Working hard to Protect, Promote & Educate our Profession

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  • 03/10/2022 11:26 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)


    Hiring Practices

     

    Tuesday, March 22, 2022 (12:00 PM Central)

    60 minutes | Complimentary | Advance registration required

     

    This webinar will focus on Hiring Practices, including key trends and issues that many organizations struggle with as they operate in an environment of accelerated change. From candidate and employee expectations around flexibility and remote work to reducing turnover by elevating the hiring process, the Big Quit of 2021 and the search for talent, the hiring process presents numerous challenges. After identifying some key trends and best practices, examples from the trenches and a live Question and Answer period will round out this presentation.
     

    WHO SHOULD ATTEND

    • Human Resources Professionals
    • Managers and Supervisors
    • Risk Managers


  • 03/02/2022 8:39 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    March is National Ladder Safety Month

    Almost every home in the United Sates has one, and chances are you have used one personally either at work or at home. From changing out a lightbulb to getting on top of a roof, ladders are a common piece of equipment used in almost every home or building and appear to be harmless — and yet according to Injury Facts, thousands of people are killed due to falls from a ladder or scaffolding work. In fact, falls are the second leading cause of death next to highway crashes.

    Understanding the different types of ladders as well as safe ladder practices are key to preventing falls and other potential injuries.

    Here are some helpful tips to always keep in mind when using a ladder provided by OSHA:

    • Read and follow all labels/markings on the ladder.
    • Avoid electrical hazards! – Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder. Avoid using a metal ladder near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.
    • Always inspect the ladder prior to using it. If the ladder is damaged, it must be removed from service and tagged until repaired or discarded.
    • Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing. Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing (see diagram).
    • Only use ladders and appropriate accessories (ladder levelers, jacks or hooks) for their designed purposes.
    • Ladders must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet.
    • Do not use a self-supporting ladder (e.g., step ladder) as a single ladder or in a partially closed position.
    • Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed for that purpose.
    • Use a ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top or bottom) to prevent displacement.
    • Do not place a ladder on boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
    • Do not move or shift a ladder while a person or equipment is on the ladder.
    • An extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support (see diagram). Do not stand on the three top rungs of a straight, single or extension ladder.
    • The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface (see diagram).
    • A ladder placed in any location where it can be displaced by other work activities must be secured to prevent displacement or a barricade must be erected to keep traffic away from the ladder.
    • Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly engaged.
    • Do not exceed the maximum load rating of a ladder. Be aware of the ladder's load rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or equipment.

    While some of these dos and don'ts may seem obvious, it's important to keep things in perspective. According to National Ladder Safety Month, every year over 100 people die in ladder-related accidents, and thousands suffer disabling injuries.

    The good news, however, is that ladder safety is becoming a key safety topic among employees in the construction industry. Don't miss the 2018 Stats as reported by National Ladder Safety Month for spreading the news about the safety dangers ladders can create and how to work safely both on and around ladders.

    While falls from ladders are a growing concern, it's also reassuring and important to remember that ladder-related injuries and fatalities are completely preventable.


  • 02/28/2022 2:24 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    ACCA Annual Conference St. Louis March 28-30th

    Making an investment in your company is a no-brainer for a leading HVACR contractor like you.

    ACCA 2022 focuses on helping HVACR contractors to optimize for business growth and success by learning from the industry's most successful owners, entrepreneurs, top consultants, and innovative and creative up-and-comers. The Conference program is filled with HVACR training opportunities and powerhouse speakers covering the most critical and timely topics affecting HVACR contractors today. Sessions cover a wide range of topics that will help contractors be better business people and grow their profit margins year over year.

    The Expo space showcases the top products and services available in the industry.

    Networking opportunities are uniquely targeted, giving you ample time to make the connections you need to grow your business.

    LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE

    MIACCA MEMBERS RECEIVE A $200 Discount - email mjdsmith@miacca.org for code.


