Archives: News Items

Sponsor Spotlight 23 Welcomes Terry Dugan from Trane

In the 23rd episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Robert Beck, MCAA’s Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Terry Dugan, Vice President – North America for Trane. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Terry Dugan is vice president, Commercial HVAC North America at Trane Technologies. In this role, Terry is responsible for North America sales and operations for the Trane® Commercial HVAC portfolio of high efficiency, industry-leading HVAC systems, services, controls and energy reduction solutions. A 35+ year veteran of the company, Terry has propelled business growth, innovation and operational excellence through a variety of general management and global leadership roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to his current role, Terry served as vice president for the company’s Building and Energy Services business. He also serves as the lead director for Trane Technologies on the Mitsubishi Electric Trane U.S. (METUS) board of directors. Terry holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

MSCA21 Sells Out in Record Time

Online registration for MSCA21 has closed due to overwhelming demand. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we had to limit attendance this year. If you are currently registered and need to make any changes or if you would like to get on a waitlist for conference registration, please email mscaconference@mcaa.org. We truly appreciate everyone’s support and look forward to a great live event this year.

Resource Highlight: NCPWB’s Tools to Reduce the Cost and Risk Associated with Welding and Brazing

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on Tools to Reduce the Cost and Risk Associated with Welding and Brazing. This resource highlights the many ways that the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) keeps contractors informed about welding and brazing technology, and simplifies welding and brazing qualification practices.

You will learn how the NCPWB can help your company:

  • Save time by using qualified welding and brazing procedures
  • Lower your cost of qualifying welding and brazing procedures
  • Reduce your risk of noncompliance
  • Access qualified welders nationwide
  • Access technical experts in welding and brazing
  • Access local and national educational programs
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Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Nick Nikpourfard.

Connect With the Latest Training from Uponor, Inc. and ATP Learning Solutions (ATP) at MCAA.org

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:

Uponor, Inc.
Uponor is your one-stop shop for polymer piping. From concept to completion, our partnership delivers top-notch services and the highest quality products to take productivity to the next level.

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ATP Learning Solutions (ATP)
ATP Learning Solutions offers technical expertise, instructional design, and attention to detail. We deliver high-level customized educational solutions designed to meet your training needs, using your content or ours.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

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MSCA21: Bounce Back from Setbacks

Slowing down the pace or rate of change isn’t an option, especially true after this last year. Therefore, skilling your people to more readily adapt to change as well as bounce back quickly from challenging setbacks is your organizations competitive advantage. During this session you will learn how building your “Bounce” skills is a critical element in creating and sustaining your Leadership Vitality. During MSCA21 October 14 – 17, 2021, Sara will walk attendees through a systematic “bounce approach” framework to strengthen the skills of resilience.

The framework does this by:

  • Helping people find calm through the chaos to increase their uncertainty tolerance;
  • Decreasing wasted emotional energy on “false-threats” causing people to feel stuck and overwhelmed, and instead focusing on the most important information;
  • Increasing awareness of the choices and opportunities people have when facing change and ambiguity and channeling that into appropriate action.

Sara talks more about what she will share during the MSCA Conference in the video below.

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Find the Latest from Johnson Controls, Inc. and NIBCO INC. in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Johnson Controls MCAA Virtual Trade Show

Johnson Controls, Inc.
Whether you’re building from scratch or retrofitting an existing facility or plant, Johnson Controls has nearly everything you need, with the most comprehensive line card in the industry.

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NIBCO INC.
NIBCO INC. introduces additional configurations of its 585HP (High Performance) Bronze Ball Valves line. The original 585HP line was introduced earlier this year, representing a giant leap in innovation in the ball valve market. Designed for commercial and industrial applications, the lead-free 585HP ball valve line allows for easier installation, adjustability, and long service life.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Withum Webinar Will Share What All Businesses Need to Know About ERC and PPP

Pandemic legislation has created significant opportunities for small and medium sized businesses. Rules ever changing, the programs have been shaped time and time again. Spend one hour with Withum experts as they detail some of the programs which have been most beneficial to businesses. The free webinar takes place June 28, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT.

