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News 2008 ARTICLESclick here to download PDF July 2007 Anniversary
Celebration February 2006 MPMCA Board Report
ATIGROUP recently held a celebration dinner for their Service Technicians who put the time and effort into achieving their national certification. Their certification helps the company obtain their new status as a MSCA STAR Certified Contractor. MSCA STAR qualification assures building owners and facility managers that their contractor is providing the highest level of skill, quality, value, and professionalism in the industry. How? To qualify as an MSCA STAR contractor, applicants must meet eight stringent criteria and submit supporting documentation to ensure all criteria are being met.
The following is a reprint regarding a member’s Christmas Project . . . Holiday Warmth. . . To the wondering eyes of 2-year old Serena Heath, that might explain those four guys in red shirts who installed a free furnace in her family’s basement Saturday. Or maybe it was that guy up on the snow-covered roof sliding stuff down the chimney. Actually, Saint Nick for the Heath family is Dominic Goyette, owner of Goyette Mechanical of Flint , who wanted to do something nice for someone for Christmas. “Our company has been blessed and we are happy to give back to someone less fortunate,” he said.
Serena is the daughter of Brian and Tara Heath, whose 52-year old furnace was replaced by Goyette’s crew, who also donated their time.
Santa’s helpers arrived at the Heath’s Chicago Boulevard home at 8:30 a.m. Four hours later, the new furnace was up and running. The work included a new thermostat and a chimney liner. The Heath’s hulking Moncrief furnace was at least 30 years past its prime, emitted dangerous levels of carbon monoxide fumes, had cracks in the heat exchanger and was experiencing flame rollout, a fire hazard, Goyette said. The average lifespan of a furnace is 20 years, he said. After that, they should be replaced or regularly checked for problems. The Heath’s new furnace is an energy-efficient Bryant model, about one-fourth the size of the old one.
“That’s it?” said Tara Heath, watching two crew members carry it in. Goyette said it’s typical for owners of older furnaces to be surprised by how much smaller a new, efficient furnace is. Rated at 80 percent efficiency (compared to 50 percent for the old furnace), the new furnace should shave half off the Heath’s monthly heating costs, he said. Being a young, low-income family, she said they decided to forego a home inspection when buying their home three years ago. Since then, their ornery furnace was one of many problem they found. Tara Heath is a full-time student at Mott Community College , where she expects to complete a criminal justice degree next spring. Her husband has a low-wage factory job in Imlay City . Serena is their only child. They share their home with Brian’s mom, Pam Heath, who has lived in the couple’s basement since a 2004 fire at a Clio apartment house she formerly managed landed her with a broken leg that healed improperly. Pam Heath was using an electric blanket and space heater to help warm her bedroom. Her voice broke as she expressed her gratitude for the new furnace. She slipped a thank-you letter into the pocket of one of the crew members and asked that he read it later. In part, it said: “Now, when my grandchildren ask me what Christmas is about, I will say this is how much people care.”
August 2005 Congratulations . . . The Flint Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors congratulates our Past President Doug Wyrwicki was recently honored as the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractor Association’s 2005 Contractor of the Year.
The presentation was made during the 2005 Annual Summer Conference at Frankenmuth. Presented by Kent Shetler, MPMCA’s Outgoing President. Doug was honored for the tremendous dedication that he has shown to our Industry in serving in the various capacities: MPMCA Director, Michigan MCA’s Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and then a two year term as President, President and Officer of the Flint Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors, and Chairman of the Association’s Negotiating Committee. He currently is serving on the Board of Directors of the local Habitat for Humanity, and is the PMC’s liaison with the Board and the individuals donating time and money from the Association. Pictured Right – Left to Right - Previous MPMCA Contractor of the Year Recipients – Duane Branch, DeBar Consultants and currently Chairman of the Michigan Board of Plumbing, Doug Wrywicki, Lyle Shetler, Sheltler Plumbing & Heating, Richard Katz, Remer Plumbing & Heating
Habitat for Humanity
Doug Wyrwicki, Past President of the Association is a member of the Board of Directors for the local Habitat for Humanity organization and has spearheaded the Association’s involvement in the project.
