JUNE 2022

MCABC Members,

While June may be considered the halfway point of the year, it’s the start of a new term for MCABC’s Board of Directors, five of whom were nominated and approved at the AGM on June 1^st. A special welcome to new Board member Joe Buccella, Lisi Mechanical Contractors. I look forward to working with Joe and the rest of our 11-person Board of Directors who are leading the change for mechanical contractors in BC.

Change was the common denominator at our one-day conference on May 31^st at the River Rock Casino Resort. The industry’s efforts to balance the challenges of a tight labour market, new climate mandates and the introduction of advanced technology made way for limitless discussion and innovative approaches to powering our teams for success. See our photo album on Facebook. 

Our industry’s evolving and progressive approach was also shared with students who visited the MCABC Booth at the Skilled Trades Competition at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre May 26 and 27. It was fantastic to see so much keen interest in the mechanical contracting trades! View the album on Facebook here.

A big thank you to our members for their show of support for Fortify Wellness, a comprehensive, customizable and competitive health benefits and retirement solutions plan exclusive to MCABC members. Fortify Wellness is the only plan that directly supports and benefits the mechanical contracting industry in BC. Interested in standing out from the crowd when it comes to attracting and retaining new staff? Now is the time to differentiate your company. Contact us for an assessment: info@mcabc.org.

Speaking of standing out from the crowd! Earlier this month, I announced the well-deserved promotion of Sarah Jones to the position of Director, Operations. Now that restrictions have eased and in-person education, events and general member networking are a priority, Sarah is focused on formalizing the MCABC structure to support our growing brand and evolving strategy.

On July 27^th, the Board of Directors will be reviewing input from Conference delegates who participated in the Think Tank session on issues facing the mechanical contracting industry. Those issues will be tested against our five-year plan and put into action. The MCABC Board of Directors is focused on:

• actioning educational excellence
• stewarding professional standards
• driving member satisfaction
• championing our industry
• striving for professional excellence
• driving performance management, AND
• optimizing membership value.

I will keep you updated along the way; in the meantime, I invite you to share your thoughts with me directly: kbarbero@mcabc.org.

Kim Barbero

CEO

 Welcome New Members!

We are pleased to welcome the following new members to MCABC. We encourage you to visit their websites to learn more about them by clicking on their logo.

Join Canada’s Mechanical Contracting Industry in Halifax Sep 28-Oct 1

It’s time to RECONNECT in Halifax – a city that is proving a popular meeting spot for mechanical contractors across Canada. MCAC’s 2022 Conference has a great lineup of speakers secured and promises to provide many opportunities for networking. Visit the conference website to learn more and to secure your spot. Please let us know if you’ve registered. MCABC is planning a dinner out with the BC contingent and we want to ensure you are included: info@mcabc.org.

More than $20,000 being awarded for 2022 Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series

August 12^th is the deadline for applications. To review eligibility and scholarship, visit: Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series – Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (mcac.ca)

Upcoming Fun and Education:

Ö Journey to Net Zero Panel – July date TBA.

Ö MCABC Golf Classic & Evening Event – August 11: Registration is now open! Sponsorship sales opened June 22.

Ö Developing Forepersons to Project Managers – October 3 to 6

Our Associate-ED series continues to grow. Be sure to let us know if you have a product demo or service session you would like to deliver, record and add to our members' only video library. Members learning from members is proving to be a valued educational series that you can revisit as often as you wish through the Members Hub at www.mcabc.org.

Members got a behind the scenes tour of Settlement Brewing during the member networking social at Belgard Kitchen May 19. Be sure to check out the MCABC Facebook photo album.

Update on Price Escalation of Cast Iron: Conversation With Manufacturer 

MCABC’s Board of Directors had a conference call on May 18 with McWane representatives regarding the unprecedented increases to the price of cast iron. We voiced your concerns and asked for advance warning in the future to help mitigate risk.

While the price escalation was sudden and drastic to us, McWane emphasized that it was not a decision made lightly. Inflation caused an increase to their iron and freight costs, while the pandemic impacted their supply chain and staffing. They reported they are making progress towards restoring production capacity by the end of the year.

McWane noted that more increases could be coming. We encourage you to speak with owners about this potentially volatile situation and to create a 'Plan B'. 

Restructured, Renewed and Raring to Go, Next Gen Committee has Their Sights on the Future

MCABC’s Next Gen Committee reconvened recently to discuss the direction of the group and impact they want to make on the mechanical contracting industry. In particular, the group was passionate about finding solutions to the skills trade shortage and having a thriving Student Chapter. 

They see the Next Gen group as an opportunity to connect and grow professionally and personally, to educate and inform, be instrumental, influential and build leaders. The future looks bright!

Big thank you to our Next Gen Sponsor:

Delegates at MCABC's Business Conference participated in a full day of activities ranging from education and Think Tank sessions, to fantastic keynote speakers, trade show and entertainment.

What's Worth Putting into Your Calendar on August 11? Golf!

We are excited to host our shotgun tournament at Northview Golf & Country Club on Thursday, August 11th. Come early to enjoy the socializing, driving range and other activities. Stay for the evening reception and dinner which features entertainment. Guests are welcome to attend in the evening – tickets can be purchased separately or added to a golf registration.

Golf Sponsorships are Selling Quickly!