Archives: News Items

AB&I Celebrates Women in Industry

MCAA member AB&I Foundry is celebrating women in engineering, manufacturing, and the skilled trades with an iron woman character named “Rose.” The foundry, which has had a long history with their iron man character, felt it was time to feature a female character. The new Iron Woman pays tribute to the iconic Rosie the Riveter representing the women civilians who built the warplanes during the WWII effort.

“There is a huge gap in our historical narrative about women in the trades and that is quickly changing as they are starting to fill the void in skilled trades as many baby boomers retire out of industry. While women are stepping into these roles they are still underrepresented,” said Francesca Venezia Dunbar, Vice President of Group Marketing for McWane. “We hope that the new Iron Woman will pay tribute to the vast opportunities for women in industry.”

According to The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), Between 2017 and 2018, the number of women working in construction trades increased by 17.6 percent, rising to well over a quarter of a million women (276,000), according to a recent analysis from IWPR. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) shows that women make up about 47 percent of the overall workforce but are still underrepresented in science and engineering occupations. Only 14 percent of engineers are women. Despite these increases, women still only represent 10% of the construction workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, jobs in the skilled trades are expected to grow by at least 11 percent by 2026, while three out of every four tradespeople are set to retire. This brings opportunity for women seeking employment in engineering, manufacturing and the skilled trades.

“The plumbing industry, as well as other industries, are chock full of women breaking barriers with their actions. At AB&I we celebrate those individual women who are pushing through to achieve greatness, no matter the obstacles or tasks,” said Shannon Hooper, National Sales Manager of AB&I Foundry. “I feel that Rose is an embodiment of the changes happening in the construction industry and the world. I look forward to seeing Rose and other women meet the future head on and all the great things they will accomplish.”

MCAA Seeks National Committee Recommendations

Member involvement from those serving on MCAA’s national committees helps all of us run more successful businesses and strengthens our industry. MCAA members who are willing to serve on a national committee in 2021 are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Completed applications are due to MCAA by November 2, 2020.

Find the Latest from CNA and Wieland Chase, LLC 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:

CNA
Mechanical contractors take on risk with each project, when was the last time you reviewed your insurance needs?

Learn More
Chase Brass Eco Brass

Wieland Chase, LLC
Make sure you know what’s in your parts. Wieland Chase produces patented C69300 ECO BRASS® and C87850 ECO BRONZE® High Performance, Lead-Free Brass. Both alloys are also arsenic-free, bismuth-free and recyclable.

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

Important MCAA 2021 Convention Update

September 28, 2020

Good afternoon,

I hope this email finds everyone safe and healthy. This year has certainly challenged us all. COVID-19 has forced us all to change and adapt, to re-invent the way we provide services and resources and change the way we learn. Thanks to your MCAA Officers, Board of Directors and dedicated national staff, MCAA has not skipped a beat. Considering the safety of MCAA members, the association and our industry partners, it was decided that the MCAA 2021 Annual Convention will be cancelled due to the impacts of COVID-19.

What does this mean for MCAA members and our industry partners? Instead, MCAA will hold the first MCAA Virtual Education Conference. This conference will feature top quality education seminars, a virtual trade show/exhibit, our annual business meeting, student chapter competition, safety awards and scholarship presentations and the annual changing of the guard. The MCAA Virtual Education Conference will be held March 22-25, 2021.

This four-day educational experience is not a substitute for our convention as nothing can compare to actually being together. Until we can be together, safely, the MCAA Virtual Education Conference will provide MCAA members with what they have come to expect, top quality education that will aid and enhance their businesses. Keep an eye out for more information during the next few months as the plan and vision come together. I hope that everyone and their families stay safe and healthy. I look forward to when we can all get back together and celebrate our MCAA family in person.

Take care,

Timothy J. Brink
CEO

Sloan Products Deliver Hygienic Solutions for First ‘Post-COVID-19’ Office Building

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

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

JPG Plumbing Offers a Case Study in Cash Flow

On the surface, it might not seem like accounting platforms are a core part of your service business.  What is a core part of your business is cash flow.  In order to reduce your billing cycle, how well your accounting system integrates with your service and dispatch software is fundamental in your business operations.

