Your News for July 20, 2015

MCAA Leaders Plan Next Steps of Construction Technology Initiative


Last week, MCAA's Board of Directors considered a wide range of strategies aimed at further developing MCAA's Construction Technology Initiative.  Construction technology expert James Benham facilitated the in-depth discussion about current (and emerging) technologies that contractors use to manage projects more efficiently and ideas for conferences and resources to help members incorporate these technologies into their businesses. Board members and past presidents also reviewed reports on MCAA's finances, its advocacy efforts to win Phase 2 of multiemployer pension reform and the varied activities of its committees and subsidiaries. They also heard a report on the success of the recent ALI-G program at Babson and plans for the upcoming ALI Course 15. The Board of Directors will next meet in conjunction with MCAA's 2016 convention in Orlando, FL.
Help Your Field Leaders Focus on the Bottom Line
Do Your Foremen Know How to Communicate Effectively?

Your field leaders will learn from industry expert Kevin Dougherty about how to connect and relate effectively on the job with crew, other subs, management and owners. They'll learn about:

  • Different communication methods for different players;
  • How to listen;
  • Managing and negotiating with difficult people; and
  • Arbitrating conflicts and personality clashes.

 They'll walk away with a new perspective on how to motivate and deal effectively with the people they need to get the job done on time and on budget. For over 27 years, Dougherty has been helping construction organizations navigate the changing dynamics of our industry by assisting with the development of solutions to some of today's toughest challenges. Space is limited, so register now for the Field Leaders Conference (October 14-16, Baltimore, MD).
NFPA Safety Training Webinars Are Open for Registration
Keep Your Employees Safe with Arc Flash Safety Training

Employees who work with or around electricity need to know how to keep safe and avoid accidents, injuries or worse.  The NFPA Arc Flash Safety Training Webinar (July 30, 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. Eastern time) is a convenient, effective way for your employees to obtain that life-saving information.  It is specifically designed for mechanical and service employees who are exposed to electricity from HVAC work, electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, voltage testing, fuse testing, verifying a zero energy state, infrared imaging, etc. It is also designed for those employees who manage or supervise electrical workers and safety/engineering professionals who manage the company's Electrical Safe Work Practices program. Presented by the Hilgeman Group, the session covers all applicable OSHA and NFPA requirements (including the NFPA revised 70E requirements), best practices and provides participants with real-world accident information to reinforce the training.
Advanced IPM
Register Your Best PMs for AIPM 12

The Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM) can help your most experienced project managers be even more effective and efficient in running projects productively and profitably. AIPM's Class 12 will take place January 17-22, 2016, at the University of Texas in Austin, TX. Taught by our industry's top experts, the curriculum includes:

  • Team building;
  • Keeping customers for life;
  • Legal issues;
  • Staying on top of schedules and productivity impacts
  • Avoiding litigation
  • Operational management
  • Insurance and bonding;
  • Goal setting; and
  • More.

AIPM is designed for graduates of the Institute for Project Management with some project management experience or advanced project managers with considerable experience. This class is offered only once each year.
Registration is Now Open for MSCA 2015
Learn to Leverage KPIs in MSCA's One-Day Bonus Program

As a part of the MSCA 2015 Educational Conference, the One-Day Bonus Program will be "Leveraging Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to Drive Results." In this special session to be held October 18, Gregg Schoppman, a principal at leading management consulting firm FMI who also understands the unique needs and challenges of the HVACR and plumbing industry, will serve as your mentor for the day. You will learn (1) what KPIs are (and why you should care about them), (2) what the MSCA 2015 Benchmarking Survey results mean for your company, (3) strategies for determining and implementing your unique KPIs, (4) industry best practices, and (5) obstacles to implementation. Schoppman will also host an overview of leveraging KPIs in a breakout session on October 19 for those interested in learning the basics of KPI selection and implementation. Class size is limited for the bonus program.
New MCAA Student Chapter Forms at Ball State University

MCAA's 51st student chapter is now forming at Ball State University in Muncie, IN.  Prof. Sherif Attalah, the chapter's faculty advisor, is planning a membership recruiting campaign for this fall and is considering officers for the new organization. The chapter will receive its official charter at MCAA 2016 in Orlando, FL. This is the second chapter sponsored by the MCA of Indiana; the association also sponsors MCAA's first student chapter at Purdue University.
MSCA Dispatcher Training
MSCA Training Accelerates Your Dispatcher's Success

Join MSCA in St. Louis, MO, on September 14-15, for the last Dispatcher Professional Development Training Program of the year. Service dispatchers have a critical role in your company, serving as your company's primary representative with customers. This training will help new and experienced dispatchers understand their true role in the company and advance their careers as they enhance their ability to contribute to your company's success.
The MCAA National Update is a weekly publication of the 
Mechanical Contractors Association of America.
Questions? Contact Ann Mattheis, Editor, or call 301-869-5800.
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