How Do Contractors Turn Policy Into Progress?

Contractors and SMACNA staff know advocacy matters. When members get involved, our voices are heard and we shape policies that protect and grow our industry.

“Government affairs isn’t something that just happens in Washington, D.C. It happens when SMACNA members get involved. By engaging, we amplify our voices and shape legislation that benefits not just our companies, but our entire industry. Getting involved is something we can all afford to do, and the relationships/friendships we build along the way are invaluable. They strengthen our businesses and our industry for the long term.”

– Rob Schimmelpfennig, HAVE Heating and Cooling, Ashtabula, Ohio

“Legislative advocacy remains a priority, as policies on workforce development and labor standards directly impact our competitiveness. Our partnerships with SMACNA and SMART at the national level strengthen our influence, ensuring our voice is heard from local projects to national policy discussions.”

– Gary Luthe Sr., Luthe Sheet Metal, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

"The SMACNA Government Affairs team’s extreme awareness of legislative and political affairs has constantly kept our firm and SMACNA contractors informed and in the forefront of many issues and circumstances. The knowledge, dedication and commitment in the arena of pension reform, election updates, energy efficiency bills and unemployment status are just a few of the many items that the SMACNA Government Affairs team orchestrates on behalf of our industry. Additionally, the expert level of communication with Capitol Hill lawmakers and constant connection with the members of Congress has always placed SMACNA National and SMACNA contractors on the cutting edge of the construction industry.”

– John Sickle Jr., Duct Fabricators Inc., Cleveland, Ohio

“Member engagement is the fuel that makes SMACNA’s government affairs efforts effective. When legislators hear directly from contractors in their communities, it brings our issues to life in a way no policy brief ever could. I’ve seen firsthand how adding my voice to SMACNA’s legislative advocacy has helped shape outcomes that protect our businesses, our employees and the sheet metal industry as a whole. The more members who participate, the stronger our impact becomes.”

– Tony Adolfs, SMACNA Greater Chicago

Published: October 21, 2025

SMACNews September/October 2025

IN THIS ISSUE

A Year of Legislative Wins

How SMACNA’s Government Affairs department is advocating for members in 2025.

Big Build, Bigger Challenge

Welsch Heating and Cooling delivers energy efficiency and architectural style on one of St. Louis’s largest residential projects.

Chapter Spotlight: PHILADELPHIA - How a Century-Old Association is Forging New Leaders

SMCA is cultivating young leadership, strengthening labor ties and expanding educational programs to keep Philadelphia’s sheet metal industry strong, sustainable and future-ready.

Construction Tax Planning Under the One Big Beautiful Bill

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a sweeping 2025 tax reform package, introduces wide-ranging changes to federal tax policy. While it may appear broadly applicable across industries, its impact on construction is direct and substantial.

Driving Fabrication Innovation

Dynamic Systems thrives by delivering mechanical construction precision through advanced technologies and streamlined digital workflows.

Fifth Circuit Finds NLRB Structure Likely Unconstitutional

On Aug. 19, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit halted unfair labor practice proceedings against three employers, most notably SpaceX, before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

How Do Contractors Turn Policy Into Progress?

Contractors and SMACNA staff know advocacy matters. When members get involved, our voices are heard and we shape policies that protect and grow our industry.

How Getting Involved Can Make a Big Difference

SMACNA's President discusses the importance of engaging with lawmakers and reflects on his term.

Latest SMACNA Publications

Explore SMACNA’s latest publications with insights on BIM and IP, practical resources to help contractors improve projects, protect their businesses, and stay ahead.

More Than Just Another Office Project

SMACNA member Dee Cramer was hired to perform HVAC construction on a corporate campus built to harmonize with the environment.

Shining Symbol of Strength

Copper walls by General Sheet Metal define IBEW 48’s hall.

SMACNA’s Legacy of Government Relations

SMACNA's CEO discusses the significant role government relations have always played at SMACNA and details his own interaction with our team on the Hill.

The Majority of SMACNA Members Need a CTO

It’s no secret that our industry has seen a rapid digital transformation over the past two decades. From BIM and ERP systems to robotic layout and cloud project management, today’s contractors and fabricators have access to powerful tools.

Welcome New SMACNA Members