MCAA has joined forces with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) to create an even more robust Tool and Equipment Rental Guide to equipment recovery costs for mechanical, electrical, line and other construction contractors. The guide is now available for MCAA members to access via an enhanced web portal.
While all three organizations have in the past published a version of the Tool and Equipment Rental Guide this joint edition from MCAA, NECA and SMACNA is a new effort. The guide offers insights on contractor-owned equipment to ensure industry professionals have the most updated costs to inform internal estimating, project proposals for new and potential customers, and cost accounting efforts.
“Having reliable and comprehensive tool pricing data enables our contractors to provide their clients with accurate and reliable bids. This multi-trade research supports our members, and provides signatory contractors with the information they need to provide the highest standards of quality and service in the construction industry,” said Aaron Hilger, CEO of SMACNA. “With a shared goal of helping our members stay competitive, SMACNA is proud to collaborate with MCAA and NECA on this Tool and Equipment Rental Guide. It is a valuable resource that will support the important work of our collective contractors and their businesses.”
Construction tools and equipment are an essential part of any contractor’s business and can represent a significant investment. In addition to the large initial investment and the provision for eventual replacement, expenditures must be made for maintenance and repair, storage and handling, insurance, taxes, and interest. The comprehensive coverage of tools and equipment lends itself useful to a wide range of contractors who can benefit from transparent pricing. This year’s guide includes an expanded and enhanced rates selection experience. New equipment has been added and updated list prices across multiple industries are available for equipment, such as aerial lifts, air compressors, air tools, compactors, conduits and other raceway tools, connection and splicing tools, cranes, and much more.
“It is a construction industry best practice for contractors to include the cost of tools and equipment in job expense estimates,” said NECA CEO David Long. “It made sense to leverage the strong partnership between NECA, MCAA and SMACNA to put forth a comprehensive guide that meets the needs of all contractors as they develop bids to safeguard and grow their revenue at a crucial moment in time.”
As the construction industry experienced shifts in equipment availability, pricing and usage because of the pandemic, rates were impacted more dramatically compared to previous versions. EquipmentWatch, the leader in data, software and insight for the heavy equipment industry, worked with MCAA, NECA and SMACNA to consolidate their most recent guides and incorporate rental rates based on shared types of equipment. The rates within the report are derived from EquipmentWatch methodologies used in the construction industry and consider purchase price, depreciation, maintenance and overhaul costs, indirect equipment costs, and average annual use hours.
“Our contractors see tremendous value in our annual tool and equipment rental guide because it sets a benchmark on the cost of doing business in the industry,” said Tim Brink, MCAA’s CEO. “It was a purposeful decision to join forces with NECA and SMACNA, two construction industry associations whose members mirror MCAA members’ commitment to building and improving infrastructures within the communities they serve.”
The Tool and Equipment Rental Guide is now available for MCAA members to access via an enhanced web portal.
For decades, engineers have relied on a formula dating from 1940 to estimate peak water demand, a key factor in specifying the smallest pipe size that will provide sufficient water pressure for every fixture in a building to function normally. Sloan’s chief scientist, Kay Herbert, Ph.D., has developed a new formula that yields more accurate water demand estimates— which can save costs, reduce water use, and prevent bacteria growth. (Sloan is a benefactor of MCAA22.) The new formula is ideal for modern engineers grappling with green technology, touch-free fixtures, and hygiene concerns in the post-COVID-19 era.
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 Fraud Prevention provides guidance to assist you in considering the sources of fraud and establishing policies and procedures to prevent its occurrence as much as practically possible. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The bulletin includes:
Potential sources of fraud, employees, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants
A fraud prevention checklist that guides you through the things you need to consider in order to protect your company from fraud
The student chapter at Missouri State University proudly nominated Jacob Nelson for the MCAA 2021 Educator of the Year based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement and creation of student-focused networking opportunities with their local MCAA Chapter, MCA of Greater Springfield, Missouri.
Chapter Participation
Jacob Nelson constantly encourages participation from their chapter’s student membership. He always attends meetings himself, makes time for all of the members, and directs the students down a path that leads to success. Student Chapter President, Nathan Bextermueller, recalls, “There was one meeting he had to miss for one reason or another, but he still was able to make himself available through a virtual meeting for any questions we had for him.”
