<p><a href="https://www.igniteyourcareer.com/"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/igniteyourcareer-210x200.jpg?sfvrsn=7d9bc7a5_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="IgniteYourCareer 210x200" title="IgniteYourCareer 210x200" style="float: left; margin-top: 12px;" /></a>Today, SMACNA launched <a href="https://www.igniteyourcareer.com" target="_blank"><strong>IgniteYourCareer.com</strong></a>, the online focal point of SMACNA&rsquo;s comprehensive industry awareness and workforce development campaign. The campaign is designed to raise public awareness for career opportunities across the organized HVAC and sheet metal industries and support members in recruitment efforts by targeting job seekers and young people exploring career options.</p> <p>Along with the website, SMACNA has launched a social media presence for its Ignite Your Career campaign on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IgniteURCareer/" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/_IgniteURCareer" target="_blank"><strong>Twitter</strong></a>,<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ignite_ur_career/" target="_blank"><strong>Instagram</strong></a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo0tisqgC2bRwfZEL8Xv5LA?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank"><strong>YouTube</strong></a>. Be sure to like and follow us on social media.</p> <p><a href="https://www.igniteyourcareer.com" target="_blank"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/ignite-your-career-website-320x153.png?sfvrsn=8a84c7a5_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="Ignite Your Career website 320x153" title="IgniteYourCareer.com" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" /></span></a>Other features of the campaign include audience research, digital advertising, and media relations efforts. New marketing materials, including handouts, infographics and videos spotlighting careers in the industry, are also available for member companies to enhance their own recruitment programs and activities. Collateral can be accessed via the <a href="http://smacna.ygsmap.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Marketing Resource Center</strong></a>.</p> <p>For more information or feedback on the program, please contact Jeff Henriksen at <a href="mailto:jhenriksen@smacna.org"><strong>jhenriksen@smacna.org</strong></a>.</p> <p> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/wfd-press-release.pdf?sfvrsn=4e9bc7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/wfd-press-release-300x361.png?sfvrsn=619bc7a5_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="WFD Press Release 300x361" title="WFD Press Release 300x361" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" /></a>Earlier today, SMACNA issued the below <a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/wfd-press-release.pdf"><strong>press release</strong></a> to targeted media highlighting the new workforce development campaign, Ignite Your Career. In the release, Vince Sandusky, SMACNA CEO, is quoted on the state of our industry and the importance of workforce initiatives like Ignite Your Career.</p> <p>&ldquo;Our industry is grappling with a rapidly aging workforce, which is compounded by the national shortage of skilled trade workers and record low unemployment levels across the country. When we consider the challenges that our members are likely to face in the coming years, having enough qualified workers to satisfy customer expectations is at the top of the list for many. SMACNA is proud to play a leading role in addressing this challenge. Our &lsquo;Ignite Your Career&rsquo; campaign is focused on not only helping to fill the pipeline of immediate job openings, but also increasing the quality and depth of a new generation of applicants considering our field &ndash; whether on the craft or non-craft side.&rdquo;</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SMACNA Launches National &ldquo;Ignite Your Career&rdquo; Workforce Development Campaign</strong><em><br /> A new website, IgniteYourCareer.com, serves as the cornerstone<br /> of the full-scale career recruitment program</em><strong></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Chantilly, Va. (</strong><strong>February 20, </strong><strong>2020)</strong> <strong>&ndash; </strong>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smacna.org/" title="https://www.smacna.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors&rsquo; National Association</strong></a>&nbsp;(SMACNA), the leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, today announced the launch of its workforce development campaign, designed to raise public awareness for career opportunities across the organized HVAC and sheet metal industries, and support its members in recruitment efforts. A new website, <a href="https://www.igniteyourcareer.com/" target="_blank"><strong>IgniteYourCareer.com</strong></a>, is being rolled out and will serve as the &ldquo;digital hub&rdquo; of this comprehensive campaign. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>&ldquo;Our industry is grappling with a rapidly aging workforce, which is compounded by the national shortage of skilled trade workers and record low unemployment levels across the country,&rdquo; said Vince Sandusky, SMACNA&rsquo;s Chief Executive Officer. &ldquo;When we consider the challenges that our members are likely to face in the coming years, having enough qualified workers to satisfy customer expectations is at the top of the list for many. SMACNA is proud to play a leading role in addressing this challenge. Our &lsquo;Ignite Your Career&rsquo; campaign is focused on not only helping to fill the pipeline of immediate job openings, but also on increasing the quality and depth of a new generation of applicants considering our field &ndash; whether on the craft or non-craft side.&rdquo;</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The Ignite Your Career website serves as a dynamic hub for visitors to explore the many career paths and opportunities within the industry; hear success stories from a variety of real-life professionals; and connect with resources, including local SMACNA chapters and industry training centers, to learn more about available opportunities.