D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc., a charter member of MCAA, has established a new scholarship to commemorate the memory of its founder, Donald V. Brown, Senior. Congratulations to the first recipient – Shelby Gustafson!
Shelby is a Construction Management major at California State University, Chico with an anticipated graduation of May 2027. She is an active member of her student chapter and served as Vice President. Last summer she interned with MCAA Member, ACCO Engineered Systems and plans on returning to ACCO for the summer of 2024 to continue her internship experience.
“While working at ACCO, I have noticed that everyone there gives 100% commitment and effort constantly. This is important to me when thinking about a future career because I always give 100% to all of my projects and commitments as well. Being on a team with a mirrored mindset is super important to me because it allows me to reach my full potential. Seeing that everyone is a tight knit family is also notable because with the stress and competitive market of the industry it is nice to know that there is a supportive group backing me no matter what. Being able to reach out for help, especially in the beginning years, is especially valuable because it is vital to have people to rely on.
Through my student chapter, I have gained not only knowledge in the industry, but also a solid group of friends. The competition allowed me to expand my public speaking skills as well as get a better understanding of high-level mechanical scheduling and estimating. Without my chapter, I wouldn’t have been offered as many internship experiences and I will be forever grateful for it. I’ll be sure to keep a lookout on student outreach programs in my future company and of course I would make the drive to Chico to help support the program in the future.”
MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Shelby on this prestigious scholarship and thank D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc. for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.
Participating in industry peer groups not only offers a valuable platform for fostering relationships and exchanging expertise within a supportive community but also represents a proven best practice adopted by many successful MCAA contractor members. These groups provide professionals with an opportunity to benchmark their performance, exchange best practices, address common challenges, and gain strategic insights from industry peers.
MCAA has partnered with Maxim Consulting Group to assist in placing our members into existing peer groups and facilitate the establishment of new ones. If you’re interested in joining a peer group, please complete our survey.
MCAA and CNA, our long-time partner in safety, congratulate the MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Awards winners for 2023. These five companies exhibited exceptional safety leadership and safety culture throughout the year. Company representatives joined MCAA President Robert Beck on stage during MCAA24 in Orlando to accept their awards.
Companies were divided into five categories by number of hours worked and winners were chosen by a committee of their peers.
The 2023 MCAA/CNA Safety Excellence Award Winners Are:
Goshen Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (Category 1 | 0 – 100,000 work hours)
Limbach, Inc-New England (Category 2 | 100,001 – 250,000 work hours)
BMWC Constructors, Inc. (Category 5 | More than 1,000,000 work hours)
“On behalf of CNA, I want to recognize the very competitive group of applicants this year, and thank them for participating. All winners have several achievements and excellent programs to be proud of.”
Shawn Egan, Risk Control Consultant, CNA
Watch for highlights of each winner’s outstanding safety performance in the coming weeks.
While not everyone could win, all applicants exhibited a tremendous focus on the safety and health of their workers and that’s something to be proud of.
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:
Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc. The ENDURADRIVE™ Fan System Retrofit Kit is a direct drive motor system that provides 100% reliability on transmission components and a 90% reduction in maintenance costs, all while providing an increase in energy savings by 10%.
Parker Hannifin ZoomLock® MAX, Press-To-Connect Refrigerant Fittings is the next step in ZoomLock’s evolution. ZoomLock MAX fittings provide better overall value than the original ZoomLock for today’s contractor.
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!
Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training
Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started.
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.
The annual WiMI conference will feature exceptional speakers, interactive educational sessions, industry related roundtables and opportunities to build lasting relationships with fellow women in the mechanical industry. A full menu of educational offerings will help you discover all the opportunities this industry has to offer. From industry newcomers to executives, and everyone in between, this is the event to attend for all women in the mechanical contracting industry.
Sales Basecamp is where it begins for entry-level service sales personnel. In this competitive and uncertain business landscape, the rules of sales and customer engagement have changed. This two-day program will prepare this recent hire with relevant skills for time management and confidently selling HVACR services. Closing the deal is demystified with this course.