In the second module of the PCA’s Virtual Education Series on Plumbing Service, attendees will get a first-hand look at how the host company, JPG Plumbing and Mechanical Services, handle dispatch, fleet management and service tech operations with their software. A video demonstration of their process in both the office and the field will be included as they perform a normal job and close their ticket.

Following the video, JPG President John Geiling will lead a virtual discussion with attendees on cash flow operations and its importance to the health of the company.  JPG Vice President, Marc Gluck and Service Director, Katina Blodgett will also present a case study on how they chose their accounting and service platforms and what optional add-ons and customizations they made to fit their operations.

The PCA Virtual Education Series is a seven-module case study with weekly sessions focusing on JPG Plumbing & Mechanical Services. Each module includes a video, an online discussion and handouts.  The series is limited to MCAA, PCA and MSCA members and costs $400. Prior sessions can still be accessed after their live broadcast. 

For more information, contact Sean McGuire.

REGISTER NOW

New Tailgate Safety Talks for Refrigerant Work

MCAA/MSCA is pleased to announce a new set of Tailgate Safety Talks on refrigerant safety. Recent changes to ASHRAE’s refrigerant Safety Group Classification System, along with toxicity and flammability characteristics associated with some of the newer refrigerants, prompted production of the new resource. There a total of five new Tailgate Safety Talks addressing:

  1. ASHRAE’s Refrigerant Safety Group Classification System
  2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Refrigerants
  3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Work with Refrigerants
  4. Protection from Refrigerant Toxicity & Flammability Hazards
  5. Some Common Symptoms of Overexposure to Refrigerants

VIEW RESOURCE

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and MIFAB, 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:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
An air gap is a vertical break between the supply pipe and the receiving source to provide backflow protection into the potable water system. This is required by code to prevent contamination of the potable water system. Optional finishes are chrome-plated brass (-CP) and nickel-plated brass (-NP).

Learn More

MIFAB, Inc.
MIFAB’s revolutionary Quick Hub No Hub Couplings are now NSF approved! Quick Hub Couplings are much faster than traditional couplings, yet they are still held to the same high standards.

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

New Refrigerant Safety Training Resource

MCAA/MSCA is pleased to announce the release of a new refrigerant safety training resource for members. The resource, which includes a PowerPoint safety training presentation and accompanying notes for the instructors will help you bring your service technicians and other affected workers up to speed on the most current ASHRAE refrigerant designations and safety classifications, safety concerns for new and existing refrigerants, and appropriate protective measures. Trainees will learn about the potential hazards, the potential effects of the various refrigerants on the human body, ASHRAE’s refrigerant Safety Group Classification System, classifications of the new and existing refrigerants that are used most frequently in our industry, where and how to find safety information about the refrigerants they’re using, how to protect themselves from related toxicity, flammability, and physical hazards, common symptoms of overexposure, how to respond to the symptoms, proper refrigerant storage, and more.

LEARN MORE

Guy’s Mechanical Systems Saves Steps, Time with Viega’s Branch Connectors

Guy’s Mechanical Systems discovered that the Viega MegaPress Press-In Branch Connector saved them time by reducing the steps for installation in the process of remodeling a 20-story high-rise in downtown Pittsburgh. Renovating the aged building—constructed in 1902—into a hotel has been a complicated process, and Foreman Josh Mitchell said MegaPress has made it simpler. Viega is an MCAA benefactor sponsor.

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

BNY Mellon Hosts Panel Discussion on DOL Proxy Voting Proposal

Please join BNY Mellon on Tuesday, September 22, or Thursday, September 24, at 3:00pm ET for a discussion of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) recent proposed rule, “Fiduciary Duties Regarding Proxy Voting and Shareholder Rights.” The proposed rule, filed on September 4, 2020, outlines a proxy voting framework for Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) governed plans that has far reaching implications on how fiduciaries allocate governance resources and what constitutes economic benefits for plan participants.

