<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-14-600x406.jpg?sfvrsn=ce3c9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-14-600x406.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=ce3c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="SMACNA Executive Committee" title="SMACNA Executive Committee" style="float: left; margin-right: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>SMACNA contractors joined forces with other specialty construction groups at this year&rsquo;s Construction Employers of America (CEA) National Issues Conference, held May 7-9 in Washington, D.C.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The first day of the program featured policy experts on multiemployer pension plans, pharmacy benefit issues, and paid family and sick leave. SMACNA members were then invited to a legislative dinner, where members and chapter executives were recognized for their contributions to SMAC PAC. The evening included a speech by SMACNA President Nathan Dills.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-15-576x600.jpg?sfvrsn=99ecc9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-15-576x600.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=99ecc9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="CEA-15 576x600" title="SMACNA President Elect Angie Simon with Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL)" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>On the second day, legislators shared their views on infrastructure, energy efficiency, procurement, paid leave, and other issues important to the industry. The day opened with Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), followed by Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), and Rep. Gerry Connelly (D-VA).&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking on infrastructure investment, Rep. Stauber said, "let's get an infrastructure package together that is bold and responsive." He closed his speech noting, "I'm privileged to be here today and work with both sides of the aisle and labor is going to be a huge part of it."</p> <p>Rep. Connelly noted that &ldquo;infrastructure does not happen by fairy dust. You have to fund it...if we do not heed the warning of America&rsquo;s crumbling infrastructure, we are handing our competitiveness over to China. It is a lack of political will to make that investment, an investment that we should have made yesterday.&rdquo;</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) followed with speeches on energy efficiency and investing in America&rsquo;s future. &nbsp;Tonko stated, &ldquo;we have the incredible opportunity to invest in America&rsquo;s infrastructure and put our people to work. Roads and bridges are not enough. We have to include broadband and make that system run more efficiently. We also need additional investments in water systems infrastructure.&rdquo; He closed his talk with a rallying cry, &ldquo;I still believe most optimistically in the pioneer spirit of this country. As we go forward let us commit to investments that brings us back to a country that &ldquo;builds&rdquo; and moves forward.&rdquo; </p> <p>Markey focused on the Green New Deal, a bill he introduced in the Senate, and building a climate resistant future. "We're talking about jobs," he said. "The Green New Deal will be the single largest creator of blue collar jobs."&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-16-600x435.jpg?sfvrsn=85ecc9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-16-600x435.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=85ecc9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="CEA-16 600x435" title="Michael A. Brown, President, Environmental Construction Services, Inc., Philadelphia, PA; Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ); Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA); and Dominic Bonitatis III, President, Prime Sheet Metal, Warminster, PA." style="float: left; margin-right: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>The final session featured Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL) who spoke on lowering the price of prescription drugs and noted that she believes "we will pass a meaningful infrastructure package."</p> <p>Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) discussed paid leave and his commitment to ensuring that our workforce is a focus of the conversation. &ldquo;I want to stress the importance of guaranteed pay," he said. "The lack of guaranteed pay relief costs a family so much. It is outrageous that a worker should have to choose between a sick family member or themselves and a paycheck.&rdquo;</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The legislative conference is all about advocacy and more than 60 SMACNA members from 20 states took part in more than 100 meetings with their legislators to discuss ramifications of these issues on their businesses, their employees, and the industry.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>In the evening, members were invited to an all-association reception, hosted by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH), with special guest Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA). Stivers welcomed members, noting that "the economy is doing pretty well but our infrastructure needs a boost."</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-15-600x511.jpg?sfvrsn=48e3c9a5_0"><span class="captioned"></span></a><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-15-600x511.jpg?sfvrsn=48e3c9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/cea-15-600x511.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=48e3c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Stan Kolbe, SMACNA's Director of Legislative and Political Affairs, with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts." title="Stan Kolbe, SMACNA's Director of Legislative and Political Affairs, with Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts." style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>The final day focused on apprenticeship and labor with speakers Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of the Sage Policy Group. Nicholas C. Geale, chief of staff to the secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, and Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), and John Katko (R-NY).