To meet the tight timeline for a new multimillion-dollar casino and hotel, The Severn Group leveraged the Victaulic grooved copper system’s design flexibility and on-site fabrication capabilities to manage the project’s most critical aspects. As a result, The Severn Group was ahead of schedule on every portion of their scope of work. Victaulic is a major sponsor of MCAA24.
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.
MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference is where field leaders realize their importance and value as professionals and members of the management team. When your field leaders join us in June, they will learn the skills they need to be business, and results, oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand. Register them today!
SESSION HIGHLIGHT
Building Relationships: Communication on the Jobsite with Kevin Dougherty, Leading Construction Industry Consultant
Your field leaders are the face of your company. Are they prepared to communicate effectively, bridge conflict and personality clashes and protect your company’s image? Kevin Dougherty’s presentation at the Field Leaders Conference provides the tricks and tactics they need to get even the most difficult people eating out of their hands, plus other ideas for improving communication with crews, other subs, management and owners.
Kevin Dougherty, a leading construction industry consultant, has been guiding organizations as they adapt to a changing industry. He provides realistic, open-minded tangible solutions to today’s problems. Kevin is based in Sarasota, FL, and frequently speaks to construction industry organizations who welcome his engaging, enthusiastic manner.
Financial Assistance Opportunities
The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,500 grants for UA/MCAA foreman administrators who attend one of the 2024 MCAA Field Leaders Conferences. These are UA members who have completed the UA Education and Training Department’s Foreman Certification Course 2012 and are responsible for proctoring and maintaining the integrity and security of the UA Foreman Certification Examination at their local union training center. Find additional information about these grants and learn how to apply in this article.
Your Lead Field Personnel Cannot Afford to Miss this Conference! Registration is now open for the June 17 – June 19, 2024 conference in Philadelphia, PA. Register your field personnel today!
The conference will be offered again November 11 – November 13, 2024 in Atlanta, GA for those who can’t make it to the June conference. Watch the MCAA website and MCAA’s National Update for details as the event gets closer.
Congratulations to Kavan Limbasiya, the recipient of the Robert J. Durr, Sr. – UA/NCPWB Partnering Scholarship, which is in honor of Robert J. Durr, Sr., former chairman of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau Board of Trustees, for his effort and dedication in creating a partnership between the UA and the NCPWB, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Welder Testing Program.
Kavan is studying Construction Management at Pittsburg State University and anticipates graduating in May 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter and will intern with MCAA Member, The Waldinger Corporation this summer.
“I have gained a lot through MCAA not only academically, but also personally. Academically I’ve learned a lot of things about what goes into a fully functional mechanical system. The MCAA Student Chapter Competition project exposed me to the responsibilities of a mechanical company. Personally, MCAA gave me the opportunity to socialize and make connections that have helped me to grow to be a more outgoing person.
Mechanical construction captivates me due to its dynamic nature and the opportunity it provides for innovation. The mix of creativity and precision required in designing and building mechanical systems intrigues me, and I am drawn to what I can contribute to advancements in this field. The hands-on aspect of mechanical construction aligns perfectly with my desire for practical, real-world applications of engineering principles. Moreover, the continuous evolution of technology in mechanical systems excites me and I’m eager to immerse myself in a field that demands adaptability and problem-solving skills. I see mechanical construction as not just a career path, but as a platform to make a meaningful impact by shaping the future.”
MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Kavan on this prestigious scholarship and thank the NCPWB for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.
The National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and Construction Safety Week may have ended, but our members’ commitment to safety on the jobsite has not. You can view the video clips we shared throughout the week for tips to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of our workers. The other resources released throughout the week are also compiled below.
May 6, 2024: We kicked off the week with a message from Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Executive Director of Safety, Health & Risk Management Raffi Elchemmas highlighting the resources available to help members plan their participation in the event.
May 7, 2024: On Tuesday, The Association of Union Constructors Safety Director Alex Kopp addressed falls, which remain a leading cause of injury or incident in our industry. He presented a multi-layered approach that will allow Safety Alliance members to not only meet OSHA guidelines, but to exceed them.
May 8, 2024: On Wednesday, we heard from SMACNA Director of Safety Justin Crandol, CSP, ARM, CRIS with tips to help contractors combat the opioid crisis with knowledge and action.