Learning Objectives

During this session, we will cover the most up-to-date details on the following:

  • Paycheck Protection Program – Analyze lessons learned and understand best practices and pitfalls to avoid. We will also discuss the current status of loans in review with the SBA.
  • FFCRA Credits – Identify the payroll tax credits available to employers compensating employees for sick and family leave time, as well as updates to the program regarding absences related to employees receiving the vaccine.
  • Employee Retention Credit – Clarify changes in the program rules and regulation, and review of your businesses’ eligibility is a must. Our team will have a detailed discussion on eligibility and the opportunity available. We will also discuss the important consideration of the interplay between the ERC and the PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculation.

We want to ensure that any questions around either of these relief efforts are clarified. Our experts can assist with further calculations and opportunities following the webinar.

Presenters 

  • Frank Boutillette, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Market Leader, SBA Financial Assistance Services
  • Daniel Mayo, JD, LLM, Principal, National Lead, Federal Tax Policy
  • Matthew Walsh, CPA, MS, Lead, SBA Financial Assistance Services
  • Louis Young, CVA, Dealership Services, SBA Financial Assistance Services

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Martin Mechanical Inc. Reimagines Labor Scheduling, Improves Efficiency With LaborChart

Upgrading from Excel to LaborChart for labor scheduling proved to be an ideal solution for Martin Mechanical Inc., streamlining communication and making life easier for the whole staff. With LaborChart, “all the information is in one place and it’s easier to navigate. This helps everybody in our company,” said Seth Rogers, project manager and manpower supervisor for the Kansas City, MO, contractor.

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Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Safety Manual for Mechanical Fabrication Shop Workers

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s newly revised Safety Manual for Mechanical Fabrication Shop Workers. This quick reference tool provides critical information on 61 safety and health topics that are specific to work performed by mechanical fabrication shop workers. The topics include everything from bloodborne pathogens through welding-cutting-heating, and zinc exposures. The manual also includes updated information on how to properly administer CPR.

Download the Manual

For additional, in-depth coverage of many of the topics in the manual, including training videos and materials, visit the Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Take Advantage of Our Virtual Workshop Series – “Creating Certainty in Uncertain Times”

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) is pleased to bring you the McCarl Group’s 3 part virtual workshop for the owners of contracting companies. Combining over 50 years of construction industry experience you will benefit from a number of strategies designed to provide the participants with the tools necessary to navigate the future.

Session 1: A Different Deja Vu
Learn from the past, so we do NOT repeat our mistakes!

Session 2: Be Proactive
Learn how a dashboard and accountability is essential to build and grow your team.

Session 3: What is Your Plan?
Best of class is where you need to be in order to be sustainable.

Course Details
Schedule a Course

About the National Education Initiative (NEI): MCAA will bring lifelong learning directly to you! The National Education Initiative Seminars are our best MCAA/MSCA programs – brought to your local association or even your company. Our goal is to provide ongoing and advanced education and training in support of individual and association growth across the mechanical contracting industry. We offer standard and custom-designed classes exclusively for your association or company’s unique needs and challenges. If you need training quickly or have a large group, we are here to help!

Baker Group Shows Support for National Guard and Reserve

Baker Group Chairman and CEO B.J. Baker, III signed an Employer Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve (ESSNGR). The June 14, 2021 signing was part of an event highlighting Baker Group’s continued commitment to supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve. The company is an MCAA member.

B.J. Baker was joined by members of the Iowa office of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee. In signing the pledge, Baker Group unites with employers from across the country to affirm:

  • We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
  • We will provide our leadership team the tools necessary to effectively manage our employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
  • We appreciate the unique combination of values, leadership, and skills service members bring to Baker Group.
  • We will continue to actively recruit Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
  • We will provide continued support to service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“Our National Guard and Reserve forces are vital to our national security, whether on the battlefield half a world away, or in responding to a national disaster right here in the United States,” Baker says. “As an employer of several Guard and Reserve members, we are proud to provide them stability and flexibility to help balance their work and their commitment to serve. Baker Group is more than willing to make the sacrifices necessary to ensure these valuable employees are able to carry out their missions and responsibilities quickly and effectively when duty calls.”

