires thanks to input from the Career Development Committee. A student from Ball State University was recently hired by U.S. Engineering after using the new GreatFutures Job Board to find a summer internship. Congratulations to Reece Manning and U.S. Engineering! Read the article.

Together with the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), MCAA commissioned an Independent Project Analysis (IPA) analysis of 1,550 capital projects on industrial facilities across the United States over the past 20 years. The resulting report shows that union contractors add value, reduce project costs, and mitigate project risks.

Produced five new Plumbing Service 101 resources to highlight the benefits of offering plumbing service and investment challenges to consider before taking the leap. Tips and resources that may be of interest to those with existing plumbing service operations are also included. The new resource, which made its debut at MSCA22, was developed in partnership with ATP Learning Solutions (ATP), a member of the Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Produced a detailed report on construction contracting best practices through a partnership between the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF), ELECTRI International (NECA) and the New Horizons Foundation (SMACNA). Our collaboration is meant to provide industry-wide data that supports our members’ contract negotiations and guidance on better contract language to reduce liability. With better practices in place, risk can be shifted away from trade contractors to the appropriate party, leading to a more profitable industry overall.

Showcased how mechanical contractors are adopting and innovating in the built environment during MCAA’s 2022 Fabrication Conference. Thanks to McKinstry Company for hosting the tour and demonstrating how integrated digital design, collaboration and fabrication are creating a path for contractors that leverages combined productivity into profitability.

Produced a new head protection video to help prevent the 50,000 head injuries on the jobsite per year.

Showcased MCAA’s more than 700 Safety & Health Resources available to help you transform your safety program.

Connected with industry improvement fund trustees and local association executives at the Industry Funds Conference thanks to the Industry Improvement Funds Committee.

Partnered with Nickolas Optis and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Rochester, Chris Quinn and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Indiana and Bob Looman and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City to present the Field Leaders Conference to a total of 474 field personnel. Thank you to our conference speakers and exhibitors for your passionate participation in our 2022 programs.

Congratulated the graduates of the Institute for Project Management (IPM) Classes Wrapped up classes 79-82. More than 2,600 project managers have completed this two-week program designed specifically for the mechanical industry.

Developed new Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM) sessions on leadership and finance and rolled them out the first-ever double-class of AIPM graduates with help from the Project Managers Education Committee.

Added three new courses to the NEI seminars list with our new instructors Frank Favaro, C. Richard Barnes and Casey Elford, and Charles F. Mitchell. We are still offering a 20% rebate on instructor fees for select National Education Initiative (NEI) classes, up to $5,000 per class. This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI Initiative portal.

Received 23 submissions for the MCAA Annual Student Chapter Competition.

MCAA’s volunteer leaders, led by President Bob Bolton and the Executive Committee, remain laser-focused on helping the industry advance and adapt to change. Thanks to the vision, talent and expertise of the MCAA Board of Directors, our contractor members, our manufacturer/supplier members and partners, local affiliates, volunteers who sit on our committees and Foundation and the national staff worked together in 2022 to ensure your businesses remain competitive. As we reflect on the last year, we hope that you – the members of the MCAA family – find value in these resources and achievements.

We look forward to a new year full of challenges and opportunities to help you!

MSCA22 Pushed Attendees beyond!

Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA22 … it was a resounding success! We enjoyed the always sunny Huntington Beach, California, with sunset views over the ocean. We heard from inspiring keynote speakers on the topics of organizational and personal growth and making the impossible possible. We celebrated an Everyday Hero, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community, all while having a lot of fun.

Beginning by Giving Back

For the past twelve years, MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Friday, October 14, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to the Community Action Partnership of Orange County, an organization that provides critically needed food, shelter, clothing, and services to local residents experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Thanks to your generous donations, we raised over $45,000 to assist our friends at Community Action Partnership.

Inspiring Keynotes & Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party

Bonin Bough kicked off our conference with his inspiring success story and taught us about tools to unlock organizational growth and build more direct relationships with consumers. On Tuesday morning, we heard from MCAA President Robert M. Bolton followed by Inky Johnson who touched our hearts as he taught us the importance of personal growth during the process. Later that morning, spouses and students continued the commitment to service by participating in the 12^th Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party, packing thousands of hygiene kits to be distributed to those in need worldwide. And to end our conference we learned about five steps to make the impossible possible from Ben Nemtin.

Everyday Hero Award

Eight years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award, thanks to the inspiration of D.S. O’Brien Award winner Dick Starr. The award was created to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Facility Engineer for P1 Service, Don Pardew! Don was presented with a $2,500 check for his “I HAVE A NAME” charity that brings food and supplies to the homeless community in Kansas City.

Education & Social Activities

We had outstanding educational sessions and peer-led roundtable discussions each day. There was also a special focus on mental health and well being in the office and in your personal life through the first ever MSCA+. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together.

Recognizing Outgoing Leaders & Welcoming New Ones

Mark Crockett concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Richard Happel. Rich is Director of Service for EMCOR Services Mesa Energy headquartered in Irvine, CA.

Rich joined the US Navy and learned about HVAC before attended Long Beach City College followed by San Diego City College after getting out of the Navy. He worked for Trane Company for 11 years and Carrier Corporation for 6 years, all before becoming a contractor with University Mechanical Contractors in the Seattle area for almost 20 years. In early 2022, Rich moved to Phoenix to join the EMCOR Services Mesa Energy team.

Rich’s first piece of business as the MSCA Chair was presenting Mark Crockett with a certificate to thank him for his commitment to MSCA and all the time and effort he has devoted to the association over the years. He then introduced the 2022-2023 MSCA Board of Managers members who work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success.

They are:

Rich Happel, Chair
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Phoenix, AZ

Renee Fiorelli, Vice Chair
Peterson Service Company, Inc.
Medford, NJ

Adam Wallenstein, Treasurer
Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co.
Cleveland, OH

Mark Crockett, Immediate Past Chair
Crockett Facilities Services, Inc.
Lanham, MD

David Geith
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Irvine, CA

Lindsey Grilec
Southwest Town Mechanical
Frankfort, IL

Drew Harrison
Harrison Energy Partners
Little Rock, AR

Al May
North Mechanical Services, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN

Michael McHenry
Enginuity, LLC
Mechanicsburg, PA

Michael Rosone
Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
Long Island City, NY

Relive The Event … or See What You Missed

VIEW PHOTOS

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Plan to Join the Fun Next Year

The next MSCA conference is shaping up to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for October 22 – 25, 2023, and plan to join us at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Florida. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.

Congratulations to Our Newest IPM Graduates

Congratulations are in order for the students of IPM Classes 81 and 82, who have just become the newest graduates of the MCAA’s Institute for Project Management! They join the ranks of the more than 2,600 project managers who have completed this two-week program designed specifically for the mechanical industry.

Since 1987 the IPM has been teaching best practices in everything from scheduling to job cost control, from contracts to change order negotiation. Taught largely by volunteers who are active leaders of MCAA member companies, this program and its content are constantly evolving to meet the needs of industry project managers as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of mechanical contracting.

Because the program is highly competitive, IPM attendees are ‘best in class’ mid-career project managers – and we certainly saw that this last week, as participants rose to every challenge we placed before them. While we are proud of the IPM curriculum and its practical applicability, what really makes this program is the degree to which students engage – not only with the content and the instructors, but also with each other. After two weeks of working together through intensive training, these grads have built a network of peers and formed friendships that we hope they will maintain for the rest of their careers!

For more information about the program – including the registration date for the next course – click the link below.

