Adopt A Vet . . . To Tell Them Thanks
When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.
Eleanor Roosevelt
The Ferris State University Chapter of the Greater Michigan Mechanical Service Contractors, in cooperation with the Greater Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association is working to make available to the National Guard families from the Big Rapids Armory, plumbing and mechanical contractors on whom they can depend, while their loved ones are oversees.
As this is a new program, our parent chapter has been contacting members of their national organizations enlisting them as participants for the home areas of the Guard Families.
Representatives from the Chapter were in Big Rapids when the Reservists shipped out in early February, including a much younger contingent who drove up to attend the send off for the PMC, leaving Livingston County before 5:00 AM to be there to show their support.
Other items we can assist on, from the standpoint of our Ferris State University MSCA Student Chapter Members, and the PMC are being considered.
Our first request was helping someone who was unfamiliar with computers and was having problems. Follow-up by contractors, including members of the West Michigan MCA have included faucet replacement, replacing a water closet, and checking and restarting a furnace. Although to date, the most tasking would have been the computer help, because the only one available at the time was Chapter Sponsor Sandra Miller. The office is still quite surprised that she pulled it off.
If you have time on the week-end to do some lawn work or assist a family in other areas let the Chapter President know and we will check on what families can use the help.
Asbestos Identification Certification Class
In April on the 26th there is going to be an asbestos identification certification class. This will be a three hour event, starting at 4:00 PM and going to 7:00 PM . There will be food provided. Please sign-up for this in advance. We need an accurate number to tell the instructor how many certifications she needs.
There will be a small test at the end of the night. If you pay attention you will have no problem passing this test. You will earn points by going to this event and it will look good on your resume.
The cost will be $5 for any non-members of the three organizations . Please share this with your friends and sign up in Jan’s office.
Membership Meeting Speaker
Russ Borst, Chapter Contractor Advisor and Board Member of the National MSCA will be the speaker for the April 19 th membership meeting. Russ will be talking about national issues and in particular the STAR Certification program for Contractors and HVACR Tech’s. Pizza and Pop will be served.
Contractor / Student Summit
To deal with the original date conflicting with the HVACR Advisory Committee, the Summit has been rescheduled as follows:
April 20, 2005
5:30 PM
HVACR/Granger Building
We will arrange golf for early in the day with the Contractors, and Alumni will be invited to the Summit . If you are interested in golfing with the contractors, sign up with President Bakke . Mark your calendars – we will be sending additional information as it is available.
Retreat – May 1 st
Each year we hold a Retreat to review the programs of the Chapter. This gives us the opportunity to decide if we want to continue, change and replace them for the upcoming year. It also is a great time for camaraderie and having a little fun. The Chapter Retreat has been scheduled as follows:
May 1 st, 2005
12:00 Noon – Lunch
1:00 PM – Review of Programs
Country Inn Suites – Waldron Way – Big Rapids*
*We have changed to the Suites to make it more accessible for all members. There is an indoor pool and we will make accommodations for the members to use it on May 1 st and possibly on April 30 th.
MPMCA Expo
Thanks to everyone who participated in the MPMCA Expo this past February. It is important for the Chapter to work on projects that assist FSU. Speaking with contractors and telling them about your positive and worthwhile experiences as a HVACR student at the University is always helpful to the Universities recruitment program.
Blood Drive
Thank you to the members who participated in the recent blood drive. Remember, you can receive points toward trip and scholarships if you participated.
UA Instructor Training Program
As most of you are aware, the UA's Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor , MI takes place in August each year. This highly acclaimed program features a week of intensive instructor training courses culminating in a graduation ceremony at the end of the week. The UA is very proud of this program, as they should be, and believes this is a great opportunity to showcase their superior training programs. Each year during the week, one day is designated as "Industry Day."
This is a day where contractors and their customers are invited to tour the school, meet with key UA officials and generally experience the program. This year the UA's focus for Industry Day is the HVACR Industry! First time this has ever happened and we now need to take advantage of this great opportunity. Industry Day has been scheduled for Thursday, August 11 th.
If you will still be in the area, and would like to participate in the programs please contact Sandra Miller – Sandra@greatermichiganpmc.org. It would be an excellent opportunity for you to network with contractors from throughout the country.
2005-2006 Officers Elected
Congratulations to the upcoming Officers for the 2005 – 2006 Year. They will soon be establishing Committees for the next year. Make sure you call and let the new officers know what committees you are interested in serving on.
Zac Zech, President
Alex Gasper, Vice President
Bruce Wenzlick, Treasurer
Phil Walton, Secretary
