The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago says it is the first local MCAA member to pledge to contribute $500,000 to the national group’s educational foundation.

“MCA Chicago is firmly committed to the guiding concepts of the foundation, and we are pleased to be the first local affiliate to attain the half-million-dollar mark in helping to pursue these goals,” said MCA Chicago Executive Vice President Jill McCall. “We hope that in doing so, we encourage other affiliate organizations to participate financially in this worthwhile enterprise.”

The money will be used by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America’s Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation to fund independent studies of HVAC construction industry issues.

Mark Rogers, president of MCERF, thanked the Chicago chapter for the gift.

“We are surprised by the enormous generosity of this donation, and grateful for MCA Chicago’s involvement and desire to grow the education and research programs in this industry,” he said. “They have demonstrated how deep their commitment to education in the industry goes.”