  • 02/25/2022 8:37 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    National HVACR Education Conference

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    Las Vegas, Nevada Or Online

    March 21-23, 2022

    Expand your knowledge at the National HVACR Education Conference, the ultimate training experience. Learn about new and emerging technologies, get answers from, and be inspired by industry leaders, exchange ideas with industry peers, while gaining a better understanding of the future of the HVACR industry. 

    Industry data shows that a significant percentage of system components returned to manufacturers have no fault found in them. This is a clear indicator that we need to better train our industry, beginning with those on the front line of education.

    Become Part of the Solution!

    While one could travel the country to visit manufacturers and subject matter experts to improve our knowledge, thankfully many of these industry leaders will be present at this event. 

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    Who Attends?

    The conference is open to anyone involved in the HVACR industry (educators, administrators, trainers, wholesalers, contractors, etc.) who is interested in learning about new technologies, codes, content-delivery techniques, and interacting with those who change the face of our industry.

    Requirements for Attending the Conference

    • Have the desire to expand your understanding of new and emerging technologies.
    • Be prepared to attend great presentations conducted by industry leading organizations, individuals, and manufacturers.
    • Bring an open mind.
    • Be prepared to share ideas with fellow educators.
    • Have the desire to become a more effective educator.
    • Have the desire to positively affect the future of the HVACR industry.
    • Be ready to meet with companies that can help keep your current.
    • Have the desire to earn continuing education hours.

     

    Don't Be Left Out!

    Attend the ultimate, live face-to-face learning experience, with great sessions and exhibits March 21-23, 2022 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then continue your learning online with additional courses on the HVACR Learning Network

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  • 01/28/2022 2:22 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    CCC Decides to Take No Action to Prescribe a Statewide Permit Form

    At the October 20, 2021, Construction Code Commission (CCC) meeting, a motion was made to table the statewide permit forms until they reviewed the findings from the Attorney General regarding their statutory obligation that the application for a permit "shall be on a form prescribed by the commission".    

    Executive Director M.J. D'Smith attended the January 26, 2022 meeting, where the CCC went into a closed session to discuss MCL 125.1510(1) with the Attorney General.  When they re-opened the meeting, it was determined, that despite the consistency the permit forms would give to contractors and the public, enforcement issues in handling enforcing agencies who do not comply in using the CCC prescribed permit form was one of the main factor in deciding not to take action at this time.  This means that the CCC will continue to not follow the law and allow the Bureau of Construction Codes and other enforcing agencies to use whatever permit forms they like.

    As you know, MIACCA has been the force behind getting enforcing agencies to follow the law as it is written and has actively advocated for CCC prescribed permit forms for years.  We are disappointed that the CCC decided not to follow the plain meaning of the law and prescribe the permit form to be used by all enforcing agencies.  We will be looking into other avenues to hopefully succeed in getting the Bureau of Construction Codes and all enforcing agencies to use permit forms that are prescribed by the CCC.


  • 01/21/2022 2:26 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Auditor General's BCC 2020 Report

    The Auditor General has released the Bureau of Construction Codes 2020 Report that you can review the report here.

    Some of the recommendations of the report include:

    Timely boiler inspections.  They point out that in May 2020 they had not conducted 7,860 out of the 61,900 required inspections nor did they conduct 2,217 of the 2,308 required follow up inspections.

    Improvements to the timeliness of the complaint investigation including work without a permit and unlicensed work were recommended.

    That LARA improve its statutory reporting for all BCC regulated activities.


  • 12/10/2021 11:18 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    BEHLER-YOUNG EXPANDS GRAND RAPIDS DISTRIBUTION CENTER

    The Young family and the Behler-Young executive team break ground on the distribution center expansion at 5000 Clyde Park Avenue.

    Grand Rapids, Michigan, December 8, 2021: On November 24, 2021, Behler-Young broke ground at the Grand Rapids distribution center for a 100,000 square foot expansion which will double the current size of this facility. Due to be completed in November 2022, Behler-Young will significantly increase inventory, service six branch locations, and increase same day pick up in the west region.