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Along with the website, SMACNA has launched a social media presence for its Ignite Your Career campaign on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Other features of the campaign include audience research, digital advertising and media relations efforts. New marketing materials, including handouts, infographics and videos spotlighting careers in the industry, are also available for member companies to enhance their own recruitment programs and activities.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>&ldquo;A critical component of this campaign will be our members&rsquo; involvement,&rdquo; said Sandusky. &ldquo;SMACNA will be rolling out additional tools and resources, enabling our membership to showcase the benefits of our profession. From impactful projects and long-term, rewarding careers to diverse opportunities and generous wages, there is a lot to be proud of when it comes to employment in our field. Facilitating the connection between highly qualified job seekers and our members is something our entire industry can get behind.&rdquo; </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a nine percent growth in jobs in the sheet metal industry by 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Job seekers can benefit from eager-to-hire employers, rewarding careers, superior salaries and wages, and on-the-job training across managerial and skilled labor roles.&nbsp; </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>ABOUT SMACNA:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.smacna.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors&rsquo; National Association</strong></a> (SMACNA) is an international trade association representing 3,500 contributing contractor firms and is a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. SMACNA members are responsible for effectively delivering the clean air Americans breathe in offices, homes, and hospitals; for many of the attractive facades you see on today&rsquo;s stadiums and office buildings; and for the comfortable, healthy, and safe living environments in which our citizens live out their daily lives. SMACNA has national offices in Chantilly, Va., outside of Washington, D.C., and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.smacna.org" target="_blank"><strong>www.smacna.org</strong></a>. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> Meagan Dominick<br /> Office: 610-455-2779<a href="mailto:mdominick@vaultcommunications.com"><strong><br /> mdominick@vaultcommunications.com</strong></a></p> <p> <br class="t-last-br" /> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/chapter-toolkit_v1-0.pdf?sfvrsn=a285c7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/banner-stands-350x322.png?sfvrsn=5d80c7a5_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="Banner Stands 350x322" title="Banner Stands 350x322" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" /></a>With the launch of the <a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/wfd-press-release.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Ignite Your Career initiative</strong></a>, both chapters and members alike have access to campaign collateral, including website content and social media posts, to support their own workforce development efforts. </p> <p>In addition to content on the <a href="https://www.igniteyourcareer.com" target="_blank"><strong>Ignite Your Career website</strong></a>, infographics, marketing material, and social media posts will soon be available on <a href="http://smacna.ygsmap.com/" target="_blank"><strong>SMACNA&rsquo;s Marketing Resource Center</strong></a>. </p> <p>The <a href="http://smacna.ygsmap.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Marketing Resource Center</strong></a> is accessible by chapter executives or by SMACNA staff on the communications and marketing team. To place an order for materials, please connect with either point of contact.</p> <p> <br class="t-last-br" /> </p>

<p><a href="https://vaultcommunications-my.sharepoint.com/:u:/p/mdominick/EbgsCtf7VmhLhRCHOogC1DABDT3QjMVyQHjbfovFcNE6TA?e=iXo00T" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/nawb-203x209.jpg?sfvrsn=339bc7a5_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="NAWB 203x209" title="NAWB 203x209" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" /></a>SMACNA has joined the <a href="https://www.nawb.org/" target="_blank"><strong>National Association of Workforce Boards</strong></a> (NAWB) as a Business Alliance Champion where SMACNA is recognized for supporting the priorities of NAWB and workforce development boards across the country.</p> <p>In this role, SMACNA gains critical visibility across the country with regional, state and local workforce boards and is seen as a willing partner to collaborate on opportunities and with programs that promote our trade and create career opportunities for qualified candidates.</p> <p>In the near future, NAWB will be providing SMACNA and all its chapters with valuable resources and tools on how to connect with workforce boards on state and local levels. As part of this working partnership, SMACNA will provide NAWB an issue brief outlining the current and future employment opportunities in the industry to raise awareness among national workforce boards.</p> <p><a href="https://www.igniteyourcareer.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/banner-stands-325x374.png?sfvrsn=b181c7a5_0" data-displaymode="Original" alt="Banner Stands 325x374" title="Banner Stands 325x374" style="float: left; margin-right: 12px;" /></a>Together both organizations will collaborate on connecting qualified opportunity youth and young adults to apprentice programs.</p> <p>Looking forward, SMACNA will have a presence at NAWB&rsquo;s Annual Conference as an exhibitor and presenter on several panels and roundtable discussions. The conference, <a href="https://forum.nawb.org/" target="_blank"><strong>NAWB Forum 2020</strong></a>, is being held in Washington, D.C. between March 21-24 and will be attended by 1,500 workforce development leaders from a variety of associations and corporations.