SMACNA’s Legacy of Government Relations

Government relations have always played a key role at SMACNA. I first met Stan Kolbe and Dana Thompson from the National SMACNA staff back in 1993. After my freshman year at the University of Rochester, I interned with the National Roofing Contractors Association. Thanks to Stan and Dana, SMACNA remains as strong now as it was in the 1990s. The relationships they built then still matter today. Being consistent and knowledgeable about policy, as well as attending meetings, are all essential for success. 

When I served as a chapter executive, government relations was one of the biggest ways I added value. Like Stan and Dana, I spent years in New York building relationships that made a difference for our members. Managing several groups helped us share costs, but what really mattered was being a trusted policy expert and always being open to conversation. Working with great partners like Denise Murphy McGraw, who supports SMACNA’s state and local programs, has also made a significant difference.

Some of you joined a recent webinar we hosted with my friend, New York State Assemblyman Harry Bronson. I’ve worked with Harry for almost 20 years, starting when he was counsel to the Assembly Labor Committee and a top staffer for a member I knew well. Today, Harry chairs the Labor Committee, which is especially important for SMACNA members. We didn’t always agree, but we always discussed issues and policy openly. Together, we achieved a lot for our community and union contractors. One highlight was a $1 billion school renovation program that improved city schools and created significant work for our members, all with clear and transparent PLAs.

I also worked with another assembly member who later became the majority leader of the New York State Assembly. Joe Morelle is now a leading Member of Congress and a strong supporter of union contractors. We first started working together on insurance issues in 2004. That work then moved to economic development and project funding and was very successful for our community. Building relationships with great members of Congress like Morelle takes years of effort and partnership at the local level!

Many of our chapters are actively engaged in state and local issues. Some states have already passed indoor air quality legislation, and others are considering it. Labor and construction bills often arise, and we don’t always agree with all of them. Permitting can be a challenge for projects, but we can help make it easier. Chapters can also support economic development and get involved early in new projects that need political backing to succeed.

SMACNA will continue to support state and local efforts, just as we have in recent years. I’m also happy to share that SMART is now investing nationally in state-level work. This will help us work together more effectively on shared issues and create more opportunities for our members.

If there’s an issue that matters to your chapter, please let us know. Small local issues often grow into bigger national concerns. SMACNA wants to be involved early and do everything we can to support our members.

I look forward to seeing you at the convention and hearing about the work you are doing!