The UA is offering a free program open to all MSCA/MCAA contractors and UA members on residential plumbing. Learn how to pull back the blinders and navigate the service call through a holistic approach. Identify customer essentials and expectations. Is it a quick fix? Permanent solution? Prevention of future episodes? In this webinar attendees will learn an “all the above” approach on how to educate and provide customer driven solutions.
Additionally, metrics will be offered to measure appropriate delivery of customer service. Tactics for building consumer confidence during and after the service calls will be demonstrated.
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:
SLOAN Programmed Water Technologies The most advanced way to control and conserve water.
Raken Crews in the field can record quantities of materials with cost codes from any mobile device. They can also add photos and notes to track progress in the field while the office sees the data in real-time.
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!
Alston & Bird have released their July 27 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.
Join us for this informative webinar for the most up-to-date information on managing your business and customer expectations in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Learn about the latest research on the airborne transmission of COVID-19 through air conditioning systems and prioritization of different strategies as explained by ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer Luke Leung, LEED Fellow, Team leader of “Commercial Building” for ASHRAE COVID19 task force and upcoming Vice Chair of the Environmental Health Committee. Luke is joined by MSCA member, Steve Horwood, VP of Business Development for GDI/Ainsworth, author of the comprehensive publication, “Building Systems: Workplace Re-Occupancy Planning,” which will be provided to all webinar attendees. Steve will help you understand how this new research can help you advise and guide customers as they continue to reopen their facilities and strive to maintain a safe and productive environment.
As MCAA members continue to give back during these challenging times, MCA local affiliates are also playing a contributing role in their communities – one example is MCA of Metro Washington.
MCA of Metro Washington staff; Tom Bello (Executive Vice President), Hannah Inman (Program Manager), and Randall Chenworth (Director of Education) volunteered on behalf of their membership and in support of District 3 Prince George’s County Council Member Dannielle Glaros’ partnership with the Greater Riverdale Cares Program. In addition to the federal funding, Greater Riverdale Cares raises money to buy meals from local restaurants and donates them to neighbors in need.
The MCAWW group participated in a drive-thru distribution service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills, MD. Complimentary and healthy food was provided to more than 1,000 local households. The food distribution drive-thru allowed residents to stay in their vehicles while volunteers loaded food boxes into the trunks of each car. Volunteers worked in 30-minute shifts and wore masks and gloves, following COVID-19 safety precautions.
Thank you MCAMW for playing your part in giving back to your community!
As schools prepare to reopen for the fall academic year, the ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed HVAC systems operation guidance to help mitigate the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The guidance includes checklists such as starting up HVAC systems prior to occupancy and checks and verifications to maintain during the academic year. The guidance addresses determining building readiness, filtration upgrades, facility design recommendations and controlling infection outbreak in school facilities.
MCAA Chief Executive Officer Tim Brink joined Kyle Gargaro for The NEWSMakers podcast this week. Listen to learn how Tim’s experiences as an MCAA member and local association executive are shaping his vision for a more collaborative organization that delivers more services to its members.
Automatic Forgiveness?: Treasury Secretary Mnuchin recently suggested publicly that the SBA should consider forgiving all PPP loans and forgoing the process of the forgiveness application. This would, of course, be a stunning change in direction with respect to the mechanics of loan forgiveness. There has been chatter for a while that the SBA may seek to forgo applications on “small” loans as a vast majority of the loans issued were below $150k. This would substantially reduce the workload of the lenders and SBA when it comes to processing applications, and is appearing more and more likely as the days roll on, though the actual dollar threshold is a moving target.
EIDL Loans: As we all know, the EIDL loan program was funded and gained a lot of traction/interest at the same time as the PPP roll out. Many companies clamored to gain access to the loan product as a result of its favorable terms (30 year repayment, 4% max rate, no personal guarantee for small loans). Withum is starting to see clients identify onerous covenants and reporting requirements (e.g., quarterly financial reports and year-end reviewed financials). There does not appear to be uniformity among all EIDL loan agreements, if you received an EIDL loan, it is important to review your agreement to ensure you have clearly identified all reporting requirements that are connected with the loan.
Reminder Section: (what should I be doing):
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).
Consider speaking with your lender to discuss changes to terms of existing debt facilities.