Program Information

MCAA Congratulates Our 2022 Preparatory Institute for Project Management Graduates

The last lecture is over, the last homework assignment submitted, the last quiz completed. So, congratulations are in order for this year’s Pre-IPM graduates! Classes 15-20 of MCAA’s newest national education program have just completed their 12 weeks of online introductory project management training. How did it go? Well, here’s what our recent grads had to say:

Was it useful?

“Every class addressed things that affect me on a daily basis as a mechanical contractor PM.”

“I learned so much and can’t wait to continue to apply what I learned.”

“This was a very helpful class that provided a great foundation to my career as a future Project Manager. Thank you!”

What did you think of your instructors?

“Every speaker was outstanding.”

“Truly great instructors. I felt that everyone was so knowledgeable and had great experience but was also really skilled in communicating their information.”

“The best part of this program was how knowledgeable and personable all of the instructors were. It was obvious that they all have years of project management experience, and they did a great job of teaching the class using their own real-life experiences.”

How did you feel about the online experience?

“The class being on Zoom makes it very accessible to everyone.”

“I really liked the interaction with the class. I felt like if I might get called on to answer a question, I better be paying attention.”

“Super interactive… It was easy to stay focused and the class was never boring.”

How were the assignments?

“I really liked all the speakers, but my favorite was homework assignments because it forced you to discuss things with upper management. When talking with upper management you usually don’t discuss topics like this, and it was nice to hear what they had to say.”

How about an example of ‘Return on Investment’ for your tuition?

“The Change Orders class [alone] helped me save $35K on my project.”

Lastly… did you have fun?

“At the beginning of the course it felt like something I had to do [but it] turned into a fun time I looked forward to every week. I am very sad class is over, but I look forward to hopefully seeing [the instructors] again.”

“This class was fun and easy to stay engaged with. I appreciate how [the instructors] came to class each week with enthusiasm and good attitudes.”

“The energy of the teaching… really kept me engaged with the split of humor and seriousness.”

“Lectures would have me looking forward to Mondays!”

That about sums it up! We truly enjoyed spending this summer with the 450 Pre-IPM students of 2022 and look forward to doing it again next year. If you have APMs, PEs, new hires, recent college grads, or anyone else transitioning into a project management role – mark your calendars: registration for the 2023 courses will open at noon EST on February 16, 2023. Visit the Pre-IPM webpage for more details!

Celebrate Resilience & Hope TOGETHER

As we come together for this year’s MSCA Conference we will celebrate a year of resilience, perseverance, and hope. Our Opening Session speaker J.R. Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran who was wounded during his service, will remind us that resilience shows up in the world in many ways. His inspiring message of hope, optimism, and resilience will demonstrate that a combination of gratitude for what we have and a commitment to reaching for what we want, despite current circumstances, are the building blocks for a better tomorrow.

MSCA’s Everyday Hero Award recognizes others who are building a better tomorrow…our industry’s unsung heroes. These individuals do extraordinary things every day, simply out of the kindness of their hearts. If this sounds like someone you know, nominate them for the award. Be sure to submit your nomination by August 1, 2021.

NOMINATION FORM

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s conference!
October 14 – 17 | Scottsdale, AZ

Women in Construction Week Celebrated Amazing Industry Women

MCAA was proud to have the opportunity to spotlight so many women in our industry this week on our social media channels in celebration of Women in Construction Week. Here’s a recap of just some of the amazing talent that we have in our industry, in case you missed it.

Meet Jenyll Allende F+F Mechanical in North Haven, CT. Jenyll fell into the industry 20 years ago when she was working a dead-end job barely making ends meet. She says that it was a lot tougher back then, the older generation were a lot harder on women in the trade but things have definitely improved a lot over the years. “I’d love to see a pre-maternity leave so you can still work through pregnancy.”

Meet Vanessa Conrad with CCI Mechanical, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT. Vanessa has just joined the CCI team but has been in the trade for 21 years. Vanessa’s favorite project she’s worked on has been Intel in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The project was chaotic, but the teamwork and camaraderie has been unmatched. Vanessa is continuously complimented on her organization skills and work ethic. “I enjoy the stories shared among others in the field and the challenges that come with the trade.”

Meet Ke’La Daniels with U.S. Engineering and Local 533 in Kansas City. Ke’La enjoys working in the industry’s changing environment, working with her hands and doesn’t mind getting a little dirty. She’s always reaching out to women she knows, encouraging them to join the trade. She encourages others to always pay attention, listen and get information from those who have been in the trade for a long time to learn the “tricks”. She’s a strong believer that most of her knowledge has come from talking to everyone and meeting new people. “The more women we have in the industry, the more normal it will be.”

Meet Ariel Davis with U.S. Engineering and Local 8. Her previous job closed and moved to Mexico, so she need a new career to settle into. She says it has been an all-around amazing experience and feels she has learned a lot. “You can do anything the boys can do.”

Meet Nichole Derbyshire with Peterson Service Company in Medford, NJ. Nicole is half-way through second year in the trades. She started out in childcare, moved to healthcare and then moved to trades – loving that the industry is always growing and can’t be outsourced. “It’s a good feeling to know you can work on equipment and know you can fix things. A feeling of empowerment.”

Meet Amanda Dufrane-Palmer with EMCOR Services Betlem and Local 13 in Rochester, NY. Amanda has been in the industry for seven years and joined after coming off active duty in the Army. She recommends the industry to other women because it is understaffed by females and is a great opportunity to pave the way for other women to join the industry. “Customers get excited to see a women because they didn’t know we existed in the industry.”

Meet Shekinah Francis with U.S. Engineering Construction in Rocky Mountain, CO. Shekinah has been in the trades for 3 years so far and loves her job. She says the industry provides the most learning opportunities has a lot of potential to move up. “Just do it. It seems scary but there is more opportunity here than anywhere else.”

Meet Kate Gunther, John W. Danforth Company, Tonawanda, NY. She has been in the industry since 2012, and went through Helmets to Hard Hats. Starting in the Air Force, Kate knew wanted to get into the trades. She looked at steam fitting and pipefitting, and it turns out they were hiring! “The industry is a great place for the strong willed and those eager to learn and grow.”

Meet Rene Johnson with EMCOR Services/MESA in Energy in Irvine, CA. Rene started out in the office of her dad’s AC company and saw all the people in field making more money and thought “I could do that job.” She says the industry is a lot more accepting now than when she started 31 years ago. Rene love passing the knowledge that she has learned through the years on to the new people in the trade. Her advice to them is to not take any short cuts, start from the bottom and work your way up. Respect isn’t given it’s earned. “Don’t tell me how good you are, show it in your work.”

Meet Payten King with U.S. Engineering Metalworks in Rocky Mountain, CO. Payten has officially been in the trades for 2 years, but her experience started long before that. Her stepdad owns a welding company and when she was 14 years old, he had a project that required all the family’s help. She says the experience hasn’t always been easy and has taken a lot of adjusting but it it’s a great skill to learn and the industry will always be around! “Once he put the welder in my hand, I decided to make a career out of it.”

Meet Coley Maurer with U.S. with Engineering Construction and Local 192 in Rocky Mountain, CO. Coley has been in the industry for almost 6 years. She joined the industry through the single women’s program, Climb Wyoming. She says her experience has been really great and that she has met a lot of really amazing, all American people just trying to earn an honest living to take care of their families. She describes the industry as a Brotherhood and Sisterhood. “It’s a hard day’s work but you drive by a project you were a part of and feel really proud of what you accomplished.”

