planning guide - Mechanical Contractors Association Northwestern ...

The IncomparableMartina McBrideHer voice is as big and beautiful as a Texas prairie! Martina McBride isrenowned for bringing her special brand of country ballads and crossoverpop singles to audiences across the country and around the world for over20 years. She has sold over 14 million albums and has won the CountryMusic Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times, theAcademy of Country Music’s Top Female Vocalist award three times anda Grammy Award. She has appeared on VH1’s Divas, Today Show, 20/20,American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.McBride was born Martina Mariea Schiff in Sharon, KS. She startedperforming when she was very young, first with a local band that herfather fronted and then with bands in Wichita. In 1987, Martina mether husband John, who she married a year later. The couple moved toNashville, TN, where she landed a job as Garth Brooks’ opening act.She signed with RCA Records in 1991.When McBride’s contract with RCA expired in 2010, she started lookingfor a new recording home and found it in Republic Nashville, part of BigMachine Records. The company encouraged her to be bold and take risks,use her considerable songwriting skills and…frankly…be unconventional…in producing her eleventh album, appropriately titled, Eleven.McBride was thrilled by the chance to experience what she calls firsttimeopportunities the second time around and she made the most ofthem. Six of the eleven tracks on Eleven are songs that McBride co-wrote,something she’s especially proud of since she has not always felt secureabout her songwriting.With the success of Eleven, McBride is taking her newfound spirit tonew heights. She wants to continue recording and touring because,“I love it so much.”Join us for an evening of Margaritas, Memories and Martina McBride—dinner and a concert that will crown this unconventional week.2

Journalist, CBS Evening News AnchorScott PelleyScott Pelley, anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News and acorrespondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes, began his journalism career atthe age of 15 as a copy boy for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. He was thefirst in Lubbock to learn of President Richard Nixon’s resignation, the fall ofSaigon (and the end of the Vietnam War), and other historical events of thoseturbulent years.Using some unconventional thinking, Pelley found his way into jobs andstories that helped him reach the pinnacle of broadcast news. Somehighlights include:• As CBS News Chief White House Correspondent, he covered PresidentBill Clinton during his impeachment process. It was Pelley who broke thestory that Monica Lewinsky had become a cooperating witness in theinvestigation.• In 1999, after joining 60 Minutes, Pelley landed the first interview withPresident-Elect George Bush. Two years later, he landed the onlyinterview with President Bush on the anniversary of 9/11.• In 2003, he and a 60 Minutes team decided not to embed with thetroops during the invasion of Iraq, but rather to cover the actionindependently from the initial strike to the fall of Baghdad.• In 2007, he worked with Darfur rebels to organize a reconnaissancemission into the region. He and his 60 Minutes crew found a village thathad been destroyed by government forces in their genocide campaign.The report was honored with an Emmy ® Award.• In 2008, he interviewed Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, thefirst interview with a “Fed” chairman in several decades, breaking a longstandingFederal Reserve tradition. The broadcast won an Emmy ® Award.In 2011, Pelley became the anchor of the CBS Evening News. Doing the newshis way has drawn almost a million more viewers to the program. Goes toshow…unconventional thinking works well in the news business.Join us for the Opening Session of MCAA 2013 as Scott Pelley revealsmore insights about his unconventional approach to “getting the story.”3

Rhodes Scholar, U.S. Navy Seal, HumanitarianEric GreitensWhen Eric Greitens delivered the commencement address to the 2012class of Tufts University, he told the graduates that there were timesduring his journey through life that he came to believe that “peoplewith strength needed to use that strength to protect others.” No otherstatement could adequately describe his unconventional life.Highlights of Greitens’ life journey include:• As an undergraduate at Duke University, Greitens volunteered tohelp refugees of the wars in Bosnia and Rwanda recover their lives.• He was a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, graduatingwith a Ph.D. in politics in 2000.• He is a senior fellow at the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairsat the University of Missouri and has taught at the University ofMissouri and Washington University in St. Louis.• In January 2001, Greitens enrolled in the U.S. Navy’s OfficerCandidate School and then entered the Basic UnderwaterDemolition/SEAL (BUD/S) program, considered to be the toughestmilitary training in the world.• As a Navy Seal, he deployed four times to Iraq, Afghanistan, theHorn of Africa and Southeast Asia.• After leaving military service, Greitens and two friends used theirmilitary pay to establish The Mission Continues, a fellowshiporganization that places post 9/11 wounded and disabled veteransin community-based nonprofit organizations to assist them indeveloping their professional and educational goals.Join us for the Closing Session tolearn more about Eric Greitens’unconventional life and the personalmotivations that inspire him.5

