MCAA, in conjunction with Horizon Actuarial Services, LLC, has just released a new edition of its comprehensive inventory and analysis of construction industry multiemployer pension plans. The report summarizes and analyzes key trends in plan demographics, cash flows, investments, funding, costs, and expenses from 2002-2011. The result is a valuable tool that will assist the union sector of the construction industry in better understanding how multiemployer pension plans have evolved, and where they may be headed, to aid them in ensuring the plans' futures. The new issue of this publication has been significantly enhanced. It now includes plan features by specific craft and a separate, detailed analysis of all plans co-sponsored by MCAA employers and the United Association. MCAA President Michael R. Cables stated, "With the release of this publication, MCAA is taking yet another step toward securing a stable future for the multiemployer defined benefit pension plans our workforce relies upon. We realize that MCAA's inventory report fills a unique need in the industry by providing a groundbreaking approach to these ongoing issues. That's why, at this time of crisis, MCAA is making this inventory available to the entire industry at no cost." The report is available on MCAA's website at www.mcaa.org.

As the U.S. economy continues its steady, strong growth, will the construction industry maintain its upward momentum?  Economist Brian Beaulieu will share his predictions about what's fueling the economic growth here and abroad, how the construction industry may ride that wave and how you can make sure your company keeps or grows its competitive position in your market. Beaulieu's session is just one of many strategic business offerings that make MCAA 2014 one of your most valuable investments this year.  And, to "sweeten the pot," register by February 7 to save $300 per couple.  Rooms are still available, but filling rapidly; don't delay registering.  Go to www.mcaa.org/mcaa2014 to review the program details and register online. 

If your service technicians or other employees who work with or around electrical equipment missed the life-saving training provided by the NFPA 70E Qualified-Level Arc Flash Safety Training webinar last month, it's available again February 20, 2014, at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. MCAA/MSCA members' employees who are potentially exposed to live conductors of 50 volts of electricity or more during their workday and mechanical service technicians working on units that push 480 volts or less should attend. Presented by the Hilgeman Group, the session covers all OSHA and NFPA requirements, best practices and NFPA's recent changes to the 70E requirements and provides participants with real-world accident information that reinforces their training. Contact the Hilgeman Group at ahilgeman@frontier.com to register.