Organization: MCAA

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Tips to Help Contractors Manage Through an Economic Downturn

Managing through an economic downturn and coming out whole on the other side requires planning, savvy business decision making, execution of a plan and, frankly, a little luck. MCAA’s Tips to Help Contractors Manage Through an Economic Downturn provides information to help contractors think about survival and manage risk. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.

The bulletin explores:

  • The five stages of a business cycle
  • Early warning signs
  • Survival steps
DOWNLOAD

For a full list of available Management Methods Bulletins, including several on the topic of marketing, visit the Management Methods Bulletins page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

2023 MCAA Safety Professional of the Year Announced…Mark Rook, AMS Industries

During the annual Safety & Health Conference in Tucson, AZ, MCAA and MILWAUKEE TOOL announced the winner of the 2023 Safety Professional of the Year as Mark Rook of AMS Industries.

Each year, this award is presented to a mechanical industry safety and health professional who has led their company to achieving an exceptionally high degree of safety excellence.

Mark has been a longtime national safety and health advocate and industry leader, volunteering his time and experience to both national and local committees. His work to advance worker safety has helped create safer jobsites around the country. He is the Safety Director at AMS Industries outside Chicago, IL.

“Mark has been a mentor to many safety professionals and is always the first to offer his guidance on best practices for safety in the mechanical industry. He is very deserving of this once in a lifetime recognition,” said Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA’s Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.

In addition to the announcement at the Safety & Health Conference, Mark will be receiving this award at the MCAA24 convention in Orlando, FL, in March 2024.

MCAA congratulates Mark Rook and AMS Industries.

MCAA Shares Safety & Health Video with the General Public

Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Video available to all in English & Spanish

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the creation and distribution of one its most requested safety & health resources to the public, a 22-minute mental health awareness and suicide prevention video.

“Construction has one of the highest rates of death by suicide of all industries in the United States, about four times higher than the general population,” said Robert Beck, MCAA President. “Rethinking how our industry approaches mental health will have immediate impacts.”

MCAA has long touted a 20-year track record of safety excellence and loudly voiced a commitment to make job sites safer for the mechanical industry and all construction workers nationwide.

“Today’s announcement is a culmination of years of planning and development, and is a win for employers, workers, families, and for safety & health”, said Raffi Elchemmas, MCAA Executive Director of Safety, Health & Risk Management. “As one of the industry’s leaders in safety & health it is our responsibility to share our knowledge and resources on this topic and we are proud to do it.”

Historically, MCAA safety & health resources have been made available exclusively to MCAA members, but today, in a first-of-its-kind move, MCAA shares one of the most impactful videos with the industry and general public, Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention.

In a statement, the United Association (UA) General President, Mark McManus, said “Our joint investment to spread awareness and normalize conversations around this issue could be one of the biggest opportunities to impact safety and health across our entire industry today. Mental health has a personal impact on so many people; everyone has a story; everyone is dealing with things on and off the jobsite.”

The public video can be found at YouTube.com/@MCAAmerica or directly here in English or Spanish.

For more information, please visit mcaa.org.

About the Mechanical Contractors Association of America

The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) represents approximately 2,600 heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service firms, who employ more than 375,000 union workers nationwide for 132 years. MCAA’s mission is to guide and support member success to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the mechanical contracting industry. Through member-driven resources, comprehensive education, and strategic partnerships, we empower members to shape a future of unparalleled innovation and growth.

Connect With the Latest Training from Reliance Worldwide Corporation and Lochinvar, LLC 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:

Reliance Worldwide Corporation
The HoldRite training portal enables you to learn about our complete range of solutions, including secondary pipe supports, acoustic noise & vibration, firestopping systems, DWV testing, equipment supports & water heater accessories.

Learn More

Lochinvar, LLC
Lochinvar’s commitment to training and education hasn’t wavered in over 80 years. Learn with us on-line at LochinvarU.com, on-campus in Lebanon, Tennessee or at a sponsored event in your hometown.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

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

Learn More

First Labor Estimating Manual Unlocks a Slice of MCAA History

Glenn Rex received a slice of MCAA history when Jim Reynolds gave him the very first copy of MCAA’s Labor Estimating Manual (LEM), precursor to today’s WebLEM. The book bearing Serial No. 0001 was issued to Jack Thompson of the George Linsky Company in Dallas, the first chair of MCAA’s Labor Estimating Manual Committee. Formed in 1968 to develop the manual, the committee achieved their task when the first LEM was published in 1971. Jack’s contributions to those efforts earned him the MCAA Distinguished Service Award in 1980.

Glenn Rex manages four Texas associations: the MCA of Dallas, Inc.; the MCA of Texas, Inc.; the MCA of Fort Worth; and the MCA of Houston, Inc. Jim Reynolds manages the MCA of Austin, Inc. and is the Administrative Vice President at the MCA of Texas, Inc.

Jim received the manual from Jay Thompson, Jack’s son. It was accompanied by a copy of the September 1984 issue of Plumbing & Mechanical, which includes an article highlighting Jack. Upon reading the article, Glenn Rex said, “It is remarkable how the issues and challenges Thompson discussed are so similar to those facing the industry today.”