A ServiceTitan podcast with MCAA and UA representatives on the topic of Normalizing Mental Health in the Construction Industry RECORDING
All MCAA members that participated in the week can download a Certificate of Participation from OSHA when they complete a form with brief highlights of their participation.
In addition to the resources mentioned above, MCAA offers a wide range of training to help keep workers safe when using aerial lifts, fall prevention and protection devices, ladders, and scaffolds. LEARN MORE
The 38th Annual MSCA Education Conference promises an exciting journey into uncharted territories, set against the stunning backdrop of Colorado Springs, Colorado. With a theme of exploration, the conference invites attendees to push the boundaries of our industry and envision what lies ahead. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
Inspiring Keynote Speakers: Prepare to be inspired and motivated by a lineup of amazing keynote speakers who will share their insights and experiences.
Timely Education Sessions: Dive into today’s hottest topics with a range of education sessions designed to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.
AI Speaker and Roundtables: Explore the future of our industry with sessions dedicated to AI and software, offering valuable insights and practical applications for your company.
Roundtable Discussion Forums: Engage in over 35 roundtable discussions led by experts and peers, addressing industry-specific concerns and fostering collaboration.
WiMI Sponsored Education Session: Attend a special session focused on negotiation tactics, sponsored by MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI), designed to empower all attendees with valuable skills.
Bonus Program on Communication: Don’t miss the bonus program on Sunday, September 22, where you’ll learn effective strategies for giving criticism and achieving positive results.
Exhibitors Display: Explore the latest innovations and solutions showcased by exhibitors, providing insights into cutting-edge technologies and trends.
Epic Mountain Views and a Historical Hotel: Immerse yourself in the charm of historical hotels and enjoy breathtaking mountain views, adding to the overall experience of the conference.
With these highlights and much more in store, the 38th Annual MSCA Education Conference promises to be an unforgettable event, blending knowledge, networking, and exploration in the heart of Colorado Springs. Get ready to chart a course toward a brighter future for our industry!
Save the Date: September 22 – 25 | Colorado Springs, CO | Registration opens May 20
Savvy contractors know that safe workers are productive workers who bring jobs in on time and on budget. MCAA’s 700+ Safety & Health Resources offer a robust library to support your safety program, from training to model programs and resources that keep you up to date with regulations and ahead of the curve with safety and health. These are just a few of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
Take a look:
Explore the full range of 700+ safety and health resources available from MCAA here.
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:
CNA CNA’s Driver Selection Guide – Mitigate risk and enhance safety with a well-designed process.
Xylem Inc. – Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett offers free training/education opportunities for plumbing and hydronic HVAC industry professionals. The Little Red Schoolhouse and Remote Learning Hub host a wide range of seminars tailored to different occupations within the industry.
Registration is now open for the 2024 AEC Best Practices Conference. The conference provides MCAA affiliated association executives with a valuable platform for sharing innovative strategies and insights to enhance organizational effectiveness. Attendees gain actionable takeaways and forge meaningful connections, fostering collaborative growth within the Association Executive Council (AEC) community. All local association executives are strongly encouraged to attend. Register 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:
SLOAN Restroom water-efficiency is a key factor as more facilities opt for sustainable building design. These options help building industry professionals understand the latest restroom solutions to meet sustainability goals.
Morris Group International See the EZ Door™ Drop Down Filter from the A171 bi-level water cooler from Murdock® Mfg., a Morris Group International® brand. With the EZ Door, changing the filter becomes a 30-second process.
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!
Connect With Additional Manufacturer/Supplier Training
Save yourself time and let MCAA connect you to the latest Manufacturer/Supplier member’s training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started.
Crockett Facilities Services uses XOi to improve customers’ experience, which translates into more confidence in Crockett’s recommendations and repairs. XOi also provides Crockett’s technicians with easy access to a knowledge database, repair manuals, and expert guidance, so they can make well-informed decisions, and repairs are done right the first time. Happy customers and efficient, effective technicians help Crockett be more productive.
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.