Meet Deborah Mullen with Corporate Mechanical of New England and Local 537 in Woburn, MA. Deborah has been with Corporate since 2019 and is a second-generation pipefitter. She enjoys learning from experienced Foreman on new ways to get a job done. Her toughest job challenge was drilling ¾ drop-in anchors on a 12-foot ladder over her head. “ Working in the trades has helped me build confidence.”

Meet Nicole Patchett with UMC, Inc. in Mukilteo, WA. Nicole tried quite a few traditional female jobs and had a hard time acclimating so she looked into nontraditional jobs. She started with residential HVAC and fell in love with the culture of the industry. A friend encouraged her to join the union and it has been a very positive experience. She says it can be really intimidating but is a really positive experience and the camaraderie is very high. “Give it a try! Most women don’t even give themselves the chance to succeed in the commercial trade fields.”

Meet Lindsay Phillips with US Engineering and Local 8 in Kansas City. Lindsay started as a chef before joining the industry five years ago. Starting out she felt she had to prove herself a lot and that there was a balance between being herself and walking the line to the gain trust of her team. She’s the third generation in her family to join the trades and loves the benefits that the trades have to offer. “Stand your ground but don’t take yourself too seriously.”

Meet Patty Rizzo with John W. Danforth Company in Tonawanda, NY. Patty joined the industry twenty years ago. She says there are good days and bad days and the industry can be like having 40 brothers and one ex-husband but it is a great opportunity for growth and the freedom to be able to pay your own bills and not be beholden to anyone else. “Very satisfying when you are confident in the job and get the respect you deserve.”

Meet Kerry Sampson with Unique Metal Works and Local 17 in Pawtucket, RI. Kerry joined Unique in 2018. She was looking for steady employment with good pay, benefits, and a retirement option so she could build a comfortable life with her daughter. She said, “Often, I am usually the only woman working in my trade on job sites. Kerry says she constantly pushes herself physically and mentally to prove that she can keep up to the men working beside her.

Meet Ivette Saunders with MJ Daly and Local 676 in Waterbury, CT. Ivette has been with MJ Daly since 2015. She started doing HVAC work when she was in the Air Force. She enjoyed it so much; she pursued it once she on the civilian side. “I am proud to be part of the team.”

Meet Heather Shreve with U.S. Engineering Construction, in Rocky Mountain, CO. As a kid, Heather enjoyed working with her hands and knew she wanted to choose career in the construction trade. Even though her dad was a general contractor, she received a lot of pushback from family but eventually settled on plumbing because of its versatility – loving that it was never the same thing every day. “Construction makes me happy. I love building things.”

Meet Reena Smith with US Engineering Construction and Local 192 in Rocky Mountain, CO. She is 3rd generation in the trade, following her father and grandfather who were plumbers and pipefitters. Reena has been in the industry for more than 20 years and says it has changed a lot. When she started there weren’t accommodations for women, like female restrooms. She had to work harder than the men, and her work was always picked out but now feels she’s treated more equal. “Stick with it. If you fail, take your mess-ups and keep going.”

Meet Janice Snidow with U.S. Engineering Metalworks in Rocky Mountain, CO. Janice has been in industry for 40 years. Growing up she was a hands-on girl and loved helping her dad, who was a plumber. He encouraged her to try a mechanical apprenticeship which she started right out of highs school. Janice says the industry has changed a lot since she joined – it was a lot harder in the years past with women being new to the trade – took a while for the respect for women to grow. “It’s an awesome career. Expect to work hard and don’t expect favoritism. Just do the best you can!”

Meet Amber-Rose Sousa with Arden Engineering Constructors in Pawtucket, RI. Amber has been with Arden for four years but is not new to construction job sites. She has been visiting sites with her Dad, an electrician, since she was four years old. He taught her that being able to work with your hands and know a trade is very important. Working as a project manager, she feels like the captain and team leader – the one who makes a project possible, ensuring things stay on budget and schedule from start to finish. “With every successful project I deliver, I gain more confidence in my abilities.”

Meet Quiema Spencer, Master Pipefitter for Local 533 in Kansas City, MO. Quiema is incredibly involved in the industry, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom, President of the Heartland Women in Trades and was leader in the statewide campaign against Right-To-Work in Missouri. In addition, she has been an annual volunteer instructor in Camp NAWIC, a weeklong summer program to encourage young high-school aged women to consider their options in non-traditional occupations in building trades. Her five-year apprenticeship was an experience much like her trade school experience–very few minority women. She was the first of only two African American women in Pipefitter’s Local 533. “Don’t shy away from the many challenges ahead of you. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it.”

Meet Serene Thomas with US Engineering and Local 533 in Kansas City. During her career she been an Instructor at the Pipefitter Training Center, sat on the P.F. Finance Board, served as Interim Financial Secretary Treasurer, Delegate for MO chapter of AFL-CIO, Member of Heartland Women in Trade (HWIT) a not-for-profit volunteer organization comprised of women in the KC area that are in Union Building trades. My career in the construction industry has been fun, challenging, fulfilling, and has matured me in ways I never thought possible. But without the help and support of other trades women, family members and other industry advocates that want to see women and minorities work and thrive as Tradespeople, all of the above wouldn’t be possible. It is my hope that I will be that same support and advocate for the next generation of women in construction. “Don’t allow fear to dictate if you take the opportunities. Push past it.”

Meet Angel Whitequills with CCI Mechanical, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT. She joined the trades and Local 140 Plumber and Pipe Fitters Union for the lifelong career, hands on experience and traveling opportunities. Angel graduated valedictorian in her class at the apprenticeship program and was runner up for student of the year. She is complimented on thinking outside of the box, being bright and has a great work ethic. “I’m proud to be a part of the construction trade and be able to look back and that that I’ve helped build in the community.”

Sloan Partners with Kansas State University To Sponsor Two Courses

Sloan, an MCAA member, has partnered with Kansas State University to sponsor two courses in the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design (IAID). The sponsorship builds on Sloan’s relationship with the university, which is also home to an MCAA Student Chapter.

Partnership Provides Students with Studio, Research, and Design Experience Across Two Courses

Created to equip students with a background in product research, design, and development, the courses—an undergraduate class for third-year students and a masters-level class for fifth-year students—provide opportunities to learn and innovate the future of interior restroom design as students enter into the workforce.

“Having established this relationship in 2019 we have found this partnership to be mutually beneficial in combining our 100 years of expertise in the plumbing industry with K-State’s amazing creativity in design,” said Jim Allen, Sloan co-president and CEO. “One of my favorite times of year is when we visit K-State and get to interact with the students. I always leave energized and inspired by the students’ work and the potential of innovation in the plumbing industry.”

“At Sloan, we’re always looking to advance the future of the commercial restroom, and that innovation starts with the next generation of architects and designers,” said Gary Peterson, Sloan vice president of engineering and innovation. “We are proud to partner with Kansas State to provide its students with an outlet for creativity in design. In fact, one of our current interns is a graduate of the program.”

The undergraduate course sponsored by Sloan is IAID Product Design Studio III taught by Assistant Professor Dr. Mekin Elcioglu, a one-semester class focused on product semantics, design research, problem solving methodologies, conceptualization of ideas, and aesthetic sensibility based in design thinking and human-centered design. Students conduct an in-depth investigation and research an existing restroom product of their own choosing and use their research and analysis within a spectrum of affordable to desirable high-end design solutions to create their own design proposal. Students then design the product in an effort to improve what is currently on the market by solving consumer problems and addressing their needs.

The two-semester masters-level course (Product Design Research and Product Market Design), also taught by Dr. Elcioglu, focuses on market research trend analysis and ideation during the fall semester before moving on to design development in the spring term.