If you have already received a PPP loan, start forecasting how you intend to spend the funds and how you can qualify for the highest amount of loan forgiveness possible. If you are not forecasting 100% loan forgiveness, then most likely you should seek assistance regarding your particular situation. Withum believes the vast majority of borrowers should expect and plan to receive 100% loan forgiveness.
WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, July 20, the U.S. Department of Labor published additional guidance for workers and employers on how the protections and requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) affect the workplace as workplaces reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic. The guidance from the Department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) includes commonly asked questions and answers that address critical issues in all three laws.
“The U.S. Department of Labor understands how critically American workers and employers need this information as they return to work. Continuing to provide it remains a top priority for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “With so many workers and employers committed to the greatest comeback the American workforce has ever seen, we are providing ongoing guidance to help them better understand their rights and responsibilities to protect workers and help ensure a level playing field for employers as our economy recovers.”
Today’s guidance is the latest addition to compliance assistance materials the WHD has published. These materials include a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers resource about paid sick and expanded family and medical leave under the FFCRA. WHD has also produced two guidance posters, one for federal workers and one for all other employees, that fulfill notice requirements for employers obligated to inform employees of their FFCRA rights; Questions and Answers about posting requirements; and simple Quick Benefits Tips to determine how much paid leave the FFCRA allows workers to take.
FFCRA will help the U.S. combat and defeat the coronavirus by reimbursing, through tax credits, American businesses with fewer than 500 employees for the cost of providing employees with paid leave taken for specified reasons related to the coronavirus. The legislation enables employers to provide such paid leave, while at the same time ensuring that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus.
WHD provides additional information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to the coronavirus and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
For more information about the laws enforced by the WHD, call 866-4US-WAGE, or visit www.dol.gov/agencies/whd
In this month’s Beyond the Classroom, meet Sarabeth Gandara, a Preconstruction Engineer at U.S. Engineering. Gandara is a past MCAA Student Chapter member and an Architectural Engineering graduate from Milwaukee School of Engineering. In the video segment, Gandara talks about her experiences with MCAA and how the mechanical contracting industry is the perfect mix of technical and personal relationships. Sarabeth shares the importance of looking for a position with a company that has viable longevity.
Gandara is currently a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee, which is made up of member contractors, whose aim is to provide education and resources to student chapter members. The committee’s goal is to connect students with members by creating networking and employment opportunities while ultimately cultivating the next generation of industry leaders in mechanical contracting.
Upcoming Beyond the Classroom videos will showcase how MCAA student chapter members and MCAA members alike are benefiting from the program. They will also share the opportunities available to students who choose careers in the mechanical industry.
Recently MSCA conducted a survey of all members to determine which training topics would be most beneficial for service technicians. Based on the results of the survey, the UA will be developing several on-line courses available at no cost to all UA technicians.
Beginning August 3, an HVACR Basic Electricity Course will be available on Blackboard. This is a self-paced course which will provide a review of electrical theory to enhance understanding of voltage, amperage and resistance. There will be a specific emphasis on the safe use of troubleshooting tools and HVACR control circuits will be covered in detail.
Although there is no registration fee, technicians must register in advance through their local UA training director. The course will run from August 3 – August 28, but attendees will be able to participate in the course any time at their convenience during that timeframe. A $30 Basic Electricity manual is required. Additional details on the program can be found on the flyer below.
Questions should be directed to Rich Benkowski, UA Training Specialist, at richb@uanet.org. This is an excellent opportunity to provide your technicians with a valuable review program at no cost to you that is available on-line. Attendance is limited so be sure to contact your local UA training coordinator today!
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:
Key2Act Key2Act is the construction and field service technology leader, focused on mechanical and non-mechanical specialty trades, facilities maintenance and other large asset or equipment-centric industries.
Metraflex Company Metraflex energy-saving LPD-Y-Strainer dramatically reduces pressure drops. ROI within 1 year. Larger screen with more holes. Re-engineered to reduce turbulence.
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!
As an attendee at MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference, you will hear from dedicated industry professionals who will share their real-life tips and tools for success on the job site, including ways you can professionally control crucial job site conversations. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet other field leaders and share your field challenges and findings during nightly networking events. You will leave with actionable education. Learning from some of the industry’s best, you will be inspired to take this knowledge and apply it to better yourself at work, and in life.
Alston & Bird have released their July 20 COVID-19 update, including the latest news on emergency funding, administrative and regulatory actions, workplace and home issues, and many other topics, as well as to links to all their past updates.