The NCPWB Technical Conference/Committee Meeting showcased advancements and innovations in the field of welding technology. Attendees learned about the latest developments in pipe welding techniques and the application of orbital welding technology in medical gas systems. A case study on adaptive welding demonstrated its practical implementation and recent advancements, highlighting its potential in various industries. The importance of education and automation for future business success was emphasized, underscoring the need for continuous learning and technological integration. High-purity tube welding was discussed, addressing the unique challenges and advancements in this specialized area. Additionally, the conference covered the intersection of welding and additive manufacturing, exploring both the progress and remaining hurdles in this evolving field.
The Miller Electric Mfg. Co. presentation by Craig Spindler and Steve Hidden illuminated the forefront of pipe welding advancements, showcasing a blend of educational resources and cutting-edge technologies. These advancements signify a leap forward in pipe welding, promising enhanced efficiency, quality, and adaptability, from the precision of RMD technology for root passes on both carbon and stainless steel to the finesse of Pulse technology for fill and cap passes.
CSI emerged as a pioneer in the realm of orbital welding technology for medical gas piping with a focus on research and development in computer-operated welding equipment. Theodore J. Jones and Lynne Cooper with CSI unveiled a game-changing universal power supply alongside copper orbital welding machines designed to elevate quality standards in various applications. Years of dedicated efforts have led to this milestone, but not without its fair share of challenges. CSI’s presentation shed light on the hurdles faced, including navigating complex metallurgical properties, temperature considerations, and stringent code requirements. They are overcoming these obstacles by developing solutions that address the intricacies of materials and code compliance, ensuring reliability and safety in the commercial market.
Janusz Bialach with Liburdi Dimetrics presented a groundbreaking case study on adaptive welding. The presentation described a first-of-a-kind welding system that will be used for encapsulation of spent nuclear fuel at the DOE Hanford Site. Unlike traditional methods, which rely heavily on operator input, this innovative approach minimizes or eliminates the need for human intervention during closure welds. This shift in paradigm necessitated the development and integration of autonomous technology, including active path compensation and adaptive welding parameters. A highlight of the presentation was the use of Artificial Intelligence to characterize joint geometry, providing vital data for the adaptive algorithms. This cutting-edge technology opens doors to a myriad of applications beyond nuclear encapsulation, including pipe welding.
Ted Valentini with Miller Electric Mfg. Co. addressed the pressing issue of the welder shortage, now exceeding 400,000 and rising. The shortage demands urgent attention by industry leaders. He emphasized the critical need to rethink strategies and take decisive action to address this challenge before it escalates further. To combat the deficit, a multifaceted approach is essential. Education stands at the forefront, with a call to actively engage and train more individuals in welding. However, traditional methods alone cannot meet the growing demand. Innovative technologies such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Systems are revolutionizing the educational landscape, catering to diverse learning styles and preferences. Companies must adapt or face the risk of obsolescence in the coming decade. Embracing education and automation isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity for ensuring business longevity and success in the evolving landscape of the welding industry.
The term “High-Purity Welding” may seem misleading at first glance, suggesting that the welds themselves possess exceptional purity. However, Lynn Sturgill with Sturgill Welding and Code Consulting believes that the essence lies in constructing piping systems that uphold stringent standards to prevent contamination of the fluids they handle, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Fabricators must grasp the examination requirements outlined in ASME B31.3, adhere to the weld acceptance criteria of the ASME BPE Standard, and ensure welding operators meet additional qualification standards. In essence, high-purity welding isn’t about the purity of the welds per se, but rather about adhering to rigorous standards to safeguard the integrity and purity of pharmaceutical products.
Attendees were treated to a comprehensive presentation by Dr. Thomas J. Lienert of Lienert Consulting that delved into the latest developments at the intersection of welding and additive manufacturing (AM). The session kicked off with an overview of cutting-edge welding processes, including pulsed GMAW, STT/CMT GMAW, Hyperfill, TOP TIG, and manual LBW, accompanied by engaging videos showcasing these techniques in action. Automation took center stage as well, with a focus on the utilization of cobots for welding and inspection, promising enhanced productivity and efficiency. The presentation didn’t stop there, as attendees were treated to insights into the latest advancements in laser welding, with captivating videos highlighting the capabilities of this technology.
