Thanks to photos and videos captured onsite by OpenSpace technology, U.S. Engineering fixed an error during construction that would have required expensive rework if it had not been caught early. With OpenSpace, U.S. Engineering managers are keeping tabs on projects remotely, saving hours of travel time and costs.
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! Youâll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAAâs Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Plus, youâll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
In todayâs competitive landscape, demonstrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) awareness is no longer optionalâitâs essential for business growth. As MCAA members, embracing ESG practices can significantly impact your success.
Hereâs why ESG is important:
Winning Bids:Â ESG considerations are increasingly part of competitive bids in certain sectors of our industry. By integrating ESG principles into your operations, you enhance your chances of winning contracts.
Industry Strength:Â Committing to ESG not only benefits your business but also strengthens the entire industry. Your efforts contribute to a sustainable future.
Free Resources: As an MCAA member, you have access to three new resources focused on ESG. These resources are designed to help you navigate ESG complexities effectively.
The resources were unveiled at the MCAA24 Annual Convention during a session hosted by MCAA Past President Brian Helm. The presentation featured subject matter experts from SLOAN, Victaulic, Ferguson, Stanley Black & Decker, DEWALT, Trane Technologies, and Watts Water. They discussed what ESG means for a companyâs business and how to initiate ESG efforts.
Take the next step:Â Explore these resources and position your business for success in the ESG era.
The new resources are:
An ESG Impact Plan Template to help you drive business development, differentiate your business, and prepare for long-term success in an evolving environment by preparing your first ESG impact summary.
An ESG Resource Guide 2024 highlighting the what, when, where, and whyâs of beginning your ESG journey, as well as five steps to help get you started. A chart is provided to help you monitor your progress in the different categories of ESG. The guide also includes a glossary of key terms, sample reports, commitments, and policies to help you prepare.
The ESG Panel Presentation from the MCAA24 Convention that highlights the Manufacturer/Supplier Council initiative that produced the resources, the results of multiple surveys conducted during the planning process, and the location of the new resources.
The new Manufacturer/Supplier Council ESG Initiative dedicated nearly two years to creating these valuable resources. Individuals and companies who believe in the ESG process invested a tremendous amount of effort in researching the topic and preparing the resources and presentation. MCAA sincerely appreciates their time, passion, and commitment to ensuring our membersâ continued competitiveness.
Although summer â24 isnât quite here yet, itâs already time to start the process for securing your summer â25 interns! Save the date for the 2024 MCAA GreatFutures Forum (September 26-28, 2024) in Seattle, WA. Conference registration, including the 9/27 Job Fair, is complimentary for MCAA Members, Local Association Executives and Forum Sponsors. Registration will open on June 14th.
Project managers ensure that work is completed on time, in accordance with contract documents, and at a profit. MCAAâs Project Managerâs Manual equips PMs with general information on project management in the construction industry, offering tips for handling dayâtoâday situations and avoiding some of the most common pitfalls. Itâs just one of MCAAâs educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The manual covers key topics like:
Managing change orders and claims
Job cost and labor control
Productivity
Scheduling
Safety
And much more
In addition to guidance, explanation, and best practices, it includes templates and examples of commonly used forms and documents like a Short Interval Schedule.
The Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference is your platform for building lasting connections and fostering a supportive community. Networking opportunities abound, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies for success. Register today!
Build your confidence and enhance your communication skills with two educational sessions. First, Alex Willis of Leadership Surge will empower you to navigate challenging interactions with confidence and professionalism. Then, Rebecca and Keith of TALLsmall will teach you how to express yourself clearly and effectively so your voice cuts through the noise in the office and on jobsites.
An array of captivating educational sessions and inspiring speakers round out the conference, which is designed to empower and uplift women at every stage of their careers.
Whether youâre new to the industry or a seasoned executive, the WiMI conference offers something for everyone. Gain valuable insights, expand your network, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges and seize opportunities.
MCAAâs Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAAâs 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:
Trimble Trimble Fabrication SmartTools is a drawing, routing and fabrication toolkit built to amplify Fabrication Parts in Revit to save time and increase productivity for mechanical contractors.
