b'CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS MESSAGEPIERRE BOUCHER, MCA Canada Chief Executive OfficerMCAC INNOVATING AND ADAPTINGIN TIMES OF CHANGEAssociations must be prepared to meet the current and unknown challenges of our industryC hange is inevitable in all aspectsdevelopments impacting our industry, andBIM, energy efficiency and the digital of business, and the mechanicalto have a broad discussion about the roletransformation of our industry. The day contracting industry and theof MCAC, as well as our partnership withalso featured a tradeshow of several key Mechanical Contractors Association ofprovincial and zone MCAs across Canada.innovators in our industry. Canada (MCAC) are no different. Attendees included MCAC boardMost importantly, the event highlighted With close to 1,000 member firms acrossmembers, provincial and zone MCAhow rapidly our industry is evolving, and the country, MCAC represents the broadmanagers and MCAC staff; the Industrycreated an important dialogue about how and varied interests of firms from acrossSummit proved to be a great forum forwe can be prepared for this evolution. As the country, from the small and medium- discussion. Over the course of a day,we move forward, MCAC will seek out sized firms, to some of the larger firms inwe spoke at length about the economicnew opportunities to hold similar events our industry. And now, more than ever,forecast for our industry, the types ofand provide a forum for that dialogue for these firms are experiencing change at aissues that keep members and MCAour members across Canada. pace we have not experienced in representatives awake at night, and how our industry. MCAC can change and adapt for theWe are also actively seeking new ways to benefit of our membership.streamline our operations, align ourselves Whether it is new technologies, newthrough strategic partnerships and ways of doing business, or any of theNeedless to say, this exercise proved to beimprove our ongoing communications unforeseen challenges being faceda very valuable endeavour. The discussionefforts to all of our stakeholders. It is a by our industry, the mechanicalprovided some great insight, and will helptransformative time at MCAC, and we are contracting sector in Canada is in alay the groundwork for some very positiveup to the challenge. state of continuing change. It remainsmomentum moving forward. as important as ever that your nationalIn the coming months, there are several association is prepared for that change,The next steps are to further exploreexciting initiatives I would encourage our and we are taking great strides so that wethe several key themes that came out ofmembers to learn more about. can continue to provide value for the Summit (see page 20), and to createOur Annual National Conference is our members.working groups of Summit participants totaking place this year in Nashville, Since joining MCAC in early 2018 ashelp guide a new strategic plan and roleTennessee, from October 2-5, 2019, and its CEO, I have had the opportunity tofor the MCAC. That Implementationfeatures a fantastic social and networking meet with many of our members fromPlan will be presented for approval to theprogram alongside some greatacross Canada. This has given me someMCAC Board of Directors.educational sessions. great insight into what our members viewThere still remains some heavy lifting andAs well, work continues diligently on the as the role of MCAC, and how we canwork to be done, but these early steps willMCAC Insurance Captive. There have better serve the industry as a whole. Wego a long way in helping MCAC continuebeen a number of important steps taken have several ongoing priorities, includingto play an important and valuable role for federal advocacy, promotion of industryour members from coast to coast.over the past year, and we are confident best practices, education, and providingthat this will prove to be a great initiative the necessary resources to ensure membersThis past year also saw some newfor MCAC and our members. are well-informed. All of these are doneinitiatives to provide increased value toAs I mentioned, it is a very exciting time with the best needs of our members our members.at MCAC, as well as a changing time. in mind.One example was our first full-dayWhether it is new staff members here Because of this changing environment andconference on innovation in our industry.at the association, or the changing and evolving needs of the membership acrossThemed The Innovation Mindset:evolving needs of our members, MCAC Canada, MCAC saw it fit this past year toConverting Opportunities Into Realities,is embracing those changes so that we hold an Industry Summit in conjunctionthis conference explored several new andcan provide better value for the MCAC with our mid-year Board meetings (moreexciting trends and how we as an industrymembership across the country. information on the Summit is highlightedmust prepare for the coming changesWhat is most important, however, is that on page 20 of this issue).associated with those trends.we continue to adapt and innovate so that The purpose of the Summit wasSubjects throughout the day includedwe can be prepared for what the future of to explore some of the trends andartificial intelligence (AI), modularization,our industry has in store.12 www.mcac.ca'