Membership Meetings Feature Industry Partners
Walt Maner, Executive Director and Lobbyist for the MPMCA was the featured speaker for the January meeting of the Flint Association of PMC. Walt reviewed the various bills and changes that became effective under the 2002-2004 Michigan Legislature. In particular, he reviewed the new regulation that contractors and journeypersons licensed under the new Michigan Plumbing Law must have taken code upgrade classes to be able to renew their licenses. After reviewing the recently closed legislative session, Lobbyist Maner discussed the legislative issues that have recently been introduced in the Michigan Legislature, and those being considered for introduction. Primary among them was the proposed changes to Michigan ’s Single Business Tax. UA 370 Business Manager Mark Johnson Speaks to Membership At the March membership meeting UA 370 Business Manager Mark Johnson attended to discuss items of mutual concern with the Flint Membership. Discussion topics centered on a number of educational issues currently changing, including: Safe2Work Safety Training, Asbestos Training, and special certification training programs being offered by the UA 370 Joint Training Committee. The state of the industry, upcoming work, and the work load for Michigan were reviewed at length. The Volunteer work the Association and the Union do in cooperation were evaluated with the desire to increase the number of activities that we are able to cooperate on during the course of the year. At the meeting the membership voted to extend the Associations support of the local Habitat for Humanity projects.
Scholarships Awarded The Flint PMC recently completed making Scholarship All applicants must be a son or daughter of a member of UA Local 370 and/or of a contractor (owner). Children of deceased or retired persons are eligible if the parent was one of the above at the time of their death or retirement. The program is an excellent way to support those individuals that we hope will have an interest in making the plumbing & mechanical industry a career. February 2005 MPMCA’s Maner Attends Flint Meeting Walt Maner, Executive Director, Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association attended the recent membership meeting for the Flint PMC. He went into depth on the numerous legislative items that were passed during last year’s Legislative Session and those topics that will be important for us to be watching for the upcoming year. Walt and the Flint PMC’s Sandra Miller discussed legislative items including changes to the Mechanical and Plumbing Codes, Unemployment and Single Business Tax Reform, and Liability concerns. It also gave Walt the opportunity to remind the members of the upcoming MPMCA Expo scheduled for February at Soaring Eagle. Habitat for Humanity
The Flint PMC membership has become actively involved in Habitat for Humanity. This year we are sponsoring a number of houses where the PMC pays
North End Soup Kitchen The North End Soup Kitchen provides meals to the homeless and indigent. The work done by the Kitchen is much needed in our area. At the holiday season, contributions were made to assist the Kitchen with its mission. The Flint Association has been a financial supporter of the Kitchen for a number of years. Scholarship Program Awards The Scholarship Program for the children of UA Local 370 members and contractors continues to be a very successful endeavor. It has been in existence since 1988. The number of scholarships varies from year to year, but this past year we tied our all time high when twenty-one scholarships were again awarded. All applicants must be a son or daughter of a member of UA Local 370 and/or of a contractor (owner). Children of deceased or retired persons are eligible if the parent was one of the above at the time of their death or retirement. The program is an excellent way to support those individuals that we hope will have an interest in making the plumbing & mechanical industry a career. Carriage Town Ministries
In the spirit of the holiday season the Flint Association continues to support the Carriage Town Ministries. Partnering with Carriage Town is an on-going program of the Association as they reach out to the homeless of our community. The Ministries has been serving the homeless in the area since 1950, “rescuing the least, last, lonely, and the lost”. As stated by Rev. Robert Sweeney, “I can picture the faces of the children who will be blessed by what we will be able to do for them this holiday season due to your contribution”. Area Labor-Management Council The Flint PMC continues to work with members of the Flint Area Building Trades Council in an effort to establish a local Labor-Management Council. At a meeting in March, the initial foundation was laid to begin the process which will give the industry the opportunity to jointly work together on advertising, career days, project labor agreements, responsible contracting for school construction, the national maintenance agreement and safety.