Featured SpeakersFrank AbagnaleWorld’s Foremost Authority on Fraud and Identity TheftCatch Me If You CanMonday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.The Art of the StealMonday, March 18, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Perhaps no one in the world knows more about forgery, embezzlement, identitytheft and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of those crimes thanFrank Abagnale. For more than 25 years, he has lectured to and consultedwith hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agenciesaround the world. His expertise in the field was acquired not in the classroom orin training as a law enforcement officer, but as one of the world’s most famousconfidence men.More than 35 years ago, while just a teenager, Abagnale began his career asa confidence man.• Posing as an airline pilot, attorney, college professor and pediatrician,Abagnale cashed $2.5 million in fraudulent checks in every state and in26 foreign countries over a five-year period.• At the age of 21, his confidence career ended abruptly when he wasapprehended by the French police.• He spent the next five years in French, Swedish and U.S. prisons.• Abagnale was released on the condition that he would help theU.S. government, without compensation, by teaching federal lawenforcement agencies how to fight the type of crimes he committed.Abagnale’s remarkable life of crime became the subject of a bestselling book,Catch Me if You Can, and a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks andLeonardo DiCaprio. His published works include The Art of the Steal (2001)and Stealing Your Life: The Ultimate Identity Theft Prevention Plan (2007).Whether you’ve heard him before or this will be your first experience, you’recertain to depart with a greater awareness of personal and business securityrequirements.7

Featured SpeakersGreg IpEconomistU.S. and Global Economic UpdateWednesday, March 20, 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.Economist Greg Ip has spent his career analyzing and writing about themeanderings of the American economy—as well as the forces from here andabroad that caused those meanderings—to help us all prevent our 401Ksfrom falling into the deep, dark financial abyss. Ip is a native of westernCanada, which perhaps added to the challenge of understanding the ebband flow of American markets.He has met the challenge quite effectively, however, as he currently serves asthe U.S. Economics editor for The Economist, and is based in Washington,DC. Previously, Ip followed and reported on the twists and turns of oureconomy, financial markets, monetary, fiscal and regulatory policy for severalCanadian publications as well as The Wall Street Journal. He also is afrequent contributor on radio and television shows, including CNBC, BBC,CNN, MSNBC, as well as The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, Washington Weekwith Gwen Ifill and National Public Radio.Ip will lend his perspective and analysis on how our nation’s economy willshake out over the next few years in a fascinating, informative session. He’llshare his insights on:• The seven-year itch and why the post-crisis economic pain should endaround 2015.• The comeback kid and the surprising sources of future Americangrowth.• The China Syndrome and why a Chinese slowdownis bad in the short run but good in the long run forAmerica and the world.• What Milton Friedman never told you about printingmoney—understanding the Federal Reserve’s pumpprimingefforts.• The political and fiscal outlook after the “fiscal cliff.”9

Featured SpeakersMark KingTaylorMade CEOMarket Conditions Don’t Determine Growth: You DoTuesday, March 19, 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Mark King, CEO of TaylorMade-adidas Golf, readily attributes his love ofthe game to the success of his company. He has spent his entire careerdedicated to building TaylorMade from a three-person start-up with anodd metalwood to a tri-branded global powerhouse with leading productsin every category—drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, putters, balls,footwear, apparel and outerwear.King started his unconventional journey in 1980 when the company was littlemore than an abandoned television assembly plant in McHenry, IL. As thecompany grew and evolved, King learned about every inch of it, and at thesame time, injected his passion for golf into the products it produced. Hemoved from selling products to motivating others to sell. He balanced andmanaged budgets and, most important, discovered what customers neededand wanted to help bring out their inherent talent for the game. Ten yearsago, King became CEO of the company and during his tenure, its sales rosefrom $300 million to $1.4 billion. He kept his company growing and thrivingeven when the economy was sluggish and industry growth slowed.What are King’s secrets to success? His lifelong love of the game is one. Hisunderstanding of all facets of the sport has gained him the respect of keyindustry members, including leading professional golferswho wear TaylorMade products.Find out more about Mark King’s unconventionalapproach to business during this must-attend session.10

Featured SpeakersScott KlososkyBusiness Technology GuruScott Klososky is a visionary when it comes to finding new ways to incorporateand infuse technology into business processes and corporate cultures. Hehas used innovation, velocity and future vision to build his own companiesand advise clients. While many of us view technology as a nuisance at bestand something to fear at worst, Scott views technology as a means to achievegreater business success.During two sessions, Scott will share his ideas and insights about thetechnology that’s coming, including trends such as BIM and data flow, what’salready here and how to make it work effectively in your business.Technology Trends for the Mechanical ContractorWednesday, March 20, 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.Mechanical contractors are inexorably being drawn into the world oftechnology. In order to find new customers, bid on projects, perform thework, and then do the accounting, software and hardware must now play arole. In fact, it might be true to say that there will now be an arms race overthe next decade that will clearly create winners and losers in our industry, andtechnology will be the X-factor. It is now critical to be able to create data at thequoting stage that flows through BIM tools, into service management systemsand to the accounting system. Then, to be able to use business intelligence toanalyze what is working, and what can be improved. Don’t miss the chance tohear Scott Klososky share ideas for improving your digital plumbing so that youcan drive more revenue, lower costs, and ultimately grab more market share!Did God Invent the Internet?Wednesday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.One of the most speculated questions people (especially parents) have abouttechnology is how it will impact us as a human race. Will all these new digitaltools be good or bad for us over time? What is it doing to us today? What willhappen to coming generations as technology becomes integrated in theirculture, while their parents struggle to keep up? How will organizations changeas they become more virtualized and people communicate more and morethrough, and with, technology? Scott will help you understand these issuesand how they may impact your life.11