The Harris Products Group, A Lincoln Electric Company HVAC/R service techs will love this kit! It meets the needs for most field repairs. This six-piece kit features AluxcorÂŽ for aluminum and Stay-SilvÂŽ 15, the industryâs most used copper brazing alloy.
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 MCAAâs 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 memberâs training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started.
LAARS, a Bradford White Company (and a benefactor of MCAA24), is working closely with MCAA and the United Association (UA) toward a shared vision of continuous support for a trained, skilled workforce that is committed to safety, quality, and productivity. LAARS and the UA have established more than 50 advanced water heater and boiler training labs across the United States, with many more in development.
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! Youâll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAAâs Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Plus, youâll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
Congratulations to Drew Figura, the recipient of the new Bolton Family Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship was established to pay tribute to the significant contributions that the Boltons have provided to the construction industry and the dedicated service they have provided to the employees of Arden Building Companies.
The scholarship honors the familyâs dedicated volunteer work within the communities they service in Rhode Island, notably their efforts in aiding children from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking backgrounds in mastering the English language within the school system and their improvements with the Ronald McDonald House. The scholarship embodies the values of service, community engagement and support for those in need that have been integral to the Bolton familyâs legacy.
Drew is studying Construction Management at the University of Nebraska and is expecting to graduate in the winter of 2025. He is an active member of his student chapter and has interned with MCAA Member, the Helm Group.
âWhat I have gained as part of MCAA is lots of connections in the construction industry, which has helped me in school, but will also help me in the future during my career. This past summer I worked for a general contractor, but my student chapter mentor through the MCA-Omaha Leadership Academy was the project manager on the job. Having him there was beneficial and he taught me a lot about the systems being installed for the project. After my summer internship, my mentor offered me an internship at Helm Group. Before being part of MCAA, I didnât even know what mechanical construction was.
In the past year and a half, Iâve learned that mechanical construction plays a large role in almost all construction projects. I can see myself in mechanical once I graduate in two years. I enjoy the team Iâm working with and can see myself working there once I graduate.â
MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Drew on this prestigious scholarship and thank the Bolton Family and Arden Engineering Companies for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes referred to as âforever chemicals.â Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to some serious safety and health issues, including cancers and impact to critical organs.
MCAA members have paid close attention to this issue since these harmful chemicals never fully degrade. PFAS are so prevalent that they can be found in the blood of almost every person in the U.S.
The EPAâs general summary of the final rule highlights fact sheets, presentations, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and regulatory information.
The final rule requires that:
Public water systems must monitor for these PFAS and have three years to complete initial monitoring (by 2027), followed by ongoing compliance monitoring. Water systems must also provide the public with information on the levels of these PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027.
Public water systems have five years (by 2029) to implement solutions that reduce these PFAS if monitoring shows that drinking water levels exceed these maximum contaminant level (MCLs).
Beginning in five years (2029), public water systems that have PFAS in drinking water which violates one or more of these MCLs must take action to reduce levels of these PFAS in their drinking water and must provide notification to the public of the violation.
The final rule establishes MCLs for six PFAS in drinking water, âPFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL to account for the combined and co-occurring levels of these PFAS in drinking water. EPA also finalized health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these PFAS.â
More information can be found here. The EPA is also holding three informational webinars:
April 16, 2024 (2:00-3:00 pm EDT) General Overview of PFAS NDPWR for CommunitiesRegistration
April 23, 2024 (2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT) Drinking Water Utilities and Professionals Technical Overview of PFAS NPDWRRegistration
April 30, 2024 (2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT) Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series on Final PFAS NPDWR and PFAS Drinking Water TreatmentRegistration
If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAAâs Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.
Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year and seriously injures hundreds of thousands more according to the National Safety Council. MCAAâs distracted driving resources arm mechanical contractors with the resources needed to educate their workers during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April and throughout the year. These are just a few of MCAAâs educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
The Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Conference is your platform for building lasting connections and fostering a supportive community. Networking opportunities abound, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and collaborate on strategies for success.
Be inspired by Princess Sarah Culberson, humanitarian and author. She will share her remarkable journey from fear to fabulous, exploring themes of self-discovery, courage, and embracing cultural identity. This empowering closing session will inspire you to overcome fear and pursue your dreams while advocating for yourself in both professional and personal spheres.