Membership
Jacob Nelson teaches multiple mechanical construction classes at Missouri State University. He assists the chapter by identifying students on campus that he believes have a high potential to make an impact within their organization. He’s always open to communicating with students about the benefits of the organization. His connection with students is an essential part of their successful recruitment strategy.
Mentoring
Jacob is able to connect the chapter to contractors in a variety of ways. There have been multiple instances he has utilized video calls and in-person meetings this past year to make those connections. Nathan also mentions, “When we have a question or have a desire to learn something, he always knows a professional who he can connect us to for help. More times than not, we will be connected to a local mechanical contractor to give us real world solutions when the option is available.”
Thank you to Jacob Nelson for serving as an advisor, educator, and mentor to students interested in pursing a career in mechanical contracting!
MCAA applauds Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Wage and Hour Division Acting Administrator Jessica Looman, and all U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) policy leaders for their work developing well-considered regulatory procedures modernizing U.S. prevailing wage protections for construction workers, responsible employers, government agency construction agencies and programs, and the taxpayers generally. The proposed regulations were published in the Federal Register on March 18, 2022.
“The national Davis-Bacon policy is as strong and as valid today as the day it was developed back in the 1930s. The federal government’s purchasing power should be used to respect and improve private workforce standards – not undercut them,” said MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney.
“These proposed comprehensive administrative improvements are the latest in a series of strong policy measures the Labor Department has put in place to strengthen workforce standards,” noted MCAA CEO Tim Brink. “Just recently, the DOL rolled back the ‘entrepreneurial’ pretext for worker misclassification under federal wage-and-hour law protections, and before that the DOL took strong steps to roll back the previous Administration’s attempts to undercut apprenticeship training standards.” [The wage-and-hour worker misclassification criteria were pulled up short by a Federal District Court in Texas last week. That litigation will continue.]
MCAA Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Gaffney put together an expert panel of federal project prime contractors and subcontractors to review the regulations in preparation of a detailed practitioners’ analysis of the merits of the proposal.
The comment period on the regulatory proposal will close on May 17, 2022. A few construction industry groups have already requested 60-day extensions of that comment period.
At the MCAA22 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 16th, The University of Maryland, College Park was awarded the 2021 MCAA Student Chapter of the Year for their continued achievement and overall focus on offering career opportunities in mechanical contracting to their student membership.
Sponsoring Local Affiliate: MCA of Metropolitan Washington • Tom Bello – Executive Vice President • Anna Trapane – Marketing & Outreach Coordinator & Industry Advisor • Randall Chenworth Director of Education
Industry Advisor: Jake Medina – Poole and Kent Corporation
Faculty Advisor: Fitzgerald Walker – University of Maryland, College Park
Career Development – Local and National MCAA Events
This past year the chapter participated in the MCA Metropolitan Washington Golf Tournament Fundraiser. The students were responsible for assisting with tournament responsibilities throughout the day and then were invited to network with contracting professionals during the awards banquet at the conclusion of the event.
Chapter members were also invited to attend a Summer Appreciation Event that included students, industry professionals, and the MCAMW Board of Directors. The event was a celebration of UMD’s 2019-2020 MCAA Student Chapter Competition Final Four placement and 2020-2021 6th place finish. Previous in-person events were extremely limited and this was the first opportunity for the association to celebrate the hard work of the students and likewise show appreciation to their supporting contractors.
This past fall the chapter also participated in a football tailgate hosted by UMD. This was utilized as a networking event for the students to connect with contractors in a fun and relaxed environment. The team at MCAMW works closely with the chapter leadership to ensure the events are welcoming and comfortable for all of the student attendees.
On the national front, students attended the 2021 MCAA Virtual Education Conference, the 2021 MEP Innovation Conference, and the 2021 GreatFutures Forum.
Recruitment
To attract new members, the chapter officers attended multiple events to raise awareness about the chapter and opportunities within the mechanical industry. The chapter was able to double their number of chapter members. The UMD chapter helped other students understand the importance of having a group of peers to support one another, as well as the benefits of networking with industry professionals during a highly virtual world.
