The Council of Chapter Representatives met in early December and recommended that SMACNA’s Board of Directors investigate the cost and value of conducting a nationwide analysis of apprenticeship and training programs in the construction industry. The possibility of including other building trade entities should also be considered. Such a study would provide factual data for positive promotion of the union sector of the construction industry.

SMACNA leadership at the Council agreed that SMACNA Legal Counsel should develop guidelines to alert SMACNA Chapters and contractors of the legal issues related to employee information requested and obtained through the use of “SmartCard” technology. A model “SmartCard” company policy will be drafted as part of this document.

SMACNA legal counsel William K. Ecklund reported on Taft-Hartley Fund trustee responsibilities.

The Council also heard reports on the National Pension Fund as well as update on the International Training Institute, the National Energy Management Institute and the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust. As part of the chapter program sharing, John Wanner, executive director of SMACNA Pennsylvania, reported on a different legislative approach to reverse auctions.

Linda Hughes, executive director of Orange Empire SMACNA, was elected to serve as Council vice chairman.