READ THE ARTICLE

MSCA Growing and Developing Field Service Supervisors, November 2024

MSCA’s Growing and Developing Service Supervisors is focused training designed specifically for improving the performance of service field supervisors. Using proven methods, this program will advance skills in leadership, coaching, planning, time management, communication, and motivational techniques, all of which will give the field supervisor an edge and the confidence to deal with the workplace challenges of today.

MSCA Dispatcher Training Program, November 2024

This two-day program will provide dispatchers with all the skills they need to dramatically improve job performance. Custom designed especially for MSCA members, this program goes beyond traditional technical training to cover such critical dispatcher skills as leading technicians rather than letting technicians lead them, becoming the service manager’s partner, prioritizing customer emergencies, evaluating technician abilities, and managing their own careers in dispatching. After attending this program, dispatchers will be able to improve their job performance by learning how to: identify the service life cycle and the critical contact points that impact service success; recognize the importance of the dispatcher’s job and its impact on the organization’s profitability; communicate effectively with technicians and customers; and use good decision-making approaches for optimum priority setting and effective resource allocation.

MSCA Service Managers Training Program, November 2024

Get the management and leadership skills you need to help your company succeed during this intensive four-day program. If you have advanced through the trades with little or no formal management training or you want to enhance your management skills to become a more effective leader, this course is for you. A variety of small group activities, assessment tools, and skills building exercises will help you apply the skills you learn in class, preparing you to go back to the office ready to use what you’ve learned.

MCAA Recognizes Tracy Haus, Baker Group, for a Decade of Service to Safety & Health

Over the last decade, the MCAA Safety Excellence Initiative has seen a lot of changes. The industry has changed, PPE has changed, and even the rules we follow from OSHA have changed, but at MCAA one thing has remained constant, Tracy Haus. Tracy joined MCAA’s national Safety & Health Committee years ago and has led this committee as its chair for over a decade.

As Tracy’s chair term comes to an end, we’d like to thank him for his years of service and recognize the work that he, his team, and Baker Group have put into MCAA to make it what it is today. On behalf of the past and current MCAA Boards of Directors, MCAA’s national staff, and contractors all over the country, Thank you, Tracy!

MCAA & Coalition Urge Narrow Scope of Aluminum Extrusions ITC Investigation

MCAA joined a coalition of trade associations and industry groups in urging U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to narrow the scope of the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) ongoing antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations regarding aluminum extrusions. The investigation’s goal would be to level the playing field for American manufacturers but would create problems for our industry especially in the HVAC sector.

The effort was spearheaded by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) at the request of its Aluminum Extrusion Task Force.

Aluminum extrusions are found in a variety of manufactured products, such as HVACR and water heating equipment, automotive engines, trailer components, RV components, retail shelving, etc., some of which contain thousands of individual aluminum extrusion components. AHRI raised concerns regarding the unusual scope proposal from the investigation petitioners [14 domestic aluminum extruders and one trade union] that would “impose duties on the value of the extruded inputs contained in downstream products (which the petitioners do not even produce or compete with) is deeply misguided and contrary to the interests of the United States.”

The practice is prohibited by the Tariff Act of 1930, and this interpretation has been upheld by the Court of International Trade as recently as 2023. Further, the current broad scope (to include downstream products and components) would force the importer to report the volume, value, and country of origin for every component or finished product covered. The letter argues that imposition of such duties would “be significantly detrimental to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers in the United States, while also adding tremendous burdens to the government agencies charged with collecting such duties.”

AHRI and its partner organizations call on Commerce to exclude downstream and further manufactured products that contain aluminum extrusions from the scope of its investigations to protect U.S manufacturers’ role in the global marketplace, maintain reasonable prices for U.S. consumers, and prevent unnecessary burdens on U.S. government agencies. AHRI plans to share these concerns during a meeting with Commerce later this week.

Letter

MCAA 2026 GreatFutures Forum

This annual conference is designed to connect future professionals with MCAA members and future internship and full-time employment opportunities. The Forum will give MCAA Student Chapter members the opportunity to safely network with industry leaders and learn about the ongoing changes in the field and the advantages of working in mechanical contracting.

MCAA 2024 GreatFutures Forum

MCAA’s Career Development Initiative helps MCAA members connect with students for internships or full-time employment. During the annual GreatFutures Forum, students from 40 student chapters and MCAA member companies are invited to gather for three days of student-focused education sessions that highlight the mechanical contracting industry, fun peer-to-peer relationship building and most importantly, a chance to network during the Friday morning job fair. Don’t miss your chance to meet your next great hire!

Registration is open from 12:30 PM – 2:15 PM on Thursday, September 26th and then promptly at 2:30 PM the Welcome Session will begin. The conference will conclude by 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 28th.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) is approximately 14 miles from the hotel, or roughly 20 minutes without traffic by car.