Business StrategistsDan BulleyFrom Star Trek to the JobsiteMonday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Much of the science fiction of our youth isnow a very real part of our lives. So, whatdo we do with it and what is next? Comealong for the ride as Dan Bulley introducesyou to this brave new world of emergingtechnologies and how they can help you onthe job, in the shop or in the service truck.During this session, you will discuss varioustechnologies and how they can help yourcompany run more efficiently, effectively andprofitably by:• Increasing field productivity• Improving office productivity• Achieving near-real-time job costing• Improving dispatching• Increasing salesWhether or not these trends make sense to you now, you’ll learn more aboutwhat’s out there and what your competition is using.Daniel R. Bulley is senior vice president of the MCA of Chicago. He holdsa B.S. degree in mechanical engineering that has enabled him to be aneffective resource on code and technical matters. However, he enjoys thebroader range of skills and experience gained through the association’s vastarray of educational programs and member services. He especially enjoyssearching out the latest industry trends, writing and speaking about them.He also enjoys riding his Harley.Sal DiFonzoCompensation and Incentive PlansWednesday, March 20, 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.This presentation will cover recentcompensation trends, talent developmentpractices (based on research) and principles ofeffective incentive design. By the end of thesession, you will learn unconventional thinking inthree areas:• Get structured: general and specialtycontractors are converting fromdiscretionary bonus plans to structuredincentive plans. Discretionary payouts oftenact as de-motivators, and the lack of claritycauses participants to create their owninterpretations as to why they received acertain award. In contrast, structured plan participants know exactly howmuch they can earn and what is required to get it, a “carrot” missingfrom discretionary plans.• Drain the pool: move away from the top-down incentive pool-fundingmodel to a market-driven bottom-up model. At the end of the year,most contractors allocate a portion of net income to incentives andthen use a spreadsheet to dole out bonuses. Progressive companiesuse salary surveys to determine pay levels and target incentives.Pay-for-performance is the guiding philosophy.• Increase sales: avoid mistakes that contractors make when theyimplement a business development role. The old thinking was thatsalespeople cannot influence construction demand—owners createdemand. The unconventional thinking is that specialty subcontractorscan create a sales force to increase company revenue. Avoid “blended”business development jobs and increase sales force effectiveness bycreating defined territories, account lists, quotas, and a purposeful salescompensation plan.Sal DiFonzo is managing director of FMI Compensation, which offerscustomers construction, engineering, environmental and design surveysas well as compensation consulting services. He spent seven years in salesmanagement in the financial services industry and spent several years incompensation positions with Fortune 500 companies.12

Business StrategistsAaron HalliPad ® BasicsTuesday, March 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. andWednesday, March 20, 9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.Are you still confused by all the newcommunication devices on the marketand how to use them? Are you feeling thepressure to use SmartPhones and tabletcomputers in unconventional ways in youroffice and at home? This session will clearaway the technology fog surrounding allthose gadgets. Aaron Hall will teach you toeffectively utilize an iPad ® at work, at homeand as an everyday tool. He will demonstratehow to set up and use an iTunes ® account,find and purchase applications (apps), shareinformation with your office or home personalcomputer (PC), open Microsoft ® Word ® andExcel ® documents and much more. Aaron will share his favorite tips abouthow to make the most of these exciting devices:• You’ll learn how to creatively organize your life and leave post-it notesbehind.• You’ll learn how the iPad ® provides creative “out of the box” solutionsto everyday life.• You’ll learn how the iPad ® will untether you from your desk.Be sure to bring your iPad ® to this session.Aaron R. Hall is executive director of the MCA of Akron, OH and severalother specialty contractor associations. In that capacity, he plans andimplements association programs, participates in collective bargainingnegotiations and lobbies local and state government on issues affecting theconstruction industry.Each class is limited to 25 participants. On-site registration will beavailable.Sean Martin, Frank Schaetzke, and Bill TavennerLead-Free—It’s Coming, Are You Prepared?Monday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.When the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA)was amended in 1996, lead content allowed in“lead-free” plumbing products was defined asless than 8%. In 2010, California and Vermontpassed legislation redefining the term to meanless than 0.25% average of lead in fixtures andpipes and 0.2% in solder and flux. In those states,manufacturers, suppliers and contractors had toconvert their entire inventory of metal fittings,valves, solder and pipe which caused difficultieswith inventory, material acquisition and bidding.In 2014, a new national law will take effect thatwill modify the SWDA to the California standard.In this session, a panel of manufacturers andsuppliers—experts on this topic—will addressthe challenges presented by the evolving “leadfree”requirements, the resulting changes toproducts and the strategies that contractorscan use to minimize their exposure, inventorydepletion and bid risk.• Did you know that “lead-free” plumbingproducts still contain up to 8% lead?• In 2014, contractors will be required to installfixtures with virtually no lead.• Learn how to adjust your bidding,purchasing and installation procedures toremove the lead from your inventory.Sean Martin is director of sales andFrank Schaetzke is vice president of nationalaccounts for Zurn Industries, Ltd. Bill Tavenneris vice president of commercial businessdevelopment with Ferguson.Sean MartinFrank SchaetzkeBill Tavenner13