“We are proud of our relationship with Sloan. This partnership has afforded our students a real-world application of their education,” said IAID Department Head Nathan Howe. “The team that Sloan has put together to work with our students has made this experience challenging, educational, and nurturing as they develop into professionals. Our students have thrived in this environment. I am excited to see how Sloan and K-State can build upon the foundation we have already established.”

“Benefiting from both academia’s and industry’s experiences, the research and resources could give the young designers, engineers, and everyone who is involved in this collaboration, an upper hand in the development of new concepts and solutions; generating added-value in tackling the issues brought up by global challenges,” added Dr. Elcioglu. “We, the educators, and our industry partners are becoming more adaptable to the swiftly changing local and global needs and paradigms through these partnerships that demand healthier, safer, and innovative applications.

Adopting new ways of design thinking and integrating multiple disciplines through holistic and empowering design processes will be a crucial part of design education and hopefully set higher standards that will also benefit the industry.”

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the most recent spring semester course for fifth-year students was held online. While students were unable to partake in hands-on prototyping, many of their product concepts are directly applicable to the post-COVID-19 commercial restroom environment.

Related Resource

Learn how Sloan’s integrated lineup of touch-free commercial plumbing systems are being used at Chicago’s new Fulton East office and retail building, the nation’s first office building designed specifically to address employee health, safety, and wellness in the post-COVID-19 environment.

Meet our WiMI Mentors/Mentees

MCAA’s WiMI Committee continued conversations this month with mentees and mentors participating in the WiMI Mentor Program. We are excited to introduce Ali and Wendy!

Ali Brown, a Senior Human Resources Major at The University of Nebraska, joined this program in hopes of meeting an industry professional that could share her journey and experience and help guide her on her newfound path. Ali has changed her major three times throughout her time at U of NE, starting as an architectural engineer major, switching to study construction management, and then recently transitioning to focus on HR. Ali was pleasantly surprised to be paired with Wendy, someone who is doing exactly what, she recently discovered, she would like to pursue in the future.

Wendy Glauber, has years of experience in human resources and compliance management, and is currently the General Counsel & Human Resources Director at John W. Danforth Company in Tonawanda, NY, where she has worked for the past three years and also serves on the WiMI Committee. Wendy has made it part of her mentoring mission to connect Ali with other female HR professionals in the industry, noting it is imperative that women have a supportive professional network.

Ali is grateful for the connections she has been able to make through this program, and for the continual encouragement she has received. Wendy has introduced Ali to other HR professionals to learn more about the field and has invited Ali to virtually shadow Wendy and Danforth’s HR Manager so that Ali can be exposed to the various facets of HR. Ali is excited about the opportunity to observe what she has learned in school and see it put into action.

Wendy has also inspired Ali in a number of other ways. At last year’s WiMI Committee meeting, Wendy first heard about Women in Construction Week, which occurs every March. After learning about this recognition week, Wendy felt compelled to celebrate the women of Danforth. She and her team planned a luncheon for all the women within the John W. Danforth Company team – both in the office and in the field. A prominent woman from their community, whose company is valued partner and customer of Danforth, spoke at the lunch and shared insights about being a women in a male dominated industry. This was the first time the women of Danforth had celebrated together and they were incredibly grateful for this opportunity to connect. Wendy says many of them are still talking about it and continue to thank Danforth for hosting. This is an event Danforth plans to host every March in hopes that by sharing exciting ideas like this with Ali, Ali will implement and host her own similar events one day!

Ali and Wendy were looking forward to meeting in person at MCAA’s Convention in Maui this past March, and then reunite at MCAA’s WiMI Conference in June. Unfortunately, the pandemic altered those plans, but this has not stopped them from communicating, collaborating and continuing their monthly calls and catch-ups. In fact, when asked if they see this partnership extending beyond the six month commitment, they both said; “Absolutely!”

Together they’ve established goals for Ali that extend into the next school year. Ali is looking forward to attending job fairs this fall and is happy to have Wendy by her side to help her prepare her resume, practice interview questions, and just provide encouragement. All things to set Ali up for success!

For more information visit the Women in the Mechanical Industry Initiative Page.

MCA of Chicago Hosts Summer Interns

The mechanical contracting industry provides many career paths, and that includes the opportunity to work for an MCA local affiliated association. This summer, MCA of Chicago has two interns, Judie Prophete and Ervin Prophete. They are learning about how an association is managed and how the MCA of Chicago provides resources and education to its members.

MCA of Chicago Director of Communications Abby Baughan said, “It’s been great having Judie and Ervin working with us this summer. They’re bright, hard-working and make great additions to our team. When I was in college, I knew very little about association work and mechanical contracting. Like most people, I sort of fell into it. I think it’s great that, as college students, Judie and Ervin are being introduced to this world filled with so much opportunity. I hope this internship opens their eyes to all of the possible career paths that are available to them.”

Meet Judie Prophete

Judie is an incoming senior at DePaul University, studying accounting and business management.

“As the accounting intern and administrative assistant for the MCA of Chicago, I spend the majority of my time helping our Director of Finance, Susan Rocque, with various tasks and projects. The other part of my time is spent doing administrative work around the office and helping where I am needed. I am learning a lot about accounting and finance, gaining a lot of new experience and learning a lot about what it is like to work in an office setting.”

During her internship, Judie hopes to continue learning more about the professional workplace and about programs and tools that are specific to her field of study. She also hopes to gain more confidence so she is prepared to enter the business world.

“From what I have seen in the month that I have been interning here, there are a lot of aspects of the professional workplace that school cannot prepare you for. The only way to truly learn these things and succeed is to actually be put in those situations and just do the best you can with what you have. I am fortunate enough to be learning those things surrounded by welcoming, forgiving and patient co-workers in a friendly and positive work environment.”

Meet Ervin Prophete

Ervin Prophete is a senior at DePaul University in Chicago, studying public relations and advertising.

Ervin is a marketing intern. His responsibilities include creating and posting graphics on social media, helping Director of Communications Abby Baughan with compiling the weekly emails, scheduling events on the MCA of Chicago Facebook page and updating the MCA website with future events and classes.

Ervin talked about what he hopes to get out of this internship. “I have learned a lot so far in this internship and feel that every day I step in the office is a day I gain more knowledge about the marketing world. I am hoping to just learn as much as I can and become proficient in the tools I have been introduced to in my time here so far. By the end, I would like to be able to use the knowledge I will have gained to do some freelance work while I finish school.”

MCA of Chicago Career Development

MCA of Chicago members are also focused on getting talented students into the mechanical contracting industry, even if they do not follow the typical academic path.

Brandon Hubner of Premier Mechanical, Inc., shared his company’s unique insight about hiring the right talent:

“The way the Premier has looked at hiring is that a person’s major focus of study or background is less important than the skills that they bring to the table and how well they can help round out our team and add value with other talents that they have. Construction, and mechanical contracting even more so, is a unique industry and every system we install is different. Rarely are two buildings built identically, or with the same team of general contractors and subcontractors. If systems and teams are rarely the same, then why always hire from within the same field of study? In our experience, we can better tackle unique projects with unique individuals. Given the number of variables there are to construction, we would be passing over a lot of really good candidates if we focused just on construction management and mechanical engineering majors.”

Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co. Named a Top Workplace

MCAA Member Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co. has been named a Top Workplace by cleveland.com and the Cleveland Plain Dealer. This is the company’s first year on the list, which includes a record 175 honorees. Neptune is the only full-service plumbing company among them. Company co-Presidents Adam and Michael Wallenstein credit the company’s talent and culture for earning the recognition.