An array of captivating educational sessions and inspiring speakers round out the conference, which is designed to empower and uplift women at every stage of their careers.
Whether youâre new to the industry or a seasoned executive, the WiMI conference offers something for everyone. Gain valuable insights, expand your network, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges and seize opportunities.
The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAAâs website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAAâs 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:
FastEST, Inc. Included with every purchase or lease, FastEST Estimating Software provides online training with one of our experienced team members. Our customer service team is available 24/7 for training and any support you may need! For those who are wanting a more in-depth and hands on training experience, we are hopeful that by mid-year we will start our regional training classes back up. In the meantime please visit our website and the help section of our program for tutorial videos.
IMI Hydronic Engineering Learn from experts and achieve the best results in hydronic systems. Our practical and theoretical training will include applications for projects, installations, commissioning, and operation.
The National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) has released a new Technical Bulletin that highlights the basics of GMAW (MIG) and FCAW welding. The bulletin describes the technical aspects of GMAW, explains how the metal gets from the wire to the workpiece (transfer modes), and highlights what contractors need to pay attention to when bringing the process into their shop or field fabrication site.
MCAA has joined forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to offer resources and tools customized and curated to specifically address and mitigate risks related to electrical safety posed to MCAA members, including physical, compliance and financial risks. Crafted by NFPAâs trusted subject matter experts, this content will provide actionable information and strategies to help you and your team keep pace with the ever-changing regulatory environment, identify potential hazards and shortfalls, and markedly improve safety for your employees, customers, and their workplaces and communities.
Depending on your needs and goals, we offer different levels of educational programs from introductory to more in-depth and on-going programmingâand itâs all at a discounted rate.
MCAAâs Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAAâs 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:
Merit Brass Company Merit Brass Co. is thrilled to unveil the expansion to their press offering of CarbonPressÂŽ Fittings. The latest enhancements now encompass large diameters of 2-1/2â â 4â and the FKM (Fluoroelastomer) sealing elements for industrial applications.
Morris Group International Enhance your skills with AcornVacÂŽ, a Morris Group InternationalÂŽ brand! Learn how vacuum plumbing can help save water, energy, money and contribute to sustainable design for your next project!
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 MCAAâs 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 memberâs training opportunities. Visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of the Resource Center to get started.
This year MCAA presented its highest award, the Distinguished Service Award, to Michael Mack. The DSA award celebrates a legacy of service and dedication to improving the mechanical contracting industry. During Mackâs career, he played a pivotal role in redeveloping MCAAâs Institute for Project Management, advancing its mission and dedicating years to its progress. Mackâs family joined him onstage at the opening general session of MCAA24 for the surprise.
Murphy Company adopted MILWAUKEE TOOLâs latest M18 FUEL⢠½â Drill/Driver because it has the power and speed to keep them productive on the job, but also because of an enhanced safety feature that prevents injuries caused by over-rotation. The drillâs AUTOSTOP⢠Control Mode senses over-rotation in a bind-up and automatically shuts off the drill, providing more control and reduced kickback. MILWAUKEE TOOL is a benefactor of MCAA24.
Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! Youâll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAAâs Manufacturer/Supplier Council.
Plus, youâll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.
MCAA is committed to stemming our industry’s high suicide rates by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Over the last year, MCAA partnered with the UA, NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC to distribute over 100k 988 awareness hard hat stickers and chips. At the same time, we built a comprehensive mental health program that includes dozens of toolbox talks and a world-class mental health awareness and suicide prevention video.
Additional stickers and chips are now available directly through the manufacturers of both. MCAA is pleased to say that both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label.
MCAA is committed to supporting our members’ mental health by spreading the word that âitâs okay to not be okay.â Resources like these will help our industry step up and change the culture of not speaking up when you have a problem. Not all injuries are visible. Not all trauma is evident. Your mental health matters.
If you have questions, please contact Raffi Elchemmas, MCAAâs Executive Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management.
Construction is a demanding, high-stress profession with one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. Providing training and connecting people with treatment services can be hard. MCAA’s Mental Health Awareness resources simplify the process. These are just a few of MCAAâs educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.
