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It's OK to Not Be OK

How mental health challenges are impacting the sheet metal and HVAC industry and how SMACNA and SMART are helping members fight it.

Giving Construction Workers With Substance Abuse: Hope & Recovery Opportunities

Thomas S. Gunning wins Top Newsmaker Award for his work on getting Narcan on more construction jobsites in Massachusetts. 

2024 Legislative Goals on Track

SMACNA lists the following legislative priorities as making progress so far this year. Check each issue for the latest updates.  

10 Recommendations to Build a Culture of Respect

BE4ALL (Belonging and Excellence for All) launched in December 2021. The initiative, known as Culture of Respect today, envisions a diverse, inclusive and unionized sheet metal industry that is welcoming and fosters belonging for all. 

Time is Running Out to Maximize Tax Benefits under the TCJA

When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted in 2017, it introduced several temporary provisions that brought significant tax advantages to the construction industry.

Understanding Overtime Challenges: Bonuses and Incentive Payments

While SMACNA contractors are familiar with the concept of “overtime” — that is, paying employees time and one-half for certain hours worked — few contractors understand how overtime paid pursuant to their collective bargaining agreement (or “CBA”) intersects with statutory overtime required by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (or “FLSA”).

Welcome New SMACNA Members

Contractor Spotlight: McCusker Gill

Learn more about the Boston area shop that continues to be a standard setter within the industry and how the company has grown through its years of family ownership.

CEA Interview: Rep. Pat Ryan

New York lawmaker talks about some of the major public projects in his district as well as the importance of project labor agreements.

Attend the 2025 Safety & Health Conference

This brand new event, a collaboration between MCAA, SMACNA, and TAUC, will bring together safety professionals from across the signatory contracting space to learn more about the innovations and best practices being utilized to enhance workplaces.

SMACNA Unveils Fall 2024 Educational Programming Schedule

Learn more about the multiple opportunities available to SMACNA Contractors to enhance their professional toolbox.

Register for an Upcoming SMACNA Webinar

SMACNA has lined up an impressive collection of experts to present on several industry-relevant topics that can help improve your business.

Watch ‘Better Labor Productivity Through Workforce Management’

This recent mechanical contractor panel discussion covered how to prioritize workforce management to support sustainable company growth.

Personnel Policies and Procedures: 2024 Update

The latest update from the Contractor Operations Manual Committee details best practices on issues such as personnel policies and procedures, company rules and regulations, and benefit management.

Toolbox Talk: Courageous Conversations

Learn more about how you can equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate difficult conversations with co-workers.

SMACNA’s White Paper on Cannabis Issues Now Available

White paper to assist contractors and chapters in understanding issues that arise when contractors consider doing business with marijuana-related businesses. 

Smartbuild Construction Software Joins as Silver Associate Member

Learn more about this specialized, field-tested software for the subcontracting industry.

Watch SMART’s Core Work Video

Take a moment to learn more about maintaining the flow of foundational business amidst the rapid growth in megaprojects.

SMART General Secretary-Treasurer Joe Powell Transitions to Directorial Role

Local 265 Business Manager and SMART General Vice President John Daniel to assume position on July 1, 2024, having been elected by the SMART General Executive Council.

Save the Date: Collective Bargaining Orientation

Session will help all negotiators, regardless of experience, enhance their toolbox.

Apply for SMACNA Committees, Task Forces and the Board of Directors

June 21st is the last day to apply for a variety of vacancies within the organization.

Accelerate Your Impact: Understanding Unfair Labor Practices

July 23rd session will assist chapter executives in deepening their understanding of how to prevent and resolve these situations through an understanding of labor laws and learning about how to improve labor relations.

Report: In-Person Meetings Becoming More In Demand

Fresh data from Cvent outlines how there is growing demand for face-to-face meetings as virtual engagement fatigue continues to mount.

PTO Survey Report Just Released

Report  summarizes local paid time off arrangements through vacation/leave funds, state PTO laws and federally mandated PTO for Davis Bacon and related work.

Consider Sponsoring the College of Fellows Golf and Pickleball Tournaments

Ongoing support allows for the expansion of scholarship opportunities for talented young people from within the SMACNA family.

SMART General Secretary-Treasurer Joe Powell Transitions to Directorial Role

Local 265 Business Manager and SMART General Vice President John Daniel to assume position on July 1, 2024, having been elected by the SMART General Executive Council.

CEA Interview: Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)

New York Congressman outlines the critical need for bipartisan cooperation in order to advance infrastructure priorities.

Consider Sponsoring the College of Fellows Golf and Pickleball Tournaments

Ongoing support allows for the expansion of scholarship opportunities for talented young people from within the SMACNA family.

PTO Survey Report Just Released

Report  summarizes local paid time off arrangements through vacation/leave funds, state PTO laws and federally mandated PTO for Davis Bacon and related work.

OSHA Draft Heat Rule One Step Closer to Publication

Proposed draft of a new regulation under final review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Regulation of the Month: Fair Labor Standards Act Final Rule

Learn more about how the new rules require contractors to revaluate whether executive, administrative, and professional employees remain exempt under FLSA rules.

SMACPAC Hosts Fundraiser for Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK)

David Hames and Lon Fett attend event with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Mechanical Contractor Panel: Better Labor Productivity Through Workforce Management

When labor makes up half or more of your budget, coming in, at or under budget on every job is imperative to profitability. Hear how other contractors are prioritizing Workforce Management to support sustainable company growth.

June 2024 Update: State Legislative Activity

Learn more about how manufacturing construction is booming thanks to the CHIPS Act, the Commerce Department's effort to promote women in construction, and how members can support SMACPAC.  

Workshop on Best Practices for Association Policies and Procedures

Join us for a workshop tailored to chapter executives, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective association management. Chapter executives have a lot to manage while running an effective association and staying within budget. Clear policies and procedures are vital for smooth operations, upholding values, and risk mitigation. 

Facilitated by Dan Kelly of Felhaber Larson, this workshop offers valuable insights and tools for chapter governance and management excellence. Whether seasoned or new to a chapter executive role, join us to enhance your Chapter's operations and mission achievement. 

Workshop on Best Practices for Association Policies and Procedures

Join us for a workshop tailored to chapter executives, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective association management. Chapter executives have a lot to manage while running an effective association and staying within budget. Clear policies and procedures are vital for smooth operations, upholding values, and risk mitigation. 

Facilitated by Dan Kelly of Felhaber Larson, this workshop offers valuable insights and tools for chapter governance and management excellence. Whether seasoned or new to a chapter executive role, join us to enhance your Chapter's operations and mission achievement.

A Call For Tax Incentives To Boost Mega-Projects

The U.S. sheet metal industry is pressing the U.S. Senate to approve a high-priority measure that would help ensure completion of economically essential “megaprojects” under construction or planned across the United States.

ACHR News Podcast: The Tool Belt Generation

Gen Z is now being called the “tool belt generation.” How did this happen? SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger explains why young people are joining the HVAC industry.

Revolutionizing HVAC Ductwork: The Iowa Precision Cornermatic Series

Iowa Precision stands out for its reliability and cutting-edge technology in ductwork fabrication machinery that enhances productivity and efficiency.

Forget the Glue Mess!

Johns Manville introduces LinacouSTIC® RC-IG , the first premium, flexible, fiberglass duct liner with a non-toxic, water-reactivated adhesive layer for easier, cleaner, and quicker duct liner installation on sheet metal. See it in action!

The Most Productive Way to Shear Strut on Site

Designed for professional electricians, plumbers, and mechanical contractors, Milwaukee Tool’s M18™ FORCE LOGIC™ Single Channel Strut Shear is the most productive way to shear strut on site.

Protecting Your Equipment With Preventative Maintenance

With inflation costs continuing to rise, staying on top of regularly scheduled maintenance and having trained people available to make repairs is essential.

Knauf Performance+™ CERTIFIED Asthma & Allergy Friendly®

The newly launched Knauf Performance+ Duct Liner is the only HVAC fiberglass insulation that is formaldehyde-free and is the first of its kind to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL).

Learn More About the Daikin Rebel® Cooling and Heat Pump Systems

Upgrade your HVAC system and join the Rebel revolution - the ultimate packaged rooftop solution for industry-leading performance and climate-controlled comfort.

Harnessing Innovation to Help Save Time & Protect Your Bottom Line

Discover the benefits of Hilti’s newest direct fastening tool, the BX 4-22 Cordless concrete nailer, and see how its premier performance features can help increase profitability for your organization.

Fabrication SmartTools: Automated workflows. Immediate Impact

Purpose-built to maximize production within Fab Parts in Revit, Fabrication SmartTools is a suite of tools that automate manual processes so that sheet metal and piping contractors can design for fabrication with fewer steps and more quality.

Hydronic Heating. Simplified. Electrified.

Check out the newest addition to the Trane modular unit portfolio, the all-new, all-electric, all-in-one Trane air-source multipipe.

Elevate Your HVAC Game

Duro Dyne Dyna Tite Suspension strut kits include everything you need to suspend air handlers and equipment in attics, garages, ceilings and basements.

AEROFLEX Breathe-EZ™ Fiber-Free Acoustic Duct Insulation

Learn more about this fiber-free acoustic duct insulation that passes ASTM E84, UL 723, and CAN/ULC-S102 25/50 up to 2” [50 mm] thick.

The DM32X: Retrotec’s New Gauge Released!

Retrotec’s most advanced digital manometer is now available! Meet the DM32X: air tightness testing and building diagnostics will never be the same again. This refreshing new testing experience will open new doors and extend your diagnostic abilities.