Business StrategistsAndy PatronThe Lost Generation—Attracting Gen Y to the Construction IndustryMonday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.We are looking for strong leaders whocan deliver accelerating results as werecover from the recession and maintainthat momentum through a generationaltransition in the future. Many youngpeople entering the workforce have beendiscouraged in finding jobs within thosesectors hardest hit by the recession,including the construction industry.Faced with this dilemma, how can wecompensate for this demographicconvergence and develop our futureleaders and managers?• Overcome our traditional baby-boomer mindset that everyone shouldbe happy to have a job. Qualified people are no longer lined up waitingto fill our positions when we drive someone else away. We must investtime and effort in people, grow their talents and challenge them toperform at higher levels.• Identify and grow the potential of non-traditional resources. Althoughwe have always valued the technical experience of those that have risenthrough the ranks, we must explore alternative sources to leverage themanagement, behavioral and business contributions of future leaders.• Build an infrastructure and corporate culture that nurtures innovationand creative thinking. Try adapting to the needs of younger people asthey balance work and life commitments.Using FMI industry research, including the FMI U.S. Construction IndustryTalent Development Survey Report and the article Recovering the LostGeneration for the Construction Industry’s Future, he will examine thetraining and development strategies that are now required to maximizeperformance and develop a culture of success.Paul PowersInvestment Strategies for 2013Wednesday, March 20, 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Has your investment portfolio managed toweather the economic storm of the last fewyears? Are you wondering whether now is thetime to expand your investments and, if so,in what areas? Are there strategies to helpyou hedge your investments against futureeconomic slumps?Find out the answers to these and othercritical questions about how best to manageyour finances over the next few months as theeconomy continues to recover. In this session,Paul Powers will discuss investment strategiesfor 2013, particularly as they relate to yourindividual retirement plan. His discussion will address:• Strategic asset allocation for your 401(k), and how choosing the rightmix of assets, appropriate to a particular investor, is critical to successfulinvesting.• Market outlook and the discipline of rebalancing your retirement plan.• How will the markets likely shake out in the next few months and whatare the implications of those developments to your portfolio?S. Paul Powers, II is a senior vice president of wealth management atMorgan Stanley Smith Barney and a senior investment managementconsultant with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Consulting Group. Paul hasbeen with the firm and its predecessors for over 20 years and is a memberof its President’s Council. He is the investment management consultant forMCAA’s retirement programsAndrew (Andy) Patron is a senior consultant with FMI. His primary focusis to develop leadership, project execution, organizational and operationalexcellence. He also works with clients to help them manage successionplanning processes and strategy implementation.14

