Sheet metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association

SMACNA’s new Executive Committee members.

The newly elected members of SMACNA’s Board of Directors.

John Sickle named Legislative Contractor of the Year. Tony Adolfs is Chapter Executive Legislative Advocate.

Congratulations to SMACNA’s first-place 2016 Safety Excellence Award winners, who were recognized for their outstanding safety and health performance and chapter participation at the 73rd Annual Convention in Phoenix. In addition to its U.S. companies, SMACNA is proud to recognize the safety excellence of SMACNA members in Canada.

The rules for federal contractors are changing. If you work with the federal government, you may have to comply with two new requirements—the new rules on “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” and “Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors.”

SMACNA 2016 President Guy Gast presented a $5,000 check toSoleil Dolce, vice president of the all-volunteer Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, Scottsdale, Ariz., at the convention in Phoenix.

SMART General President Joseph Sellers’s Labor Forum remarks provided an update on the pension fund, the new SMART Heroes program, Helmets to Hardhats, women in the trades, capturing new markets, industrial market opportunities, regional health-care plans, the Code of Excellence, and the Peer-to-Peer Member Assistance Program at SMACNA’s convention in Phoenix.

For the first time the Product Show at the Phoenix convention hosted silent and live auctions with 20 items donated by exhibitors with the proceeds to benefit SMAC PAC’s Administrative Fund.

Annual subscriptions to SMACNA’s 37-title technical library are now available in the cloud. Sign up for individual titles, bundles of your most frequently referenced standards, or the entire eLibrary. Check it out on the SMACNA website today.

Each year I have the privilege of using this forum to recount some of SMACNA’s accomplishments and challenges and to also offer a few thoughts on where we are going next. I’m excited to dive right in.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time with SMACNA CEO Vince Sandusky this past year, and as always, he’s done a fabulous job of highlighting SMACNA’s products and services—and the state of the industry.

Every year, SMACNA’s Political Action Committee hosts an event at the annual convention.

SMACNA’s annual Product Show at the convention in Phoenix featured one of the largest collections of new innovations in the market today. SMACNA contractors had many opportunities to talk directly to vendors and suppliers about their specific needs.

The Doobie Brothers and their legendary tunes rocked the house during the SMACNA convention’s closing show.

“If you ever regret being a woman, remember we got off the Titanic first,” quipped Diana Jordan, author and comedian, speaking on the healing power of laughter at the convention’s spouse brunch.

SMACNA 2016 President Guy Gast (left) presents Past President Thomas Szymczak with a plaque of appreciation for his years of service to SMACNA.

Robert Gawne, CEO, Stromberg Metal Works Inc., Beltsville, Md., received the Career Legislative Achievement award at the convention’s Congressional Insiders Club reception for his long-standing legislative and political leadership. His daughter, Kathy Bigelow, accepted the award at the convention’s Congressional Insiders Club reception.

Ryan Hamilton riffed on the perils of being single, hot air ballooning in a wicker basket, losing his contacts while skydiving, growing up in an Idaho small town, and his childhood adventures at the convention’s opening session.

SMACNA 2016 President Guy Gast (left) transfers the responsibilities of the office of SMACNA president to incoming 2017 President Joseph Lansdell.

“Time to make hamburger out of sacred cows.”| “It’s time to modify the way to go to market. Remember, change ain’t easy.” | “Accidents are caused by people looking for stuff—tools, materials, information.” – Michael McLin on Transforming Your Organization for the Future (HVAC Contractors Forum)

In recognition of their service in advancing the sheet metal industry, SMACNA’s College of Fellows inducted five individuals at this year’s convention in Phoenix. Election to the College is a high honor, recognizing years of dedication and service.