</p> <p><br class="t-last-br" /> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/ed-delisle-244x293.png?sfvrsn=7398c7a5_0"><span class="captioned"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2020/ed-delisle-244x293.tmb-thumb200.png?sfvrsn=7398c7a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Ed DeLisle 244x293" title="Ed DeLisle" style="float: left; margin-right: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></span></a>SMACNA has partnered with Edward DeLisle, Esq., Principal at Offit Kurman, for a free five-part webinar series that focuses on federal contracting work, how SMACNA members can secure and benefit from this available work, and to dispel some of the myths surrounding federal project contracts.&nbsp; </p> <p>According to DeLisle, &ldquo;Many contractors shy away from working for the Federal Government because they think it&rsquo;s too complicated. It&rsquo;s not. Once a contractor understands how work is awarded, and where to find those opportunities, it&rsquo;s not a heavy lift to learn the basics and open an entirely new revenue stream for your company.&rdquo;</p> <p>Registration for the first three webinars in this series is now open to all SMACNA Members. Please note that although all five of the webinars are related, you don&rsquo;t have to attend all five to benefit from the information that will be presented. Please view the full schedule of dates and topics below to choose from, complete your registration, and reserve your seat today. </p> <p><strong>Federal Procurement Overview </strong></p> <p><em>March 18, 2020 @ 2:00 pm ET</em></p> <p>In this initial webinar, you will learn exactly how the Federal Government purchases goods and services with a specific focus on construction services purchasing.&nbsp;Through this presentation, you will gain an understanding of the rules that govern federal purchases and where you can go to locate these rules.&nbsp;Also, there will be an additional focus given on how you can find and secure available work opportunities for your firm.<br /> <a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wHsBDqajRymh8AtBSeGR9A" target="_blank"><strong>REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Teaming and Joint Venturing in Federal Contracting</strong></p> <p><em>April 22, 2020 @ 2:00 pm ET</em></p> <p>You don&rsquo;t have to go it alone! This webinar will focus on the use of teaming and joint venturing as a strategy to secure government work. SMACNA Members will greatly benefit by learning how to use this practice, especially if they haven&rsquo;t done so in the past.<br /> <a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2AsNEWTwRSO5bdR9SqFr_g" target="_blank"><strong>REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Small Business Contracting</strong></p> <p><em>May 21, 2020 @ 2:00 pm ET</em></p> <p>Small businesses are the heart of the construction industry and the Federal Government has numerous tools available for your use, including small business programs that can assist you in finding new available work opportunities.&nbsp;This webinar will focus on the specific programs that are available, how SMACNA Member firms can qualify for these programs, and how these programs can ultimately benefit their firms.<br /> <a href="https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JppRbJ-XTJqaRbIjFz0aTA" target="_blank"><strong>REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR</strong></a></p> <p><strong>Construction Claims Involving the Federal Government</strong></p> <p><em>October 2020, time and date TBD</em></p> <p>Unfortunately, the construction business is messy.&nbsp;There are lots of moving parts, which can lead to disputes and claims.&nbsp;If the construction contract you are performing involves the Federal Government, there are some additional considerations that come into play. This webinar will cover the federal claims process and strategies a company can employ to effectively navigate the system.</p> <p><strong>The Federal Protest Process</strong></p> <p><em>November 2020, time and date TBD</em></p> <p>Federal contracts offer benefits and challenges that differ from private contracts, and there may be opportunities for a disappointed bidder to protest the result.&nbsp;This webinar will cover that aforementioned process and the various options a contractor may have, depending upon the type of contracting vehicle the government is using.</p> <p><strong>Meet the Presenter</strong></p> <p>Edward DeLisle is an expert in federal contracting, construction law, construction litigation, and small business procurement and litigation.&nbsp;He&nbsp;has drafted and negotiated construction contracts, teaming agreements and joint venture agreements&nbsp;for subcontractors, contractors, developers, and owners. Additionally, Ed was the principal author of the <a href="https://www.smacna.org/hvac/market-opportunities/federal-contracting" target="_blank"><strong>SMACNA Guide to Federal Contracting</strong></a> which was released in 2019 and currently available for free to SMACNA members.</p> <p>He has litigated, arbitrated, and mediated complex construction and procurement cases and has testified before congressional subcommittees. Ed is a frequent lecturer and author on issues of concern to the construction and federal contracting&nbsp;industries.</p> <p>Ed has also lectured on how to appropriately team on federal projects, changes in the Small Business Administration's small business programs, effective project documentation, strategies to obtain payment on construction projects, and the legal protections provided by the bond and lien laws of various states.</p> <p>Additionally, Ed was selected to the 2016 and 2017 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers lists&nbsp;in the field of government contracts. In 2015,&nbsp;he was&nbsp;also selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers in the field of construction litigation.&nbsp;</p>