Human error is often misinterpreted as solely a human issue. However, it predominantly arises from system flaws within organizations. We inadvertently create systems that tolerate poor processes for the sake of rewarding outcomes, leading to constraints and errors. To effectively prevent and mitigate human error, it is crucial to shift our focus towards understanding the systemic factors at play. Tyfoom explains why and explains how to foster a learning organization.
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.
January 16-18, 2024 | Loews Ventana Canyon – Tuscon, AZ
The safety landscape is evolving. Is your company’s safety and health program keeping pace? Jennifer McNelly, CEO of the American Society of Safety Professionals, and Alex Kopp, Director of Safety for The Association of Union Constructors, will help answer that question and inspire you to evolve your company’s safety and health program during MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference. Their sessions are just two reasons to attend MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference (January 16-18, 2024, in Tucson, AZ). Register today!
Jennifer McNelly’s session will:
Explore the evolving landscape of workplace safety and the challenges it brings.
Encourage safety professionals to excel in their roles and help shape the bright future of safety and health through data, stories and practical insights.
Provide data-driven insights highlighting current trends impacting workplace safety and the profession overall.
Empower attendees to evolve their practices and leadership qualities to increase their influence within their organizations.
Alex Kopp’s session will:
Review the how our industry, as a whole, is doing
Explain what we can all do to continue to advance safety and health in each of our businesses
MCAA’s 2024 Safety & Health Conference will offer more than 50 hours of training and education from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, and legal issues. Join us for three days of presentations, discussions, and demonstrations with 300+ occupational safety and health professionals, principals, owners, local affiliated executives, UA instructors, industry partners, NECA & SMACNA, and anyone who has safety and health responsibilities.
For the first-time in conference history we are being joined by TAUC’s EHS Committee and welcome all TAUC members to participate in this event.
Registration Pricing
This conference is one of MCAA’s most popular conferences and it sells out quickly. Register today to secure your spot! Member registration is $895 and guests are $295.
*Upon completing your registration, a link to book your hotel room will be emailed to you. If you encounter any issues while booking with the hotel please contact events@mcaa.org and we are happy to assist.
Registration for MCAA24 in Orlando is in full swing and MCAA student chapter members are already making their plans to participate in the Job Fair during the Manufacturer / Supplier Council Exhibit on Tuesday, March 19th. New this year, students and potential employers will also be encouraged to network throughout the week at the Connection Corner during convention downtime. Why wait until March to secure your interns? Start the conversation now and post on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board for upcoming Summer 2024 internships and entry-level positions geared towards our graduating seniors.
Post on the MCAA GreatFutures Job Board
Login with an MCAA username and password
Click on the job board within the Career Development page
Click Manage My Jobs and Add a Job to create your posting
Jobs remain active for 1 month to ensure postings stay fresh
When the job is set to expire, a reminder will be sent for you to either “mark as filled” or “duplicate” and repost for another month
Interested students can view postings and submit their contact information and resume
Your office will be notified via email when interested students submit their resume
From there, your office is encouraged to continue with your company’s application and interview process
Submit a 2023 Internship Grant
Already have an intern? Don’t forget to submit your Intern Grants for 2023! Part 1 applications are $1,000 for 1 intern or up to $2,000 for 2 or more interns. Then once you hire an intern full-time, come back and submit Part 2 for a $500 gift card to present to your new hire.
Part 1: • Submit an application for each intern (Interns must be listed on a Part 1 application to be eligible for Part 2) • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis • Companies with one intern are eligible for a $1,000 grant OR companies with two or more interns may receive a $2,000 grant
Part 2: For companies successfully converting an intern from their Part 1 list to a full-time new hire, a $500 gift card will be mailed to the company to present to their new hire. New hire conversions are unlimited, but the name must be included on a Part 1 list from an MCAA member company. Submit the form below to notify MCAA of a new hire conversion. • Part 2 application may not be submitted until after the full-time start date.
The federal government has enacted regulations governing payment terms between the government and its construction contractors, as well as between those contractors and their lower-tier subcontractors. MCAA’s Federal Prompt Payment Act provides an overview of these regulations to help mechanical contractors ensure that they are being paid in a timely manner. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The bulletin explores:
The elements of a “proper” invoice, and why timely submission is key
Over the last several years, MCAA members have increasingly requested our safety videos in Spanish, and that comes as no surprise. Data show 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.
MCAA is committed to being a leader in safety and health, and that means making sure that all of our industry’s workers remain safe. We are doing this by incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in safety training.
