Your News for September 14, 2015
E. Robert Kent Award
Deadline Nears for E. Robert Kent Award Nominations

That management idea that solved a time-wasting, costly and disruptive problem for your business just could win the 2015 E. Robert Kent Award for Management Innovation. Just like the Lottery, you can't win if you don't play...and the deadline for submission of nominations is October 2. The award was inspired by industry leader E. Robert Kent, who believed that great ideas should be shared to keep our industry growing and thriving. In addition to receiving accolades from MCAA members at the MCAA's 2016 convention, the award winner, the business and the idea are featured in MCAA and other industry publications. Unique management ideas that solve challenges in the office, in the field, in the shop or in some other aspect of your business are welcome; commercial product ideas do not qualify.
WebLEM Password Change

As a reminder to everyone, the WebLEM subscriber password changes every three months, and the next scheduled change will be on or about October 6. The new password will be sent in an email to your company's primary WebLEM contact. If you have any concerns that it might wind up in your spam filter, you can ask your IT Department to put mcaa@weblem.org, support@weblem.org, and the MCAA LEM Committee [support@weblem.org] on your spam filter's "accept" list in order to receive these and other important communications.
 
The password is only sent to the primary contact, so when you receive it, you'll want to share it with the WebLEM users in your company to ensure uninterrupted access to this valuable member benefit.
OSHA Confined Space Training Webinar
Registered Yet for Confined Space in Construction Training?

Make sure your employees who are affected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's new confined space safety regulations for the construction industry - which take effect on October 2 - register for the OSHA Confined Space Training Webinar which takes place on September 17 (8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Eastern time). The training is specifically designed for employees who have the potential for entering a confined space on a job site and those who may be a confined space attendant, entry supervisor or rescue personnel. Presented by the Hilgeman Group, the course covers: recent changes to OSHA's confined space entry standards; learning how to identify "confined spaces" and if they are "permit required;" understanding the responsibilities of all affected personnel; identifying when OSHA's "alternate entry" and "reclassification" procedures may be used; reviewing and understanding the "Rescue & Emergency Services" requirements; and reviewing the most common confined space mistakes.
Learn How to Lead through Culture
Explore the UA's New Interactive Curriculum for Next-Generation Technicians

New apprentices coming into apprenticeship programs have different learning styles than previous generations. Recognizing this shift, the United Association (UA) adapted its training delivery methods through the use of Interactive Curriculum Engagement. In his innovative session, ICE Your Way to the Top: Introducing Interactive Learning in HVACR Training, UA Director of Training Chris Haslinger will explain the new curriculum. Virtual reality, augmented reality, wearable technologies, and game show-type tools are designed to allow for these interactive learning opportunities. Those who would like to learn more about the variety of resources that the UA has available to train today's HVACR technician first-hand should attend this workshop during MSCA 2015 (October 18-21, Colorado Springs, CO).
Sign Up Now for Life-Saving Arc Flash Training
Sign Up Now for Life-Saving Arc Flash Training

Employees who work with or around electricity must know how to keep themselves safe from accidents, injuries or worse. The Arc Flash Safety Training Webinar provides training and information specifically designed for mechanical service employees who are exposed to electricity through HVAC work, electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, voltage testing, fuse testing, verifying a zero energy state, infrared imaging, etc. Presented by the Hilgeman Group, the session covers all applicable OSHA and NFPA requirements (including the revised NFPA 70E requirements), best practices and provides participants with real-world accident information to reinforce the training. The next webinar is on September 24, 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Eastern time.
New Project Management Ideas Come from AIPM
New Project Management Ideas Come from AIPM

Even if your most experienced project managers are experts at managing successful projects, new ideas and ways to solve job site challenges are coming along all the time. And, the Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM) is where those new ideas will come to light. It's designed to bring seasoned project managers up to speed on issues, practices and skills that will help them manage even more productive and profitable projects. AIPM's Class 12 will take place January 17-22, 2016 at the University of Texas in Austin, TX. Taught by top industry experts, the curriculum covers: 
  • 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
  • More 
AIPM is 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 and it fills quickly.
Green Webinar to Focus on Green Building Codes

Your next sustainable building project could be impacted either positively or negatively by developments in green building codes. Make sure you're up to date on what's happening by participating in the next Green Webinar (September 24, 1:00 p.m. Eastern time). Courtney France of France Sustainable Solutions will explain how voluntary green certifications are stacking up, or lagging behind, recent developments in green building codes and standards. You'll find out how and where sustainable building design and construction standards are gaining strength in specific markets and regional areas across the U.S. She will also tell you how green building codes and standards are pushing sustainable building into our mainstream building delivery process throughout the country. This webinar is free as a benefit of MCAA/MSCA membership.
Learn More About MCERF
MCA of Akron Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $2,500 contribution from the MCA of Akron and a pledge for another $2,500 next year, raising the association's total contributions to $20,000. The MCA of Akron also designated 50% of its contribution to the MCERF Scholarship program. The MCERF Board of Trustees is very grateful for the support which will help the Foundation continue funding its education and research activities.
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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