August 2004 Flint Association Participates in Federal Mediation Program
Members of the Flint Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association, along with UA 370 Business Manager Mark Johnson, participated in the recent presentation by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services.
The workshop was conducted by Don Power and Dan Curry with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Discussion points included: the value added benefit for Labor-Management Coalitions, the structure programs like this should take, the need to participate in Community/regional and civic groups/activities, in school districts, and volunteer groups.
Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions, and give suggestions on the best ways to facilitate the programs in the local area. Pictured
L. to R. - Michigan AGC's Don Bovre and Flint PMC Officer Dominic
Goyette
Flint
Membership Report Featured speaker for the program was Paul Wreszinski, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Paul presented a power point presentation on the contractor's responsibility and new upcoming training programs that the members will need to have their employees participate in, in particular, the new regulations regarding Asbestos Training for workers.
Members
were also updated on the recent apprenticeship interviews and the
awarding of the PMC and UA 370 Scholarships. May 2004 May Meeting
Members
present reviewed the numerous educational opportunities the contractors
have been participating in during the past year, along with receiving
committee reports on LaborRelations, Educations, Promotion, and
the Fringe Benefit
Steve Torrey Honored
Steve Torrey, Johnson and Wood was honored at the meeting for his many hours of time and effort on behalf of the Association. Steve, throughout the years has been involved in all levels of the Association and available for volunteer programs and special events. Steve
had been currently serving on the Board of Directors as the Secretary,
and has served for numerous years as a Trustee on the Fringe Benefit
Committee. April 2004 Flint PMC's Members Attend Change Order Seminar
Participants
gained the knowledge, and the material, to prepare, present and
negotiate profitable project changes including being able to quickly
locate the forms needed to process the information required to expeditethe
pending Instructor for the program was Charles Gatecliff. Chuck has been in the construction industry for forty-eight years. This was the first of a series of programs that will be conducted for Greater Michigan PMC members and our partners the Flint Association of PMC. Owosso Career Fair
We had a number of students stop and talk at the booth and have been making contact on the industry's website: miconstructioncareers.org. Area Labor-Management Council Proposed The Flint PMC is in the process of working with the Flint Area Building Trades Council in an effort to establish a local Labor-Management Council. At a meeting in March, the initial foundation was laid to begin the process which will give the industry the opportunity to jointly work together on: advertising, career days, project labor agreements, responsible contracting for school construction, the national maintenance agreement and safety.
August 2003 Scholarship Program The Flint PMC recently completed making Scholarship Awards from the Joint PMC and UA 370 Scholarship Program. The program is for the children of UA Local 370 members and contractors. It has been in existence since 1988. The number of scholarships varies from year to year with it recently hitting an all time high when twenty-one scholarships were awarded. All applicants must be a son or daughter of a member of UA Local 370 and/or of a contractor (owner). Children of deceased or retired person are eligible if the parent was on of the above at the time of their death or retirement. The program is an excellent way to support those individuals that we hope will have an interest in making the plumbing & mechanical industry a career. Office Consolidation
New Labor Agreement A new labor agreement has been reached with UA Local 370. It is a five-year agreement that expires May 31st, 2008. The agreement includes a Substance Abuse Agreement. Work continues to be slow in the area, as it is throughout many parts of the State. Owner / User Promotion Our Association is beginning to develop a promotional campaign to be utilized with Owners/Users in the area. This will include major users, school boards and school officials, along with government entities. After completion of the Website, we will be working to have Owners and Users begin looking to the site for current information on Association Contractors and the work they do. Website Work Continues Than
you to the individuals who have contributed old pictures to the
website, as we continue to add to an accurate history of the organization.