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,300 volunteers in 54 committees. In its more than 45 years of service, ESGR has been responsible for trying to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.

“Baker Group has a long history of supporting members of our military, whether they are active duty, reserve or veterans,” Baker says. “We are humbled by their sacrifice and proudly recruit them as they transition out of active duty or seek a supportive employer as they continue Guard and Reserve service.”

MCAA applauds Baker Group’s commitment to supporting employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.

President Joe Biden Signs Legislation Recognizing Juneteenth National Independence Day as a New Federal Holiday

As of Thursday, June 17, 2021, the United States has a new federal holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans were granted their freedom in Galveston, Texas marking the official end of slavery in the United States. This is approximately two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation feed slaves in the Southern states. In December 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified and slavery was abolished.

The Juneteenth legislation passed through Congress with overwhelming support. The senate approved the bill unanimously and the House passed it in a 415-14 vote. Under the legislation, the federal holiday will be officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day. 

Juneteenth is the 12th legal public holiday and the first new federal holiday created in nearly 40 years since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was signed into law in 1983 by Ronald Reagan.

Vice President Kamala Harris was present as President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth legislation. The law goes into effect immediately, making this Friday (June 18, 2021) the first federal Juneteenth holiday in American history. Since June 19 falls on a Saturday this year, the federal Office of Personnel Management announced that most federal employees would observe it on Friday, June 18, 2021.

MCAA commends President Biden and all the legislators for recognizing Juneteenth as a crucial part of the American story and their efforts to unify all Americans.

Join MCAA & CEA Virtually to Discuss Key Legislative & Regulatory Issues

The Construction Employers of America (CEA), of which MCAA is a charter member, will be hosting this year’s legislative and regulatory conference virtually on Wednesday, July 21st from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm EDT, and it will focus on key regulatory and legislative issues affecting the union construction industry today. As with previous in-person conferences, the CEA will host both Regulators and Representatives from Congress for their expertise and insight on a variety of topics such as: 

  • The regulatory landscape for Multiemployer Pension Plans based upon enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021.
  • Department of Labor efforts to address Employee Misclassification.
  • OSHA developments of interest to the construction industry.
  • Infrastructure spending in the Energy and Building Market Sectors and proposed tax measures to fund it.
EVENT WEBSITE
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Who is the CEA?

We are a coalition of seven premier national construction specialty contracting associations, working together to raise awareness among policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public, about the value of high-quality American construction. CEA engages on national, state, and local public policy initiatives to strengthen the domestic construction industry and provide opportunities for top-quality construction workers to earn the skills they need to command high wages.

Registration Now Open for MSCA21 & GreatFutures 2021

Reservations are processed on a first-come-first-serve basis and rooms are limited. Be sure to register early.

At long last, MSCA looks forward to being together this October in Arizona!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? MSCA invites you to reunite and come together, at the J.W. Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn & Resort, to share your experiences, explore new innovations, and reconnect—in person—with your peers. We will mingle, meet, and collaborate on a brighter future. And we will get to do it Together…at last!

October 14-17, 2021
JW Marriott Scottsdale
Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

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And Still More Togetherness…

This year’s MCAA GreatFutures Forum, which brings together the brightest and most ambitious students from our MCA-affiliated student chapters, will be held in conjunction with the MSCA conference. Many students will be seeking jobs and internships and this provides them a unique opportunity to learn more about what the HVACR/plumbing service industry has to offer. Students and contractors can meet, inspire, hire, share ideas, and generally have a great time!

October 17-19, 2021
JW Marriott Scottsdale
Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

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Tim Brink Highlights Opportunities for MCAA and Its Members

MCAA Chief Executive Officer Tim Brink spoke with ENR about opportunities and new areas of growth as the construction industry emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that, “leveraging this infrastructure investment policy round is a golden opportunity to maintain high-road contracting systems for the long-term benefit.” He added that new technologies and increased communication present new opportunities for MCAA members.