Community Service
Unfortunately, the chapter was unable to participate in their typical community service projects due to event cancellations (Heat’s On – Water’s Off Project and Rebuilding Together Day). The chapter plans on resuming their participation in 2022.
Site Visits
The chapter participates in an annual field trip to W.E. Bowers, which also includes viewing their sheet metal, copper, and steel shops. This trip always serves as an opportunity for the students to see pre-fabrication at its finest. The tour allows multiple opportunities for students to ask questions about different facets during the fabrication process. Additionally, students are exposed to multiple elements in the industry such as coordination, fabrication, project management, safety, and quality control.
Internships & Employment with Mechanical Contractors
This past year, four students interned with MCAA Companies: • Hailey Brennan – Boland Trane Services, Inc. • Amaya Caggino – Poole & Kent Company • Alex Rubin – HAVTECH • Delaney May – HAVTECH
Additionally, two students accepted full-time jobs with MCAA Companies: • Talha Dasti – Kent Island Mechanical • Ryan Brewer – Limbach Company LLC
Congratulations to The University of Maryland, College Park on this well-deserved recognition!
At our National Convention, newly appointed MCAA President Bob Bolton (Arden Building Companies) identified small contractor education as a focal point of his presidential agenda for the coming year.
MCAA recognizes that for small to medium sized member companies, sometimes sending a project manager away for a week or more of offsite training simply isn’t practical. The Preparatory Institute for Project Management is designed to provide an accessible, strong foundation in mechanical project management education – delivered in weekly 90-minute sessions, without a PM even having to leave their desk.
This 12-week online course covers topics fundamental to successful project management that are applicable regardless of company size. Our team of contractor-instructors have a broad range of work experience and many of them have spent time in small and medium-sized family-owned businesses. Classes are live – never recorded – and student interaction is a critical component of the program.
The Pre-IPM will provide value whether a member contractor’s operation is small medium or large. From Planning & Time Management, to Scheduling and Close-Out, the lessons learned in Pre-IPM are applicable across the board. As our students have told us:
“The Pre-IPM course was a great course to take. It did a fantastic job of covering common topics/issues that PMs face every day and gave many tools to manage these things as a beginning PM.”
“I love that it was a road map for what it means to be a PM, with a clear path to being successful. PM has always felt like the wild west, fake it till you make it. This class showed me there is a standard. I also am excited to be implementing many of the things I learned.”
Over the past 20 months, Pre-IPM has welcomed students from 300 MCAA member companies from all across the country. The 2022 Pre-IPM courses begin in May, and registration is open now. Visit our webpage to learn more and sign up today!
At the MCAA22 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 16th, McMaster University was awarded the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on the 2021-2022 Student Chapter Competition.
Missouri State University was the runner-up, placing second and received a trophy and check for $5,000.
Kansas State University and Kent State University rounded out the final four. Each of these Honorable Mention finalists received trophies and $2,500.
Six teams (out of the 23 chapter submissions) were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order:
· Ball State University · Binghamton University · Fairleigh Dickinson University · Milwaukee School of Engineering · Pittsburg State University · University of Nebraska
The 2021-2022 project was to create a proposal for the Lake Placid Olympic Center Revitalization. This included removing the existing refrigeration equipment, related equipment and materials, controls, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and related systems inside the existing refrigeration room and the removal of the exterior cooling tower. Upon completion, the new refrigeration system was to feed three existing indoor ice rinks, and a new outdoor oval rink.
Fun Fact: This is the same building from the 1980 Miracle on Ice game!
Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the project:
• Mollenberg-Betz, Inc of Buffalo, New York (supplying the project) • Procore (use of their Project Management software) • Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software) • Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe values and fittings)
MCAA Career Development Committee Member – Judges:
• Vincent Eckerson, Arista Air Conditioning Corporation • Scott Hinton, Harrell-Fish, Inc. • Ted McHugh, West Chester Mechanical Contractors • Matthew Miller, Binsky & Snyder • Michael Russo, Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation • John Ziemann, Mollenberg-Betz, Inc.
