Jocelyn Jackson has added Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) to her dues management role. As MCAA’s Director, WiMI and Dues Management, she will be the staff liaison to the WiMI Committee, playing a key role in facilitating committee activities. Please join us in congratulating Jocelyn on her new role!
Since A&R Mechanical Contractors adopted Procore’s workforce management software, project planning has become much less of a struggle, timelines have decreased, and profits have increased. For example, getting paid for out-of-scope work has dramatically improved with the T&M [time and materials] Ticket Tool.
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA23 Propel… it was a resounding success! We heard from inspiring keynote speakers, dove deep on education with topics of leadership and personal growth, along with recession proofing, refrigerants, electrification, and more. We celebrated a new award, announced a new scholarship, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community all while having a lot of fun in the San Marco sun.
MSCA is proud to introduce a new scholarship in honor of a trailblazing individual who played a pivotal role in nurturing the Mechanical Service industry, Barbara Dolim. Each year, two exceptional students will have the opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship, ensuring that we continue to inspire and support the next generation of mechanical service professionals. The first recipients of the MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship were Gonzalo Ceja from Riverside City College and Kolten Plekes from Ferris State University.
MSCA also announced a brand-new award in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by our members: the MSCA Distinguished Service Award. With a vast community of incredible individuals, this award was established to pay homage to those who have consistently reshaped and improved our industry while exhibiting unwavering dedication to MSCA.
Our first recipient of this award is Jaimi Lomas, a person who has created an incredible legacy within the industry and MSCA.
MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Friday, October 20, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Charity office, an organization working to wipe out hunger and provide critical food assistance to the over 152,000 individuals. MSCA also put in some hard work to make needed repairs at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Erik Qualman kicked off our conference discussing how technology is revolutionizing the way we live and work and how your organization can harness it to drive innovation. On Tuesday morning, we heard from MCAA President Robert Beck followed by Aimee Copeland who touched our hearts as she taught us about overcoming adversity. Later that morning, spouses and students continued the commitment to service by participating in the 13th 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 the skills needed to adapt to change, lead with courage, and build trusting relationships from Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman.
We had outstanding educational sessions and peer-led roundtable discussions each day. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together.
Eight years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award as a way 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, Service Manager for L.J. Kruse Company, Will Kruse! MSCA has made a contribution in Will Kruse’s name for the amount of $2,500 to the Berkeley Humane Society which has operated as a no-kill animal shelter for dogs and cats for the past 125 years.
Rich Happel concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Renee Fiorelli. Renee Fiorelli is the President of Peterson Service Company, Immediate Past President of the MCA of NJ and Co-Chair of the ITF. She is the past recipient of the Contracting Business HVACR Women of the Year award and a graduate of the MCAA ALI program. In partnership with the MCANJ, Renee spearheaded the creation of the local New Jersey WiMI chapter. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
The 2023-2024 MSCA Board of Managers was introduced as well. These members work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success.
They are:
Adam Wallenstein, Vice Chair
Neptune Plumbing and Heating Co.
David Geith, Treasurer
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Rich Happel, Immediate Past Chair
EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Lindsey Grilec
PremiStar
Drew Harrison
Harrison Energy Partners
Mike Hupp
Harrell-Fish, Inc.
Al May
North Mechanical Services, Inc.
Michael McHenry
Ainsworth
Michael Rosone
Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
The next MSCA conference is shaping up to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for September 22 – 25, 2024, and plan to join us at the member favorite Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.
MCAA recently submitted comments on the proposed Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations implementing the Biden Administration’s energy project enhanced tax incentives for projects paying prevailing wages and using a minimum of 10 to 15 percent registered apprentice hours (PWA).
The comments cite the “laudable public policy goals boldly declared by the Biden Administration in all respects” pertaining to improving the nation’s environment and addressing climate change with high-premium incentives for energy projects paying prevailing wages and using registered apprentices. These incentives would apply on a broad range of private and public sector projects.
MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney emphasized in the MCAA comments that, “high-road prevailing wage and apprentice utilization and project labor agreement projects (PLAs) are strongly associated with more productive and superior project outcomes.”
Citing the recent MCAA/UA sponsored Independent Project Analysis (IPA) report, Quantifying the Value of Union Labor in Construction Projects, Chairman Gaffney’s comments also advised that, “owners choosing PWA and PLA incentives should factor in a substantial productivity edge and overall cost reductions and risk mitigation advantages in their project cost/benefit analysis as well.”
Noting that the proposed IRS regulations rely on post-project completion compliance audits to assess tax credit eligibility, Gaffney counseled the IRS to, “add in more proactive front-end planning approaches to move compliance incentives up front in the owner’s project pre-planning solicitation, and procurement and acquisition process.”
Chairman Gaffney concluded, “In this way, high quality job site prime contractors and subcontractors bidding or offering on the projects will engage in more robust competition because their greater facility with the PWA and PLA aspects of the rules will be given fair weight and evaluation in the bidding and contractor selection process – and the risks of non-compliance aren’t put off to the end of the project where the burden and inefficiency of the owner’s project pre-planning deficits put dispute resolution and performance problem overhead into overall project performance unnecessarily.”
Heightened competition has spurred mechanical contractors to share their impressive story of accomplishment, capabilities and convictions to bolster their image and competitive advantage. MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor highlights the need for regular promotion as a business development tool and offers tips for selecting a public relations consultant. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The bulletin explores:
For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.
Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.
MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Jim McCarl, a nationally recognized speaker and strategist. Jim helps senior management, owners, foremen and project managers strategically manage risk. He provides insights into proven methods for developing effective strategic plans and key factors to implement and maintain them. His newest offerings focus on creating certainty in uncertain times.
Jim helps businesses and non-profits maximize their potential using success strategies developed over a 30-year career at the helm of McCarl’s, Inc., a family-owned construction business. Under his leadership, the company’s annual sales grew 1,000 percent, placing it in the top tier of mechanical contractors in the United States. He serves on the boards of directors of three construction companies across the nation. His broad background in family business, strategy and risk management have benefitted all these firms.
His Strategic Management (SM) Seminars for Construction help senior management, owners, foremen and project managers strategically manage risk. He provides insights into proven methods for developing effective strategic plans and key factors to implement and maintain them.
Like our other NEI instructors, Jim brings his unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.
Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, 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 website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.
Registrations for MCAA24 are coming in hot, but you still have time to register and receive the early bird discount rate! These discounted registration rates will be available to MCAA members through December 31. The regular registration rates will go into effect January 1, 2024.
Hotel rooms at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are also filling fast. Register today to secure an on-property hotel room.
MCAA24 will be held March 17 – 21, 2024 at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes located in Orlando, Florida.
MCAA CEO Tim Brink joined Frank Favaro for The People Business podcast on September 27, 2023. Listen as Tim shares his journey, from his grandfather’s plumbing business to the mentors who guided him, the importance of caring for people, and the value of authentic relationships.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio hosted the inaugural meeting of its Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) group on October 26, 2023. Although this group is just starting its journey, it has already made a significant impact. In the spirit of “Socktober,” attendees generously contributed 145 pairs of socks to support Bethany House, a local women’s shelter.
During the meeting, the participants took time to craft words of encouragement cards for the UA Local 50 female apprentices. These heartfelt messages will be hand-delivered, along with the book “Successful Sister” authored by Alicia Robinson, a steamfitter from UA Local 469.
WiMI is deeply committed to empowering women in the mechanical industry by providing valuable opportunities for networking, education, and mentorship, enabling them to advance and excel in their careers.
MCAA is excited to welcome the Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio WiMI group to the growing number of local WiMI groups.
To celebrate MCAA’s 20 Years of Safety Excellence, MCAA is offering monthly safety kits to benefit our contractors around the country and the mechanical industry workers they support. Each kit will include videos, webinars, trainings, and additional resources on each monthly topic.