Business StrategistsSteve ShirleyWhat’s Next in BIM and IPD?Monday, March 18, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Over the last five years, the mechanicalcontracting industry has witnessed anonslaught of new and innovative processesand technologies, such as Building InformationModeling (BIM) and Integrated ProjectDelivery (IPD). As the number of contractorstakeholders skyrockets, there is no relief insight from the accelerated, and often veryconfusing, application and implementation ofnew management and delivery approaches.Contractors often find themselves on thedefensive as clients demand new software andnew technology-based procedures.In this session, Steve and members of MCAA’s BIM Committee will leada discussion on ten new trends that mechanical contractors are and willcontinue to experience. Each trend will be defined by its potential benefitsand the challenges it presents. Suggestions on how to respond when thetrend appears in your region will be provided.Steve Shirley is the president and CEO of University Mechanical &Engineering Contractors, San Diego, CA. He has over 39 years of experiencein the mechanical contracting industry. He is an active member of MCAA,has served on the association’s Board of Directors and is a past recipientof the Distinguished Service Award, MCAA’s highest honor. He has servedon the MCAA Technology Committee and is currently a member of theEducation Committee and chairman of the Building Information Modeling(BIM) Committee.Walt Sperko and Phil MartinThe NCPWB/UA Competitive AdvantageTuesday, March 19, 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.Walt SperkoPhil MartinSince welding became an accepted method forconstruction of piping in the 1930s, contractorshave been saddled with code requirements.Codes are often seen as esoteric, arcane andchallenging, but an outside-the-box joint effortbetween the UA, the MCAA and the NCPWB hasmade code compliance easy—and ensures thatthe welder or brazer you hire can do the job.In this joint program, code requirements havebeen distilled to simple and streamlined weldingprocedures and other standard practices thatfacilitate compliance with code rules. Contractorsno longer have to decipher welding codes tomeet them. Not only are these tools availableto NCPWB members, but best-in-class technicalsupport is provided by NCPWB members whoserve on the committees that develop the codes.This expanded NCPWB program also ensuresthat UA-trained welders and braziers aresufficiently skilled and qualified to workwithout further testing by contractors whoidentify project-specific training requirementsbeforehand and work with welders in advanceof the project to ensure that they have the skillsneeded to do the job.Walter J. Sperko, P.E. is president of Sperko Engineering Services, Inc., whichprovides engineering consulting services to customers in the metal fabricationindustries.Phillip Martin is the administrator of UA certification programs.15

Business StrategistsGeorge StullerStrategies for Enhancing Your Pre-Fabrication ProcessesMonday, March 18, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Mechanical contractors began performing prefabricationwork many years ago. Back then,craft workers who conducted pre-fabricationtasks outside moved inside a building that hadsome available floor space. The new “shoppersonnel” used the same tools that they hadused in the field. And, the labor agreementwas the same as well.Over time, management and craft workersbegan doing some “unconventionalthinking” about pre-fabrication. Theycreated new ways to handle material in ashop environment. Management negotiatedmore favorable union contract provisions.Companies developed new tooling that greatly increased productivity.Plumbing contractors used “unconventional thinking” as they designedfixture assemblies, PVC fabrication, and, along with mechanicals, began themodularization of piping and equipment.Going forward, contractors have numerous opportunities to expand their useof pre-fabrication using “unconventional thinking” to become more profitable:• Pre-fabricating hangers and supports.• Increasing the amount of shop man-hours on each job by involvingupfront owners and architects.• Using advanced computerized welding tools and utilizing BuildingInformation Modeling software.George Stuller of Stuller Consulting in Curtice, OH, is a Master Steamfitter,a Master Plumber, and has an associate’s degree in mechanical engineeringfrom the University of Toledo. He has been a member of the UnitedAssociation of Plumbers and Pipefitters for the past 46 years. George spentmuch of his career as a project manager or leading the pipe pre-fabricationeffort for various companies. He is a frequent fabrication consultant andinstructs on the provisions of the UA Yellow Label Agreement and theNational Maintenance Agreement. He is the past chairman and current laborchairman and board member of the Pipe Fabrication Institute.Chip Valutis4th Quarter Planning—Create a Game Plan for Living Life FullyMonday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Success! By most people’s standards, youachieved it. All the years of hard work, risktaking,deal making, sacrifice and commitmenthave gotten you where you are today. Welldone!So what now? More of the same? Do youkeep working 60 hours a week, fighting fires,bidding work, slaying dragons, checking cashflow and dealing with employee issues? Doyou keep pushing personal relationships,needs and dreams to the background? Doloved ones continue making sacrifices for yourcareer?If your life feels like an empty version of Groundhog Day, then it’s time youdared to think unconventionally. Push the “refresh” button and create agame plan that ignites your spirit, a plan that propels you through the 4thQuarter of your career and life. In this session, Chip Valutis will help youexamine the 4th Quarter from a unique, unconventional perspective. You willlearn the fundamentals of 4th Quarter Planning, and Valutis will work withyou to outline a roadmap toward living a deliberate life, one characterizedby richness, depth and contentment (not demands, requirements andemptiness). Isn’t it time you started creating a game plan for living the lifeyou’ve earned?William “Chip” Valutis, Ph.D. is a principal with Valutis Consulting, Inc., amanagement consulting firm in Buffalo, NY. For the past 20 years, Chip hasworked extensively with organizations, teams and executives to diagnoseproblems, design change strategies and successfully implement action plans.As a psychologist, he appreciates the complexity of people and teams. As amanagement consultant, he develops practical tools and techniques to helporganizations succeed. His experience includes working with Fortune 500organizations and small to medium-sized companies. Currently, his primarymarket consists of successful companies trying to build the people, systemsand plans required for a greater level of growth and success.16