Time continues to be spent reviewing old magazines to help in supplementing
the history portion of the website. If you have anything in your
personal office archives that will be of assistance, please let
me know. April 2003 Wyrwicki Completes Term as MCAA President Doug Wyrwicki, William E. Walter, Inc., recently completed his two-year term as President of the Michigan Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Doug was presented a Presidents Plaque by incoming President Mike Kotubey, Limbach Company, at the Annual Meeting of the Michigan MCA. It was an interesting term for Doug. During his tenure a great deal of effort was put into establishing a more visible marketing program I cooperation with others in the organized construction industry. Along with our joint efforts we continued to add to the MMCA Website. The site explains to visitors the purpose and affiliations of the MMCA and the MSCA. It gives information on many of the community service efforts of our membership. It includes a Buyers Guide for Mechanical Work as well as another Buyers Guide specifically for Mechanical Service Work. It lists the members of the MMCA and provides links to their Web sites and email addresses. Please visit your site. You can access it at www.MichiganMCA.org. Please contact us with any updates that you would like to provide for your member information. The Contractor
members of the MMCA and the Business Managers of the Michigan Pipe
Trades Association continue to meet. Numerous ideas have been extended
for discussion between the two organizations. First and foremost
was the partnering with the Michigan Pipe Trades Association to
assist with the passage of the new Michigan Plumbing Law. A incredible
feat, after working under a law that was over 70 years old. A better
understanding of the Michigan Schedule A and the National Service
and Maintenance Agreement was reached, along with a great deal of
work being accomplished on the Prevailing Wage Law retention. November 2002 Doug Wrywicki Honored for Service As Flint PMC President Doug Wyrwicki, William E. Water, Inc. was recently recognized for his significant and outstanding contributions toward furthering the success of the Flint Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors.
During his tenure, the Association, for the first time received theMPMCA's Association of the Year Award, began a new website - www.fdlintpmc.org, hired a consultant, settled a three year labor contract, increased membership, and began an affiliation to assist members with becoming more involved with the MCAA nationally, to name just a few.
Ed Nuttman,
Performance Dynamics was the featured speaker for the October meeting
of the Flint PMC. Performance Dynamics provides small and medium
sized employers with professional accident prevention and MIOSHA
compliance services. They discussed the various Loss Control
L.
to R. - Standing - Ed Nuttman, Sitting Gordon Wendling, Performance
Dynamics - Right - Flint Executive Secretary Dorothy Overman and
MarloHoweison, REI, Inc.
New Officers and Directors Elected
Other officers and Board Members elected were, Gary Dickerson, Dickerson Mechanical, Inc., Vice President, Steve Torrey, Johnson and Wood, LLC, Secretary-Treasurer, Doug Wyrwicki, William E. Walter, Past President, Dominic Goyette, Goyette Mechanical Company, Director, and Marlo Howieson, REI, Inc., Director. If the desk in John's office is any indication, we know these duties will be added to a very busy schedule. Congratulations John, and all the other new members of the Board of Directors. Dominic Goyette Completes Term as MPMCA President
Among
the many accomplishments of the Association during his tenure, one
of the most significant was changing the over 100 year-old structure
of having the Expo and Convention together. The Association held
a very successful Expo in February and as you can see from this
magazine, held an unbelievably successful Annual Meeting/Summer
Conference, with a greater attendance than the previous Convention/Expo's
were receiving. August 2002 Annual Golf Outing
L.
to R. Above - Walt Maner, MPMCA and Tennison Barry, Director
Larry
Gifford from A&S Supply receives a prize, Tim Goyette and Jeff
Kellerman of Goyette Mechanical May 2002 Educating Youth On Mechanical Industry OpportunitiesFlint PMC Sponsors Booth at Owosso Schools Career Fair
Students stopped by to view our videos, and over 150 Michigan Construction Career Books were distributed. We have volunteered to make someone from the industry available for follow-up presentations to selected classes. We also participated in the recent Governor's Conference for Counselors and School Personnel. Over 1,200 school officials were in attendance. Along with the booth, Flint PMC Consultant Sandra Miller was one of the workshop featured speakers, discussing for the full room of participants, the projects of the PMC. Website Work Continues
To assist
with completing information, we will soon be making calls to members
that we need additional information from, to have the most complete
buyer's guide available. As we continue to research the history
of the organization, it seems that we are hitting a roadblock after
the early 1970's. If you have anything in your personal office archives
that would help, please contact our association office. April 2002 MPMCA Expo / Board Report
Flint
PMC President Doug Wrywicki and Dominic were both present at the
State Board meeting held directly before the Expo. Also in attendance
was Flint Consultant, Sandra Miller. The meeting covered a number
of important issues including the new Plumbing Law, 2002-2003 projects
and event, and planning for upcoming Summer Conference. Secretaries
Dinner Big Success March 2002 Membership Meeting Report
Safe2Work Susan DeLong, (pictured left) made a presentation to the Greater Michigan PMC to review the Safe2Work Program, that Owners/Users are beginning to require on local worksites.