November 2023: Workplace Safety
Workplace safety includes more than PPE and fall protection, it encompasses workplace distractions and workplace violence. Identifying warning signs and taking appropriate actions to prevent workplace violence is important to everyone’s safety and health. These resources show viewers how to protect themselves and others if they find themselves in an active workplace violence situation. This month’s kit includes two full length videos on workplace distractions and workplace violence and a microlearning series on workplace violence protection.
MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:
Winsupply
Because we bring national buying strength to local support directly to you.
GTP Software, Inc.
STRATUS, the premiere Virtual Design and Construction Productivity software solution for MEP Contractors, takes you beyond the model. Elevate your technology capabilities in the shop and field. Empower your team with information. Encourage more communication and engagement.
Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!
If your team is tired of callbacks because of a lack of hot water at the point of use and the labor required for manual balancing, thermostatic balancing, a more efficient domestic hot water balancing method, is now an option. Thermostatic balancing recirculates the hot water loop based on temperature, as opposed to pressure or flow.
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
The MCAA Board of Directors has ratified Michael F. Russo, Chief Operating Officer of Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation in Fresh Meadows, NY, and as the newest member of MCAA’s Executive Committee as called for by the MCAA Bylaws. Mike has served MCAA as a member of the MCAA Board of Directors since 2018 and a member of the Career Development Committee since 2017. He will take office as MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer at the Annual Business Meeting at MCAA24. Congratulations, Mike!
Ann Mattheis, who was a big part of the MCAA Staff family for many years, has passed away. Ann wore a number of hats during her time at MCAA, including as the staff liaison for the Career Development and the Management Methods committees. She enjoyed volunteer work and time with friends and her dogs during her retirement. As we get more information regarding services, it will be passed along. She will be missed.
The MCAA Career Development Committee recently released a set of resources focused on internships. Ever wonder when the best time is to hire an intern? Quick answer – NOW!
Of course, any time of year is a great time when you find the perfect candidate, but the most practical time to hone in on your search and devote additional resources to hiring strategies is during the month of October, especially for summer internships.
Check out the full MCAA Internship Guide and pay special attention to the Hire Me October segment, which highlights four unique ideas that could spark inspiration for the next out-of-the-box hiring strategy at your company.
Not sure where to begin with an intern? Start with the Internship Best Practices Guide for a timeline of events, and then consider creating an Industry Orientation Day. Finally, once you have your intern identified, meet them where they are in skills using the Hot Sauce Guide.
The first step – finding an intern! Post your internship or entry-level job today on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board.
* New jobs are highlighted every two weeks on the mcaagreatfutures Instagram page.
Have Questions or Need Assistance? Contact MCAA’s Michele Hoffman.
Mechanical contractors must satisfy federal employment tax requirements with respect to all “wages” paid to employees. MCAA’s Tax Requirements Applicable to Travel Reimbursements, Advances and Subsistence Allowances explains the tax rules and addresses the related question of the employer’s right to deduct these payments as ordinary and necessary business expenses. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The bulletin explores:
For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.
Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.
The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,500 grants for the 2024 MCAA Safety & Health Conference, which includes 50+ hours of education and training from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Forty grants are available for the January 16-18, 2024, event in Tucson, AZ, with grants limited to one per local.
The ITF Board of Trustees approved the grant so that individuals can learn firsthand about safety and health issues specific to the mechanical construction and service industries through world-class training and education. The grant, which was first announced in the UA’s Fall/Winter 2023 Safety News, is intended to cover 40 hours of wages and all travel related costs to attend the conference. Any unspent funds may be used by the local union education fund for other training program initiatives.
To be eligible for the grant, you must:
See the grant guidelines for more information, including how to apply. Please be sure to submit your ITF grant and have your attendee register for the conference by Friday, November 17.
If you have any questions, please contact Jocelyn Crowder, Fund Administrator, at JocelynC@uanet.org or 410-269-2000, ext. 4010.
