The Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Inc.(MCAA) (Rockville, MD) recently announced that three MCAA affiliated associations won awards for their best practices. The announcement was made during the association’s sixth annual Awards of Excellence program at MCAA’s 113th annual convention. The convention is being held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Florida.

MCAA’s Best Practices Awards recognize excellence in the programs, services, and activities of MCAA’s affiliated associations in four categories: association/industry enhancement; education and training; labor/management relations; and government relations.

Of the 21 submissions received this year, three associations were recognized for their programs. The ARCA/MCA of Southern California’s Labor Relations/Collective Bargaining Initiative was a proactive effort to reach a five-year collective bargaining agreement with Local 250. The agreement contains a unique provision that ties an extra wage increase to organizing success.

The MCA of North Central Wisconsin’s Safety Day was established in cooperation with United Association (UA) Local 400 and others. This weekly, after-hours program included 11 courses attended by up to 700 people. The combined efforts of labor, management, training directors, safety directors, and contractors greatly improved the association’s labor/management relations.

The MCA of New York’s Service Group offers an annual defensive driving class to all service technicians in UA Local 638. The program consistently sells out, and attendees receive a 10 percent discount on personal automobile insurance for three years and four points removed from their New York State Driver’s License.

Representatives of all three associations were on hand to accept their awards from MCAA President Smitty Belcher.