Neptune Plumbing relies on its talented, seasoned employees and strong corporate culture to create a work environment that doesn’t follow traditional molds.

By combining tradesmen best practices with cutting-edge technology for the field, Neptune Plumbing created a working environment – and employee experience – that uses plumbing innovations to build employee engagement, customer trust, and a professional advantage in a competitive market.

“This recognition is first and foremost because of our employees. Ever since this company started in my grandparents’ basement, we have values that we hoped our employees not only embraced, but believed in. Being named a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio validates that,” said Neptune co-President Adam Wallenstein.

Neptune has served its community for over 60 years. The company uses plumbing innovation like CAD-design plumbing systems to meet the needs of its customers.

“I believe the way we embrace industry trends deserves a little bit of credit toward us making the list too. To have a 24/7 service department is crucial to our business. Having a Prefabrication Division makes us efficient when those calls come, but also gives our employees an added sense of pride in their work. Not a lot of businesses in our sector do what we do, the way we do it,” Wallenstein said.

“Our TRIDENT Core Values have shown through for quite some time now. This recognition – and the only one from the plumbing sector on the list – is proof our people are some of the best in the trade. And they prove it every single day with their attitudes, effort and integrity,” said Neptune co-President Michael Wallenstein.

Through values that have lasted three generations and employee opportunities to heighten capabilities in the industry, the Neptune Plumbing presidents credit the company’s talent and culture for making the list.

Meet our WiMI Mentors/Mentees

MCAA’s WiMI Committee recently launched a Mentor Program. Mentors and mentees signed-up to be a part of this program in hopes of gaining new perspectives on the industry, building connections, developing a support network, and more. Committee members recently took some time to speak with mentees and mentors participating in the program to find out how things are going. Meet our first pair, Hannah and Kristin!

Hannah Leslie, an Assistant Project Manager at The Brandt Companies in Carrollton, Texas enrolled in the program as a mentee, hoping to be paired with a mentor who could share the do’s and don’ts of business, tips and tricks to success in the industry, and overall life advice. Little did Hannah know she would be paired with her perfect match!

Kristin Blundell, a Senior Preconstruction Manager at U.S. Engineering in Westminster, Colorado was recommended to be a mentor in this program from a fellow colleague, a young Preconstruction Engineer who had previously been mentored by Kristin herself. Kristin, who has always taken young professionals under her wing, has proven to be the ideal mentor.

Hannah and Kristin first connected at the beginning of this year. Their bond formed very naturally during their first phone call. Hannah had entered this program with a small handful of personal and professional goals she hoped her mentor would guide her in working towards. Through open conversations, Kristin helped Hannah expand her goals and identify her strengths to be successful. Also, from the very beginning, Kristin has reminded Hannah of valuable life lessons – stay true to herself, believe in hard work, and believe in herself.

Kristin’s advice may seem simple, but it has been incredibly empowering for Hannah. Hannah, who is one of two females comprising a close-knit team of 10 individuals in her job site office, has recognized qualities in herself during the course of the mentorship that she now feels empowered to share with the team. Hannah has learned from Kristin to take pride in being a contributing female on the team.

While Hannah and Kristin have a relaxed approach to their communication structure, they make sure to have a phone conversation at least once a month, every month. They also take comfort in just knowing the other is there for them anytime. An unexpected benefit the current pandemic has provided for both, is knowing they have a contact in a different part of the country to talk through how their respective companies have worked through these challenging times and implemented new work practices.

With several hundred miles between them, with Hannah in Texas and Kristin in Colorado, they are bummed they cannot meet for an occasional cup of coffee or happy hour drink. However, they do look forward to the day they can meet in person, hopefully at MCAA’s WiMI Conference next June, if not sooner!

For more information visit the Women in the Mechanical Industry Initiative Page.

Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC Internships Pave the Way to Full-time Careers

Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, internships prepare students for careers in the construction industry. That guidance has paid off for both the company and three recent graduates who accepted full-time positions within the Arden Building Companies family of businesses. Congratulations to Natalie Mansson, Andrew Basile and Alex Appolonia on finding their great futures with Arden.

About Natalie

Natalie Mansson was hired in May 2020 as Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC’s newest Project Engineer. She interned for the company last winter.

She has had an interest in construction from an early age. “I knew construction would be a great career path for me when my family bought an old Cape house that needed a major renovation,” she said. “I would always ask the contractor, plumber, and electrician questions about their work and the different systems used.”

A recent graduate of Roger Williams University, Natalie studied Construction Management (CM). She grew to love the construction industry more during her time in school, so she decided to take another year to receive her master’s degree in CM.

“My experience at Arden so far has been incredible. I have been working in the estimating department, learning the different software the estimators use and completing various takeoffs. I have also worked with project managers, attended an on-site meeting, and did a site walk-through to see the incredible work Arden is doing.”

About Andrew

Andrew Basile was hired this May as a Controls Engineer with Earthwise Energy Technologies. Andrew is a graduate of Western New England University where he studied Mechanical Engineering.

“I chose mechanical engineering as my field of study because of my love to learn about the inner workings of everyday objects and systems and to be able to use that information, along with some creativity, to create a useful end product,” he said. “For my future in this field, I hope to find a specific application that I am passionate about so I can be invested in my projects and produce results I am proud of.”

Andrew, who interned for Arden during the past two summers recalls his internship experience fondly:

“My experience at Arden has been very informative, with the possibilities for work with a mechanical engineering degree, and the amount of information I can still learn. Working with Paul Carter, General Manager of Earthwise Energy Technologies has shown me the more technical, controls side of HVAC, while working with Tim Elliott, Director of Design & Engineering at Arden Engineering Constructors gave me a more physical understanding of the systems. With the combination of both experiences, I have obtained a more complete understanding of HVAC systems and every step taken to create a functioning system.”

About Alex

Alex Appolonia was recently hired as a Project Engineer on the Unique Metal Works, LLC team.

A University of Rhode Island (URI) graduate, Alex was a Civil Engineering major when he interned with Arden last winter. He worked under Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC Project Manager Rob Cote, and enjoyed on-site visits to the new URI College of Engineering building.

Alex Appolonia determines what size fan cover is needed for an exhaust fan at the Infinity Meat Solutions project.

He says, “I have been able to experience the precise detail and coordination it takes to complete a project of substantial caliber. My time here at Arden has given me hands-on experience in the field and shown me that to be a successful project manager or engineer one must be punctual, concise and transparent when coordinating with all the other trades from start to finish of every project.”

Alex is currently working on the Infinity Meat Solutions project, a new $100M, 200,000 sq. ft. meat-packaging facility in North Kingstown, RI. This is a joint project for Unique Metal Works, LLC, Arden Engineering Constructors, LLC, and Earthwise Energy Technologies.

Smith & Oby Company Plays Vital Role in Hope Hospital Project

MCAA member companies have overcome scheduling and other challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to serve our communities. MCA of Cleveland member Smith & Oby Company’s work on the conversion of Cleveland Clinic’s Health Education Campus (HEC) main building into a COVID-19 surge hospital is just one example.

The temporary hospital is one part of Cleveland Clinic’s strategy to be fully prepared to meet the needs of the community during this rapidly evolving situation.

The facility, called Hope Hospital, offers onsite care for COVID-19 patients with short term needs. These are patients who do not require ventilators or large amounts of oxygen. The entire project was accomplished in less than a month. The four-story, 477,000-square-foot building can accommodate up to 1,000 hospital beds.