Enjoy these Spanish-language training videos, or their English-language counterparts, now:
Each student chapter in attendance at the 2023 MCAA GreatFutures Forum in Milwaukee this past September walked away with a children’s storybook and a mission to share the construction trades with elementary school children in their local community.
The book, Grit Leads to Greatness, follows 2 siblings on a journey through a dystopian society where everything around them is literally crumbling since the ‘trades’ have been forgotten. The siblings meet various characters along the way who use their unique construction skills to save the day and rebuild their world.
Featured Characters:
Copper the Amphibious Plumber The Electrician Magician Rowan the Snome Carpenter Mason the Mason Arc the Welder
This project addresses a frequently requested topic from our student chapters on how to participate or start something in their communities as an act of service. Likewise, it also encourages the idea of construction as a career path to not only the students being read to, but also strengthens and builds a deeper and more passionate connection for the college students who are reading the book.
Thank you to Procore for sponsoring the books and taking the steps to grow the story of our future workforce!
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:
LAARS, a Bradford White Company Laars Academy is our commitment to ensure our industry professionals have the training and knowledge needed to stay on top. Watch a recorded training session on Laars MagnaTherm FT at www.laars.com.
Aquatherm LP As the leader in polypropylene piping systems, Aquatherm offers comprehensive heat-fusion installation training at our Utah HQ, at partner sites and jobsites across North America, and virtually upon request.
Enhance your strategic supply chain with the seven newest members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Allow them to introduce themselves:
IPEX USA, LLC offers pipe, valve, and fitting (PVF) products that are engineered to satisfy the demands of the harshest industrial applications. Our products are suitable for many industrial applications whether it be aggressive acids conveyance, specialist drainage, or auxiliary services requirements, our piping systems can easily overcome some of the problems associated with more traditional materials. The IPEX Industrial piping solutions offer superior chemical resistance, easier installation, longer plant life, and cost-effectiveness whether from original installation or maintenance.
Kojo Technologies, Inc. is the industry’s leading material procurement solution, providing contractors with a digital solution to streamline materials management from pre-con to payment. With Kojo, you can issue requests for quotes and POs, compare prices and availability across vendors, update the field on order status, and share cost data with the accounting team, all with fewer clicks and manual data entry. Work smarter, not harder with Kojo.
Little Giant Ladder Systems, LLC is a designer, marketer and manufacturer of ladder systems intended for do-it-yourself and professional customers sold through retailers and distributors. The company offers products including multi-position, combination, step stools, step ladders, safety cages and other related accessories, helping businesses to prevent injuries and save lives.
Merit Brass Company has a rich history of offering the most comprehensive flow control and piping connection technology. Our goal is to make the Merit Experience for our customers seamless by bundling a complete line of consistent, high quality piping products, flow control devices and piping system solutions. Merit features a full range of stainless steel and brass fittings, nipples, pipe, valves, flanges; stainless steel butt weld fittings, tubing, tube fittings and valves; forged carbon steel fittings and press technology, which includes stainless steel (StainlessPress®), carbon (CarbonPress®) and copper (CopperPress®).
NEFCO is a family owned and operated construction supply company providing a broad range of products and services to the mechanical industry. We offer large local inventory of our S.H.A.R.P. products and tools, with next day jobsite delivery available from our locations. We have engineering divisions and broad fabrication capabilities under one roof, giving NEFCO the complete in-house solution.
Sunbelt Rentals, a leader in the tools and equipment rental industry, provides solutions and expertise for professionals in the industrial, manufacturing, construction and municipal markets as well as do-it-yourself customers. A highly-diversified equipment fleet includes extensive options for small tools and general construction equipment, plus a wide array of specialty applications for power, HVAC, climate control, pump, scaffold, and film production. We OWN the future of rental.
T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer specializing in solutions for the commercial plumbing industry. Renowned for its commitment to quality and durability, T&S continues to lead the industry in award-winning water- and energy-conserving products.
The members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council stand ready to help you enhance your productivity and profitability and retain your competitive edge. Meet them in person during many MCAA events and virtually through Smart Solutions, Manufacturer/Supplier Training, and the 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 Sink installations often demand custom sizes and features for which the right expertise is necessary to avoid project delays. Streamline your next sink project.
Morris Group International The ConTrols® Alpha® Mixing Valve protects against dangerously hot water in any commercial sink, lavatory, tub, and/or shower application. ConTrols is a member of Morris Group International.
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!
MCAA member contractors are occasionally required to demonstrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance in their bids. To further our commitment to developing ESG compliance resources, we kindly request your participation in a survey on the topic. The collected data will support the creation of an ESG presentation for the MCAA24 Annual Convention in March and an MCAA Resource Center to assist members in obtaining the information they require on this subject.