Find the Latest from Charlotte Pipe & Foundry and eVolveMEP in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry is the nation’s leading maker of cast iron and plastic pipe and fittings for the plumbing industry.

Learn More

eVolveMEP
eVolveMEP is the Southeast’s premier Autodesk software reseller, providing design technology planning, training, mentoring, and solutions to help clients improve project performance and workflows.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Havtech, MacMiller Better Connect With Customers Through XOi Technologies

Havtech and MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions (MacMiller) are among those MCAA members using XOi Technologies to capture facilities information that helps them improve service and better communicate with clients. In a highly competitive market, video documentation helps them get client approval quickly, demonstrate that work is completed, and bring technicians up to speed quickly before they go onsite to provide service., and versatility are critical when making purchases.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

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

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Sponsor Spotlight 22 Welcomes Wayne Garrett from Carrier Corporation

In the 22nd episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Bob Bolton, MCAA’s President-Elect is joined by Wayne Garrett, Managing Director, NA Applied Equipment for Carrier Corporation. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Wayne Garrett comes to Carrier with over 27 years of industry experience in commercial equipment and control sales.  As Managing Director of NA Applied Systems he has P&L responsibility for all commercial equipment business including production factories in both Charlotte, NC. and Monterrey, MX.  In this role he oversees Applied equipment sales through all distribution channels as well as managing Carrier’s national accounts and global export business. Prior to joining Carrier, Wayne held various branch, regional, and corporate leadership roles within the industry.  He has led key marketing initiatives for healthy buildings and indoor air quality (IAQ), central plant optimization, optimized building wide systems’ platforms, and software as a service (SaaS) offerings. Wayne earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY and holds a Master of Science, M.S.M. degree in management from Colorado Technical University. 

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Safety Manual for Mechanical Service Technicians

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s newly revised Safety Manual for Mechanical Service Technicians. This quick reference tool provides critical information on 84 safety and health topics that are specific to work performed by mechanical service technicians, including information on the newest and most frequently used refrigerants, substantive changes to NFPA 70E, and new information on how to properly administer CPR.

Download the Manual

For additional, in-depth coverage of many of the topics in the manual, including training videos and materials, visit the Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

OSHA COVID-19 ETS & New Guidance for Employers Not Covered by the Standard

OSHA recently released an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 covering settings where employees provide healthcare services or healthcare support services. Contractors providing healthcare support services, such as equipment and facility maintenance, may have to comply with several provisions in the ETS, such as establishing a COVID-19 plan, implementing precautions, requiring use of personal protective equipment, practicing physical distancing, using physical barriers, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, implementing health screening and medical management, supporting COVID-19 vaccinations, and providing appropriate training.

However, the standard does not apply to “well-defined hospital ambulatory care settings” where all employees are fully vaccinated, all non-employees are screened prior to entry, and people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 are not permitted to enter those settings. Ambulatory care means healthcare services performed on an outpatient basis, such as physician’s offices, hospital outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics. Affected employers must comply with most provisions of the standard within 14 days, and with the remaining provisions within 30 days. OSHA will use enforcement discretion to avoid citing employers who are making a good faith effort to comply with the ETS.

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Contractors whose employees are not providing healthcare support services are exempt from the ETS. However, OSHA has updated their guidelines for employers based on the most current guidance from the CDC. Employers are urged to comply with the updated guidelines, which direct employers to:

  • Grant paid time off for employees to get vaccinated;
  • Instruct workers who are infected, unvaccinated workers who have had close contact with someone who tested positive, and all workers with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from work;
  • Implement physical distancing for unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk workers in all communal work areas;
  • Provide unvaccinated and otherwise at-risk workers with face coverings or surgical masks;
  • Educate and train workers on your company’s COVID-19 policies and procedures;
  • Suggest that unvaccinated customers, visitors, or guests wear face coverings;
  • Maintain ventilation systems;
  • Perform routine cleaning and disinfection;
  • Record and report COVID-19 infections and deaths;
  • Implement protections from retaliation;
  • Set up an anonymous process for workers to voice concerns about COVID-19-related hazards; and
  • Follow other applicable mandatory OSHA standards.

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