MSCA Convenes a Winning Conference

Mechanical Service Contractors Association (MSCA) convened a successful annual conference — its 30th annual event — Oct. 18-21, at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs.

We all know the value of the “view from 30,000 feet,” when looking to the next season. That’s why this event was called “The View From Above,” referring to the always-valuable “bird’s-eye view” that can be so important when planning for success.

The conference opened with a video that encouraged attendees to use MSCA 2015 as a springboard to re-examine their perspectives on past business decisions and outcomes in order to build best-in-class organizations.

MSCA also provided an update on the benefits of the MSCA Sales Institute, and availability of 2016 programs.

Group roundtable discussions focused on many important business management topics, including ways to grow a maintenance base, growth opportunities in service, and developing a sales team.

Guest speakers included renowned outdoorsman Jamie Clarke, who told of his various treks to the summit of Mt. Everest, and John O’Leary, who was burned over his entire body at age 9, and yet managed to survive and build a wonderful life for himself and his family.

 “Last year we presented our first MSCA “Everyday Hero” award. That award was created to recognize an employee from an MSCA-member company who in his or her extraordinary way, quietly gives of their skills to help others,” said 2015 Chairman of the MSCA Board of Managers, Scott Berger, president, Arista Air.

“These compassionate people lend a hand to others solely out of the goodness of their hearts, and seek no compensation.

“We asked our members to nominate an ‘unsung hero’ in their companies. His humility and kindness is evident to all that meet him,” said Berger, who then introduced George Warren, of BPI Mechanical, Upper Marlboro, MD. Warren received the second MSCA “Everyday Hero” award for his charitable work  with underprivileged and abused youth and families in areas such as Africa, China, Nepal, Ecuador, and the U.S.

On behalf of MSCA, incoming Chairman of the MSCA Board of Managers, Jim Bartolotta, presented Berger with a certificate of appreciation and a racecar  experience at the Monticello Motor Club in gratitude for his contributions in this role.

Kane Armistead, Armistead Mechanical  Services, Inc., Waldwick, N.J. and Steven Smith of ACCO Engineered  Systems, Inc., Glendale, Calif. were introduced as new board members. Stephen Harvey, Soefker Services, LLC, Memphis, Tenn., received a certificate of appreciation for his completed tenure on the Board of Managers.