FIND OUT WHEN, HOW COMMUNICATION CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR BUSINESS AT THE 2014 MID-YEAR CONFERENCE

How many times have you heard "Write it down!" when negotiating a contract or closing a business deal?  Depending on the circumstances and the words you choose, writing it down may or may not be the best option for communicating an important thought or directive.  At MCAA's 2014 Mid-Year Conference (June 23-25, Indianapolis, IN), Professors Tim and Blake Wentz will explain Correspondence Do's and Don'ts-how to communicate through various media; when written communication is always the right choice; phrases that can get you into trouble; and proper correspondence etiquette.  This valuable, interactive conference will help you and your company achieve new levels of success now and well into the future. Check out the program at www.mcaa.org/education and then register. 

WHAT DOES IT REALLY COST?  sign up for MSCA'S NEXT Path to Higher Margins WEBINAR to find out

Make sure you don't miss MSCA's next webinar in The Path to Higher Margins is Not Business as Usual serieson May 21 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time.Steve Smith, senior vice president of ACCO Engineered Systems, Inc. (Glendale, CA), will provide you with the skills you need to measure labor productivity and understand the value of labor mix and indirect burdens. You will learn the importance of engaging your entire service organization in understanding non-billable time and productivity. You will also discover that getting rid of timesheets will simplify your paperwork system and increase the profitability of your business. There's no cost to participate as these webinars are free for MSCA and MCAA members as a benefit of membership. To register and learn more, visit https://msca.webex.com. Webinars that have already aired can be downloaded from www.msca.org along with associated PowerPoint slides and handouts. 

NFPA 70E Qualified-Level Arc Flash Safety Training webinar saves lives

If your service technicians or other employees who work with or around electrical equipment have not yet participated in the life-saving training provided by the NFPA 70E Qualified-Level Arc Flash Safety Training webinar, make sure they register for one of the next webinars on May 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 especially mechanical service technicians working on units that generate 480 volts or less, should attend. Presented by the Hilgeman Group, the session covers all applicable OSHA and NFPA requirements, best practices and NFPA's recent changes to the 70E requirements and provides participants with real-world accident information that will reinforce the importance of this training. Contact the Hilgeman Group at ahilgeman@frontier.com to register.

DEADLINE NEARS FOR STUDENT INTERNSHIP GRANT REQUESTS

If you have hired a student intern for the summer, be sure to apply for a 2014 Student Internship Grant by May 15.  The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) provides the funding for the grants and the MCAA Career Development Committee administers them.  Since 2005, the grants have proven to be a great investment in the future of our industry because students gain valuable work experience, knowledge about the industry and connections with potential future employers.  Their employers gain from the interns' energy, knowledge about new technologies and fresh perspective on challenging issues.  All MCAA members who hire student interns to work in their companies this year are eligible to apply.  Each grant is $1,200 and is intended to help members defray the intern's salary.  Go to www.mcaa.org/careersfor information and the link to the online application form.  Need help?  Contact Ann Mattheis (amattheis@mcaa.org). 

NEXT MCAA GREEN WEBINAR TO FOCUS ON WATER METERING

If you want to learn how to best manage water usage, be sure to register for MCAA's next Green Webinar on June 19, 1:00 p.m. Eastern time.  Courtney France of France Sustainable Solutions will explain why water metering is an effective way to measure and track water use as well as assist in saving water. France will also teach you about different levels of water metering, energy information systems that can be used to save water and how water audits can be used for LEED points. There is no charge for MCAA and MSCA members to participate in this webinar, a benefit of membership.  Please register at https://mcaa.webex.com/.

MCA OF AKRON CONTRIBUTES TO MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) has received a $2,500 contribution from the MCA of Akron.  And, the association designated 50% or $1,250 of the contribution to MCERF Scholarships. The Foundation's Board of Trustees is very grateful for the contribution which helps support ongoing education and research activities, especially the scholarship program for deserving students working toward a career in our industry. Find out more about MCERF and its programs by visiting www.mcerf.org or contact Dennis Langley (dlangley@mcaa.org).