April 2017
 
The voice of the 
mechanical contractors 
industry in Alberta.
Association News
The most fun you will ever have at an AGM.
MCA AGM

We listened and have changed things up. The 2017 MCA - AGM will not be held at our provincial conference but rather at a special half day event that will be chalked full of information and entertainment.

The event is sponsored by a few of our very loyal associate members, thank you to Aon, and BenefitLink, and the UA 488, and B.A. Robinson, and Marking Service Canada Ltd., and Canplas Industries Ltd. 
This event is no cost to you, our contractor members (other than getting yourselves there). Plan to attend, bring a guest and find out what your association is doing on your behalf! 

View the details and register.
Lobsterfest

Join MCA, SMCAA & ASHRAE for our annual Lobsterfest. Tickets are now available for $68 per person or $680 per table of 10. 

Information and registration  here .
Golf tournament

The golf schedule is up! Take a look at this calendar to save the dates.
Education and Training
Construction credit basics 

Credit and accounts receivable management has become the focus of every company in an economic downturn . Good credit risk management can increase the profitability of construction businesses. 

If you are a business owner or involved in the credit decision and collection process, this credit seminar is for you! Join us May 18  to learn more. 

All information and registration can be found here .
Product specific training

Our monthly product specific training continues this month with boiler controls.

Thank you, Kim Butts from Mechanical Systems 2000 for both hosting and providing great training sessions for our service technicians. With small class sizes, there are opportunities for hands on activities plus lots of questions.

We are running training on pumps on April 19 and 20, however, they have already sold out.  These courses fill up fast so don't miss June's course on wastewater FOG requirements. Details to follow very soon. Please let us know what other products you would like to see the MCA offer training on, so we can continue to add dates to the schedule. If you are a supplier and have a product that you think would work in this format, please contact the office.
Construction Career Fair 

MCA had a booth at CCA 's 11th Annual Construction Career Expo on April 12, where as many as 2400 students from Calgary and the surrounding area came the BMO to visit booths and try-a-trade.
 
MCA volunteers assisted students in assembling "pipe hoola hoops" using ½ inch PEX tube with crimp couplings at our booth.

A big thank you to HeatLink and Alan Forest Sales for supplying product, tools and support to this learning activity. We had an amazing day and could not have done it without our wonderful volunteers
Jack Forrest, Alex Forrest and Aaron Samson,  Don Watson, Bill Clark and Jim Bosch. Thank you so much the students loved it - There were hoola hoops everywhere!
Productivity Improved

We had 30 members join us for a time management seminar on April 6,  where we learned many tips on how to better manage both meetings and emails. Plus, improving our daily habits for better productivity! Thank you to Adam Czarnecki from Talent Tactics for all the great information.
April 19:  Product specific training pumps. Sold out .
May 18: Construction credit basics, Calgary - Register now.  
Online: Scaffold safety inspection awareness - Register now.
Save the Date
April 9-11: MCAC mid-year meetings - Ottawa.
April 20: MCA AB AGM - Edmonton.
May 4-6: MCA AB and BC Joint Conference - BC. View the brochure and register now.
June 1: MCA Golf - Turner Valley Golf & Country Club.
June 6: MCAC western region meeting - Saskatoon.
2017: ATTI will be holding IP Red Seal challenge exam refresher courses in the coming months. View the upcoming course list.
MCA New Members
LAD Power & Controls
Leif Davidson
Address: 318 40 Ave NE,  Calgary, AB
Email:  leifd@ladpower.com  
Western Canadian Furnace Company (2016) Ltd.
Max Irwin
Address: 4001-19 Street NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6X8
Phone: (403) 531-6181
Industry News
Construction in Calgary remains strong in 2017

Recent building permit values indicate a steady year of construction in 2017, says Calgary Building Services Director Kevin Griffiths.

With $4.7 billion in building permits taken out last year, and total construction value is up 29 per cent in the first two months of 2017, totalling $416 million. We continue to see interest in development despite the current economy. 

Read more.
Building STANDATA update

The following Building STANDATA is now available on the Municipal Affairs website.
 
  14-BCI-002: Visual signals
Bow Valley College summer students

Are you in need for additional coverage in the summer through a co-op position (four month full-time paid role; May to September)? 

There are still quite a few students (specifically in accounting and a couple in marketing) that are looking for entry-level opportunities. There is a student with experience in the trades (a former carpenter and foreman) as well as one who is a former project manager who would be excellent in basic administrative roles in the trades with their background knowledge.

There is a fair amount of flexibility, as some students are open to starting earlier on a part-time basis or continuing after summer on a part-time basis. Students typically begin around $15 per hour, but again, they have some flexibility.

Please contact: 

Megan Kinal
Student Engagement Officer
Chiu School of Business
+1-403-410-3206 Office
mkinal@bowvalleycollege.ca
www.bowvalleycollege.ca
Become a mentor

Mentorship is a key component to the Language Training Program for Apprentices (LTPA). It allows learners to practically apply the skills acquired from four months of task-based trades-specific language instruction. Mentors will guide learners to better understand how to apply their communication skills and successfully transition into the Canadian workplace.

Learn more.
Environmental Safety
Workplace safety evolved

It's been one year since the release of SafetyTek's version 2.0 software and since then a lot has changed. SafetyTek is growing faster than ever thanks to the support of all of their clients. More and more companies from every type of industry continue to help them grow.

Learn more.
Substance abuse and safety 

Substance abuse costs employers billions of dollars a year in accidents and injuries, lost productivity, and property and equipment damage. From a worker perspective, working with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts co-workers in danger and generally has a negative effect on their morale and job performance. For more information on the dangers and how to protect yourself you can read full article here.
Health and Benefits
Family assistance program

MCA uses Homewood  Health for member and family assistance program (MFAP). Homewood services focus on helping people and organizations get better. We offer a unique and comprehensive continuum of care that ensures people get the help they need, when they need it. 

Please contact the office if you would like a quote on customizing a benefit plan just right for your company.
Important Links
MCA Alberta

MCA Canada

Construction Education Council

MSCC - Service contractors

MCA-AB - Contractor membership

MCA-AB - Associate membership (wholesale and suppliers)

MCA-AB - Affiliate membership (construction trade)

Provincial and zone MCA's

MCAC Canada coming events

MCA Canada's charity

Ontario Prompt Payment

National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada NTCCC
About the MCAA

Since the early 1900's, Alberta's plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, gasfitters and mechanical contractors have utilized the united voice, programs, information, service and social network of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Alberta (MCAA).

Today, the MCAA strives to create value for its members by identifying and mitigating  issues that affect the industry, the development and delivery of high-quality education programs, providing a competitive group health insurance benefit plan, facilitating member benefit programs and services, and providing opportunity for social and professional networking.