Available resources include:
A Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Video highlighting an industry veteran’s success story. The video includes appearances by MCAA past president Robert Beck, the UAâs Jen Massey, industry expert Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas, and MCAA member Ricky Reams.
A series of Mental Health Toolbox Talks that are easy to reference, quick to use, and a great way to start the conversation on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in construction at your company. English | Spanish
988 Chips & Hard Hat Stickers highlighting the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Both items include the UA and MCAA logos.
MCAA members can order stickers here. To order chips, contact Lindsay Korpiniski at orderdesk@unionproud.com and reference the MCAA and UA 988 Chips. Both manufacturers employ union labor, and the chips and stickers carry the union label. Those with questions can contact Raffi Elchemmas (raffi@mcaa.org).
UA members can order right from the UAâs webstore. Those with questions can reach out to Nicole Jeup (nicolej@uanet.org).
At the MCAA24 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 20th, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo was awarded the top prize of $10,000 and a trophy for their outstanding work on the 2023-2024 Student Chapter Competition.
CalPoly San Luis Obispo Sponsoring Local Affiliate: Northern California MCA ⢠Alex Hall â Executive Vice President ⢠Mike Stirling â Director of Member Relations
Faculty Advisors ⢠Paul Redden ⢠Joseph Cleary
The University of Wisconsin-Stout was the runner-up, placing second and received a trophy and a check for $5,000.
Ball State University and McMaster University rounded out the final four. Both Honorable Mention finalists received trophies and $2,500 checks.
Six teams (out of the 24 submissions) were recognized with Merit Trophies and checks for $1,000. They are, in alphabetical order:
California State University, Chico
Kansas State University
Kent State University
Missouri State University
Pittsburg State University
University of Maryland, College Park
The project involved submitting a proposal as the prime mechanical contractor for the Kansas City Zoo Aquarium. This included all piping, HVAC, controls and additional work required from the bid documents.
Thank you to the following companies for their special contributions to the project:
MMC Contractors National, Inc. (supplying the project)
Jeremy Millard (Introduction & What Really Happened)
Procore (use of Project Management software)
Trimble (use of Trimble Estimation MEP software)
Ferguson (providing pricing for pipe values and fittings)
MCAA Career Development Committee – Judges
Justin Blackledge, The Waldinger Corporation – Omaha
Anne Finerfrock, W.E. Bowers
Sarabeth Gandara, U.S. Engineering Construction
Scott Hinton, Enerfab Power and Industrial, Inc.
Michael Russo, Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corporation
Kurt Voss, Integrated Facility Services
John Ziemann, Mollenberg-Betz, Inc.
Thank you as well to the Chair of the Career Development Committee, Andrew Palcan of Helm Group, for serving as the emcee for the competition in Orlando!
The MCAA Career Development Committee is currently hard at work planning for the 2024-2025 project. The next project will be announced this fall, and a Q&A session is on the schedule for the GreatFutures Forum in Seattle (September 26â28). Registration for the full conference is complimentary for MCAA contractor members and includes the GreatFutures Job Fair on Friday morning. Watch mcaa.org and MCAA’s National Update e-newsletter for information as the date gets closer.
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 Hans Stelpflug of the University of Wisconsin-Stout was awarded a trophy, a $500 gift card, a complimentary seat in MCAAâs Preparatory Institute for Project Management, and the title of 2023-2024 Most Valuable Presenter.
Hans is majoring in construction management and will graduate this spring.
University of Wisconsin-Stout Sponsoring Local Affiliate: Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association
Faculty Advisor: ⢠Dean Wirtanen
Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship
The Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship was developed to recognize a student not only interested in mechanical contracting, but specifically to a student with an interest in being a mechanical estimator upon graduation. This $5,000 scholarship is available to a student who participated in the Final Four round of the MCAA Student Chapter Competition.
Pictured: Brian Helm (JRGF President), Daniel DeSoto (CalPoly), Rocco Bognet (Trimble), Ron King (Trimble), and Robert Beck (MCAA President)
Trimble Future Estimator Scholarship Winner: Daniel DeSoto â California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Congratulations to all the 2023-2024 participating teams!