This panel discussion is offered by MCAA as a service to our members who serve as pension plan trustees. The DOL proposal is pending and the NCCMP will be filing comments on behalf of MCAA local affiliate plans. The proposal will most likely be subject to court challenge due to the expedited regulatory agenda and the truncated process associated with that; and the new Congress too may have issues related to some of the restrictive terms as proposed. So, this process is ongoing, but plan trustees may find it advantageous to be advised of this process in the early stages.

The panel will be moderated by Seyi Bucknor, Head of Newton Investment Management North America and invited panelists include:

  • David Webber, Boston University School of Law Professor & Author of “Rise of the Working Class Shareholder: Labor’s Last Best Weapon”
  • Maureen O’Brien, Corporate Governance Director, Segal Marco Advisors
  • Brandon Rees, Deputy Director, Office of Investment for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
  • Andrew Parry, Head of Sustainable Investment, Newton Investment Management


Please submit questions in advance to: griffin.white@bnymellon.com. The panel discussion will be followed by additional time for Q&A.

JOIN TUESDAY

JOIN THURSDAY

*If asked for a password, use: DOLProxy2020!

ABA/ConsensusDocs Webinar Offers Practical Ways to Maximize Advantages of Master Agreements

Construction owners, general contractors and subcontractors are increasingly using master agreements to become more efficient in their contract negotiations. The American Bar Association (ABA) and ConsensusDocs will discuss practical ways to maximize the advantages and avoid potential traps in using master agreements in a coordinated manner during a September 24 webinar from 1:00-2:30 PM ET. Registration is open to all, with special savings for those who are ConsensusDocs subscribers.

Those who attend will learn how to equip field personnel to address project specifics in project work orders under the terms of the agreement. Attendees will also gain the contractual tools necessary to create master prime agreements and master subcontract agreements. They will also learn how to structure and organize terms in the master agreement as well as a project order so that project specifics and master terms complement each other rather than conflict.

An emphasis will be placed on best practices in negotiating subcontract terms. The recently published ConsensusDocs 755 standard master subcontract agreement and 756 project work order will help illustrate how an industry standard master contract can assist construction attorneys and their clients in focusing on risk allocation advantages and avoid potential pitfalls.

Speakers

Brian Perlberg – ConsensusDocs Executive Director | Arlington, VA

Brian is a nationally recognized construction law attorney who serves as Executive Director and Senior Counsel for ConsensusDocs, a unique, industry-wide coalition of leading construction associations, including MCAA, producing best practice standard construction contracts.

Kevin Peartree – Ernstrom & Dreste, LLP Partner | Rochester, NY

Kevin F. Peartree, Partner, represents clients in all areas relating to the construction industry, contract law and suretyship. He handles construction litigation, counseling and contract negotiation for contractors, design-builders, construction managers, specialty contractors and sureties.

Kristen Lynn Wendler – Farhang & Medcoff, Partner | Tucson, AZ

Kristen’s practice focuses in the areas of Real Estate and Construction. Her business law experience includes business formation, mergers/acquisitions, commercial real estate transactions, non-profit corporations, employment matters, disadvantaged business enterprises, and succession planning.

Pricing & Continuing Education Credits

ConsensusDocs subscribers receive discount pricing of $95.00 when they register for the webinar. For all others, the registration fee is $195.00. The webinar offers 1.5 continuing legal education (CLE) credit hours.

How to Register

  • Visit the registration page. 
  • You will be asked to login. If you don’t have a login, you will have the opportunity to create one.
  • You may need to go back to the event link if you navigated away to create a password.
  • Click the Register Now button.
  • It will show the $195.00 List Price. If your company is a ConsensusDocs subscriber, use the arrow to the right and select the ConsensusDocs Member option. This will change your price to $95.00.
  • Confirm your details and enter your payment information.
  • You will receive a confirmation and receipt directly from the ABA.

Related Resource

ConsensusDocs offers a comprehensive library of form documents drafted in a co-equal consensus process. MCAA is a participating member, and MCAA members can save on their orders using the Discount Code: MCAA100. Learn more by visiting the ConsensusDocs website.

MCAA Welcomes Frank Wall as Executive Director, Operations

Frank Wall has joined the MCAA staff as the association’s Executive Director, Operations. Frank is no stranger to MCAA. He was the Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association of Oregon for 12 years, followed by two years as the Executive Vice President of the M&SCA of Eastern Pennsylvania. During that time, he was also Chair of MCAA’s Association Executives Council. “I am personally excited to work with such a professional staff,” Frank said.

In his new role, Frank serves as Executive Director of the John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF). He also focuses his attentions on MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) and Management Methods Committee.

Frank’s extensive experience in leadership development will serve him well in another aspect of his job, handling the human resources function for MCAA.

Frank and his wife, Colleen, have two sons and are expecting their first grandchild in January.

Withum COVID-19 Bill Update – 9/17/2020

PPP Loans – Disallowance of Expense Deductions: Withum is getting a lot of questions regarding the denial of tax deductions relating to PPP loan forgiveness. As you may recall, cancellation of debt relating to the PPP loan is not taxable income. While that is the case for the loan itself, the amount forgiven actually ends up being fully taxable because the IRS issued Notice 2020-32 to disallow the tax deductions (expenses) that gave rise to the loan forgiveness. Here is a link to a Withum article on the Taxation of PPP Loans and Loan Forgiveness. Thus, taxpayers should expect more taxable income as they will have less deductible expenses in 2020 than are reflected on their internal books and records.

This also has caused some fiscal year-end borrowers to consider whether they can choose which deductions to disallow so they can defer the taxation of the loan forgiveness amount until a later tax year. 

Consider this example: a borrower obtained a PPP loan 8 weeks before the end of its 2020 FYE. If it obtains loan forgiveness based on the first 8 weeks of covered expenses, then those expenses would be disallowed and the loan forgiveness amount would be taxable in 2020. If, however, the borrower can disregard the first 8 weeks of expenses and rely only on the last 16 weeks of covered expenses paid or incurred during the covered period, then it could defer the expense disallowance, and therefore the taxation of the loan forgiveness amount until 2021. There is no guidance on this issue from the IRS or from the SBA, and while there are reasonable arguments to be made both ways, we cannot recommend borrowers take this position because eligibility for loan forgiveness is based on “the sum of” the covered expenses paid and incurred during the covered period, according to section 1106(b) of the CARES Act.

Could Deductibility of PPP Expenses Change?  Many have speculated that denying tax deductions for PPP loan recipients was not the intent of the program.  Several members of Congress have indicated that they intend to pursue legislation that would allow for all PPP related expenses to be deductible in order to avoid having small businesses deal with an unexpected tax bill after such a difficult year.  Even though at least one bill to restore the deductions has been proposed, at this point no agreement has been reached, so taxpayers need to proceed assuming that no change is coming.  That said, it is possible that we could see this addressed in an upcoming stimulus bill ….stay tuned.

Reminder Section:  (what should I be doing):

  • Talk to your lender to find out when its PPP loan forgiveness application portal will be ready.
  • Talk to your payroll company about claiming the employer payroll tax deferral and employee retention credits (ERC) that were made available in the CARES Act.
  • Talk to your payroll company about claiming the qualified sick/family leave refundable tax credits (from FFCRA, passed prior to the CARES Act).

MCAA’s WiMI Mentor/Mentee Program Continues to Go Strong – Introducing Kathy and Paige!

Paige Taylor has been a Project Engineer at MMC Contractors in Des Moines, IA for the past two and a half years and was formerly a member of the Iowa State Student Chapter. While Paige has always felt very supported in her career and came into this program with goals already set, she’s found it beneficial to have Kathy to bounce ideas and goals off of, as well as  learn about her experiences in the industry .

Kathy McCauley ­­is President of McCauley Mechanical Construction Inc. in Bridgeview, IL, a member of the MCAA Board of Directors and also serves  on the  WiMI Committee. She has been in the industry for 36 years and 29 years with MCA of Chicago. In 2004, Kathy was elected  President of MCA of Chicago. That marked her as the 4th generation in her family to take on that role and the first female president. Kathy shared that yes she did wear a pink suit coat to the inauguration!  Kathy­ was inspired to help create this WiMI mentor/mentee program as an opportunity to give back due to a lack of such program when she came up in the industry.