January 16-18, 2024 | Loews Ventana Canyon – Tuscon, AZ
Do you know how to help someone you suspect has overdosed on opioids? Find out, and gain the knowledge and confidence you need to respond during Narcan Certification for Opioid Overdoses. This course, presented by Rescue One Training for Life, is just one reason to attend MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!
In this course, you will learn:
MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference will offer more than 50 hours of training and education from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Join us for three days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations with 300+ occupational safety and health professionals, principals, owners, local affiliated executives, UA instructors, industry partners, NECA & SMACNA, and anyone who has safety and health responsibilities.
For the first-time in conference history we are being joined by TAUC’s EHS Committee and welcome all TAUC members to participate in this event.
This conference is one of MCAA’s most popular conferences and it sells out quickly. Register today to secure your spot! Member registration is $895 and guests are $295.
*Upon completing your registration, a link to book your hotel room will be emailed to you. If you encounter any issues while booking with the hotel please contact events@mcaa.org and we are happy to assist.
CHST $499
CPR Instructor: $299
CPR Provider: $49
CPR Instructor Renewal: $99
Have questions or interested in exhibiting? Contact us at events@mcaa.org or 301-869-5800.
The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:
DEWALT Industrial Tool Company
The DEWALT PERFORM & PROTECT™ line of tools and accessories is YOUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE™ on the job. They are designed to provide a high level of one or more of the following: dust containment, control, or low vibration, without sacrificing performance. These quick and easy product guides from DEWALT® will help get you started using your tools.
Viega
Discover how Viega’s press technology can help drive profitability and efficiency. Book a Viega Works session today with our technical consultants who offer real world experience and industry knowledge.
Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.
MCAA member NEFCO, a leading specialty supply partner to the professional construction trades, has completed the acquisition of Edge Construction Supply (Edge). Edge is headquartered in Spokane, WA, and has eight additional locations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. This is NEFCO’s ninth acquisition since 2017 and brings the total number of NEFCO locations to 35.
“Edge Construction Supply is excited to take this next step to join the NEFCO team,” said Eric Grabowski, President of Edge Construction Supply. “Edge was started by my wife’s grandfather and has deep roots as a family business. NEFCO is also a family business with similar core values focused around taking exceptional care of both employees and customers. Through this partnership, we will be able to expand both our footprint and product offering. NEFCO’s expertise in SHARP products, engineered pipe supports, and supply chain will benefit our current contractor customers throughout the Northwest. We know great things are ahead with NEFCO, and we could not be more thrilled to join forces with this thriving organization.”
Edge began in Spokane, WA in 1949 as Safway Supply offering scaffolding products. Jesse Thomas was the founder, and his son, Rick Thomas, became CEO in 1985 and significantly grew the company in both locations and products offered. Eric Grabowski, Rick’s son-in-law, took over the reins of the business in 2008 and continued its’ expansion. Edge has been serving and helping build the Pacific Northwest for almost 75 years and looks forward to the possibilities for the future with this merger.
NEFCO is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Edge and its employees. Current customers of Edge can expect uninterrupted service and support during this transition.
“Edge is an incredible family business that has built a reputation for being a highly reliable, service-focused distributor with high integrity and strong values. We are honored to welcome the amazing Edge employees to the NEFCO family where we share many of the same values,” said NEFCO CEO, Matthew Gelles. “The partnership with Edge brings NEFCO into the Pacific Northwest, furthering our expansion across the west coast as we work to achieve our vision to partner with contractors across every jobsite in America.”
For more information, email Inquiries@nefcocorp.com or visit www.GoNefco.com.
About NEFCO – NEFCO is a family owned and operated construction supply company providing a broad range of products and services to a large variety of professional contractors. With 35 locations throughout the United States, NEFCO provides localized, contractor-centric services including extensive industry expertise, large local inventories, fast dependable jobsite delivery, turnkey engineering services, and specialty fabrication and assembly of construction materials.
About Edge Construction Supply – Founded in 1949, Edge Construction Supply has been serving the commercial construction and industrial markets throughout the Pacific Northwest, with its headquarters in Spokane, Washington and eight additional locations in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana.