Business StrategistsAruna VohraTen Things You Should Know About the National Health Care LawTuesday, March 19, 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.2014 will be the start of a whole new worldfor health benefit plans and the healthcare system. There may be changes in thestructure, delivery, design and payment ofhealth benefits for contractors and theiremployees. In this session, you will learn howto navigate the pay-or-play provisions, copewith the loss of grandfathered status, preparefor increased exposure, pinpoint additionalfees, address design issues such as essentialbenefits, and understand eligibility issuessuch as full-time status and waiting periodsto optimize your health benefits programs.You will be able to successfully identify andseek solutions to the issues that are critical to the long-term well-being andcompetitive positioning of your company. You will learn how to:• Apply critical elements of the health care law to your plans.• Save money on retiree medical benefits through a win-winsolution for the retiree and your company.• Be proactive in anticipating the key compliance actions thatneed to be taken.You will also receive an action item chart and a list of frequently askedquestions to take home.Aruna Vohra is the health and welfare practice leader of Horizon ActuarialServices, LLC. She has more than 25 years of experience in group benefitsand health and welfare plan consulting. She has served as lead consultanton a number of large multiemployer health benefit plans. Her work includeshealth care cost containment, plan design, wellness initiatives, vendorbids, retiree medical design and pricing, ASC 965 (SOP 01-2), underwriting,compliance and financial audits, reserve analysis, rate setting, and projectionof group insurance and self-funded programs. She has provided services toplans covering plumbers and pipefitters, sheet metal workers, electricians,laborers, bricklayers, teamsters and asbestos workers, as well as teachersunions and the entertainment industry.Tom WilliamsEvery Job Profitable, Every TimeTuesday, March 19, 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.In today’s highly competitive marketplace,successful contractors must embracechange. These companies will focus onsupporting the field craft workers, recognizingthat companies exist to make the individualcraftsman efficient and effective every day.Using the Successful Project ManagementFlow Chart, the Planning for Profitability guide,and the newly revised Project Manager’sManual, he will draw the “blueprint” formaking every job profitable, every time. Hewill demonstrate unconventional thinking indeveloping jobsite strategies:• First, turn your organization chart upside down using the ServantLeader model. The way it usually works, the CEO dictates to the projectmanagers who dictate to the foremen, who dictate to the field forces.Change the plan so the company supports the project managers, whosupport the foremen, who support the field, who create value for the realCEOS (Customers, Employees, Owners/Stockholders, Suppliers). Use thesame sense of urgency the contractor feels to meet a bid deadline and tomeet preconstruction planning deadlines knowing that pre-constructionplanning is the best method to achieve maximum field support.• To be competitive, contractors are reluctantly using less skilled workers.Embrace the use of less skilled labor adjusting field training and supportto create a true competitive advantage with less skilled labor.• Culture change is required to significantly improve jobsite productivity.That culture change must be driven by the individual foreman. Toconvince the foreman that change is needed, the company musteducate and involve the foreman in the planning and decision makingprocess. Involvement of the foreman in the Pre-Construction Planningprocess can drive the culture change.Thomas L. Williams, P.E., spent 31 years with McKenney’s, Inc. beforestarting a new career as a consultant. He has taught at MCAA’s Institute forProject Management (IPM) and Advanced Institute for Project Management(AIPM). Tom is currently president of Atlanta-based Sustainable Builders.17

Ron KingHow to Apply the Work Activity Method of LaborCalculations—the Latest Update to MCAA’s WebLEM ®Monday, March 18, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.LEM Committee member Ron King will explainthe Laboring by the Work Activity Methodrecently added to MCAA’s very popularWebLEM ® . Contractors can now assign laborhours by the Work Activity Method veryaccurately for a variety of situations. This newmethodology has significantly increased theprogram’s value. Ron will explain how to applythe unconventional Laboring by the WorkActivity Method when:• You’re having trouble breaking down thehours from your estimate into shop versusfield.• You’re having trouble accurately estimating the number of hoursrequired in a situation where many back-to-back fittings areencountered, such as in an equipment room.• You’re having trouble breaking down the components included in awork activity such as the pipe cut, weld, hydrotest, etc.Laboring by the Component Method (the current labor units in theWebLEM ® ) will continue to be available for use where a shop vs. fieldpercentage multiplier is applied.Ron King is Mechanical Estimating Segment Manager for Accubid, aDivision of Trimble. He is co-chairman of the MCAA LEM Committee,which is responsible for the formulation of labor units used for mechanicalestimating. He also participates on the Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI)Engineering Committee.18