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/pinp_april_2019-600x754.png?sfvrsn=a9e4c9a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/pinp_april_2019-600x754.tmb-medium.png?sfvrsn=a9e4c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="PINP_April_2019 600x754" title="PINP_April_2019 600x754" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The most recent edition of <a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/pinp_apr2019_(s).pdf?sfvrsn=38ecc9a5_0">Partners in Progress magazine</a>&nbsp;focuses on how SMACNA and SMART collaborate when faced with the inevitable realities of disasters. The April issue goes in-depth to show how both SMACNA and SMART have partnered to address and overcome man-made and natural disasters. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Inside this issue:</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <ul> <li> <p><strong>OPENING UP TO WORK TOGETHER</strong><br /> Only when we admit wrongs, answer tough questions, and accept differences can we begin to foster solid relationships. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>DISASTER RECOVERY</strong><br /> SMACNA and SMART partner in disaster recovery and loss prevention strategies that ease the burdens of natural disasters. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>EVERYONE WINS: HELMETS TO HARDHATS CONNECTS VETERANS TO OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TRADES</strong><br /> Veterans find a second chance at a rewarding career thanks to Helmets to Hardhats and opportunities in the sheet metal trade. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>HISTORICAL RENOVATION: TOWN HALL SEATTLE</strong><br /> SMACNA and SMART take on the impressive and complex renovation of Town Hall Seattle. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>HVAC AND SECURITY</strong><br /> Contractors and tradespersons with the right know-how can help protect building owners from HVAC security risks. </p> </li> <li> <p><strong>REVEALING FAILURES</strong></p> </li> </ul> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/pinp_apr2019_(s).pdf?sfvrsn=38ecc9a5_0" title="here">Download the current issue</a>.</p> <p>Learn more about SMACNA and SMART&rsquo;s partnership at <strong><a href="http://www.pinp.org">www.pinp.org</a></strong> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/default-album/smacna_aclogo2019_web6adfa59c41746fcd88eaff000002c0f4.png?sfvrsn=dcabcaa5_2"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/default-album/smacna_aclogo2019_web6adfa59c41746fcd88eaff000002c0f4.tmb-medium.png?sfvrsn=dcabcaa5_3" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="SMACNA 2019 Annual Convention" title="SMACNA 2019 Annual Convention" style="float: left; margin-right: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The 2019 SMACNA Annual Convention will be the grand finale of SMACNA&rsquo;s 75th Anniversary. On Wednesday, October 23, attendees will be able to see keynote speaker Kevin Brown. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Growing up in blue-collar Muskegon, Michigan taught Kevin Brown at a very early age the value of hard work and determination. With an eclectic mix of career stops that ultimately led him to the purchase of a franchise at the age of seventeen, Kevin&rsquo;s unconventional path to business and personal success has taught him that winning in business and in life requires anything but conventional thinking.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/kevin-brown-600x537.jpg?sfvrsn=66fbc9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/kevin-brown-600x537.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=66fbc9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Kevin Brown 600x537" title="Kevin Brown" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>Combining a street-wise aptitude and a never quit attitude, he worked his way from the front lines in business to the executive boardroom. For the past seventeen years, he has been part of a leadership team that has grown a little-known brand into an industry giant with annual revenues exceeding one billion dollars.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Kevin is on a mission to help people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else. He is passionate about helping people expand their vision, develop their potential and grow their results. And, as the father of an autistic child, he knows firsthand how the principles of true success reach beyond the boardroom and into the lives of real people facing the challenges of everyday life.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Kevin truly entertains, inspires and challenges people to show up every day and make a positive difference at work and in life!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>With approximately 1,000 SMACNA members, their management teams, chapter executives, and industry partners coming together in Austin, attendees of the 2019 SMACNA Annual Convention will experience world-class speakers, top-notch entertainment, exclusive receptions, numerous networking opportunities, and the vibrant entertainment and culture of Austin, where live music lives and breathes 365 days a year.</p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.smacna.org/annualconvention"><strong>Register to attend today!</strong></a><br class="t-last-br" /> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/tsg---stand-down-600x415.jpg?sfvrsn=36e7c9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/tsg---stand-down-600x415.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=36e7c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Thomas S. Gunning, III, speaking at one of the stand-downs." title="Thomas S. Gunning, III, speaking at one of the stand-downs." style="float: right; margin: 5px 5px 5px 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>&ldquo;The construction industry has been battered by the opioid crisis&hellip;[In Massachusetts] we lose 150 workers out of every 100,000 to this epidemic, and it&rsquo;s unacceptable,&rdquo; said Thomas S. Gunning, III., director of labor relations for SMACNA Boston and the Building Trades Employers&rsquo; Association (BTEA), in an <a href="https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/04/29/construction-industry-building-solutions-to-the-opioid-crisis/">editorial in the Boston Herald</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p>The article was part of a larger media campaign announcing the first ever Building Trades for Recovery Week from April 29 &ndash; May 3 (The week <a href="https://www.smacna.org/news/latest/archive/2019/04/11/boston-mayor-proclaims-the-week-of-april-29th-as-building-trades-for-recovery-week">was officially proclaimed</a> by the City of Boston and Mayor Marty Walsh.) </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/mayor-walsh---t3-600x426.jpg?sfvrsn=25e7c9a5_0"><span class="captioned"></span></a><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/mayor-walsh---t3-600x426.jpg?sfvrsn=25e7c9a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/mayor-walsh---t3-600x426.