Safe2Work is an interactive training system that teaches employees standard operating procedures and safe work practices in a consistent, thorough format no matter when, where, or by whom the training is administered. Safe worker readiness is the goal. Recently the program has been endorsed by Detroit Edison, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Chrysler Corporation, to name a few. MPMCA Report Walt
Maner discussed the MPMCA's Legislative Report, and reviewed specific
pieces of legislation, including the Plumbing Law, possible unemployment
and worker's compensation changes, and the significance of one State
Code for the construction industry. He urged those present to attend
the upcoming MPMCA Convention/Exposition scheduled for late February. February 2002 Flint
Area Assists With Ferris HEAT'S ON
All applicants must be a son or daughter of a member of UA Local 370 and/or of a contractor (owner). Children of deceased or retired persons are eligible if the parent was one of the above at the time of their death or retirement. The program is an excellent way to support those individuals that we hope will have an interest in making the plumbing & mechanical industry a career.
The North End Soup Kitchen provides meals to the homeless and indigent. The work done by the Kitchen is much needed in our area. At the holiday season, contributions were made to assist the Kitchen with its mission. The Flint Association has been a financial supporter of the Kitchen for a number of years. Carriage Town Ministries
The Ministries has been serving the homeless in the area since 1950, "rescuing the least, last, lonely, and the lost". As stated by Rev. Robert Sweeney, "I can picture the faces of the children who will be blessed by what we will be able to do for them this holiday season due to your contribution". |
The Flint PMC is proud to report that member ATIGROUP has received its MSCA STAR Certification and certified 12 MSCA STAR Mechanics. 
ATIGROUP provides its clients with a complete array of integrated mechanical services. Installation, preventive maintenance, service and repair of every type of equipment is done by their factory trained professionals. 
Pictured – Left - Left to Right – Kent Shetler, Shetler Plumbing & Heating, MPMCA President and Contractor of the Year Award Recipient Doug Wrywicki
The Flint PMC continues its active involvement in Habitat for Humanity. We are sponsoring a number of houses. The PMC pays for the materials to do the mechanical work at homes. UA 370 members donate their time to do the installation. In addition to our members donating money and materials for the projects, they also donate the contractors’ trucks and tools for the installations. The Association recently purchased a new trailer for the use of the apprentices who are volunteering their time. 
MPMCA Executive Director Walt Maner Addresses Members 
for the materials to do the mechanical work at homes. 
UA 370 members donate the time to do the installation. In addition to our members donating money and materials for the projects, they also donate the contractors’ trucks and tools for the installations. Doug Wyrwicki, Past President of the Association is a 
member of the Board of Directors for the local Habitat for Humanity organization and has spearheaded the Association’s involvement in the projects. A number of the members’ employees are involved in local projects and volunteer their evenings and Saturdays to work on the homes.
management
cooperation along with a review of the many successful programs
throughout the country.
A
number of successful labor-management programs throughout Michigan
were reviewed. 
The
June membership meeting of the Flint Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors'
centered on MIOSHA and Safety Rules and Regulations. Along with
contractor members, Safety Officers for the contractors were also
in attendance.
Mr.
Wreszinski also went into examples of various infractions and situations
where contractors have been fined for violations of MIOSHA regulations.
He also discussed the types of problems on the jobsites that caused
the most citations over the past year. It was excellent information
that will assist the contractors as they review their past safety
performance and work to improve their safety records. A question
and answer session followed his presentation, which gave everyone
the opportunity to discuss problems they may have had, and to reinforce
the company-wide programs they currently have underway.
