Membership in the MBCEA continues to grow. We like to think this is because we have fabulous benefits and great programs, but I suspect the actual answer is more nuanced. In recent years, our conference has become the best annual meeting for learning and sharing about metal buildings. The fact that we are co-located with the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) certainly serves to enrich the conference. The addition of the Metal Construction Hall of Fame completes the all things- metal-building experience.
MBCEA’s Secret Powerhouse
Capitalizing on our relationship with MBMA has been an important step in our growth strategy. Not only are we working more closely together but we are also providing vital feedback and information for our mutual benefit. We are truly an association of contractors and erectors with a ready forum and access to the engineers and designers of the very buildings we erect. We have the opportunity to suggest simple changes that might make the world of difference. By the same token they have access to the best contractors and erectors to bounce ideas off of and pick their brains. This is powerful stuff.
One of the places this powerful stuff all comes together is inarguably the best kept secret in the industry—the regional representative. You probably know membership in MBCEA is a steal at $495 per year. Industry members, typically suppliers and manufacturers, are entitled to declare one chapter in which they will participate. Here’s the secret: For a mere extra $130 per chapter, suppliers and manufacturers can send representatives to as many chapters as they wish.
Train the trainer event this spring
Silvercote LLC, Wentzville, Mo., and Butler Manufacturing, Kansas City, Mo., have regional reps that actively participate in eight chapters. Therm-All Inc., North Olmsted, Ohio, has six, Chief Buildings, Grand Island, Neb., five, and Ceco Building Systems, Rocky Mount, N.C., four. What better place to rub elbows and exchange ideas than at a chapter meeting or event? Powerful stuff, for sure!
In the last year, our chapters have come together to offer training or discussions on such diverse topics as waterproofing, bolting and aligning, recruiting, aerial platforms, energy codes and COMcheck. We also offer plenty of options to network in a more relaxed setting: clay shoots, golf tournaments and holiday socials. The supplier or manufacturer rep that attends these events becomes a trusted and valued friend, a go-to guy for troubleshooting and problem solving.
Industry reps such as Finton Riggins held the Carolinas Chapter together during a period of rebuilding. Tom Frahm, Butler Manufacturing, has helped start chapters, build chapters and worked on project teams. He is always there to troubleshoot a problem. Triangle Fastener Corp., Pittsburgh; ATAS International Inc., Allentown, Pa.; and SFS intec, Wyomissing, Pa.; have provided much needed meeting space. Reps from Bay Insulation Systems, Green Bay, Wis., Silvercote and Therm-All can always be counted on for quality education and energy assistance. Jim Boyd, BIG Metal Buildings, Houston, says, “Regional reps have been the backbone of the Texas initiatives and have been instrumental in supporting the Texas chapter with their time, talents and resources. We could not do it without the help of our regional reps.” On behalf of our contractor and erector members, thank you! We are better, smarter and stronger because of your active participation in our local chapters.
Mid-Atlantic Chapter golf outing
The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) defines an association as “an organization or group of individuals affiliated with one another who share a common purpose, interest or mission, and exist for the mutual enrichment and advancement of their membership.” I would have to say that sums us up nicely.
We have active chapters in the following areas: New England, Mid-Atlantic, Carolinas, Greater Ohio Region, Southeast and the Rockies. The Midwest is looking to be revitalized and other areas like Tennessee Valley, California and Texas are just getting started. You can get in on the ground floor! If you are an existing member and want to belong to more than one chapter or if you are a potential new member and want to get involved, please contact executive director, Sasha Demyan, today. She can be reached at sdemyan@mbcea.org or (484) 239-3337.
Keith Wentworth is president of the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association and vice president of Dutton & Garfield Inc., Hampstead, N.H. Wentworth holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Merrimack College, and has more than 20 years of experience in commercial and industrial metal building design-build construction. He is proud to be a third-generation Butler builder. Wentworth also serves on the board of directors of the Metal Building Institute and is a past president of the New England Chapter of the MBCEA. To learn more about the MBCEA, visit www.mbcea.org.
