Education, Networking and Improvement

by Jonathan McGaha | 2 May 2017 12:00 am

The Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) 48th Annual Conference is co-located for the first time ever with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Annual Spring Meeting. This is not only a tremendous opportunity for our membership but also for the suppliers and vendors who serve our industry. Two days in New Orleans to learn, sell, meet, talk, laugh and maybe have a drink or two with the full spectrum of the metal building industry. The exhibit hall sold out early- there is a fantastic assembly of products and services exclusive to metal buildings that should not be missed. This is going to be a great conference, and I am really looking forward to it.

The MBCEA meets annually to learn, share and network. We honor our Pioneers and Buildings of the Year, but mostly we immerse ourselves in education and business opportunities. To that end, we have assembled a fantastic schedule of speakers and learning opportunities with two tracks of classes. One track is focused on the management needs of contractors and erectors, and the other is field related. Both tracks are presented by the best of the best. There is so much good stuff here it will be hard to choose what to attend. For the management track we have:

 

• Jackie Meiluta, MBCEA; Justin Waller, Red Iron Construction, Baton Rouge, La.; Dave Leinbach, Kaiser-Martin Group, Temple, Pa.; and a representative from the U.S. Department of Labor to speak on apprenticeship as a means of formalizing your training program and potentially saving you money.
• Josh Quinter, Kaplin Stewart, Philadelphia, will offer “How to Lead a Productive Organization.” Quinter is a dynamic and engaging speaker with extensive experience representing stakeholders of all kinds in the construction industry.
• Learn the economic advantages and disadvantages of being in the re-roof market from Brendan Doyle, Brendan Doyle Associates, Penn Valley, Pa. This session will explain why MBCEA members should consider the re-roof market and provide a business plan to make it happen.
• Dustin Cole, Chief Buildings, Grand Island, Neb., will review the new “Metal Building Inspection Handbook.” His discussion will include review of the most common topics that may be different for the inspector versus the erector. This class was offered at METALCON and the MBCEA Carolinas Chapter. Attendees rated it highly worthwhile.
• Tim Kessel, Bay Insulation Systems, Green Bay, Wis., and Jay Johnson, LEED AP, director of architectural services of the MBMA, will cover COMcheck and metal building design.

 

Sessions that are more field related include “Project Economics for the Field Manager,” presented by Josh Quinter, and Bill Beals, Therm-All, North Olmsted, Ohio, who will enlighten us as only he can on the new energy codes. The inimitable Gary T. Smith, retired founder of Thomas Phoenix International, Eastampton, N.J., and former president of MBCEA, will offer a “Train the Trainer” course on Global Harmonized Systems. Attendees will receive a certificate and training tools to present this class back home. A representative from OSHA, Wilfred Hebert, will speak about new safety regulations and other updates from OSHA. Tom Frahm, Butler Manufacturing, Kansas City, Mo., and Arnold Corbin, Metl-Span, Lewisville, Texas-each well-known and highly respected as the go-to men in the industry- will lead a rousing discussion on how to address common problems in metal building assembly as well as offer tricks of the trade.

In addition to the tracks of classes, we have a few joint presentations that should be exciting and informative for all. Leadership from both organizations will share some thoughts, ideas and opportunities on our industry. This is your opportunity to hear from people like Phil Raimondo, Behlen Building Systems, Columbus, Neb.; Dr. W. Lee Shoemaker, MBMA; Tom Gilligan, Butler, Manufacturing; Gary Smith; Keith Wentworth, Dutton & Garfield, Hampstead, N.H.; and me. Karin Corbett, an attorney with Offit Kurman, Philadelphia, will explore the scope of OSHA’s authority and provide tips and best practices to manage enforcement efforts and minimize the impact of those efforts on both the company and job site.

On Saturday, we will offer training and information on AC478 and host our “Ask the Experts” roundtable. This open mic format is your opportunity to bring your questions, problems, issues and opportunities. Always offered at the end of the conference, it is your opportunity to dig into issues with your peers. Previous sessions have resulted in major programs and strategic initiatives for the MBCEA.

I hope to see you in New Orleans for the 48th Annual MBCEA Conference. Our association is stronger than ever and continues to build on its success. If you are a member and do not attend you are missing out. If you are not a member, now is the time to consider joining. You and your business will be stronger for it.

If you would like to learn more about the MBCEA or our Conference, please visit www.mbcea.org or contact Sasha Graver at
sgraver@mbcea.org[1].

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Mike Reynolds, president of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association, is the president and principle owner of Systems Contractor Inc., Thornton, Colo. He also serves on the board of directors of the Metal Building Institute and is a member of the Steel Erectors Safety Association of Colorado. Recognized for his extensive knowledge and expertise in both structural steel and metal building systems, he also serves on the erection and safety advisory panels for several building system manufacturers. To learn more about the MBCEA, visit www.mbcea.org[2]. 

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/education-networking-and-improvement/

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