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2024 Annual Business Meeting Summary

This summary from the 2024 Annual Membership Meeting held August 28, 2024 covers important updates on the NCPWB Chapter, the assocation's strategic goals and vision, educational initiatives, collaboration efforts, and the focus on belonging and industry awareness. Key highlights include the waiver of the NCPWB Membership application fee, the introduction of the IMPACT Leadership Academy, and the continued emphasis on mental health, recruitment, and community building within the mechanical industry.

10:00 – 11:00 AM – Associate Member Vendor Exhibit

The Annual Business Meeting of MCAKC commenced with a vendor showcase on August 28th. A dozen vendors engaged with member contractors to present their products and offerings before the official business proceedings began.
 

11:00 – 11:40 AM – Lunch

 

11:40 AM – Call to Order

 

11:45 – 12:00 PM – Thank you, Rick Gopffarth, the National President of MCAA for your “State of the Industry Update.”

 

12:00 – 1:00 PM – MCAKC Committee Reports:

Chris Hutchings, President of MMC Contractors and current MCAKC Board President, highlighted the association's focus on recruiting, retaining, and readying the workforce for increased workloads. The association aims to prepare members through education and resources.

Brian Taylor then initiated the election for the new Board of Directors effective January 1, 2025:
• Chris Rimel, SheDigs It – At Large Board of Directors
• Cordell Ballew, Enerfab – At Large Board of Directors
• Clay Daniels, US Engineering Service – At Large Board of Directors (2nd Term)
• Mindy Rocha, CJ Industries – Treasurer
• Phil Nehring, P1 Service LLC – Vice President
• Justin Gunter, Metro Air – President
• Chris Hutchings, MMC Contractors – Immediate Past President

We then heard updates of the JATC, JAC, and Trusts for Pipe Fitters Local 533 and Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 8. Please make sure to complete the contractors' survey regarding Plumbers Apprentice Pre-Testing today. For more information about these pieces, please contact our office.

Phil Nehring, President of P1 Service and MCAKC's Board Treasurer, then gave a very high-level overview of our industry funds and MCAKC's financial picture. This is all based on our recently audited financials for our 2023 Fiscal Year from June 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024. MCAKC had a total income of about $2,050,000. We had $1.9 million in expenses - this resulted in a net excess of about $152,000.

Mindy Rocha, President of CJ Industries and MCAKC Board Member, then highlighted achievements with our Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) and our Women In The Mechanical Industry (WiMI) Committee. WiMI-KC has had an impactful year, hosting six successful events that engaged over 150 women in the industry, from seminars to golf lessons. The Heavy Metal Summer Experience also saw great success, with 30 high school students gaining hands-on training in various trades. Your support is crucial in helping these young adults find their place in the trades and investing in the future of our industry.

Justin Gunter, President of MetroAir, and chairperson of MCAKC's Board of Education, spoke about the educational highlights of an incredible year. MCAKC has been busy with education initiatives, offering 71 sessions over the past year attended by 430 individuals from 53 organizations. This year, we're excited to introduce dozens of new courses, including the IMPACT Leadership Academy, which focuses on developing future leaders in the industry. He urged members to sign up for the following two upcoming classes: Building a Mental Health Toolbox and CPR/AED/First Aid/Blood Pathogen Certification. Justin also announced that MCAKC-approved classes now count toward Johnson County contractor license renewal, with more courses qualifying soon! For more details, check our Upcoming Events or contact Jacki Conn.

Matt Henderson with Milwaukee Tools, and Chairperson for MCAKC Associate Members, emphasized the goal of fostering strong, value-added relationships between vendors and contractors. He highlighted the Associate Members' involvement in education, networking, and sponsorship activities. The upcoming Casino Night and a record-sold-out Charity Golf Outing will benefit Father's Club. Additionally, non-golfers can support this partner charity with a special dinner ticket offer – contact our office to register for dinner only!

Connor Hayes with P1 Service, and Chairperson of the Young Professionals Committee at MCAKC, outlined the committee's mission to support young professionals in the mechanical industry by organizing events, fostering community, and advocating for their needs. They have organized various events and are committed to furthering recruitment efforts and contributing to community service initiatives.

Finally, Stacy Zerr, Executive Director of MCAKC spoke in detail about the four goals of the 2024 Strategic & Operational Plan:

  1. Education

  2. Collaboration

  3. Belonging, and

  4. Awareness.

Stacy emphasized the importance of preparing members through top-tier educational programs, fostering partnerships and mental health initiatives, and creating a sense of community within the industry. The association aims to be inclusive and forward-thinking, with efforts to attract and retain talent through events, outreach, and family-focused activities. Please let us know exactly how you're interested in helping us spread awareness of the mechanical contracting industry by completing this short survey. Members are encouraged to actively participate in all of these initiatives to help build a stronger mechanical contracting community in Kansas City!

Quick Links to Classes and Initiatives from Stacy's Speech:

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