Acting Secretary of Labor Expresses Appreciation for SMACNA Philadelphia Roundtable

The Department of Labor's Acting Secretary, Keith Sonderling, expressed his appreciation to SMACNA's Philadelphia Chapter (SMCA) for hosting a regional industry, contracting, and construction briefing, as well as a Department of Labor roundtable listening session focused on workforce priorities.

The roundtable was held at the SMCA chapter headquarters following a comprehensive briefing on industry issues and market conditions. Attendees also toured Prime Sheet Metal, hosted by CEO Dominic Bonitatis, a member of the SMACNA National Board of Directors and a leader on the association's Legislative Committee.

In a message following the visit, Sonderling thanked the chapter for its hospitality and emphasized the importance of the work being done by SMACNA contractors.

"The visit gave a direct view of how your work supports local workforce priorities and how those efforts contribute to our nation's broader economic goals," Sonderling wrote.

He also highlighted the Department of Labor's shared commitment to workforce development and apprenticeship programs, noting the value of continued collaboration between the department and industry partners.

"Our discussions on workforce development, apprenticeships, and initiatives showed how your efforts contribute to opportunities for Americans in both tangible and meaningful ways. The conversation, along with the hospitality from your team, helped illustrate how your day-to-day operations relate to the initiatives you highlighted," Sonderling said.

Sonderling was recently nominated to serve as Secretary of Labor, a move that SMACNA supports. 

Click here to read the original Member Update piece on the Acting Secretary’s Visit, and click here to read his letter to SMCA.