President
John Walter also reviewed the upcoming Annual Report and requested
information from the membership on programs and activities they
are interested in having scheduled for the next year. 
The
Flint Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors held
their May meeting at the Gateway Holiday Inn. 
Program.
TheLabor Agreement and wage distribution were also reviewed, along
with ideas on educational programs for the upcoming year.
Many
contractors either lose money on contract revisions or fail to enhance
the profit to their full entitlement. Flint PMC members were a vital
part of the Greater Michigan PMC's recently sponsored workshop "Project
Changes, the Effect on the Bottom Line" . It offered ideas,
suggestions and recommended forms to improve the contractors' financial
position and smooth out some site difficulties resulting from changes.
claims,
or change orders. They were made aware of the effect changes have
on a construction projects final financial results.
The
Flint PMC recently participated in the Owosso and Shiawassee Career
Fairs. The students were given a great deal of information regarding
the many career paths that are available in the plumbing and mechanical
industry.
The
meeting, held at theoffices of UA 370 Plumbers and Pipefitters,
was conducted by its Business Manager Mark Johnson who is also currently
serving as Flint BTC President.
The
Flint PMC has consolidated its operations in the offices of their
consultant's at the Greater Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors
Association. The new address is: Flint Association of Plumbing &
Mechanical Contractors, Inc. - 58 Parkland Plaza - Suite 600 - Ann
Arbor, MI 48103. The new fax number is 734-665-5051. The Flint telephone
number remains the same at 810-232-2772.
Doug
was President of the Flint Association for two years and served
during a time of significant growth. 
Performance
Dynamics Makes Presentation at 
Programs
available through Performance Dynamics and answered
questions regarding the MIOSHA process.
John
Walter of the William E. Walter, Inc. was elected as the new President
of the Flint Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors
at their Annual Meeting in May. He began serving his two-year term
in June.
Congratulations
to Dominic Goyette, as he completes his 18-month tenure as President
of the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association.
He has served the longest term in the organization's history. 
The
FAPMC hosted their Annual Golf Outing at the Atlas Valley Country
Club in Grand Blanc. There was a very good turnout. The golfers
arrived for breakfast, then went out and had a beautiful day. After
a day on the course, there was a buffet dinner for the golfers to
feast on and then the presentations of awards. 
The
Flint PMC is branching out to become more involved in Career Development
Projects. The Association participated in the recent Owosso School's
College & Career Fair. The fair was open to all Shiawassee county
schools. The attendance was great, bigger than last year, which
was the first year of the project. Running from 8:00 AM to 2:30
PM, the Career Fair was an excellent opportunity to showcase the
many advantages of a career path in the plumbing and mechanical
industry.
We
continue to work on the Association's new Website. A great deal
of time has been devoted to developing an accurate history of the
organization. Time is being spent in the Greater Michigan PMCA offices
reviewing old magazines to help in supplementing the history portion
of the website. The Buyer's Guide is being updated when new information
is received from the membership. 
Yes
Virginia, he can cut pipe, and no one is more surprised than him!
Such were the sounds at the pipe cutting ceremony at the MPMCA Expo,
as MPMCA President and Flint PMC member and officer Dominic Goyette,
pipe cutter in hand, with great composure and style, cut the pipe
for the opening of the Expo. (There was no truth to the rumor that
someone had started it for him!) I wonder if he is going to go out
and start helping on the jobsite now?
MPMCA's
Executive Director Walt Maner and Susan DeLong from Global Training
were the featured speakers for the Flint PMC's recent membership
meeting.
The
Flint PHCC's Scholarship Program for the children of UA Local 370
members and contractors continues to be a very successful endeavor.
It has been in existence since 1988. The number of scholarships
varies from year to year, but this past year we tied our all time
high when twenty-one scholarships were again awarded.
North
End Soup Kitchen
In
the spirit of the season the Flint Association continues to support
the Carriage Town Ministries. Partnering with Carriage Town is an
on-going program of the Association as they reach out to the homeless
of our community.
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