The Texas Southeast Chapter of the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA) had a successful kick-off in Mid-September. National President, Gary T. Smith spoke regarding the benefits of membership to approximately 30 new and potential members. Three essential training classes were offered at no charge: attendees were certified in Fall Hazards Safety, Cutting Torch Safety and Chemical Hazards – Understanding the Global Harmonized System (old MSDS). These are core standards that OSHA is enforcing and the MBCEA recommends all metal building assemblers have.

The Rocky Mountain Region launched with a standing room only crowd at METALCON. Smith spoke at length on the power of the MBCEA: from subsidized training, to networking, to supplier speaking opportunities and even cutting edge new programs such as the Accreditation Program for Assemblers. Ten new companies signed up for membership immediately following the session, with several others carefully considering.

The Rocky Mountain Region elected Harvey Freeman, Pro Steel Inc. as their inaugural President. Supporting him are Mike Cain, Big Johnson as VP, Randy Gates, Heath Steel as Treasurer and Troy Clark with Miller Safety as Secretary. The new officers have been busy. They have already planned their first training session. Hazcom training (Hazcom training card will be issued) and the classroom portion of Aerial Lifts will be offered on November 24th from 8am to noon at Miller Safety Office at 12071 Tejon St., Suite 200, Westminster, CO 80234 for only $40/pp to MBCEA members. Breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP to Randy Gates at rgates@heathsteel.com by November 17th.

The MBCEA’s show special for METALCON was a free set of Quality and Craftsmanship DVD’s for all new members. The sets regularly sell for $500, completely off-setting the cost of membership in year one. The Board has authorized Executive Director Sasha Graver to honor this promotion, while supplies last, to any new members joining before December 15, 2014. Membership at the MBCEA is at an all-time high due to a renewed emphasis on active Chapters, subsidized training and new programs such as the Accreditation Program for Assemblers. The Accreditation program is being called a game-changer for erectors. Five pilot programs are currently underway to bullet-proof and finalize the process. The MBCEA will use these pilots to develop a formal assistance program for interested members. The program will officially kick-off at the MBCEA Annual Conference on April 30, 2015. Next year’s conference is at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego.

For more information about the MBCEA or to become a member, visit www.mbcea.org or contact Sasha Graver at 484-239-3337 or sgraver@mbcea.org.