Greetings and Happy New Year from the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA)! As we kick off 2020, I would like to introduce our newest board members:
Our growing association is devoted to quality and safety in the industry
- Justin Beall, DD Construction, Lakewood, Colo.
- Bryan Hargett, Paramount Metal Systems, Little Rock, Ark.
- Jared Knott, King Construction and Overhead Door Inc., Iowa Falls, Iowa
- John Paul Lawrence, Modern Trade Communications, Skokie, Ill.
They join a hardworking team led by immediate past-president Keith Wentworth, Dutton & Garfield Inc., Hampstead, N.H.; vice president Andy Lee, SFS intec, Wyomissing, Pa.; secretary Jennifer Heimburger, Heimburger Construction, Bonne Terre, Mo.; treasurer Dave Leinbach, Kaiser-Martin Group, Temple, Pa.; and yours truly, Art Hance, Hance Construction, Washington, N.J., serving as president of the MBCEA for the next two years. On behalf of myself and the entire board, please know that we look forward to serving you and are always happy to speak with you.
People join associations for many different reasons. We know that some of our members are only interested in the free or discounted training. Others join to network and work on their business; still others seek to make a difference for our trade and our industry. Regardless of your level of commitment or participation, know that our association and our industry are stronger because of you. The MBCEA board of directors represents all of you. We are here for you and want to ensure you get the most out of your membership. I am proud to serve as your president and look forward to reaching new heights together!
The MBCEA has a long tradition of enhanced benefits for contractors, erectors and industry representatives perhaps best exemplified in our two signature programs: the annual conference and accreditation.
Without a doubt, the MBCEA annual conference is the only event focused on best practices for metal building contractors and erectors. If you are looking for the most costeffective way to improve yourself and your business, look no further! This year’s conference is in Aurora, Colo., May 7-9. We are co-located with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), which means plenty of opportunity to network and share.
The conference kicks off with the inspirational Metal Construction Hall of Fame. This signature event is the ultimate recognition of those men and women who have dedicated their lives to the metal construction industry. Rubbing elbows at this party will inspire you to do more and be more; you may even learn something or meet someone who will ultimately improve your business!
We have a fabulous agenda of educational sessions that includes:
- Award-winning speaker and author Eric Chester whose presentation is “Fully Staffed: The Definitive Guide for Finding and Keeping Great Employees in the Worst Labor Market Ever!”
- Bill Beals, Therm-All Inc., North Olmsted, Ohio, on energy codes
- Dale Nelson, Roof Hugger LLC, Lutz, Fla., and Chuck Howard, PE, Metal Roof Consultants, Cary, N.C., on retrofitting and re-roofing
- Craig Shaffer, CSP, Safety Works Inc., Dillsburg, Pa., on OSHA and construction safety
- Tim Kessel, IDI Distributors, Elgin, Ill., on insulation installation best practices
- And much more
Our exhibit hall highlights products and services unique to our industry. The venue is intimate so you are really able to engage, listen and learn with the vendors and exhibitors. We have several round tables planned so you can ask your questions and learn from the best. To register, exhibit or sponsor this year’s conference, please visit www.mbcea.org.
Our other signature program is the best and perhaps only way to truly prove your worth as a contractor or erector in the metal building industry. AC478 Accreditation provides impartial verification by the well-respected International Accreditation Service(IAS) that you have management and quality-control procedures to ensure better and safer metal building assemblies. The widely recognized accreditation mark is the proof you need to demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety.
Getting accredited involves an assessment of the company’s management system that includes the assembly processes, internal safety, training programs, etc. It requires periodic job-site inspections. IAS accreditation establishes a benchmark for companies qualified to assemble and erect metal building systems. AC478 accreditation adds a higher level of confidence that buildings will be assembled in accordance with codes, specifications, costs and deadlines; AC478 accredited organizations have demonstrated they have the ability to ensure lifesafety and property protection during the erection of metal buildings. Simply put, AC478 accredited erectors are in a class to themselves!
I will be presenting at the conference on this topic along with Dylan Seyler, S&S Structures Inc., Fleetwood, Pa., and Joe Allen, Thomas Phoenix International Inc., Eastampton, N.J., who led the most recent round of changes and improvements to this program.
With more than 500 members, the MBCEA is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. We are committed to continue to nurture and grow the association through benefits and programs that set us apart and make our members stronger. We proudly say MBCEA members are better trained and have a deeper commitment to safety. MBCEA members reach new heights, together!
Art Hance has been owner and president of Hance Construction, Washington, N.J., since 2000. Hance takes great pride in his work and the numerous awards for the quality and complexity of his design and construction. He has held multiple leadership roles in the MBCEA and has actively served on many committees. He is a well-respected Butler builder, often called to add his voice and expertise to committees and/or subject matter. He is a passionate voice for quality, safety, training and excellence.