Edmund S. Sabanegh, Cleveland Clinic’s President of Main Campus and Regional Hospitals, praises all of the project partners, saying, “There’s really no precedent for us doing something this big this quickly. It’s been amazing to watch clinical leaders and operations, construction, design and nursing teams all come together in a very short window of time and literally build a thousand-bed-capability facility that rivals fixed buildings in many parts of the country. “

Members like the Smith & Oby Company continue to adapt to the COVID-19 situation to help provide the best patient care in the safest way possible. We are all in this together.

Withum COVID-19 Bill Update – 5/28/2020

IFR addressing “owner-employees”: Last Fridays’ Interim Final Ruling came with an interesting Q&A that could have a meaningful impact on borrowers.

The Q&A was as follows:

Question: Are there caps on the amount of loan forgiveness available for owner-employees and self-employed individuals’ own payroll compensation?

Answer: Yes, the amount of loan forgiveness requested for owner-employees and self-employed individuals’ payroll compensation can be no more than the lesser of 8/52 of 2019 compensation (i.e., approximately 15.38 percent of 2019 compensation) or $15,385 per individual in total across all businesses. In particular, owner-employees are capped by the amount of their 2019 employee cash compensation and employer retirement and health care contributions made on their behalf.

This is significant – lets break down the issues:

There is no formal definition of an “owner-employee” in any of the guidance that we have – for example, does it apply to C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, or all of the above. In the absence of a definition, borrowers may need to take a conservative view of this, meaning “any” ownership in a company would preclude forgiveness in excess of $15,385 for both Cash compensation AND the non-cash items listed. Keep in mind, a non-owner can have up to $15,385 of cash compensation forgiven AS WELL AS employer paid health and retirement benefits. This could limit total forgiveness for a population of employees that had not been considered in the past.
If you have an employee stock incentive plan (or Profits Interest Plan), or an employee has RSUs, profits interests or has exercised a stock option, that could potentially make them “owner-employees” and thus limit the forgiveness on their cash/non-cash compensation.
This will present accounting issues, for example, the need to “carve out” health benefits paid to these specific employees from total benefits paid (often in one bulk check).
This calculation also limits forgiveness to “the lesser of” 2019 compensation or $15,385, so this logic will need to be factored into the calculation.
What if an employee only became an owner in 2020 (e.g., through exercise of an option in 2020), do we still need to look at 2019 to determine compensation amounts?
What if they only worked for a short period in 2019 and had significantly less compensation in that period? If we have to use “the lesser of,” will the borrower be unduly penalized in the calculation?

The Q&A within this IFR certainly can create some complexities when it comes to the forgiveness calculation, and unfortunately it has created more questions than answers. Hopefully we will have more guidance soon. For now, though, we recommend adjusting calculations for all owners and hope that some sort of de minimis threshold is announced in the future.

Reminder Section: (what should I be doing):

Call your payroll company about claiming the payroll tax deferrals and employee retention credits that were made available in the CARES Act.
Talk to your payroll company about the Sick Pay Bill (passed prior to the CARE Bill).
Consider speaking with your bank to discuss changes to terms of existing debt facilities. The banking system remains strong.
If you have already applied for the PPP, start forecasting how you intend to spend the funds and how to qualify for the highest amount of forgiveness possible.

MSCA Partners with the Convoy of Hope for Tenth Year

MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope since 2010 to deliver supplies to families in need who live in cities where the association holds its annual conference. This partnership has resulted in the donation of over HALF A MILLION DOLLARS in food, goods, labor, and equipment that benefit individuals and families nationwide.

At this year’s MSCA19 educational conference, members will perform various activities at the Springs Rescue Mission. Springs Rescue Mission was Convoy of Hope’s local charity of choice at MSCA 2011 and MSCA 2015, and was selected again this year due to their growing impact on their community. Their services include providing critically needed food, clothing, and household supplies to the homeless and struggling families as well as culinary arts and addiction recovery programs and life skills training.

Please help us to reach our monetary donation goal of $50,000 to fund our Convoy activities at MSCA19, which will be held October 13—16, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO.

See our 10 year history!

Student Chapter Competition Tackles Football Stadium Renovation

MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition project has been released to all participants. Students will be given the chance to prepare for the Student Competition Discussion Session at the GreatFutures Forum scheduled for Saturday, September 29. During the session, the project’s background, scope and submittal details will be discussed. The Career Development committee hopes the project’s early release will give students the opportunity to ask more detailed questions at the forum and help them better navigate and manage this challenging project.

MCAA Student Chapters have been tasked with a proposal to be the prime contractor on the mechanical portion of the addition and renovation project of Indiana University’s Memorial Football Stadium. This year’s project details were generously provided by Harrell-Fish of Bloomington, Indiana.

Scope of the Project

The project includes the completion of all plumbing, piping and HVAC work. As the acting mechanical subcontractor, Students Chapters are tasked with the purchasing of all equipment, materials and providing all necessary labor and equipment to complete the entire mechanical scope of work.

The project includes full BIM coordination to locate and correct any clashes with all other crafts prior to fabrication or installation of any piping or ductwork. The mechanical contractor will be responsible for all cost related to any modification required for rerouting or relocation of any pipe or duct if they fail to participate in the model clash detection exercise.

Challenges will include design and installation of the utility piping for the food services area. It will be the team’s responsibility to design the distribution piping and the branch lines for each piece of equipment for the entire food service area. The drawings included with the bid documents include a layout detailing the required location of each piece of equipment.

Submittal Process

This year MCAA has teamed up with Procore.org to enhance the bid submittal process and give students a taste of the real world construction industry. All participating students will be given free access to Procore’s Project Management software will retain access after the completion of the student competition.

Procore.org specifically works with universities to educate the future construction workforce and support the advancement of the trades and skilled labor.

All proposals are due for submittal through Procore by Friday, November 30, 2018.

Final Four at MCAA19 Convention

Proposals will be evaluated and scored by members of MCAA’s Career Development Committee. These members will select the top four scoring teams to present their proposals at the MCAA 2019 convention in Phoenix, AZ on March 4, 2019. The winning team will receive $10,000, the second place team will receive $5,000 and the other two finalists will each received $2,500

Have Questions?

For more information, please contact Harlee Gallo.

Construction Technologists Don’t Just Hack, They Find Artful Use

Written by: Jonathan Marsh, CTO/Division Manager Virtual Design and Construction, William T. Spaeder Company

In my role as a Construction Technologist, I am often accused of hacking. As a result I have a great desire to better communicate what it means to “hack”, since there is a negative connotation tied to cybersecurity or even attacking with blunt force. Not that I don’t hack things—I do—but there is something outside of hacking that I consider artful use. If we’re talking about the Construction Technologist (Con Tech) we need to talk about the idea of hacking, but I think we need to separate what we are being forced to hack or modify and what we simply enhance, develop, or see potential in. The things we are enhancing or developing are really more about artful use.

Artful use is seeing the greater range of usefulness in an existing tool. For example, when watching someone use a paintbrush, artful use is understanding that that brush can be used to paint the wall or paint the Sistine Chapel. To paint the Sistine Chapel, you’ll likely have to hack the brush. Modifying it to your purpose by breaking it down, build it into other brushes with varying bristle lengths, and identify artists capable of seeing what to paint. I think that a big part of what it is to be a Con Tech is looking at someone painting a wall and seeing that potential artful use.

I see hacking as being a little different, and it may or may not include artful use. Hacking is making what you have work and it is definitely a big part of being an effective Con Tech. I think we are always looking for the missing tools in construction. By ‘missing tools’ I mean the specialized tools that are needed by the mechanical trades but do not exist or are not present on the jobsite. An easy way to find a missing tool is to look for something that’s not being used conventionally.

