The UMCA and Local 140 kicked-off the SFE Labor-Management initiative this last week with a presentation to Utah’s leading plumbing and mechanical contractors, foreman, superintendents, stewards, and project managers. Over one-hundred and twenty industry leaders were on hand to participate in the roll-out of this "ground-breaking" labor-management initiative. SFE committee members; Jason Bleak- IPWI, Larry Hansen-KOH Mechanical, Derrick Sander-A&B Mechanical, and Kevin Tolley-CCI Mechanical, made a great presentation to the participants showing each of their companies commitment to pro-actively addressing some of the industries problems. If your company wasn’t able to participate and need additional information on implementing this program please contact Robert Bergman at the UMCA office.

The UMCA office is excited to announce a "creative" addition to the association staff that will be heading up all of UMCA’s communication & special events. Carina Gardner has recently moved to the Salt Lake City area from St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband, Josh, and two children (Siri, 4, and Felicity, 1). She recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Graphic Design from the University of Minnesota. She also has a MA in Design Communications from the University of Minnesota and a BA in Marketing Communications from BYU. Before coming to UMCA, she taught graphic design at the University of Minnesota and was a freelance designer. In her spare time, she is creating digital scrapbook papers and accessories for her online store, Digi Nirvana (http://www.diginirvana.com). In the coming months look for real progress and professionalism as UMCA’s publications and special events moves to another level.

Now that our apprentices are finished with school for the summer our training facility has the space and availability to offer several journeyman training classes. The goal will be to provide needed training on demand and scheduled when we achieve the minimum number of participants. Training to be offered will include, but not limited too; Orbital Tube Welding, PVDF & Poly-Pro Fusion, OSHA 10 Hour Safety, Medical Gas Certification, Pipe & Tube Bending, Refrigeration & Service Star Exam Prep Course, Air Flow Balancing, Welder Certification, and more. If you have a training need and would like to suggest additional courses please contact Dan Smith at the training center. Please see the Journeyman Training document for additional information.

The UMCA board of directors is requesting your input and suggestions for the planning of future conventions. This year’s event in Mesquite was cancelled due to extremely low registrations and the UMCA needs your direction. Based on previous conventions declining numbers this year’s event was moved to April to avoid many summer vacation conflicts which now looks like it may have missed the mark. With that said, the board would like to investigate a wholesale change to better reflect UMCA member needs and desires. Historically, the goal of the convention was to address industry concerns/challenges and offer a balance of education and social opportunities so that member companies could enhance their management skills and develop the needed camaraderie of industry competitors to face the ever changing and challenging market we are in today. Without the solid support of the contractors the UMCA cannot continue to provide programs for member needs. Please see the survey here and take five minutes to help us develop a program that will provide a real return for each of you.

Mark your calendars now for our annual golf tournament!! This year’s event will boast an even greater number of prizes and gift giveaways as RSC Equipment Rental has signed on to be a major sponsor of this year’s event. Final details are being worked out but this will definitely be an event that you WON’T want to miss. Please note the date change to Monday, June 9. The tournament will still be held at the Soldier Hollow Golf Course in Midway. The shotgun start will begin at 1:30 p.m. The tournament will be followed by an awards dinner. Watch for registration and sponsorship forms in the coming weeks.
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The UMCA and Local 140 SFE Committee continue to meet and make progress on the Standard for Excellence Initiative. The committee has been dealing with both Labor and Management’s responsibilities under this groundbreaking improvement process and working on an implementation plan. Presently the tentative implementation date is scheduled for June 1, 2008. Although there are still a lot of details to work out we are optimistic that final terms will be reached. Some of the management responsibilities identified in the SFE include but are not limited to;
• Replace and return to the referral hall ineffective superintendents, general foreman, foreman, journeyman and apprentices.
• Ensure that all necessary tools and equipment are readily available to employees.
• Minimize workers’ downtime by ensuring blueprints, specifications; job layout instructions and material are readily available in a timely manner.
• Provide the necessary leadership and problem-solving skills to jobsite supervision.
• Encourage employees, but if necessary, be fair and consistent with discipline.
• Promote and support continued education and training for employees while encouraging career building skills.
These are just a few of the items to be addressed with more details coming!!!! Your support will be critical to our success with this great initiative!!

The UMCA board of directors approved and budgeted for a new education initiative for 2008. All UMCA contractor members will be eligible for a $1000.00 educational credit to be used at your discretion for UMCA/NEI educational programs, UMCA convention, and MCAA convention. The goal is to provide additional educational resources for members and increase contractor participation. After the first year, future education credit will be based on your company’s participation and attendance in UMCA events. The goal will be to increase the dollar amount of the education credit each year and provide your company real returns on your investment. Please don’t miss this great opportunity!!