Kathy and Paige  started their relationship  with phone calls every three weeks. Kathy shared; ‘I loved the momentum we had going before the world turned upside down”. Like many of the pairs, Kathy and Paige were planning on meeting in person in 2020 but both planned trips were cancelled due to the pandemic. They are looking forward to getting that opportunity again in 2021 and plan to continue the mentorship beyond the initial six month commitment. Both agree that they’d love to see more opportunities to be able to network with other mentor/mentee pairs which has been a challenge.

Paige shared that even though there are so many women she looks up to in her own company being a part of WiMI has been a nice opportunity to have outside options for advice. She’s always on the lookout for the chance to connect with women her own age and to learn from them first-hand. The pair loves sharing interesting reads, opportunities or resources to check out. Kathy shared the Brilliant Balance podcast and invitations to virtual professional development seminars through the WiMi group in Chicago and Paige recommended the book How Women Rise and brought up the twelve habits for discussion. Paige has been inspired by Kathy’s dedication to the industry through her teaching and her involvement in not only MCAA but other leadership organizations as well.

For Kathy, this program has been a reminder to get out of her world and remember what it’s like to be new in the industry. “It’s hard for me to remember what is was like when I started.” Although things have come a long way since she entered the industry, there’s still room for growth and improvement.

When asked what her best piece of advice for Paige and all other young females in this industry at this time, Kathy replied; “Listen to everything that anyone wants to teach you. And don’t take anything too seriously! You need a sense of humor to get through this industry.”

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

Find the Latest from LaborChart and Hilti, 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:

LaborChart
LaborChart was built to simplify workforce management. We took the most common resource management solutions—spreadsheets, whiteboards and databases—and developed an all-in-one platform for contractors around the world.

Learn More

Hilti, Inc.
Gone are the days of sitting under the anchor point and rotating the threaded rod into place. Kwik Cast Connect (KCC) anchors are ideal for contractors installing pre-assembled hanger assemblies, allowing users to push the threaded rod into the anchor for quick and easy installation.

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

We’ve Added New Videos on the Best from MSCA

We are continually blown away by the knowledge, novel ideas and new innovations that our members hold. And we are so appreciative that they are willing to share these ideas for the betterment of our industry. MSCA’s series of educational videos called the Best From MSCA, contain short interviews that are certain to inspire you and impact the way you conduct your business.

David Geith, Vice President of Service at EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems in Irvine, California moderates the conversations covering a variety of topics highlighting current issues and trends in our industry.

Check out the new videos just uploaded; Team Engagement with Jim Bartolotta and Vehicle Hand Washing Station with Rich Happel, LEED AP.  We’ll continue to add more videos each month so make sure to check back frequently!

3M™ PROTECTA® Rebel Self Retracting Lifelines – Pre-Use Inspections Required

A limited number of 3M™ PROTECTA® Rebel Self Retracting Lifelines produced between October 14, 2019 and February 25, 2020 may have a manufacturing issue. However, the issue can be easily detected through a pre-use inspection described in detail by 3M. If after carefully following 3M’s pre-use inspection instructions the SRLs are not working properly, take them out of service immediately, and contact the 3M customer service department at 1-800-328-61446 or by e-mail at 3musfpserviceaction@mmm.com.

LEARN MORE

Ahern Boosts Productivity in the Field with MILWAUKEE TOOL’s Battery-Powered Lineup

MILWAUKEE TOOL’s product lineup has long been J.F. Ahern Co.’s choice of power tools because the same batteries could be used for a broad range of tools, saving time and money. Recently, Ahern had the opportunity to test out some of MILWAUKEE TOOL’s new MX FUEL™ Equipment System, including the first-ever cordless core drill, on a project that required drilling more than 1,500 holes through various types of walls, including block and concrete. Ahern found that the handheld core drill was much more efficient than a traditional drill, providing more control and more power. MILWAUKEE TOOL is an MCAA benefactor sponsor.

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