For example, if someone is using the screwdriver to pound a nail, the missing tool might look like a hammer, or nail gun, or adhesives. The point being that the screwdriver is a workaround, but not an artful use. We are not looking for a better potential use of a screwdriver. We are looking for an altogether missing tool.

These missing tools and artful uses are often easy to see on a job site or in the Fab shop. That’s why I think Con Techs should spend a considerable amount of time observing or possibly working with the craftsmen in the field looking for missing tools, materials, methods and potential artful use. Every time I step on a job site I look at what craftsmen do with their tools with an eye to unconventional uses. Some of the best ideas have grown out of watching people use their tools in some absurd way. That can communicate louder than words what is really needed.

Physically being on the jobsite is also important in finding the right people to work with. As we introduce new tools and technologies, we need to identify people that are likely to be able to use the tools and share our vision. Like the artist in the example above, the tool really is nothing without a hand to direct it and a vision to follow. When you’re on the jobsite look for those people that are using their tools in innovative ways, the people that are good at adaptation. They are surprisingly easy to find on most jobsites but are not always the foreman. Finding those people is vital because ultimately, they will become your developers and advocates. They also are the people that are going to tell you when it’s a fail. Pick people that can see what you are shooting for and that you respect enough to believe when they tell you it’s not working.

I really hope as the Con Tech takes on a more conventional role in the industry we can better define and communicate to the teams we work with what we are doing, and how they can take part. In that vein, what are areas where you see the biggest disconnect when communicating what you do to the rest of your teams? And are there simple terms or ideas that would help us clean up some of the muddy thinking about what we do?

Bipartisan Multiemployer Pension Reform Bill Introduced in House

The long-awaited multiemployer pension reform legislation championed by MCAA, the UA and virtually the entire organized construction community has been introduced in the House by Representative Dr. Phil Roe (R-TN). The legislation, H.R. 4997, the Giving Retirement Options to Workers Act of 2018 (GROW Act) is now pending in the House Education and Workforce Committee, and has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee as well.

Dr. Roe was formerly the Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee Pension Subcommittee, and was instrumental in pension reform issues over the past many years.

The Composite Plan measure has had a tortuous history over the past several years. It was originally one of the three parts of the NCCMP/MCAA/industry consensus measure called Solutions Not Bailouts, a legislative proposal that was enacted in December 2014 as the Kline-Miller Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA). The Composite Plan part of the proposal was held back from the law in 2014 because of committee jurisdictional conflicts, with a Congressional leadership commitment (at that time) for relatively quick enactment in 2015. But, circumstances changed in a variety of ways, and MCAA has been working doggedly since then to redeem that promise of action on the basic Composite Plan reform.

The Composite Plan is an option for trustees to consider (not a mandate) to convert their traditional defined benefit plan to the new Composite Plan model. If the trustees choose to convert, the old plan – the Legacy Plan – is frozen, and further benefits accruals under that plan are stopped. New benefits under the Composite plan are accrued going forward upon the conversion, with required minimum contributions being paid back to the legacy plan to remedy any underfunding as called for the 2006 Pension Protection Act’s Red, Yellow and Green one funding rules.

The new Composite Plan must be overfunded at 120% at a minimum, and annual and 15-year funding projections and adjustments to meet the overfunding standards are called for to forestall deep funding problems before they develop. The substantially reduced risk of underfunding is further ameliorated by a set of graduated benefits adjustment options in cases of projected shortfalls (increased contributions, cuts in future accruals, adjustments of ancillary benefits, and then core benefits suspensions only as a last resort) much along the lines of the Pension Protection Act and the MPRA law to forestall the development of serious funding shortfalls as are possible under the traditional plan funding model.

This new, equitable risk sharing model is designed to further ensure plan sustainability by stemming the loss of contributing employers from the traditional plans, and allowing for organizing of new employers into the new risk sharing model plan. This new plan model is predicted to be much more attractive to plan participants as it provides the best features of a traditional defined benefit plan – lifetime benefits, shared longevity risk, professional asset management and safeguards against early withdrawals. For contributing employers, the risk of overall plan underfunding and consequent individual employer withdrawal liability is substantially removed over time – stanching the retreat of employers from traditional plans and allowing new employer entrants without risk of uncontrollable contingent funding liability.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp (PBGC) insurance premiums are still payable on legacy plan benefits; whereas new benefit accruals under the Composite Plan are not PBGC insured. However, the annual projections and mandatory overfunding safeguards more than substitute for that premium security , and are a better guaranty against ultimate plan insolvency than was provided under the traditional model, where the possibility of falling into critical and declining funding status with a diminished PBGC payment are becoming ever more prevalent possibilities.

MCAA is working to line up co-sponsors for the GROW Act on both sides of the aisle, and is striving to gain enactment in the waning days of the 115^th Congress – a heavy lift for sure – but our ardent goal. MCAA continues to lobby Administration officials at the Labor, Treasury and Commerce Departments and White House policy councils to gain their support for enactment of Composite Plan legislation, hopefully this year.

MCAA has long taken the position that Composite Plan reforms are an essential and separate reform apart from various proposals to provide additional resources to shore up critical and declining plans in other industries that themselves immediately threaten the long-term solvency of the PBGC. MCAA also is working with select MCAA affiliates to reach out to specific lawmakers on key committees to press for passage of reform this year.

Go to: www.saveourfutures.com for further details on the GROW Act and a link to Congressional outreach.

MCERF Funds Development of Innovative New BIM Software

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF), the non-profit foundation of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), today announced a collaboration with a software developer, BuildingSP, that will result in a freely available building analysis add-in for the Autodesk Revit building information modeling (BIM) platform. The Revit add-in is called the MCERF Complexity Measurement Tool (CMT) and analyzes a building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) spaces for congestion and complexity.

This project marks the first time that MCERF is partnering with a software developer to provide cutting edge tools for the industry. Mark Rogers, MCERF President and COO of West Chester Mechanical noted, “We wanted to take our ability to fund research to the next level and work with emerging software developers to provide not just theoretical ideas, but working solutions. This software will not only help contractors explain complexity to the design team, it will hopefully be used by them to develop smarter designs in the first place.”

A common concern that contractors face with BIM is the over-design of the space. Members of the design team will often assume that if all parts and pieces of an MEP system can fit in the plenum space, ceiling height can be maximized with no impact on installation schedule, labor or change orders. Contractors also face the challenge of having to demonstrate impacts that design changes have on their work.

For MCAA members, the CMT should allow for an analytical approach to the design and identify trouble spots and plan accordingly. To do this, the add-in first identifies all the spaces used for routing of MEP systems in a combined Revit model. This includes structural and electrical systems that are often unseen by MCAA designers. It then measures the volume of space that is to be filled with MEP systems and compares it to the available volume to create a congestion and complexity metric. Once the software analyzes the space, it creates a “heat map” that gives a color value to this metric, creating a visual report of congestion and complexity.

“It is very exciting to be working with the MCAA, MCERF, and their member companies on this project,” said Brett Young, CEO of BuildingSP, the firm creating this software for MCERF. “Congestion and complexity makes projects difficult to coordinate and get ready for construction. By providing visual summaries and putting real numbers to this congestion, we hope to raise awareness of the challenges and accomplishments of project teams.”

“The reality is that the buildings being constructed today are getting more and more complex. Until now, our industry has not been able to quantify this complexity,” said Dennis Langley, executive director of MCERF. “The MCERF CMT, which will be freely available for download and use, will change this by analyzing and quantifying the congestion of the spaces in a building used for routing our pipes, conduits, and ducts.”

