News & Views
Carson Cates - SMACNA-KC Young Executive Committee Chairman
Posted Mar 30, 2011
The SMACNA-KC Young Executive Committee continues to develop the next generation of leaders at its monthly meetings for industry up-and-comers ages 27-42. Following a successful recruiting event in August, the committee continues to grow its membership and expand the representative base of companies already a part of SMACNA-KC. The September meeting of the Young Executive Committee was held at the Outlaw Cigar Company in Overland Park and featured a presentation by Board member Bob Livingston. As the youngest Board member of SMACNA-KC, Livingston was able to share his career path from his entrance into the sheet metal industry to obtaining a seat on the Board. He also offered valuable insight into the various committees within SMACNA-KC to educate Young Executive Committee members about where their skills could best be utilized.
The Young Executive Committee’s October meeting was held at Barley’s Brewhouse in Shawnee, where Board member Tom LoScalzo spoke about the importance of being involved in SMACNA-KC and contributing to the industry as a whole. He reminded committee members that no matter their status within their company, all individuals have skills that can help to further SMACNA-KC’s position within Kansas City’s construction industry.
The Young Executive Committee also received national attention this fall when an article about the committee was published in the SMACNA National newsletter. In addition, I met with representatives from SMACNA National during the annual SMACNA Convention in Phoenix to discuss the structure of our committee, our experiences to-date and our ideas for the future. National SMACNA representatives are exploring ways to use our committee as a model to encourage other SMACNA chapters to get young professionals more involved by establishing similar Young Executive Committees.
The Young Executive Committee meets on the last Thursday of each month from 4-6 p.m. and potential new members are encouraged to contact Carson Cates at 913-438-9911 or by e-mail at ccates@catessheetmetal.com for more information.