The ESG framework is used to assess a company’s performance in terms of its environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. ESG criteria help investors, stakeholders and end users evaluate a company’s sustainability and ethical practices.
Jocelyn Jackson has added Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) to her dues management role. As MCAA’s Director, WiMI and Dues Management, she will be the staff liaison to the WiMI Committee, playing a key role in facilitating committee activities. Please join us in congratulating Jocelyn on her new role!
Since A&R Mechanical Contractors adopted Procore’s workforce management software, project planning has become much less of a struggle, timelines have decreased, and profits have increased. For example, getting paid for out-of-scope work has dramatically improved with the T&M [time and materials] Ticket Tool.
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA23 Propel… it was a resounding success! We heard from inspiring keynote speakers, dove deep on education with topics of leadership and personal growth, along with recession proofing, refrigerants, electrification, and more. We celebrated a new award, announced a new scholarship, welcomed new leaders, explored the latest products and services, and gave back to the community all while having a lot of fun in the San Marco sun.
New Award & New Scholarship
MSCA is proud to introduce a new scholarship in honor of a trailblazing individual who played a pivotal role in nurturing the Mechanical Service industry, Barbara Dolim. Each year, two exceptional students will have the opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship, ensuring that we continue to inspire and support the next generation of mechanical service professionals. The first recipients of the MSCA Barbara Dolim Scholarship were Gonzalo Ceja from Riverside City College and Kolten Plekes from Ferris State University.
MSCA also announced a brand-new award in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by our members: the MSCA Distinguished Service Award. With a vast community of incredible individuals, this award was established to pay homage to those who have consistently reshaped and improved our industry while exhibiting unwavering dedication to MSCA.
Our first recipient of this award is Jaimi Lomas, a person who has created an incredible legacy within the industry and MSCA.
Beginning by Giving Back
MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope to help local charities in the communities where we have held our annual conferences. On Friday, October 20, numerous MSCA Board and member volunteers delivered a tractor trailer of needed supplies to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry Charity office, an organization working to wipe out hunger and provide critical food assistance to the over 152,000 individuals. MSCA also put in some hard work to make needed repairs at Wesley United Methodist Church.
Education, Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party & Social Activities
Erik Qualman kicked off our conference discussing how technology is revolutionizing the way we live and work and how your organization can harness it to drive innovation. On Tuesday morning, we heard from MCAA President Robert Beck followed by Aimee Copeland who touched our hearts as she taught us about overcoming adversity. Later that morning, spouses and students continued the commitment to service by participating in the 13th Annual Convoy of Hope Packing Party, packing thousands of hygiene kits to be distributed to those in need worldwide. And to end our conference we learned about the skills needed to adapt to change, lead with courage, and build trusting relationships from Lieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman.
We had outstanding educational sessions and peer-led roundtable discussions each day. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together.
Everyday Hero Award
Eight years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award as a way to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Service Manager for L.J. Kruse Company, Will Kruse! MSCA has made a contribution in Will Kruse’s name for the amount of $2,500 to the Berkeley Humane Society which has operated as a no-kill animal shelter for dogs and cats for the past 125 years.
Recognizing Outgoing Leaders & Welcoming New Ones
Rich Happel concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Renee Fiorelli. Renee Fiorelli is the President of Peterson Service Company, Immediate Past President of the MCA of NJ and Co-Chair of the ITF. She is the past recipient of the Contracting Business HVACR Women of the Year award and a graduate of the MCAA ALI program. In partnership with the MCANJ, Renee spearheaded the creation of the local New Jersey WiMI chapter. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
The 2023-2024 MSCA Board of Managers was introduced as well. These members work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success.
They are:
Adam Wallenstein, Vice Chair Neptune Plumbing and Heating Co.
David Geith, Treasurer EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Rich Happel, Immediate Past Chair EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc.
Lindsey Grilec PremiStar
Drew Harrison Harrison Energy Partners
Mike Hupp Harrell-Fish, Inc.
Al May North Mechanical Services, Inc.
Michael McHenry Ainsworth
Michael Rosone Arista Air Conditioning Corporation
The next MSCA conference is shaping up to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for September 22 – 25, 2024, and plan to join us at the member favorite Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.
MCAA recently submitted comments on the proposed Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations implementing the Biden Administration’s energy project enhanced tax incentives for projects paying prevailing wages and using a minimum of 10 to 15 percent registered apprentice hours (PWA).
The comments cite the “laudable public policy goals boldly declared by the Biden Administration in all respects” pertaining to improving the nation’s environment and addressing climate change with high-premium incentives for energy projects paying prevailing wages and using registered apprentices. These incentives would apply on a broad range of private and public sector projects.
MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney emphasized in the MCAA comments that, “high-road prevailing wage and apprentice utilization and project labor agreement projects (PLAs) are strongly associated with more productive and superior project outcomes.”
Citing the recent MCAA/UA sponsored Independent Project Analysis (IPA) report, Quantifying the Value of Union Labor in Construction Projects, Chairman Gaffney’s comments also advised that, “owners choosing PWA and PLA incentives should factor in a substantial productivity edge and overall cost reductions and risk mitigation advantages in their project cost/benefit analysis as well.”
Noting that the proposed IRS regulations rely on post-project completion compliance audits to assess tax credit eligibility, Gaffney counseled the IRS to, “add in more proactive front-end planning approaches to move compliance incentives up front in the owner’s project pre-planning solicitation, and procurement and acquisition process.”
Chairman Gaffney concluded, “In this way, high quality job site prime contractors and subcontractors bidding or offering on the projects will engage in more robust competition because their greater facility with the PWA and PLA aspects of the rules will be given fair weight and evaluation in the bidding and contractor selection process – and the risks of non-compliance aren’t put off to the end of the project where the burden and inefficiency of the owner’s project pre-planning deficits put dispute resolution and performance problem overhead into overall project performance unnecessarily.”
Heightened competition has spurred mechanical contractors to share their impressive story of accomplishment, capabilities and convictions to bolster their image and competitive advantage. MCAA’s Public Relations: An Important Marketing Tool for the Mechanical Contractor highlights the need for regular promotion as a business development tool and offers tips for selecting a public relations consultant. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The bulletin explores:
Why contractors need to invest in public relations
How to select a public relations consultant
The role of management’s commitment to public relations
MCAA’s National Education Initiative (NEI) Seminars bring our best programs to your local association or your company thanks to instructors like Jim McCarl, a nationally recognized speaker and strategist. Jim helps senior management, owners, foremen and project managers strategically manage risk. He provides insights into proven methods for developing effective strategic plans and key factors to implement and maintain them. His newest offerings focus on creating certainty in uncertain times.
Jim helps businesses and non-profits maximize their potential using success strategies developed over a 30-year career at the helm of McCarl’s, Inc., a family-owned construction business. Under his leadership, the company’s annual sales grew 1,000 percent, placing it in the top tier of mechanical contractors in the United States. He serves on the boards of directors of three construction companies across the nation. His broad background in family business, strategy and risk management have benefitted all these firms.
His Strategic Management (SM) Seminars for Construction help senior management, owners, foremen and project managers strategically manage risk. He provides insights into proven methods for developing effective strategic plans and key factors to implement and maintain them.
Like our other NEI instructors, Jim brings his unique blend of industry and teaching experience to virtual courses, a new NEI offering. Providing top notch, accessible education for everyone in your organization is what the MCAA’s NEI is all about! Visit the NEI website for more information about these seminars and a full list of the NEI courses available to MCAA members.
Book your courses via the NEI website, then apply for a 20% rebate on the instructor fees, up to $5,000 per class.*
*This benefit is available only to MCAA members and local affiliates in good standing who book courses via the NEI website. Learn more about the rebate program here. Have questions or need personal assistance? Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall or call him at 301-990-2215.
Registrations for MCAA24 are coming in hot, but you still have time to register and receive the early bird discount rate! These discounted registration rates will be available to MCAA members through December 31. The regular registration rates will go into effect January 1, 2024.
Hotel rooms at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are also filling fast. Register today to secure an on-property hotel room.
MCAA24 will be held March 17 – 21, 2024 at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes located in Orlando, Florida.
MCAA CEO Tim Brink joined Frank Favaro for The People Business podcast on September 27, 2023. Listen as Tim shares his journey, from his grandfather’s plumbing business to the mentors who guided him, the importance of caring for people, and the value of authentic relationships.
The Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio hosted the inaugural meeting of its Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) group on October 26, 2023. Although this group is just starting its journey, it has already made a significant impact. In the spirit of “Socktober,” attendees generously contributed 145 pairs of socks to support Bethany House, a local women’s shelter.
During the meeting, the participants took time to craft words of encouragement cards for the UA Local 50 female apprentices. These heartfelt messages will be hand-delivered, along with the book “Successful Sister” authored by Alicia Robinson, a steamfitter from UA Local 469.
WiMI is deeply committed to empowering women in the mechanical industry by providing valuable opportunities for networking, education, and mentorship, enabling them to advance and excel in their careers.
MCAA is excited to welcome the Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwestern Ohio WiMI group to the growing number of local WiMI groups.
