Industry Fund Seminar to Follow December Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting

Seminar will provide chapter executives and industry fund trustees guidance on proper industry fund administration and permissible uses.

The half-day Industry Fund Seminar will immediately follow the conclusion of the Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting on the morning of December 10, 2024, at the JW Marriott New Orleans in New Orleans, LA.

The first part of the seminar will present an overview of industry funds, while the second half will cover more advanced issues surrounding the proper operation and function of industry funds.

During the introductory section, SMACNA’s Jason Watson, executive director of labor relations, and Dan Kelly and Grant Collins, attorneys from Felhaber Larson, will share their expert knowledge on topics ranging from:

  • Why a local industry fund?
  • What is the proper industry fund structure?
  • The interplay between the local industry fund and the chapter/association.
  • The impact of federal labor and tax law on industry funds.
  • The permissible and impermissible fund uses.
  • Industry fund governance, policies, and practices to adopt.

The second half of the seminar will focus on real-world scenarios industry fund managers and trustees typically experience. In addition to answering attendees’ questions, the following issues will be discussed:

  • How industry fund monies can be spent on out-of-the-box expenditures
  • Industry fund collection and encouragement of nonmembers' contributions
  • Financial audits and reviews — when they are needed, and what should be shared
  • Keeping association and industry fund operations separate

The Industry Fund Seminar will provide chapter executives and industry fund trustees guidance on proper industry fund administration and permissible uses.

All SMACNA Chapter Executives and Industry Fund Trustees should plan to attend this program. 

To reserve your spot, complete the Council of Chapter Representatives Registration. Please mark the appropriate box on the registration form indicating whether you plan to attend this complimentary seminar.

If you would like to register for this meeting and are NOT planning to attend the Council of Chapter Representatives Meeting, please contact Heather Frank at 703.995.4045 or hfrank@smacna.org.

For more information about the December Chapter Council meeting and the call for agenda items, email jsquirewell@smacna.org.


Oct 9, 2024 Member Update

Latest Articles


SMACNA, SMART and iTi hold second successful BE4ALL Town Hall

Jun 3, 2026 - Seattle event brought together contractors and union members to hear from SMART President Todd Hill, SMART General President Michael Coleman and iTI Executive Director Michael Harris on how to strengthen the industry.


Tom Martin Interviewed by Rochester NBC Affiliate

Jun 3, 2026 - SMACNA’s Immediate Past President talks to NBC 10 news about the value of a career in the skilled trades.


Share Your Experience: Participate in SMACNA's Back Charges Survey

Jun 3, 2026 - Study examines how back charges arise, how contractors respond, and which practices lead to successful outcomes