One of our most popular events moves to anunconventional date and time…Don’t miss this chance to watch the industry’s future professionals show off their best stuff.This year’s Student Chapter Competition, one of themost popular events of MCAA’s annual convention, willtake place on Tuesday, March 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Watch promising young professionals demonstrate theirknowledge of mechanical systems, the details of a projectbid proposal, and the demands on a contracting businesswhile coping with the pressures of being on stage beforean audience of hundreds.The final four teams in this year’s competition will deliveroral presentations of their project proposal bids to fivejudges—three on stage and two in the audience—drawnfrom MCAA’s Career Development Committee. Each ofthe four teams will be evaluated on the accuracy of theirbid, the feasibility of their approach to performing theproject work, and the overall quality of their proposal.Can you pick the winner?19

Preliminary ScheduleFRIDAYMARCH 157:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MCAA Executive Committee Breakfast and Meeting12:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. IAMCA Luncheon and Meeting5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. MCAA and MCA of Canada Board of Directors Reception7:15 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. MCAA Board of Directors Dinner 18 OaksSATURDAYMARCH 167:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. MCAA Board of Directors Breakfast8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. MCAA Board of Directors Meeting12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. MCAA Board of Directors Luncheon with Allied National Associations1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration & Information1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Resource Center & LoungeSponsored by Apollo ValvesSUNDAYMARCH 177:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration & Information7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Resource Center & Lounge7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Annual Golf TournamentSponsored by Victaulic and Carrier7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Annual Fun Run/WalkSponsored by ANVIL International7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Annual Tennis TournamentSponsored by NIBCO1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Faculty Advisors Luncheon and Meeting4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Student Chapter Orientation5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Student Chapter ActivitySponsored by Viega6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Opening Party: A Taste of Hill CountryBeverages sponsored by Siemens Building TechnologiesSouvenir photos sponsored by EVAPCOAT&T Oaks &Canyons CoursesClub at SonterraOff Property20

Preliminary Schedule7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration & Information7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Resource Center & Lounge7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Opening BreakfastSponsored by Johnson Controls8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Opening General Session featuring Scott Pelley10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Coffee BreakSponsored by Parker Hannafin10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Education Session AFrank Abagnale: Catch Me If You CanDan Bulley: Star Trek to the JobsiteRon King: How to Apply the Work Activity Method of LaborCalculations—the Latest Update to MCAA’s WebLEM ®Andy Patron: The Lost Generation, Attracting Gen Y to theConstruction IndustryChip Valutis: 4th Quarter Planning—Create a Game Plan for LivingLife FullySean Martin, Frank Schaetzke and Bill Tavenner:Lead-Free—It’s Coming; Are You Prepared?12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. MCAA Executive Committee and Past Presidents’ Luncheon12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. MCAA Education Committee Luncheon and Meeting12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. ALI Graduates Lunch and Learn1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Education Session BFrank Abagnale: The Art of the StealSteve Shirley: What’s Next in BIM and IPD?George Stuller: Strategies for Enhancing Your Pre-FabricationProcessesChip Valutis: 4th Quarter Planning—Create a Game Plan for LivingLife FullyAssociation Executives Strategy Session3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Exhibit Check–In and Set–UpEveningOpen for Private EventsMONDAYMARCH 1821

Preliminary ScheduleTUESDAYMARCH 197:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration & Information7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Resource Center & Lounge7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Annual Manufacturer/Supplier Council Exhibit withContinental BreakfastStudent Chapter Exhibit8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The Annual Spouse Program hosted by Debbie Lynchfeaturing Dr. Nancy SnydermanSponsored by Ferguson8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. AEC Business Meeting10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Coffee BreakSponsored by Trane10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Education Session CMark King: Market Conditions Don’t Determine Growth: You DoWalt Sperko and Phil Martin: The NCPWB/UA CompetitiveAdvantageAruna Vohra: Ten Things You Should Know About the NationalHealth Care LawTom Williams: Every Job Profitable, Every Time11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Manufacturer/Supplier Council Annual Meeting12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. PCA Board Luncheon and Meeting12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. MCAA Nominating Committee Meeting1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Student Chapter Competition1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Aaron Hall: iPad ® Basics (limited to 25 participants)3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Career Development Committee Meeting8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Annual Dessert Party featuring the SpazmaticsSponsored by Baltimore Aircoil, CNA and Milwaukee Valve22

Preliminary Schedule7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration & Information7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Resource Center & Lounge7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Awards of Excellence Breakfast featuring Mark KellyBreakfast sponsored by NIBCO9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Education Session DDr. Michael Bradley: Unconventional Parenting for Today’sUnconventional AdolescentsSal DiFonzo: Compensation and Incentive PlansAaron Hall: iPad ® Basics (limited to 25 participants)9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Greg Ip: U.S. and Global Economic UpdateScott Klososky: Technology Trends for the Mechanical Contractor10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Coffee BreakSponsored by Trane11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Education Session EDr. Michael Bradley: Unconventional Parenting for Today’sUnconventional AdolescentsSal DiFonzo: Compensation and Incentive PlansScott Klososky: Did God Invent the Internet?11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Paul Powers: Investment Strategies for 201312:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Student Chapter Luncheon and Meeting7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.7:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.Margaritas, Memories and Martina McBrideDinnerConcertBeverages sponsored by DaikinWEDNESDAYMARCH 207:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registration & Information7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Resource Center & Lounge7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Annual Business Meeting8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Closing BreakfastSponsored by Mueller Industries9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Closing Session featuring the Changing of the Guard,UA General President Bill Hite and Eric Greitens10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. MCAA Board of Directors Closing Meeting10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. MCAA Board and Past Presidents’ Spouse TeaTHURSDAYMARCH 21Schedule subject to change23