    David DeJonge, President & COO, stated “With this $12 million investment, Behler-Young will own over 300,000 square feet of distribution center space in Brighton and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Through these distribution centers we fully stock eighteen branches, with trucks delivering product daily. 

    Included in this expansion will be a state-of-the-art photo lab for taking detailed photos of products for customers to better identify products when placing orders online. “We have made a significant investment in our ecommerce platform over the last three years, and this will allow us to further update our product information, photos, weights, and dimensions for our customers,” stated Kari Schellie, Senior Marketing Manager.

    Behler-Young is headquartered in Grand Rapids and in May also invested in a new branch at this location, making it easier for customers to access. Customers, vendor partners, and team members later celebrated with a grand opening in September.

    Behler-Young is the leading distributor of residential and light commercial HVAC products throughout Michigan and northwest Ohio,representing hundreds of manufacturers, and is the trusted partner to thousands of licensed contractors.

    Founded in 1926 by John Behler and Wayne “Brig” Young, we continue to be a family-led business with a mission of satisfying the comfort needs of home and business owners through wholesale distribution. For more information on Behler-Young, go to b-y.com.

    Behler-Young has been a MIACCA Gold Corporate Partner for many years and we congratulate them on their expansion!


  • 12/06/2021 4:50 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    The Nations First HVAC & Solar Forum


    HVAC, Solar, & SMART TechnologiesThe Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the only nationwide non-profit association for HVACR professionals, indoor environment, and building performance systems, has teamed up with Pearl Certification, a national provider of third-party certifications for high-performing homes, to present The Solar Forum - the nation's first-ever event to specifically address the challenges and opportunities that HVAC contractors face from the rapid adoption of solar, storage, and connected home devices. The event takes place, January 24-25, 2022 at the Crowne Plaza, Phoenix, AZ.

    At The Solar Forum, HVAC contractors will learn strategies to expand into other home services like demand response systems, EV chargers, and home electrical upgrades. Contractors will also learn how homes with solar and batteries can impact the design and sales process and drive adoption of higher-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. New refrigerants and a push to electrify heating will lead to more system changeouts. Increased adoption of variable speed compressors, whole-house ventilation systems, and other IAQ products, along with smart thermostats and other new technologies, add to the complexity of HVAC work - even as designers and technicians are in short supply.

    Sessions include:

    • Alternative Business Models for HVAC & Solar Contractors

    • Are Your Clients Richer When You Leave Their Home?

    • Are You Taking Advantage of Legislative Dollars that are Available to You for Renewable Energy?

    • And more!

    LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE


  • 11/18/2021 4:48 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    The Future of Refrigerants

    On October 28th, Andrew Greaves of NAVAC joined Service Nation 101 to share an overview of tools and refrigerants and the future for the HVAC technician.

    This webinar tackles:

    • Refrigerant classifications; the designators and what they mean

    • EPA changes and guidelines for the HVAC industry over the next few years

    • HFC's and the scheduled phaseouts over the next few years

    • How these changes will impact the HVAC technician, including service and installation practices and the tools that support them

    Andrew Greaves is the Director of Education & Customer Experience at Navac. He oversees NAVAC's tools and services education curriculum, which is conducted both online and in-person. As a former Marine, Mr. Greaves is a KY Master Licensed HVAC Mechanic with extensive experience in the HVAC service industry.

    Learn what the future holds for refrigerants and the technicians who work on them with Service Nation 101 and NAVAC!

    Watch Now!


  • 11/10/2021 4:45 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Lien Law Seminar

    January 13, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Lansing, MI


    Join  Attorney Matthew T. Smith, at Clark Hill Law Firm, who will provide you with this educations seminar on Lien Law.

    Members $50

    Non Members $100

    REGISTER NOW!



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