The CMT was designed to serve as a multifaceted tool for contractors when working with BIM. At its base level, it will help visualize the real world complications that mechanical contractors continuously face when working within a design team. At the same time, the CMT can facilitate project management, scheduling, estimating, fabrication and negotiation of change orders.

The MCERF CMT is in beta stages of testing and will be compatible for Autodesk Revit 2016 and subsequent versions. It is expected to be released to the public in November, 2017 in conjunction with the MCAA Technology Conference in Austin, TX.

For inclusion in the beta program, contact Sean McGuire at smcguire@mcaa.org. For technical details on the MCERF CMT, contact Brett Young at brett@buildingsp.com.

Greg Fuller Becomes President as MCAA 2017 Concludes

MCAA President Tom Stone welcomed attendees to the Closing General Session, saying, “I hope everyone has enjoyed their week in San Diego, and especially last night with the phenomenal Colorado band One Republic!” After thanking the Daikin Group for sponsoring the beverages at that event and Mueller Industries for sponsoring the morning’s breakfast, he led a round of applause in appreciation of all of the manufacturer and supplier sponsors.

“We know that our Convention experience is what it is because of the support and generosity of ALL of our manufacturer and supplier sponsors.”

—Tom Stone, MCAA President

UA General President McManus Addresses MCAA 2017

Mark McManus

UA General President Mark McManus was on hand to provide a review of the UA’s initiatives to increase membership, expand training opportunities and respond to changing market conditions.

“I know that everyone in this room – everyone – has immense respect for the United Association, its members, and the job they do every day – for our projects and ultimately, for our owners. They are truly the heartbeat of this country.”

—Tom Stone, MCAA President

Outgoing Board Members Recognized for their Service

President Stone recognized outgoing MCAA Board of Directors members for their service, saying, “I have had the privilege of working alongside these gentlemen on your behalf, and I know how much each has contributed to strengthening this industry. We appreciate their contributing their time and their talents, and they will certainly be missed.”

Donald V. Brown

Donald V. Brown, Jr. of D.V. Brown and Associates, Tonawanda, New York

Joe Labruzzo III of the Way Engineering Company in Houston, Texas (he was not able to be present)

Charles M. Usher

Charles M. Usher of Ideal Heating Company in Brookfield, Illinois

Stephen R. Dawson II

Stephen R. Dawson II of Harrell-Fish, Incorporated in Bloomington, Indiana

Changing of the Guard

Tom Stone passes the MCAA Presidential gavel to Greg L. Fuller.

President Stone offered a final word of thanks to all those who contribute to MCAA’s success before passing the gavel to MCAA’s 2017 President, Greg L. Fuller. In his first address to the association as its president, Fuller said:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor to be chosen to lead MCAA. I am looking forward to working with all of you to further our industry. This industry and the people that make it up mean everything to me. You have my word on that…

I received my journeyman plumber status back in 1985, began my career as a superintendent and joined North Mechanical in 1991 as a project manager. In 1997 I was lucky enough to be able to purchase the company.

Seeking ways to ensure my company’s success, I got involved in the MCA of Indiana and the group’s Indianapolis Chapter. I’ve served on the Boards of both organizations, as well as their Labor/Management and Finance committees. And, I’m currently Chairman of the UA Local 440 Health and Welfare Trust.

My introduction to MCA of America came in the form of attending the national association’s many educational programs. I now chair MCAA’s Project Managers Education Committee and am an instructor at our immensely popular Institute for Project Management.

I joined MCAA’s Board of Directors in 2010 and joined the Executive Committee four years later.

And I am here today to tell you that I can trace my company’s success—directly and indirectly—to my involvement in MCAA.

If you already participate, that’s great, and I urge you to consider upping your game.

And if you’ve been on the sidelines, wondering how to get involved, please just ask. We will find a way to use your talents. The industry will benefit from what you can do, and you and your company will benefit from your involvement as well. You have my word…

This year I pledge to “get out of the office” and to visit as many local associations as possible. They are what this association is about. Promoting participation in our local associations will be one of my primary goals this year.

Also, we are all fortunate in that the relationship between the MCAA and the UA is at an all-time high.

We developed a great partnership during General President Hite’s tenure and we will build on that with General President McManus and his terrific leadership team.

Mark, thank you for your comments earlier. I found them very inspirational.

We all understand that our biggest challenge as union contractors is to maintain, and yes, regain market share.

Last year—2016—saw a growth in the union representation rate in construction for the first time in many years. I believe this growth did not just reflect a market rebound; it also reflected a growing demand for a skilled and technologically proficient workforce—one that is being trained in our union apprenticeship programs.

And no trade is training its members more professionally and extensively than the United Association. And for our part, MCAA will continue to make sure our members are fully prepared for the technological and managerial challenges of tomorrow.

That’s what it will take to secure a bright future for the members of both of our fine organizations. That’s what it will take, and that’s what we will do. Again, you have my word…

So, I promise you that I will work hard to build on and continue the fine work of those who came before me. Please join me.

It is an incredible honor to stand before you as the president of MCAA.

Thank you very much.”

Tokens of Appreciation for a Job Well Done and One to Come

MCAA President Greg L. Fuller presents Immediate Past President Tom Stone with a token of appreciation for his service.

President Fuller presented Immediate Past President Stone with an MCAA Award for his leadership, saying, “Every time you look at this I hope you’ll remember how much we all appreciated the contributions you made to MCAA as our 2016 President.”

MCAA Immediate Past President Tom Stone looks on as fiancee Sharon Glynn presents a gift to new First Lady Lynne Fuller while MCAA 2017 President Greg L. Fuller looks on.

Immediate Past First Lady Sharon Glynn presented a gift to Lynne Fuller, saying, “Being First Lady is a lot of fun, and one of the best parts is travelling to meet with many of our local associations. So, as a token of our appreciation here is a travel bag and a monogrammed shawl for you to enjoy as you travel.”

Association Leaders Recognized

The national officers who serve as MCAA’s Executive Committee and the new members of MCAA’s Board of Directors were introduced.

Your National Officers

MCAA 2017 Executive Committee

Introducing the members of MCAA’s Executive Committee who will lead your association this year: Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Brian Helm, President-Elect Michael A. Brandt, President Greg L. Fuller, Senior Vice President and Treasurer Robert J. Durr Jr. and Immediate Past President Tom Stone.

Your New Board Members

MCAA 2017 New Board Members

The newest members of MCAA’s Board of Directors are: Larry L. Gunthorpe of Gunthorpe Plumbing & Heating Company in East Lansing, Michigan; Rick Gopffarth of Dynamic Systems, Inc. of Dallas, Texas; Stephen W. Harvey of Soefker Services in Memphis, Tennessee and Scott Wallenstein of Neptune Plumbing & Heating Co. in Cleveland, Ohio.

Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly Shared their Story

Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly

Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly spoke about their experiences in space and in life. This was the first time the duo has spoken to MCAA. Mark Kelly last spoke at MCAA’s Awards of Excellence Breakfast in 2013 in San Antonio.

MCAA 2017 Wrapped Up by Looking Ahead to MCAA 2018

MCAA President Greg L. Fuller

In conclusion, President Fuller remarked, “Our time here in San Diego is over, but I’m confident that each of us will be leaving here with great ideas to take home to our companies and some new contacts, too. I hope each of you choose to stay involved in MCAA this year or become even more involved. I think we can agree that after reflection, we’ve realized that MCAA is an even more important element in our success than we thought! That said, I hope to see you at next year’s convention!”

See you in San Antonio March 25 – 29, 2018!

MCAA 2018 San Antonio March 25-29, 2018