Program Highlights

Thursday

  • Alumni Breakfast
  • Welcome & Presidential Message from Rick Gopffarth
  • Moving the Needle Panel
  • Mastering the Swing of Etiquette
  • TopGolf – Offsite Activity and Dinner

Friday

  • Job Fair Breakfast
  • Innovation – An Intertwined Future Keynote – Tanmay Bakshi
  • Competition Skills: Takeoff Basics
  • 24-25 Competition Introduction
  • MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions Tour
  • Seattle Aquarium – Offsite Dinner

Saturday

  • The Mechanical Puzzle
  • Building Your Chapter Roundtables
  • Trivia Answers & Prizes
  • Wrap-Up

Please contact MCAA Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org) with questions.

2025 Converge

The MCAA Converge isn’t just a meeting; it’s a meticulously crafted experience designed to address the unique needs of your company. Picture executive-to-executive meetings, a melting pot of strategic discussions, and an atmosphere buzzing with innovation. At Converge, we redefine engagement, offering a top-tier, strategic experience that goes beyond the local level. Executives from 25 Manufacturers & Suppliers and 40 Member Contractors converge to explore a spectrum of topics: from current and future market conditions to upcoming significant projects, emerging technologies, and the invaluable art of relationship building.

2025 MEP Innovation Conference

MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have partnered together to host the MEP Innovations Conference. Known as the best technology conference for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, service and sheet metal contractors, this conference will provide educational sessions led by contractors from all three trade associations. This three day event includes innovative presentations, collaborative roundtable discussions, and hands-on exhibitor demonstrations highlighting the recent technologies that can improve MEP contractors’ productivity and profitability.

2024 Industry Funds Conference

This conference covers proper use of industry improvement funds and explores ideas for beneficial programs they can subsidize. Hear from economic futurists, relations specialists, attorneys, and authorities on labor-related trends in the industry. Learn the many ways that industry funds can be used in educational classes, industry promotions, cyber security, industry research, advertising & marketing, subsidize MCAA registration fees, legislative expenses (including consultants), administrative expenses for your association, PAC fund raising events, student chapter expenses, industry legal expenses, collective bargaining, and more! Roundtable and panel discussions allow participants to share information on existing programs around the country that are supported by industry improvement funds.

Find the Latest from SLOAN and Morris Group International 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:

SLOAN
Large facilities have many restrooms to maintain. A lot of this facility management can be done online, leading to lower labor costs and less downtime. The SC Argus™ Pro system can help.

Learn More

Morris Group International
The Kwik Ship® Brands program is a collection of popular specifiable products and many ready-to-ship inventory from across seven different Morris Group International® divisions.

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

Western Allied Mechanical Cuts Quote Delivery Time in Half with ServiceTrade

Since they implemented ServiceTrade software in 2021, Western Allied Mechanical’s service department has been able to cut their quote delivery time in half and send invoices three times faster, while also providing clients a better overall experience with more visibility. ServiceTrade allowed Western Allied to streamline their operations and improve thecustomer experience while sticking with their existing accounting software and processes. In this Q&A, Western AlliedVice President Jeremy Goodland talks about how the company has been improving operations, customer experience, and sales since implementing ServiceTrade.

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

Learn to Run More Productive & Profitable Jobs from NEI Instructor John Koontz

MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your company or local association thanks to instructors like John R. Koontz, MCAA’s Director, Project Management Education. He gives project managers and field leaders a grounding in planning and time management, cost controls, scheduling documentation, and people management skills to help them run more productive and profitable jobs.

John has logged hundreds of days on the road each year since the NEI’s inception. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he has brought his unique blend of academic and practical experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering.

A former tenured associate professor in Purdue University’s Department of Building Construction Management, John has been teaching since 1992. Before that, he spent 15 years in the employment of MCAA contractors in roles including senior project manager, project manager, project engineer, and estimator.

His Fundamentals of Project Management (FPM) Seminars feature topics that will help project managers run more productive and profitable jobs, from planning and time management to cost controls, scheduling documentation and people management.

The Field Leaders Education (FLE) Seminars for Construction offer a similar grounding for those in field leadership.

Finally, his Other Seminars (OS) for Construction explore how to forge strong foremen/project manager partnerships, improve operations, and provide an appreciation of MCAA’s Change Orders, Productivity, Overtime publication.

Like our other NEI instructors, John 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.*

NEI WEBSITE

*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.

Mental Health Awareness Video Now Available in Spanish

One of the most important videos in the MCAA Safety & Health resource collection is now available in Spanish. Over the last several years, MCAA members have increasingly requested our safety videos in Spanish, and that comes as no surprise. Data shows that 34% of construction workers are Spanish speakers, the largest of any industry in the U.S. The fatality rate for Hispanic construction workers remains higher than that for non-Hispanics, but with resources like these MCAA is working to bridge that gap.

This new resource follows the launch of six Spanish-language videos in 2023.

MCAA’s current Spanish-language training videos, or their English-language counterparts, are:

  • Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video  Spanish | English

MCAA will continue to add additional Spanish-language safety resources throughout 2024 to help ensure the safety of all our industry’s workers.

Have questions? Please reach out to MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.