An Unconventional Experience…The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country is located in the rolling, sprawling hills of the Texas Hill Country,a reminder that life can be as easy as a stroll among the towering oaks and cedars, as gentle as the breezescoming across the Cibolo Canyons and as refreshing as a dip in nearby crystal clear streams. Texas’ newestresort is big and beautiful with luxurious accommodations. Its amenities and recreational facilities—featuringa 36-hole TPC San Antonio Golf Club, the six-acre River Bluff Water Experience, the sophisticated LantanaSpa and seven distinct restaurant options—will help you forget the stresses and pressures of everyday life.Its southwest Texas décor, beautiful views and soothing waters will calm your spirit and excite your senses,leaving you with lasting memories.24

GolfTPC San Antonio offers 36 holes of golfdesigned by two of golf’s renownedprofessional players and architects. TheAT&T Canyons Course, designed byPete Dye and the AT&T Oaks Coursedesigned by Greg Norman will be hostvenues for PGA Tour tournaments. Thechallenge of these two magnificentcourses is exceeded only by thepristine beauty of the Texas HillCountry surrounding them.River Bluff Water ExperienceThis six-acre collection of heated pools, fountains, waterfalls, rivers and an abundanceof poolside lounges present the ultimate experience for those who enjoy fun in the sun.You will relish listening to the waterfall created by the infinite edge along one side of thepool or from the adjacent whirlpool…or just take a swim in the pool’s warm water.For the more adventurous, grab a tube for a slow float down the 1,200-foot lazy river, ora fast ride down the twisting and turning Acequia Tube Slides or experiencethe fast-moving, natural-river-like Pedernales River!Special features allow interactive play and anenhanced water experience.Lantana SpaLantana Spa embraces the spirit of healing traditions ofLatin American curanderos, known for alleviating physicalor spiritual ailments among their villagers. Enjoy seasonaltreatments, using Naturopathica ® holistic products,and therapeutic practices from around the world. The26,000-square-foot facility, the largest in Texas, includes 30 treatment rooms, afitness center and a movement studio with yoga and group exercise classes daily. Escapeto the quiet, cabana-style pool, find the perfect indulgence in the Lantana Spa boutique, orvisit the nail salon featuring vegan products.AccommodationsDiningSeven distinct dining options are available to suit every moodand taste. Each restaurant and lounge features imaginativemenus, cocktails and beverages with a focus on fresh,sustainable and organic ingredients. You definitely want tovisit High Velocity, the sports bar that features an amazing,Texas-sized video wall and high tech media displays.Remaining true to the essential nature of the Texas Hill Country, the guestrooms incorporatemetals, tooled leather, carved wood and hewn stonework into the contemporary design of1,000 spacious rooms and suites. The gracious accommodations have the comforts of homeand are equipped with the latest in technology to ensure a successful and restful stay. At 460square feet, each guestroom offers the signature Marriott Revive Bed, a plug-in panel for theway you work and play, 37” LCD HDTV, coffee maker, hair dryer, robes and spectacular viewsof the Texas Hill Country. All guestrooms are smoke free.Room layouts and rates are available on the MCAA 2013 website at www.mcaa.org/MCAA2013.24 24

An Unconventional Exhibit…MCAA’s Biggest AnnualManufacturer/Supplier Exhibit!Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.It’s a show that’s fitting for the great state of Texas—big and bold…with anexpanded array of products, services and innovations from more than120 MCAA supplier partners.At this year’s expanded exhibit, you will:• Find out what’s coming in new technologies and innovations.• Learn more about changes in laws and regulations affecting equipmentand technologies.• Share your ideas about what changes you would like to see in equipmentand services.• Visit with the newest members of the Manufacturer/Supplier Council.Please remember to visit each of these companies that so eagerly supportMCAA. Their participation enables you to experience the best educationaloffering in the construction industry at an affordable price.MCAA’s Student Chapters will be on hand…After making the rounds at the Manufacturer/Supplier Exhibit, spend some timetalking to our industry’s future professionals about their employment interestsand career plans. You just may meet the perfect person to fill an opening in yourcompany for a project manager, estimator or other professional. Or, perhaps thefuture owner of your company!28 26