Your News for November 9, 2015

Safety Directors' Conference is Open for Registration

MCAA's Annual Safety Directors' Conference (January 26-28, 2016, in Tempe, AZ) is now open for registration. Previous attendees have received an invitation which includes a password. If you are a previous attendee and have not received your invitation, please check your computer's SPAM filter. To register, click on the link below, then click on Register Online and enter your email address as your username and the password provided by MCAA as the password. If you are a first-time attendee, follow the prompts to obtain a password. If you need assistance, please contact Beth Miller at bmiller@mcaa.org or call 800-556-3653.

TEAM Thing Webinar is THIS Week

MSCA's Characteristics of an Effective TEAM - Part I webinar, which was scheduled for November 4, has been postponed to November 11 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. In this fifth session of the six-part series, presenter Steve Thomas will lead an in-depth discussion on specific attributes of effective teams that you can develop with your team as its leader. In Characteristics of an Effective TEAM - Part II (December 2 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time), he will identify "great" qualities and explain how to distinguish "good" qualities from great ones. Thomas will also recap all six sessions to illustrate how the concepts work together to create an effective team. These webinars are free to MSCA and MCAA members as a benefit.

Is Your Company Prepared for Change?

On November 12 (1:00 p.m. Eastern time), MCAA's Construction Technology Initiative will feature a webinar that will delve into the behaviors and attributes that directly impact Change Readiness, that is the ability of an organization to successfully achieve innovation adoption. Dr. Brian Lines of the University of Kansas will explore the realities of resistance to change, spotlight common barriers to innovation adoption and identify pathways for creating positive change readiness outcomes. Results of a recent industry benchmarking study will be presented highlighting innovation trends in the current capital projects market.

Manage Mobile Devices to Cut Losses, Risks

On November 17 (1:00 p.m. Eastern time), MCAA's Construction Technology Initiative will feature a webinar led by Rob McKinney, the ConApp Guru, who will teach you about mobile device management strategies that can protect your company. This information is becoming more important as contractors issue tablets and smart phones to their field personnel, project managers and senior management. Although these devices enhance productivity, the risk of exposing sensitive, private company information also increases. McKinney will discuss corporate policies to reduce loss, hardware options and software that can locate and shut down the devices. You will also learn about a "bring your own device" policy and ideas for protecting the devices of employees who have access to corporate or project information.

Arc Flash Training Webinar is a Life-Saver

If you have employees who work with or around electricity and they have not yet participated in the Qualified Level Arc Flash Safety Training Webinar, then have them sign up for the next webinar on November 19, 8:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. Eastern time. The webinar is 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. Employees who manage or supervise electrical workers and safety/engineering professionals who manage the company's Electrical Safe Work Practices program will also benefit from this training. The session covers all applicable OSHA and NFPA requirements, best practices and real-world accident information.

Contact the Hilgeman Group to Register

AIPM Makes the Best Better

Your most experienced project managers may think they know all there is to know about managing successful projects, but the Advanced Institute for Project Management (AIPM) (January 17-22, 2016, University of Texas in Austin, TX) will teach them something new and useful. They will learn how to handle troublesome legal issues, challenging customers, productivity impacts on schedules, team dynamics and much more. Graduates of the Institute for Project Management or seasoned project managers with considerable project management experience, qualify for this course in advanced project management. The class is offered only once each year, and spaces are going fast.

Sales Institute Programs Improve Profitability

Applications Available for 2016 Sales Institute Programs

MSCA Sales Institute courses are the path to building an elite team of service sales professionals at all levels. 2016 kicks off with the Sales Leadership Symposium on January 26-27 in Phoenix, AZ, for sales leaders/managers. Entry-level service sales staff will have two opportunities to attend Sales Basecamp - February 1-2 in Orlando, FL, and May 2-3 in Chicago, IL. The two-week Sales Masters program for intermediate- and advanced-level personnel is scheduled for April 17-21 (Week I) in Oak Brook, IL, and November 13-18 (Week II) in Houston, TX. Space is limited for all classes. (Note: Service sales leaders must attend the Symposium before their team members can participate in the Sales Masters program.)

Learn More and Register

MCA of Connecticut Contributes to MCERF

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) has received a $1,000 contribution from the MCA of Connecticut, the final payment on a recent pledge. The association's total contributions are now $15,000. The MCERF Board of Trustees is very grateful for the support which will help the Foundation continue funding its education and research programs that help our industry grow and thrive.

Learn More About MCERF

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.