Kevin Harpring

According to Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." SMACNA’s Board of Directors agreed with Mr. Franklin and invested even more money in the very popular Chapter Education Program - increasing the budget by 65 percent for 2004 and 2005.

This budget increase means that more chapters have the opportunity to bring top echelon speakers and educators to their members. SMACNA picks up the tab for the speaker and the chapter handles scheduling, logistics and speaker travel expenses.

In 2004, The Sheet Metal and Roofing Contractors Chapter, in Vienna, Ohio, took advantage of this opportunity. They thanked SMACNA for “providing the opportunity to put on another top-notch training program. Without the assistance of SMACNA, we would not have been able to provide our membership with the types of training offered through the Chapter Education and Supervisory Training Programs,” noted Kevin Reilly, chapter executive.

The Chicagoland chapter signed on for two programs. Their members commented that the programs were “very interesting” and provided lots of “golden nuggets” to use each day. Another member reported that “the speaker was full of energy and knowledge. Great seminar!”

The Alaska Mechanical Contractors Association reported that their 2004 state convention was very successful thanks to the SMACNA Chapter Educational program they offered.

Central Illinois was very pleased that the chapter ed speaker met one-on-one with members answering questions and tailoring his message to meet individual needs. “Kevin was great!” they said. “Everyone wants more.”

In 2005, SMACNA is once again following Ben Franklin’s advice and investing in knowledge. This coming year seven new chapter education programs being offered at the increased funding level from 2004.

Ben Franklin also said, “He that is good at making excuses is seldom good at anything else.” So please sign up today and bring a Chapter Education Program to your area. Contact Bridgette Bienacker, director of business management and membership, at (703) 803-2987. No excuses accepted.

Sincerely,

Kevin A. Harpring SMACNA President