Thank you as well to the Chair of the Career Development Committee, Andrew Palcan, Helm Group, for serving as the emcee for the live competition in San Diego!
The MCAA Career Development Committee is currently hard at work planning for the 2022-2023 project. The next project will be announced this fall and a Q&A session is already on the schedule for the GreatFutures Forum in Boston (September 29 – October 1). See you there!
Most Valuable Presenter
The Career Development Committee recognized a student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won. The audience members voted live between schools and ultimately Leisha Fernando of McMaster University was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card and the title of 2021-2022 Most Valuable Presenter.
Congratulations to Larry Fisher, the winner of the Statue of Liberty painting created by internationally recognized artist Erik Wahl during the MCAA22 Closing General Session. MCAA members contributed $46,250 to The MCAA Charitable Fund to be added to MCAA’s $25,000 donation for Ukrainian relief. All donations will support the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is actively saving and protecting the lives of victims of armed conflict and violence in Ukraine.
Mark Rogers, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation, announced the recipients of the following scholarships at the Awards of Excellence Breakfast at MCAA22. He noted that the students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills, interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry, work ethic, and technical abilities.
Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship
Albert Pantoja of Cypress College and Brodee Paul of the University of Nebraska each received a $2,500 scholarship check in honor of Alan P. O’Shea. The scholarship is sponsored by MCA of New Jersey.
Foster McCarl, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Alayna Trautman of Alfred State College received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of Foster McCarl, Jr., without whose vision there would be no foundation. McCarl’s Inc. is the scholarship sponsor.
Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship
Joani Lico of Fairleigh Dickinson University received a scholarship check for $5,000 in honor of the Reilly family, honoring Wayne Reilly, Emmitt Reilly and Patrick Reilly. John W. Danforth Company is the scholarship’s sponsor.
William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Luke Bennett of the University of Nebraska received a $5,000 scholarship check in memory of the foundation’s former President and MCAA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr. The scholarship is sponsored by Kinetics.
Josam Endowed Scholarship
Hailey Brennan of the University of Maryland, College Park received a $2,500 scholarship underwritten by the Josam Company. This annual scholarship is awarded to the recipient during their sophomore, junior and senior years, provided all qualifications continue to be met. 2021-2022 is Hailey’s 3rd and final year to receive the Josam Endowed scholarship.
FERGUSON – Women in the Mechanical Industry Scholarship
Sabrina Pavlova of Missouri State University and Emily Woodsmall of the University of Nebraska each received a $5,000 scholarship, sponsored by Ferguson, to recognize high-achieving female students working towards a degree relative to the mechanical industry.
Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship
Amaya Caggino of the University of Maryland, College Park received a $5,000 scholarship check in honor of the recently retired MCA/MSCA of Cleveland Executive Director, Thomas J. Wanner. This is a new scholarship for 2021/2022 that is sponsored by MCA/MSCA of Cleveland.
DeWalt – Patriot Scholarship
Also new this year is the DeWalt Patriot Scholarship, designed to recognize two veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career related to mechanical contracting. Thank you to DeWalt for honoring our military and to our scholarship recipients for their service. Abbie Raudabaugh of Indiana State University (Veteran of the United States Army, Military Police) and Nathaniel Golus of Iowa State University (United States Navy Seabee Veteran) each received a $5,000 scholarship.
New Student Chapter Chartered
MCAA welcomed its newest student chapter by granting a charter to SUNY Buffalo State College. The new chapter is sponsored by Western New York Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors.
Educator of the Year
Jacob Nelson of Missouri State University was recognized as the Educator of the Year based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement and creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through their local MCAA chapter. In addition to a trophy, he received a check for $5,000.
Student Chapter of the Year
The University of Maryland, College Park was selected as the 2021-2022 Student Chapter of the Year. The Career Development Committee chose the winner after evaluating how well the chapter promotes an understanding of the mechanical industry and the career opportunities we offer. They received a check for $3,000.
MCAA Student Chapter Competition
McMaster University won the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on this year’s Student Chapter Competition project, the Lake Placid Olympic Center Revitalization. (MCAA would like to extend a special thank you to Mollenberg-Betz, Inc., Buffalo, New York for providing the project this year.)
