Your News for October 19, 2015
Leadership, Management Skills were Focus of Inaugural Field Leaders Conference
Leadership, Management Skills were Focus of Inaugural Field Leaders Conference

Last week, more than 150 foremen came to Baltimore to learn what it takes to be a "great foreman," a professional member of a management team who plays a critical role in bringing in projects on time and on budget and improving their company's bottom line. They took on and explored crucial topics such as the impact of planning on profitability, how to build constructive relationships with colleagues and field personnel, trends in construction technology and what it takes to be an effective leader. They shared and discussed daily challenges on the job, strategies and solutions to overcome them and learned how to make their crews and companies more productive and profitable. Faculty included MCAA Past President Mark Rogers (West Chester Mechanical Contractors, Chester, PA), Kirlin Mid-Atlantic's Bob Beavers, UA Training Director Chris Haslinger, John Koontz and industry experts Kevin Dougherty and Mark Breslin. MCAA's Education Committee is already making plans for the 2016 conference, which will take place in Los Angeles during the last week of September. Registration information will be available in January 2016.
MCAA and Its Technology Partners Showcase the Future for
MCAA and Its Technology Partners Showcase the Future for "Generation Next"

The stuff of sci-fi movies became the centerpiece of MCAA's 2015 Student Chapter Summit in Cleveland earlier this month. Made possible by MCAA's Career Development and Construction Technology initiatives, this year's Summit was part of MCAA's strategy to bring technology to the forefront of business planning for mechanical contracting. That strategy includes attracting to our industry the bright young people who will use these technologies in their careers. Critical players in this undertaking were MCAA's newest technology partners, BuiltWorlds and JBKnowledge. They gave 150+ members of MCAA's student chapters the chance to touch and try out technologies that are just emerging to impact the built environment. Chicago-based BuiltWorlds organized a Tech Toy Test Drive, an exhibit of products that are, for the most part, still in development. Milwaukee Tool, Lift Technologies, MasterGraphics and GuardHat were on hand to explain and demo their products - 3D laser scanners, drones, helmets with built-in safety alarms, wearables that can view project sites from miles away, among others. And, James Benham of JBKnowledge gave students a mind-blowing look at technologies that are coming to a construction project near you and the thinking driving their development.
Members Celebrate Opening of MSCA 2015
Members Celebrate Opening of MSCA 2015

MSCA Board of Managers Chairman Scott Berger officially opened MSCA 2015 Sunday evening at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs to applause from hundreds of appreciative attendees. Adding to the excitement of the evening was Opening Session speaker Jamie Clark, entrepreneur, author and adventurer who shared his thoughts and perspective about living life to the fullest, learning from adversity and not being afraid to take on new challenges. MSCA's Annual Educational Conference, which continues through Thursday (October 21), will feature an array of business speakers who will discuss strategies for engaging today's buyer, leveraging key performance indicators, new management models for developing talent and driving innovation, creating a more workable organizational culture, choosing the right software for your business needs, securing your company and its data and how to use and read body language for effect. Roundtable discussions, the annual Exhibitor Display and enjoyable social events all add up to a fantastic week in Colorado's majestic Rocky Mountains.
MCAA Industry Improvement Funds Conference
Are You Making the Most of Industry Funds?

If you're not sure how to answer that question, then plan to attend the 2015 Industry Improvement Funds Conference (December 2-4, Longboat Key, FL). Jim Estabrook of Lindabury, McCormick and Estabrook will be on hand to share his legal expertise and guidance on the use of this vital source of funding for programs and operations that are important to contractors. An optional session featuring Aaron Hall of the MCA of Akron and Doug Armstrong of the MCA of Western Pennsylvania will address issues concerning the management and consolidation of multiple small associations. Attendees will also hear about the latest and upcoming MCAA activities from President Steve Dawson, the results of a market share study presented by Carey Peters of the Construction Labor Research Counsel, a report on legislative developments from MCAA Legal Counsel John McNerney, plans for educational efforts in 2016 and much more. Registration is now open.
Register for the AIPM Today!
Senior PMs...Space is Still Available at AIPM

The Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM) (January 17-22, 2016, University of Texas in Austin, TX) has room available for the most experienced project managers. This program provides the latest information on advanced management practices and issues for senior project managers. The curriculum covers customer relations, operations, legal and management issues, insurance and bonding and more that typically arise in projects of all levels of complexity. The program is designed for graduates of the Institute of Project Management or seasoned project managers with considerable project management experience to help them become even more effective in bringing in projects to a successful and profitable conclusion. Make sure your most seasoned PMs attend this valuable program.
Learn More About MCERF
Utah MCA Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation received a $10,000 check last week from the Utah MCA, raising its total contributions to $70,000. The Foundation's Board of Trustees is very grateful for the donation, which will help support its ongoing educational and research programs that are helping our industry grow and thrive. With the end of 2015 coming soon, consider making a donation AND dedicating up to 50% to the Foundation's scholarship program.
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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