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=25e7c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Mayor Marty Walsh with Thomas S. Gunning, III" title="Mayor Marty Walsh with Thomas S. Gunning, III" style="float: left; margin: 5px 12px 10px 5px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The BTEA and SMACNA Boston wanted to start a conversation and reduce the stigma surrounding opioid addiction. To support this effort, they sponsored a week-long conference with educational training and speakers. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://buildingtradesforrecovery.com/">The conference</a> kicked off with remarks by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and former professional basketball player Chris Herren, who discussed his experience as an elite athlete in recovery. The agenda covered the following topics: </p> <p> </p> <ul> <li> <p>Narcan Training with the Boston Public Health Commission</p> </li> <li> <p>How Addiction Works in the Brain</p> </li> <li> <p>High Times: Navigating a Drug Free Workplace in the Age of Marijuana</p> </li> <li> <p>Reasonable Suspicion Training</p> </li> <li> <p>Mental Health: Eliminating the Stigma</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>In addition, SMACNA Board member Jim Morgan, president of Worcester Air, participated in a labor management panel on substance abuse and recovery. He discussed the benefits of a drug testing program and his efforts as an employer to keep track of his employees&rsquo; health. Members of the BTEA and Ironworkers Local #7 were included on this panel as well. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/mayor-walsh-600x397.jpg?sfvrsn=10e7c9a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/mayor-walsh-600x397.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=10e7c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Boston Mayor Marty Walsh" title="Boston Mayor Marty Walsh" style="float: right; margin: 5px 5px 5px 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>One of the goals of the week was to create a platform of resources for contractors and unions. Members are invited to view the presentations and download resources on the <a href="http://buildingtradesforrecovery.com/resources/">Building Trades Recovery Week website</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p>The week culminated in two 150 second stand-downs on two jobsites to honor the 150 workers out of every 100,000 lost to addiction in Massachusetts. &ldquo;It was pretty moving,&rdquo; said Gunning, &ldquo;and we will use this to try to keep the momentum going.&rdquo; </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Media Coverage: </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://pdfiles.s3.amazonaws.com/live/pdf/20190429/1911994304451721411_16902.pdf">Building Trades targeting addiction</a>, The Boston Globe</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://soundcloud.com/buildbetter/7-tom-s-gunning-of-the">Tom S. Gunning recaps the Building Trades for Recovery Week</a>, High Profile Monthly's Build Better Podcast</p> <p> <a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/boston-construction-industry-makes-push-to-curb-opioid-crisis/27356800">Boston construction industry makes push to curb opioid crisis</a>, WCVB News<br class="t-last-br" /> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/img_1392-600x381.jpg?sfvrsn=a5e0c9a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/img_1392-600x381.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=a5e0c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="IMG_1392 600x381" title="IMG_1392 600x381" style="float: left; margin-right: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>SMACNA&rsquo;s Advanced Project Managers Institute (Advanced PMI) held May 5-8 welcomed participants from across the country to Raleigh, North Carolina. The program was led by industry experts Andrew Patron, Brian Dwyer and Sean Killeen from FMI Corporation.</p> <p>On Sunday, participants were introduced to the program objectives and provided a road map for the week. The group case studies included a project hand-off meeting and a review of the project documents.</p> <p>On the first day, Brian Dwyer led a discussion on the impact of productivity on profit and how to control productivity obstacles. Participants learned how to solidify their role in influencing field productivity. Sean Killeen followed with a discussion on how to conduct effective meetings. </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/img_1362-480x582.jpg?sfvrsn=90e0c9a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/img_1362-480x582.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=90e0c9a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="IMG_1362 480x582" title="IMG_1362 480x582" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The second day focused on communication methods and conflict management. Through role play, participants learned which methods work best in various situations, i.e., phone vs. face-to-face, emailing and texting. Sessions highlighted collaborative and competitive negotiation skills and the best methods for settling disputes both internally and externally. </p> <p>By the end of the program, graduates identified lessons learned and gained many takeaways, including how to develop personal action plans for current and future projects.</p> <p>For information on the 2020 Advanced Project Managers Institute, please contact Bridgette Bienacker at <a href="mailto:bbienacker@smacna.org?subject=Future APMI Information">bbienacker@smacna.org</a>.</p>