Missouri State was the runner-up, placing second and receiving a trophy and check for $5,000.
Kansas State and Kent State rounded out the final four. Each of these Honorable Mention finalists received trophies and $2,500.
Six additional teams that just missed the final four were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order:
Ball State University
Binghamton University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Pittsburg State University
University of Nebraska
Most Valuable Presenter
The Career Development Committee recognized a student who did the best job presenting their proposal, whether or not their team won. The audience members voted live between schools and ultimately Leisha Fernando of McMaster University was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card and the title of 2021-2022 Most Valuable Presenter.
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:
Reliance Worldwide Corporation With the new HoldRite 703 In-Slab Tubing Support, HydroFlame Large Diameter and 5-inch Firestop Sleeves, and improved HydroFlame Pro Tub Box, RWC brings efficiency and innovation to new construction.
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!
MCAA22 concluded a week of reuniting and learning with final thoughts from MCAA President Armand Kilijian. UA Assistant General President Mike Pleasant joined us to talk about the power of the UA/MCAA partnership. Armand recognized outgoing Board members, then turned over the presidential gavel to new MCAA President Bob Bolton, who thanked Armand for his service and announced MCAA’s donation of $20,000 to the Homenetmen Western US Region to establish the Kilijian Family Scholarship Fund. The Executive Committee and new Board members were introduced, then Erik Wahl inspired us while painting. In addition to MCAA’s $25,000 donation, MCAA raffled Erik Wahl’s Statue of Liberty painting to raise money for the Ukrainian Relief Fund.
UA Assistant General President Mike PleasantDennis Corrigan and MCAA President KilijianJody Ralston and MCAA President KilijianMCAA President Kilijian with Immediate Past President and DSA winner Brian HelmErik Wahl InspiresPresident Bolton Presents a $20,000 Check to Immediate Past President Kilijian
Retiring Board Members Recognized
President Kilijian thanked the members of the MCAA Board of Directors whose terms expired at MCAA22 saying, “Each of these Board members has contributed tremendously to strengthening this industry, and we want to recognize their service and thank them this morning.” They are:
Dennis Corrigan from Corrigan Company Mechanical Contractors in St. Louis, MO
Jody Ralston from High Purity Systems in Clifton, VA
Brian Helm from Helm Group, Inc. in Freeport, Illinois, MCAA’s Immediate Past President and this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipient, was recognized for his years of service on the MCAA Board of Directors and as a member of the Executive Committee. President Kilijian said, “You’ve helped lead this association through one of its toughest times and every day you showed up just about everywhere with grace, smarts, and more than a little sense of humor.”
President Kilijian Offers Closing Thoughts
Before passing the gavel to MCAA’s 2022 President, Bob Bolton, President Kilijian thanked everyone who made the trip to reunite and celebrate after two years apart saying, “Your attendance and engagement is what made the convention such an incredible experience this week.”
He noted that member participation makes MCAA what it is and thanked those who have volunteered, taught our programs, developed our resources, spoke at our events or on our webinars, served on national committees, task forces, our Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee for all they have done and will do for MCAA.
He went on to thank our partners at the UA for their leadership and partnership, our manufacturer and supplier members for their involvement, and our local associations for their work throughout the year, and for their hospitality when he travelled to meet with many of them. He also thanked his home association, the Northern California MCA and Alex Hall and his staff for the support they gave him during his year as MCAA’s president, and the national staff.
“This journey has been made so much better by the involvement and support of my company, my industry friends old and new, my family, and of course my wife Tamar. I could not have done it without you.”
–Armand Kilijian, MCAA President
Changing of the Guard
President Kilijian turned over the MCAA presidential gavel to his successor, MCAA President Bob Bolton. Bob said, “I am honored by this opportunity and will do my best. We promise to build on what you’ve done for MCAA.”
He presented Armand with a token of gratitude for his year as president and let him know that MCAA donated $20,000 to the Homenetmen Western US Region organization to officially establish the Kilijian Family Scholarship Fund, which will be used to help low to moderate income families participate in various Homenetmen programs and activities.
