Waves of Discovery – Join us for our 76th National Conference, November 6 to 9 at the wonderful Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii. The Sheraton Maui is located on 23 oceanfront acres on legendary Ka’anapali Beach. This year’s conference will feature exceptional educational content, amazing featured speakers and spectacular social events. A couple of new additions are general sessions for all delegates with interesting guest speakers and a new reception and tradeshow. We look forward to seeing you. Register early to save money. Aloha!

Hotel rooms are going fast, so book your room today. Just imagine yourself in Hawaii waking up in one of the 500 rooms and looking out the window at paradise. Have your meals in one of the four onsite restaurants, drinks at one of three bars/lounges or stay cool in one of the two poolside bars. Be sure to reserve your room with the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa for the preferred conference rate of $239/night. This special rate is available to conference attendees only and reservations can be made from the MCAC website.

MCA Canada has long been recognized for our world-class conferences. That is due in large part to the unparalleled support of our conference sponsors. If your company would like to join our list of exceptional sponsors, please visit the ‘Events’ section on our website.

Last week, the National Trade Contractors Coalition of Canada sent letters to all Canadian Members of Parliament. The purpose of the letter (see example) is to advise MPs that we have heard some arguments against legislation and we wish to provide them with the facts regarding each so they will have a clear understanding. As a member of MCA Canada, and as a contractor or supplier that depends on prompt payment to survive as a business, please contact your local Member of Parliament before he or she returns to Ottawa in September. Emphasize the need for federal prompt payment legislation and ask them to support Bill S-224 when it is introduced in the House of Commons.

The following is an article contained on the website of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business which explains the proposed changes to Canada’s tax system. MCA Canada has joined a coalition of business groups and associations to collectively address this extremely important matter for Canadian businesses including MCA Canada members.

As some members may be aware, MCA Canada’s Chief Executive Officer for the past 27 years, Richard McKeagan, has announced his retirement effective the summer of 2018. MCA Canada has initiated an executive search for the CEO position. Interested candidates may apply.

The early bird deadline to register for the Construction Education Council's highly acclaimed Estimating Conference is fast approaching. The cut-off day is September 8. Registration is limited to just 30 people, so act now to avoid disappointment. This year's program takes place from November 11 to 13 in Halifax, NS. The conference focuses on project procurement and strategies, and is led by Jack Wilhelmi and Tim Wentz from MCA America with a special session held by Dan Leduc from Norton Rose Fulbright. Click through to view session details and to register.

Great news! The Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC) continues to suspended the $75 fee for the MSCC Gold Standard Certified Technicians exam. Your service journeymen can register to take the exam at no cost. Email daryl@mcac.ca with the list of techs to take the exam. Isn't it time you made the leap to truly differentiate your company from the rest?

On September 18 and 19, the MCAS office will relocate to Unit 2, 2412 Faithful Avenue. It took several weeks to find a new place to call home, but we are excited to move into our new office. Watch for updates.

Chris Wolfe, president and owner of Vibra-Sonic Control, passed away August 23 after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. Chris was surrounded by love and strength throughout his illness, with wife Diane and daughters Stacey and Danielle by his side. Chris opened Vibra-Sonic Control in 1980. A family man with strong ethical principles, Chris was driven by his desire to help clients achieve the best results possible on their projects, and he was enriched by life-long friendships within the industry along the way. Chris's legacy will continue at Vibra-Sonic through his family and employees. Date and time of Chris's celebration of life to be announced.

Sidney Manning, Chief Plumbing & Gas Administrator, Alberta Municipal Affairs/Safety Services, was presented with the Joseph K. Seidner Award in August at the annual Canadian Advisory Council on Plumbing meeting in Charlottetown, PEI. Manning is the 16th recipient of this award, which recognizes his outstanding contributions to Canadian plumbing codes and standards.

According to a new report from The Conference Board of Canada, energy efficiency measures such as incentive programs, retrofits, audits, land-use measures, building standards and renewable subsidies can substantially reduce Canada's energy consumption.

Do you have a passion for teaching and would like to give back to the industry? If so, let's talk. The Construction Education Council is actively looking to recruit Canadian instructors. Please contact Tania Johnston (tania@mcac.ca or 613-232-5169) if you or someone you know would be interested. Please include your area of expertise and any experience that you many have.

HOLDRITE has established a reputation as a leading manufacturer known for innovative products and services in such categories as pipe and equipment support systems, acoustical plumbing solutions, water heater accessories, and water and firestop sleeving systems. HOLDRITE also offers value-added no-cost services to the contractor, wholesaler and engineer to assist with multiple stages in the project. These VIP services include specification and submittal assistance, 3D product drawings, custom detail application pages, and material take-off assistance to help plan for product inventory levels. As always, HOLDRITE will stay at the forefront of the construction industry by offering innovative and cost-effective products that are optimized to be the best solution for the total application.

Modern Hydronics Summit 2017 will be held on September 14 at the International Centre in Mississauga, On. From the trade show floor where more than 50 exhibitors will be available to talk to you about the latest hydronic product offerings, to the industry-leading speakers, this summit is a most attend for anyone installing, designing or maintaining hydronic products.

• September 14: Modern Hydronics Summit 2017, Mississauga, ON
• September 21: CIPHEX Roadshow, St. John’s, NL
• September 27-29: Women in HVACR 14th Annual Conference, Fort Worth, TX
• September 29: CANS 155th AGM, St. Andrew's By-The-Sea, NB
• September 29-October 1: MCA Toronto AGM, Collingwood, ON
• October 2-4: CCA Meetings, Niagara Falls, ON
• October 11-13: CEC Estimating Conference, Halifax, NS
• October 15-18: MSCA Educational Conference, Boca Raton, Florida
• October 17: CIPHEX Roadshow, Edmonton, AB
• October 19: CIPHEX Roadshow, Regina, SK
• November 6-9: MCA Canada’s 76th National Conference, Maui, Hawaii

As an MCA Canada member, you are eligible for member discounts on select FedEx shipping services. Whether you’re shipping within Canada, to the U.S. or around the world, count on FedEx to deliver peace of mind and reliability. For more details, visit www.mcac.ca.

As you know, Operation Eyesight is MCA Canada's Charity of Choice. The organization does important work across the developing world to provide people in need with the basics of life: access to clean water and sanitation. Their work has improved, and even saved, the lives of countless people in these regions. MCA Canada is always accepting donations to this important cause from its members, but did you know that you can donate more than just cash? Here are five more ways you can show your support: