Chapters Step Up to Move Up!

Even though the October 1 Convention signage deadline has passed, the competition is far from over. Contributions will continue to be accepted through October 28 and will still count toward this year’s Top Ten Chapter Rankings, Capitol Caucus, and SMAC-AF Leadership Club standings. The latest rankings reveal several significant moves and a major shakeup throughout the leaderboard. 

Here are the Top Ten Chapters as of October 1, 2026: 

Who’s Moving Up in the Top Ten? 

Oklahoma Charges into Second Place  The biggest move at the top belongs to Western Oklahoma, which jumped from 5^th place to 2^nd, overtaking both Oregon & SW Washington and Metropolitan Detroit and closing in on current first-place chapter, Southern California. 

Western Washington Reclaims a Top-Five Spot  After sitting in sixth place on September 27, Western Washington moved up two spots to No. 4, leapfrogging Metropolitan Detroit and narrowing the gap with the chapters ahead.  

A Close Race  The race for positions eight and nine could hardly be closer. Cleveland climbed from 10^th to 8^th place, while New York City moved up from No. 8 to No. 9! 

Capitol Caucus: New Platinum Chapters 

Congratulations to Central Indiana and Miami Valley, OH chapters, both of whom advanced from Gold to Platinum Status, joining the Capitol Caucus’s highest recognition level.  

As a result of those promotions: 

• The Gold category now includes only three chapters: Connecticut, SMC of Iowa, and Boston.  
• The Silver category is now down to just San Diego and Montana. 

Convention Signage Deadline Has Passed, But the Competition Continues 

Although the October 1 deadline for Convention signage recognition has passed, contributions received through October 28 will still count toward this year's Top Ten rankings, Capitol Caucus participation, and SMAC-AF Leadership Club membership.  

Supporting the SMAC Administrative Fund (SMAC-AF) strengthens SMACNA's advocacy efforts while helping your chapter climb the rankings. SMAC-AF supports government affairs, advocacy, education, and member engagement initiatives that benefit the entire industry. There are several ways to participate: 

• Make your contribution online 
• Download our contribution form 
• Or call our Capitol Hill staff at 202-547-8202! 

The race isn’t over yet! The standings shifted dramatically in just four days. Western Oklahoma climbed three spots. Western Washington moved back into the Top Five. Cleveland jumped two positions. Two chapters earned Platinum Capitol Caucus status. If this week's activity is any indication, the leaderboard could look very different by October 28. 

Check your chapter's standing, see what's separating you from the next spot, and make your move before Convention. 

Questions or want to know what your chapter needs to move up? Contact me at skolbe@smacna.org or Belén Pifel at bpifel@smacna.org. You can also call the SMACNA Capitol Hill office at 202-547-8202.   

Contributions to the SMAC Administrative Fund (SMAC-AF) do not fund political campaigns; they are used solely to cover the costs associated with operating SMACPAC. SMAC-AF accepts personal & corporate funds, there is no limit on contribution amount, and contributions are generally deemed tax deductible (please consult your tax advisor for guidance).