The Mechanical Service Contractors of America's (MSCA) 17th Annual Educational Conference broke past attendance records. The Greater Michigan MSCA sponsored 10 students from the Ferris State University Chapter for attendance at the Conference. The students met with the MSCA Board of Managers before the official start of the conference to give their Annual Report of Chapter activities to Board.The conference drew its largest attendance ever to one of the conference's most beautiful and unique locations, the Hyatt Lake Las Vegas Resort in Lake Las Vegas, NV. The Opening Session featured remarks by MCAA President Bob FitzGerald, MSCA Board of Managers Chairman Don Batz and internationally prominent Oliver North. North fascinated participants with his perspective on current world events drawn from his 20-year military and intelligence career.

Afterburner Day gave participants a unique, memorable experience in learning how America's fighter pilots prepare for their missions and how to use those leadership, teamwork and planning lessons in solving their own business challenges. Richard Bensinger, former Organizing Director with the AFL-CIO and founder of its Organizing Institute,spoke about the union's role in today'seconomy and the need for new organizing approaches. The educational sessions were well-attended and covered such timely topics as recruitment and retention, managing the customer service process, conflict resolution, service training and certification, and the peergroup. Next year, the conference takes place in Amelia Island, FL. October 18-22.