Association Leaders Recognized
President Bolton recognized the national officers who serve as MCAA’s Executive Committee and the new members of MCAA’s Board of Directors.
Executive Committee
Joining President Bolton on the Executive Committee are:
President-Elect Robert Beck
Senior Vice President and Treasurer Rick Gopffarth
Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Brian Hughes
Immediate Past President Armand Kilijian
New Board of Directors Members
The newest contractor members of MCAA’s Board of Directors, elected to three-year terms, are:
Scott Berger | Arista Air Conditioning Corporation | Long Island City, NY
Kori Gormley-Huppert | Gormley Plumbing + Mechanical | McMinnville, OR
Chris Hutchings | MMC Contractors | Kansas City, MO
Mike Shinn | Shinn Mechanical | Kent, WA
President Bolton’s Remarks
President Bolton shared his thoughts on the year ahead, noting that he intends to broaden MCAA’s outlook to make small contractor education one of the key elements that will drive the MCAA agenda.
Following his remarks, President Bolton introduced guest speaker Erik Wahl, an internationally recognized artist, TED speaker, and No.1 bestselling author, who inspired us by sharing his different way of seeing just about everything while painting. Wahl’s Statue of Liberty painting was raffled in connection with MCAA’s $25,000 donation to Ukrainian Refugee Relief.
We’re looking forward to reuniting, once again, in Phoenix for the MCAA 2023 Annual Convention. Mark your calendars and join us March 26 – March 30, 2023.
Way Engineering, Ltd. partnered with Victaulic to provide the HVAC mechanical work for a new Houston, TX, highrise, saving the contractor money and time throughout the complex project. Thanks in part to Way Engineering and Victaulic, the 1.14-million-square-foot Texas Tower successfully achieved LEED® Platinum status, WiredScore Platinum Certification (for digital infrastructure), and WELL™ Building Standard certification. Victaulic is a major sponsor of MCAA22.
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 celebrated members’ and future professionals’ achievements during the MCAA Awards of Excellence on March 16, 2022. We welcomed our newest local affiliate, the Greater Boston PCA, and a new student chapter, the MCAA Student Chapter at SUNY Buffalo State College, sponsored by the Western New York Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors. Two new scholarships also made their debut: the Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship and the DeWalt Patriot Scholarship.
MCAA President Armand Kilijian kicked off the morning’s events by congratulating everyone who participated in the Fun Run and Walk sponsored by ASC Engineered Solutions and the golf tournament sponsored by Victaulic and Carrier.
He recognized MCAA’s newest and 92nd local affiliate, the Greater Boston PCA, and welcomed Executive Director Andrew DeAngelo and President John Marani to the MCAA family.
CNA/MCAA Safety Excellence Awards
MCAA member firms that achieved the highest level of safety excellence last year were recognized, because there is nothing more important than the safety and health of the people on our job sites and in our companies. President Kilijian and Shawn Egan, Risk Control Specialist for CNA, presented awards to:
National Steel City of Plymouth, Michigan in Category One, 100,000 work hours and under
Armistead Mechanical of Waldwick, New Jersey in Category Two, 100,000 – 250,000 work hours
Xcel Mechanical Systems of Gardena, California in Category Three, 250,000 – 450,000 work hours
Bassett Mechanical of Kaukauna, Wisconsin in Category Four, 450,000 – 1,000,000 work hours
Tweet/Garot Mechanical of De Pere, Wisconsin in Category Five, over 1,000,000 work hours
Milwaukee Tool Safety Professional of the Year Award
President Kilijian and Mike Kirby, Milwaukee Tool’s Director of the Mechanical Trades, presented the Milwaukee Tool Safety Professional of the Year Award to Don Campbell, Vice President of Safety for P1 Group.
Don was chosen for his dedication to lead through engagement programs and his vision to never settle for anything but top-in-class results. He led his team using 11 different types of engagement programs that were focused on always keeping safety as a top culture priority through training and making safety personal which resulted in exceptional safety buy-in within his organization that reflected through this past year’s safety statistics.
