As I write this column, I have just performed my first official duty as president of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA): I made a formal address at the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) annual meeting. Those of you who know me know that wearing a suit and tie and public speaking are not high on my hit list, but I took one for the team.
I mention this, because in many respects my attendance and formal address to the MBMA is a perfect example of how far MBCEA has come. We are working more closely than ever with the other agencies and associations that serve the metal building industry. The contractors and erectors have traditionally not had a big voice and were at the bottom of the food chain, but no more! We are now being recognized as an integral player and an equal partner.
A lot has changed from the days when we were known as the Systems Builders Association. What has not changed is our mission. We are a membership association dedicated to the professional advancement of metal building contractors, erectors and our industry. We are not focused on steel shipments, metal aesthetics or cutting-edge manufacturing methods; we are focused on people.
Thanks to the leadership of past-president Gary Smith (president of Thomas Phoenix International Inc., Eastampton, N.J.) these last few years, MBCEA is re-energized and stronger than ever. I know I am successful today because of MBCEA. The association has provided me with my mentors, networks and training; they have been a source of crews and projects. I am thrilled that the organization is strong and I hope to capitalize on this momentum as we continue to develop programs and partnerships that will benefit our membership and the people who proudly call themselves erectors and contractors.
Chapter participation is your best local source for networking and training opportunities. If you have not attended a meeting lately, I suggest you make the time. Our chapters come together socially with golf and clay shoots, as well as professionally with subsidized training like Rigging 1, OSHA 10, etc.
Annual Conference
Our annual conference is bigger and better than ever. This year we are in Clearwater, Fla., May 19-21, and will offer two tracks of educational opportunities: one geared to the owner/manager and the other to the foreman/project manager. Our emphasis is best practices from the MBCEA network with all classes providing tips and tools you can immediately implement. Brad Curtis, chairman of MBMA and president of Tyler Building Systems, Tyler, Texas, will provide our keynote address. AC478 Accreditation
You have heard a lot about the new accreditation program, AC478. We will continue to promote this program as a way to elevate our trade, and to separate the good guys from the bad guys. This program has been embraced by the suppliers and manufacturers. The architects, specifiers and even building code officials are very interested. Unfortunately, many erectors are still skeptical, but I urge you to keep an open mind. This is not just about certifying your men; it is about creating a management system that helps you run your business better. It is about getting the recognition you deserve. It is also about marketing your company and winning projects.
If you are a member of the MBCEA, I look forward to serving you. I hope you will get involved in your chapter and attend our conference. If you are not currently a member of the MBCEA, it’s time to seriously consider joining; to become part of a refreshed organization with vision and determination, with a voice in the industry.
In closing and as I begin my tenure as president, I humbly ask, “What else can we do for you?” What do you need from the MBCEA? What can we do to make you stronger, better, more effective? Send me your thoughts at mike@scisteel.com.
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Mike Reynolds, president of the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association, is the president and principle owner of Systems Contractor Inc, Thornton, Colo. He also serves on the board of directors for the Steel Erectors Safety Association of Colorado and Metal Building Institute. 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.