Robert Derby, Training Specialist with the UA, unveiled insights into the rationale behind redundancies in welder qualification tests, aimed at ensuring welders and welding operators are adequately prepared for specific job site requirements. The presentation delved into comparisons among the UA tests such as UA-2, UA-21, UA-60, and UA-81, revealing areas of overlap and divergence. Redundancies in qualification tests serve a crucial purpose: to validate proficiency across a spectrum of variables consistent with real-world welding scenarios.
The committee meeting portion of the event covered topics such as policy and procedures regarding the joint UA/NCPWB welder certification program and addressed chapter inquiries. In addition to the annual event, a one-day chapter operations seminar educated chapter administrators about the policies and procedures associated with maintaining welder qualification records.
Mark your calendar for the NCPWB 2025 Annual Technical Conference/Committee Meeting, April 28 – April 29, 2025 in Clearwater Beach, FL. Watch mcaa.org and the National Update for additional information as the event gets closer.
MCAA’s Field Leaders Conference is where field leaders realize their importance and value as professionals and members of the management team. When your field leaders join us in June, they will learn the skills they need to be business, and results, oriented managers focused on growing company profits and brand. Register them today!
SESSION HIGHLIGHT
What Does it Mean to be a Great Foreman? with Greg Fuller, MCAA Past President & President and Owner, North Mechanical Contracting and Services Company
Your foremen didn’t get where they are by coasting. They’re good at what they do, and they can get even better by cultivating the attributes of great foremen. Greg Fuller, whose career spans from apprentice to company president and MCAA President, will lead a discussion of the top 10 attributes of great foremen. He will inspire your field leaders with new ideas and energy, to look at their role differently through an important professional lens, so they come back highly motivated to strive for greatness.
Greg Fuller is the President and Owner of Indianapolis-based North Mechanical Contracting and Services Company. Greg began learning about the craft at age five when he’d meet his father on jobsites. His journey continued into his teen years when he stocked shelves in his father’s small plumbing service company while gaining new insights into the business. After completing his apprenticeship, he joined North Mechanical and moved up to Project Manager when the position opened with the departure of the owner’s son.
Financial Assistance Opportunities
The United Association’s (UA) International Training Fund (ITF) is offering $5,500 grants for UA/MCAA foreman administrators who attend one of the 2024 MCAA Field Leaders Conferences. These are UA members who have completed the UA Education and Training Department’s Foreman Certification Course 2012 and are responsible for proctoring and maintaining the integrity and security of the UA Foreman Certification Examination at their local union training center. Find additional information about these grants and learn how to apply in this article.
Your Lead Field Personnel Cannot Afford to Miss this Conference! Registration is now open for the June 17 – June 19, 2024 conference in Philadelphia, PA. Register your field personnel today!
The conference will be offered again November 11 – November 13, 2024 in Atlanta, GA for those who can’t make it to the June conference. Watch the MCAA website and MCAA’s National Update for details as the event gets closer.
Join MCAA and our partners at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training for the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. The partnership gives MCAA members access to a variety of resources, which MCAA will augment with a little help from our friends in the Safety Alliance and MCAA members DEWALT, MILWAUKEE TOOL, and ServiceTitan. Working together, we can help prevent falls and improve safety in our industry.
Throughout the week, MCAA will highlight the following resources:
An extensive list of resources from OSHA-NIOSH-CPWR, including webinars, videos, Toolbox Talks, and trainings.
The OSHA-NIOSH-CPWR fall rescue webinar on May 7, 2024 | 02:00 PM ET REGISTER
More than seven trainings from MILWAUKEE TOOL
Video messages from Safety Alliance leaders on our social media channels
New fall protection and dropped object devices from DEWALT Industrial Tool Company
A ServiceTitan podcast with MCAA and UA representatives
New this year, MCAA will showcase one stand-down event daily on our social media channels to share our members’ good work. Be sure to tag us when posting about your and use #StandDown4Safety:
All MCAA members participating in the week will receive a Certificate of Participation from OSHA when they complete the form at the end of the week.
In addition to the resources mentioned above, MCAA offers a wide range of training to help keep workers safe when using aerial lifts, fall prevention and protection devices, ladders, and scaffolds. LEARN MORE