John R. Gentille Foundation (JRGF) Scholarships
President Kilijian was joined by Mark Rogers, President of the John R. Gentille Foundation Board of Trustees, who announced this year’s scholarship awards. Mark noted that, “The students receiving scholarships were selected for their academic performance, leadership skills, interest in developing a career in the mechanical industry, work ethic and technical abilities.”
Alayna Trautmant of Alfred State College received the $5,000 Foster J. McCarl, Jr. Scholarship in memory of Foster McCarl, Jr.
Luke Bennett of the University of Nebraska received the $5,000 William A. Bianco, Jr. Memorial Scholarship in memory of the foundation’s former President and Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient William A. “Bill” Bianco, Jr.
Joani Lico of Fairleigh Dickinson University received the Reilly Family Memorial Scholarship check for $5,000 in honor Wayne Reilly, Emmitt Reilly and Patrick Reilly.
Albert Pantoja of Cypress College and Brodee Paul of the University of Nebraska each received a $2,500 Alan P. O’Shea Memorial Scholarship in honor of Alan P. O’Shea.
Sabrina Pavlova of Missouri State University and Emily Woodsmall of the University of Nebraska each received a $5,000 Ferguson – Women In the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Scholarship.
Hailey Brennan of the University of Maryland, College Park received a $2,500 Josam Endowed Scholarship for the third year in a row.
New Scholarships
Two new scholarships made their debut at MCAA22.
Amaya Caggino of the University of Maryland, College Park received the $5,000 Thomas J. Wanner Scholarship, a new scholarship in honor of our beloved and recently retired MCA of Cleveland exec, Tom Wanner, who focused tirelessly on labor relations, collective bargaining, education and training, legislation, and codes and business operations for over three decades at the association.
Abbie Raudabaugh of Indiana State University and Nathaniel Golus of Iowa State University each received a $5,000 DeWalt Patriot Scholarship designed to recognize veterans of the United States military who have valiantly served their country and have chosen to enter a career in the trades. Abbie is a Veteran and served in the United States Army, in the Military Police Corps. Nathaniel is a U.S. Navy Seabee Veteran.
Find additional information about JRGF scholarships on the JRGF website.
GreatFutures Internship Grants
President Kilijian welcomed Andrew Palcan, the Chair of MCAA’s Career Development Committee, noting that, “Thanks to Andrew and his committee, our career development initiative is growing strong and laying the foundation for some great futures!”
President Kilijian encouraged MCAA member companies to submit Internship Grant applications when they hire interns, noting that these JRGF grants are for $1,000 to offset hiring expenses for the company, plus the intern will receive a $500 gift card. He added that two of these grants are available per company. Grant application forms can be found on the JRGF website.
He also noted that this fall there is yet another opportunity to meet your next GREAT employee: the MCAA GreatFutures Forum, September 29 – October 1 in Boston. The event now features a job fair.
New Student Chapter
President Kilijian welcomed a new student chapter, the MCAA Student Chapter at SUNY Buffalo State College, sponsored by the Western New York Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors.
Educator of the Year
President Kilijian said, “MCAA’s career development program is continually enhanced by the faculty members who teach many hours but also find time to partner with MCAA.”
He recognized Jacob Nelson of Missouri State University as the Educator of the Year, chosen for his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, chapter activity participation, and involvement and creation of student-focused networking opportunities with local mechanical contractors through their local MCAA chapter.
In addition to a trophy, Jacob received a check for $5,000 to show our appreciation.
Student Chapter of the Year
President Kilijian announced MCAA’s Student Chapter of the Year, the University of Maryland, College Park.
The Career Development Committee chose the winner after evaluating how well the chapter promotes an understanding of the mechanical industry and the career opportunities we offer.
With the honor MCAA also awarded a check for $3,000 to the chapter.
Student Chapter Competition
“MCAA received excellent written submissions from schools across the U.S. and Canada, but only four teams could move to the finals,” President Kilijian said by way of introduction to the Student Chapter Competition results.
Merit Award Winners
Merit Awards and checks for $1,000 went to the six teams that just missed the finals. In alphabetical order, they are:
Ball State University
Binghamton University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Pittsburg State University
The University of Nebraska
Student Chapter Competition MVP
President Kilijian recognized Leisha Fernando of McMaster University as the Student Chapter Competition MVP (Most Valuable Presenter). She was chosen based on the audience’s vote and the input of the Career Development Committee. The honor included a $500 gift card.
