President's Message - Apr '23
Date postedApril 19, 2023
Have you received your free copy of Metal Construction News this month? What – you don’t get one? Subscribe here now; it is free to members of the MBCEA and it has great articles on issues that affect our industry. The May edition is the Top 100 Builders and I look forward to this issue every year! Predictably, Span Construction & Engineering Inc., Madera, Calif., tops the list of largest metal builders. And builders such as Briner Building Inc., Bluffton, Ind.; Fleming Steel Erectors, Tulsa, Okla.; MAR Building Solutions, Lee's Summit, Mo.; Dunn Building Company LLC, Birmingham, Ala.; Rainwater Construction Co., Atlanta, Ga. and Septagon Construction Co., Sedalia, Mo., are all there too. Do you know what else they have in common? They are all members of the MBCEA.
I applaud the work ethic, drive and professionalism of these Top 100 Builders. I am thrilled so many of our members appear on this impressive list. The MBCEA currently boasts almost 600 active members; 64% of whom are contractor and erector members. Metal buildings and their assembly is a large industry but a somewhat niche market. The MBCEA provides a place for contractors and erectors to get together through chapters and our national conference to talk about problems and solutions specific to our industry. We are a national network prepared to assist with labor, construction questions, business opportunities and more.
Which is why industry associations like MBMA look to us for expertise. MBMA is currently looking to engage with a few members who have solar programs and/or expertise. If you have this experience, please let Sasha know.
The MBCEA Board and Staff are in a full court press of Conference preparations. I hope you are planning on joining us in Nashville. We have a fabulous line-up of speakers, training and round-tables. I would like to thank David Leinbach of Kaiser Martin Group, Robert Tiffin of Silvercote, Alexander Carey of Svenska Builders, Jarrod Turner of TBT Construction, Tucker Cope of C Tucker Cope, and Dave Tomchak of Bay Insulation for being on our conference committee this year. Their input and efforts were invaluable in planning this event. Our association runs on Volunteer Power, so get involved. Meet new people, make new contacts, and improve our organization and the industry at the same time!
Conference Committee is not the only place to volunteer. We need subject matter experts for our training curriculum initiative. We need help forming and maintaining local chapters. Time commitments vary but we can find a good fit for your skills and availability. Working together to improve the professionalism of our industry in a way that will have lasting effects for years to come, provides a real sense of accomplishment.
Lastly, I would like to recognize Bluescope, Nucor and Chief who have all responded with financial pledges to support the new MBI/NCCER curriculum. These companies are true visionaries that understand our industry’s future depends on attracting and training new craft professionals, increased safety on our job sites and the integrity of our builds.
If you share this commitment to our future, contact us.
Jen Heimburger
President, MBCEA
President, Heimburger Construction, Inc.