MCAA President Brian Helm spoke with Kyle Gargaro for this week’s episode of The NEWSMakers podcast. The two discussed MCAA’s quick response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They talked about what the industry can expect to see for the rest of 2020 and beyond, and the best practices that will help MCAA members succeed.
MCAA is hosting a second Field Leaders Conferences this year in Toledo, OH from October 7-9 and registration is now open!
After attending MCAA’s Field Leader Conference, you will be inspired to take the knowledge you learned and immediately apply it to better yourself at work, and in life. See what past attendees have to say and what to expect from the Field Leaders Conference experience.
MCAA member companies continue to collaborate on current projects, finding and creating innovative techniques and solutions. Read below to learn more about CPMCA member Murray Company’s work on the Santa Monica City Hall Building.
Murray Company was brought on by general contractor Hathaway Dinwiddie to install Southern California’s first-of-its-kind fully functioning plumbing system that complies with the Living Building Challenge (LBC) requirements set forth by the International Living Future Institute.
The project is a 50,000-square-foot building attached to a registered historic landmark, the Santa Monica City Hall Building. The building, located in Santa Monica, Calif., will house the City Building & Safety Permit Services Center, in addition to City staff offices and ancillary spaces currently housed in multiple leased spaces throughout the city.
The City is pursuing a full LBC certification which provides the most sustainable design, construction, and operation of the facility. The LBC is the most stringent sustainability standard for the construction industry. It focuses on 20 imperatives, including energy, water, construction waste and urban agriculture. Regenerative power will use the natural environment to bring this unique building to life.
The building façade is heavily fritted to minimize heat gain and energy solutions like PhaseChange, an organic material found in the walls designed to melt and absorb heat in its space. This heat absorption prevents high temperatures from entering the building, creating a thermal mass barrier. These are just some of the ways the building attains its Net Zero and sustainability goals.
This 3-story, above-grade concrete structure (plus a basement) includes mechanically operated glazing vents, photovoltaics, gray water treatment for irrigation demand, and rainwater treatment for potable water use within the building. The Murray Company team installed a 40,000 gallon underground rainwater collection tank (measuring 10 feet x 74 feet) that collects rooftop rainwater from the storm and overflow drains as well as the carport canopies adjacent to the building. The rainwater distribution piping used for this application is 316 stainless steel with Shurjoint couplings that have an internal gasket rated for potable water use (EPDM-w).
Additionally, the site includes a chemical injection water treatment system called On-Site Hypochlorite Generation (OSHG) system, manufactured by PSI Water Technologies, Inc. This allows the potable water system to be dosed with chlorination and fluoride that will be integrated into the potable water distribution system throughout the facility.
Another unique feature is the 100 percent waste conversion to compost system, which ties in a foam flush toilet system to expend only 3 tablespoons of water per flush. Six compost bins were key to the water strategy, providing a 50 percent reduction in the need for potable water demand.
Murray Company’s crew included team captain Steve Molina (Project Manager) alongside Virginia Brown (Project Executive), Aina Cortez (Project Engineer), Jason Hernandez (General Superintendent), Gerald Bender (Detailer) and Mike Bogroff (Foreman). The team’s innovation and adaptability to the demands of this extraordinary project are the new way forward for plumbing and construction.
DeWALT is committed to supporting MCAA members in the fight against COVID-19. They have supplied a COVID-19 Response with tool cleaning guides, safety product listings, service procedures, on-going training, and several featured stories. DeWALT has you covered with informative materials to help us through these rapidly evolving times.
The way DeWALT works is changing, but their commitment to service isn’t. DeWALT is here to support MCAA members through evolving situations, rules, and safety requirements. They have you covered with the informative materials that will guide you through the proper way to clean and sanitize tools on the jobsite. Watch this short tutorial and review the guidelines below for the proper way to sanitize your tools.
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:
Anaco-Husky Follow the Leader, choose Husky SD 4000 Heavy Duty Couplings. Visit our website and check out the new members of the Husky family.
Miller Electric Mfg. Co. Simplified and optimized for pipe fabrication shop welding, the PipeWorx 400 Welding System’s streamlined set-up with one touch welding, quick process changeover, and Pulsed and Modified Short-Arc MIG processes, makes training and turn-around times faster than ever before.
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!
