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August 28, 2024

Hello {Contact_First_Name},

The NextGen 2024 AGM is now open for registration and all MCABC members are invited to join us on September 18th. The NextGen Board is excited to share new updates and initiatives, including the introduction of nominees for the 2024/2025 NextGen Board.

We're thrilled to announce the last #coffeetalk of 2024 about crane safety and key insights to know as a mechanical contractor. Join MCABC and Jen Mutas from Crane Safety BC on November 6th to discuss crane safety and to learn more about how the team supports crane stakeholders, employers, and workers in BC. Register today.

Lastly, are you a mechanical contractor based in the Fraser Valley? MCABC is hosting its FIRST ever mixer at Chinook Helicopters in Abbotsford. Enjoy an evening of networking with local peers, delicious food, drinks, entertainment, and more. Register now.

Thanks for reading!

- Your MCABC team

Learn key insights about Crane Safety at our November #coffeetalk

A growing number of crane incidents, including four earlier this year and one fatal incident, have prompted the industry to take action to improve crane safety. New regulations to improve tower crane safety in BC will come into effect on October 1, 2024.

Whether or not you work directly with a crane operator or rigger, it’s important to understand basic crane safety. Join Jen Mutas, Field OHS Advisor at BC Crane Safety, to discuss crane safety and to learn more about how the team supports crane stakeholders, employers, and workers in BC.

Date: Wednesday, November 6th

Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

You're Invited: Join the 2024 NextGen AGM on Sept 18th

The NextGen Board will be holding its Annual General Meeting on September 18th.

Calling all MCABC members! You are invited to join the virtual AGM to learn about the newest updates and upcoming initiatives of NextGen. Plus, the NextGen Board of Directors will be introducing the nominees for the 2024/2025 Board.

Date: Wednesday, September 18th

Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Location: Virtual (Link to be circulated closer to the date)

Connect with fellow contractors at MCABC's FIRST ever Mixer in the Fraser Valley area!

MCABC will be hosting our FIRST mixer in the Fraser Valley to bring together mechanicals in a helicopter hangar at Chinook Helicopters. Chinook Helicopters has become one of the world's premier flight training facilities and operates from a large first-class facility.

Our fun-filled mixer at a helicopter hangar is a chance to be part of a growing movement to connect mechanical contractors in the Fraser Valley and surrounding areas.

Enjoy an evening of networking and entertainment with industry peers amongst a fleet of jets & helicopters. Your ticket includes: two (2) drink tickets, entertainment, food, and a tour of Chinook Helicopters.

Thank you to our event sponsors:

Date: Thursday, September 12th, 2024

Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: Chinook Helicopters, 30720 Rotor Drive, Abbotsford, BC

LAST CHANCE — Register for Night at the Nat

It's the last week to register for the Night at the Nat!

We're wrapping the summer season with a baseball game at Nat Bailey on September 3rd, 2024. Watch the Vancouver Canadians as they take on the Eugene Emeralds.

Your ticket gets you access to an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet and exclusive private VIP seating and networking area in the Nutrl Zone, an exclusive viewing area where you can skip the crowds and long lines. This seating area offers prime views of the game and Vancouver's summer skyline.

Doors open at 6pm, game starts at 7:05pm. You can pre-purchase up to two drink tickets to cut down on stadium line ups.

We have few tickets available! Get yours today:

Only five days left to submit your application for the MCAC Scholarship Series

The deadline to submit your application for the Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series is September 1, 2024.

MCAC is pleased to offer over $20,000 in scholarships to support apprentices, post-secondary graduates, and current undergraduates in the mechanical contracting field.

These scholarships cover essential needs, including funding for tools, women's workwear, and assistance with education and trade-related expenses, helping students advance in their career.

Mark your calendars for upcoming MCAC Webinars 💻

Embracing AI in Mechanical Contractor Management

Attend this MCAC webinar presented by FIELDBOSS, to learn how mechanical contractors can leverage Microsoft Copilot AI capabilities in their day-to-day operations. Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft’s AI assistant that is embedded in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Dynamics, and other Microsoft products you already use. This webinar will explain what Copilot is, and, using real examples, how it can be used in different ways for contractor sales, service, and accounting departments.

Optimizing Shop Flow - New Industries and Markets for Mechanical Contractors Webinar

This webinar will discuss innovation and the progressive approach taken by a leading Canadian mechanical contractor using a collaborative welding robot designed and manufactured by Novarc Technologies Inc., a robotics company specializing in the design and manufacturing of cobots and computer vision AI for automated welding applications.

Meet the 2024/2025 MCABC Board of Directors

MCABC continues to feature our newly elected 2024/2025 Board of Directors. Our MCABC Board Members are passionate advocates, innovative thinkers and collaborators.

Meet MCABC Board Director, Keith Pearce.

As an MCABC Board Director, Keith believes that MCABC can help engage youth and new potential tradespeople, and that one of the ways is through expanded education. “The trades training and education are critical. Whether it’s estimating, blueprint reading, project management, etc., continuing education in the mechanical contracting industry is what I’d like to bring out to the Okanagan.”

How is AI revolutionizing the mechanical contracting industry? Register for our October #coffeetalk

How is AI revolutionizing the mechanical contracting industry? Join Sumana Rao, Digital Platform Leader at Trimble, as we explore how AI is enhancing operational efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, improving safety protocols, and driving innovation.

Date: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Time: 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Location: Virtual (via Zoom)

Project Accounting for Contractors: Cost Control & Financial Reporting (Gold Seal-Accredited)

Take a deep dive into construction financial management and learn how to bridge the gap between construction processes. This 3-day Gold Seal-Accredited course is customized for mechanical contractors and provides an opportunity to gain project accounting essentials. Upon completion, you can earn 4 Gold Seal Credits.

Date: Tuesday, October 22nd - Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Virtual

Register for Medical Gas Installation Course (PLMR150) & Braze Test

Achieve the skills needed to install and maintain pipelines for medical gases, medical vacuum, medical support gases, and anesthetic gas scavenging systems. Upon successful completion of this course and braze test, you will be eligible to apply to the CSA to write their “Medical Gas Piping and Systems Installations Certification” exam as outlined in the CSA Z7396.1 Standard.

Date: October 1st - October 31st, 2024 (Self-paced course)

Location: Virtual (via NAIT's Learning Portal)

In-person Braze test in November.

New 2024 CRBE Mid-Year Report shows B.C. multifamily investment activity expected to increase

Over 60% Of Builders See Their Housing Starts Dropping By Half In 2024

What's driving the surge in support for the B.C. Conservatives?

Canada to stop processing Low-Wage LMIAs for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program in some cities

Water infrastructure upgrades across British Columbia