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Come Be Part of MBCEA

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) takes pride in its quality initiatives and training opportunities, but the depth and strength of our network of members is equally important. It is powerful to belong to a group of people just like you; people that face the same challenges and are committed to the same ideals. Contractors and erectors committed to quality erections built safely and profitably. We foster strong connections because it’s not always what you know, but who you know.

The only association for metal building contractors and erectors

By Jennifer Heimburger

Heimburger Jen

Easily the best place to connect is at the MBCEA national conference. Members get discounted pricing to this prestigious event, which will be heading to Nashville next May 8-10, 2023. The conference is co-located with Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and offers content geared to owners, project managers and even field personnel. Where else can you get rigging and crane signal person training, while also learning about succession planning and business valuations, as well as see new products and meet with vendors in our exhibit hall, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of Nashville with a few hundred of your friends, colleagues, competitors and vendors.

We joined the MBCEA not really knowing how it would benefit us. Shortly after we joined, we saw an MBCEA posting for a crew needed nearby. We gave them a call and worked out a T&M contract. It helped them complete the project and it kept our crew busy for a lull in our schedule. Easily the best $525 investment for the membership fee we’ve had. I highly recommend joining the MBCEA just for the networking opportunities alone!

This past year, I have had the pleasure of representing MBCEA at several builder meetings and industry events. Most everyone I speak with says “membership pays for itself.” In addition to conference and free crew needed/wanted listings, members get free access to online training that is exclusive to the needs of metal building contractors and erectors as well as discounted prices for other education and training.

We have partnered with National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) to develop a complete metal building curriculum that will be presented in an exciting new format, geared to the way young people learn today. This multiyear, million-dollar investment in our industry’s future will have far-reaching benefits such as credibility and recognition for our trade and unique skills, while also strengthening our workforce development efforts.

If you are on the fence about renewing or joining, consider where else can you get free assistance to achieve international recognition of your quality program? AC478 is the only industry standard to recognize metal building system assemblers that are committed to excellence. It provides tangible proof that you have the personnel, organization, experience, knowledge, management procedures and commitment to quality results. MBCEA will not only help your firm achieve the coveted AC478, but it also is promoting the program to architects and code officials. Accredited members say AC478 ensures immediate respect and consideration when talking to a prospective client, employee or partner. More and more erectors are pursuing this quality mark every day. Don’t be left out.

The success of the metal building industry requires well-trained quality contractors and erectors committed to safety and quality. There is no better place to bring together contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and even customers than the MBCEA. The sole mission of MBCEA is to support the professional advancement of metal building contractors, erectors and the metal building industry. Since 1968, MBCEA has provided programs and services to help metal building contractors and erectors be the best they can be. And we keep getting better!

If you are interested in becoming a member or exhibiting or sponsoring the MBCEA national conference, please contact Sasha Demyan at sdemyan@mbcea.org or see www.mbcea.org for additional information.


Jennifer Heimburger has been with Heimburger Construction Inc. since 1999. Her father, Bob Heimburger, started the family business in 1978. HCI has been affiliated with Butler Manufacturing since its inception. Both Jennifer and Bob have served on Butler’s advisory council, and Jennifer was the first female chairman in 2016. HCI achieved the AC478 accreditation in 2021 and strongly supports the efforts of the MBCEA to help other erectors attain accreditation.