M&SCA 
of Eastern PA
November Newsletter
November 3, 2017

Abner Dowdell
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the resent passing of our friend and longtime Association member Abner Dowdell. Ab spent 40 years as the Service Manager at E.B. O'Reilly. He was involved in many professional organizations during that time, including ASRE, RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society) and luckily, the Servicing Contractors Association of Greater Delaware Valley & the MSCA. Throughout his life, Ab was an active community volunteer, giving of himself both in the Upper Dublin, PA and Avalon, NJ areas. To give back to Ab, an award was established in his name by the SCA & the Steamfitters Local 420 that is given to one graduating steamfitter apprentice each year. Ab will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11 am at St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh, located at 610 Church Road, Flourtown PA 19031. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ab's name may be made to Episcopal Community Services, 225 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia PA 19106 or to the Stagecrafters Theatre, 8130 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia PA 19118.
2018 M&SCA Education Survey
We would appreciate all M&SCA Contractor members and their employees to take a few minutes and let us know what you're looking for in our 2018 Education Program. 
 
This quick survey will allow us to learn more about which subjects you are most interested in and how we can better serve you through our 2018 class lineup. 
 
If you have any further comments after this survey is completed, please email them to association@mcaepa.org.
Upcoming Education
Tuesday, November 14
8:30 AM @ CM3 Building Solutions

Tuesday, November 28
8 AM @ M&SCA Amenities Center

Tuesday, December 19
8 AM @ M&SCA Amenities Center
Nearly All WiFi Networks are
Vulnerable to the New KRACK Exploit
Please follow the link below to read about a possible new breach that could affect your Wifi or personal/company devices. This breach can be abused to steal sensitive information such as credit card numbers, passwords, etc.
It is suggested you have all of your devices upgraded to the most current software version and check your wifi routers at your home/office for any patches or upgrades.
Sign the Petition to Oppose the
Reversal of the Laurel Pipeline
The Laurel Pipeline, an affiliate of Buckeye Partners, has filed an application with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) to reverse the flow of a portion of the Laurel Pipeline. This action would not be good for Pennsylvania or its consumers, businesses and workers. 
We must urge the PUC to reject this proposal, which would hurt our refineries immensely.  We hope you will take the time to sign the petition using the link below and please forward this email to members of your employees and coworkers as well.
IRS Reverses Policy on Certifying
Individual Mandate Compliance
On October 13, 2017, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)  reversed  a recent policy change in how it monitors compliance with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) individual mandate. Read the full change by clicking the link below and make sure your company complies accordingly.
Final Forms for 2017 ACA Reporting Released
The 2017 Affordable Care Act forms and instructions are substantially similar to the 2016 versions. However, there are a few minor changes that can be found in the article linked below.
US Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) Requests Meeting with POTUS Regarding Renewable Fuel Standard
On October 25, 2017, US Senator Pat Toomey sent a letter, along with his Senate colleagues, to President Donald Trump requesting a meeting regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard. In the letter, Senator Toomey cites the EPA's latest actions in Pennsylvania affecting Philadelphia Energy Solutions. Click here to read more .

They hope to discuss a pathway forward toward a mutually agreeable solution that will save refining jobs and help unleash an American energy renaissance.
Recall Alert: Genie Operator's Protective Alarm
Genie recently sent out a notice recalling their Operator Protective Alarm (OPA). Click below for the full recall notice.
The City of Philadelphia Needs Your Input!
Philadelphia's Regulatory Reform Commission has requested the M&SCA of Eastern PA's assistance in gathering input to identify ways to improve how business is conducted in the city. Included below is the link to a survey developed by the Commission's Real Estate and Contractor Subcommittee. 

The Commission seeks to create a fair and clear business environment for businesses and workers alike, which ultimately will benefit taxpayers.  Click here to learn more.

We encourage all members and employees of members to take the time to participate in the survey and help the Commission improve the way business is conducted in the City of Philadelphia. If you have any further questions, please contact the Association Office.
 Upcoming National Events
November 8 - 10
Austin, TX

November 14 - 15
Las Vegas, NV

December 6 - 8
Longboat Key, FL

January 23 - 25, 2018
San Diego, CA

January 29 - 30, 2018
Irvine, CA

February 5 - 6, 2018
Phoenix, AZ
MCAA Profiles Ted McHugh of West Chester Mechanical
Click below to view a video following Ted McHugh of West Chester Mechanical in Aston, PA through a typical workday. In addition to highlighting the daily demands associated with keeping a project on time and within budget, it showcases for students how a great future is achievable in the mechanical industry!
Download Our Mobile App for Free
Download the Mechanical & Service Contractors Association's Mobile App for free and keep up with us on the go! 

App features include:
  • Events
  • Push Notifications
  • News
  • Directory & Resources
  • Legislative Information
  • Staff & Contact Info
Tuesday, November 14
8:30 AM @ CM3 Building Solutions


Tuesday, November 28
8 AM @ M&SCA Amenities Center


Tuesday, December 19
8 AM @ M&SCA Amenities Center
Monday, November 20
Allied Member Committee Meeting
12 PM @ M&SCA Office


Tuesday, November 21
8 AM @ M&SCA Office


Tuesday, November 21
6 PM @ Cradles to Crayons


Tuesday, November 28
9 AM @ LU 420


Wednesday, November 29
9 AM @ LU 690


Tuesday, December 5
7:30 AM @ M&SCA Amenities Center


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