Student Chapter Competition Winner
McMaster University won first place in the Student Chapter Competition, taking home the biggest trophy, $10,000, and bragging rights.
As the runner up team, Missouri State University received $5,000 and invaluable experience.
Kent State University and Kansas State University, the two honorable mention finalists, received $2,500 each.
Cris Carter Shares His Story of Overcoming Obstacles
With all the awards distributed, President Kilijian introduced special guest speaker Cris Carter, a football legend both on the gridiron and behind the sports desk who spoke about the challenges and triumphs of his storied career, his powerful recovery story and how to use life’s most challenging obstacles to emerge a stronger, better version of yourself.
MCAA’s The Next Generation of Data Security provides guidance and insight on current tools and techniques to protect your data and operations. It’s just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The bulletin includes product recommendations and addresses the following topics that are critical to defending your company’s data:
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:
Johnson Controls, Inc. For training services tailored to your specific needs, explore Johnson Controls courses and programs for all your HVAC Controls and Equipment, Fire Systems, and Security. From hands-on to CEU coursework, our comprehensive programs are designed to provide current industry knowledge about today’s connected building environments.
Viega Discover how Viega’s press technology can help drive profitability and efficiency. Book a Viega Works session today with our technical consultants who offer real world experience and industry knowledge.
MCAA President Armand Kilijian announced that the MCAA Charitable Fund will make a $25,000 contribution to help Ukraine and invited everyone to add their own donations to that amount using the link on the MCAA website.
MCAA President Armand Kilijian kicked off MCAA22 with an inspirational speech highlighting the value of MCAA. “Most of all,” he said, “the MCAA gives us the opportunity to network with our colleagues who share their time and good advice. There’s no price tag for that kind of colleague-to-colleague experience.” The session also included a tribute video honoring John Gentille’s 24 years as MCAA’s CEO and the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award, MCAA’s highest honor, to Brian Helm.
He invited his family to join him on stage, then recognized another member of the MCAA family – former MCAA CEO John Gentille, who led the association for 24 years.
MCAA Past Presidents, members of MCAA’s Board of Directors attending the convention, and the members of MCAA’s 2021 – 2022 Executive Committee were all recognized.
Armand then thanked the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council who support MCAA’s programs throughout the year noting that, “MCAA would not be the educational and technological leader that we are without their ongoing contributions.”
MCAA22 attendees paused to remember those who have left us since our last convention. Armand noted that, “This is something we do every year, but these past two years have felt so different – and in some ways, so personal. So, I thought it would be appropriate that we do something different and personal. The duduk is a classic Armenian instrument, whose simple sound has been used to honor lives for generations. I am honored to bring its sound to you as we remember all those who live on in our memory.”
President Kilijian presented the Distinguished Service Award (DSA), the association’s highest award, to MCAA Immediate Past President Brian Helm. The statue for the DSA award, embodying the infinity loop – the never-ending loop of learning, succeeding and giving back to others is MCAA’s core value.
Attendees also heard from Marcus Lemonis, a business visionary and self-made entrepreneur who shared his story and insights gained from overcoming many challenges.
The event was the beginning of what will be a week packed with education and celebration. Find additional information about what’s planned on the MCAA22 website.
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:
Daikin Group Daikin North America LLC (DNA) has announced the launch of VRV IV-S-series heat pump – The next generation “Mini-VRV” for residential and light commercial applications.
Ferguson Ferguson is a market leader dedicated to helping contractors keep projects on schedule and provide custom solutions. Our extensive inventory includes fixtures, faucets, equipment/instrumentation, pipe, valves, fittings, tools, safety and MRO supplies so you can find the products you need when and where you need them.
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!
After losing a large project because they did not work in Revit, icon Mechanical made the switch to Revit, later adding Trimble SysQue. Tim Riedle, vice president of engineering for icon, credits the addition of SysQue with helping icon get ahead of schedule on their projects. (Trimble is a benefactor of MCAA22.)
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.
