<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/snips-magazine-cover-400x534.jpg?sfvrsn=2719c7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/snips-magazine-cover-400x534.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=2719c7a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="SNIPS Magazine Cover 400x534" title="SNIPS Magazine Cover 400x534" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>SMACNA member Kevin Gill Sr., CEO of McCusker-Gill, has been named <a href="https://www.snipsmag.com/articles/94082-snips-2019-sheet-metal-fabrication-contractor-of-the-year-mccusker-gill-inc">SNIPS Magazine's 2019 Sheet Metal Contractor of the Year</a>. </p> <p>From cultivating a fantastic company culture to creating a well-respected reputation as a sheet metal subcontractor of 30 years, McCusker-Gill Inc. is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious honor. </p> <a href="https://www.snipsmag.com/articles/94082-snips-2019-sheet-metal-fabrication-contractor-of-the-year-mccusker-gill-inc">Read the entire story</a> of how McCusker-Gill has prioritized investments in employee well-being.

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/education-img_1369-600x450.jpg?sfvrsn=661ec7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/education-img_1369-600x450.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=661ec7a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Education IMG_1369 600x450" title="Education IMG_1369 600x450" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The SMACNA educational program schedule has been officially announced, and registration is now open for all courses.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>These unique programs delve deeply into the topics of business management, project management, executive leadership, supervisor training, financial management, and business ownership.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Also, returning in 2020 is the featured course for rising business owners and executives, SMACNA&rsquo;S <strong>Executive Leadership Development Program</strong>. Learn more about this program and all the other offerings below. Click on the program titles to be redirected to the specific program page, where you can get more information and complete your registration.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>SMACNA advises all interested members to register as soon as possible in order to take advantage of early registration pricing discounts, and to ensure that you will be able to reserve your seat(s), as there are only a limited number of available seats for each program.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/events-education/registration/smacna-leadership-development-program"><strong>Executive Leadership Development Program</strong></a> &ndash; April 6-9, Chapel Hill, NC</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Designed and tailored for future senior and executive level personnel, this program gives attendees the opportunity to enhance their career plans and to further prepare themselves for senior leadership.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Sessions are taught by the distinguished professors of the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, and the courses/topics covered include: Developing Leadership Awareness, Assessing Oneself &amp; Engaging Others, Managing Talent to Achieve Business Strategy, Leading Change for Optimal Business Impact, Power &amp; Influence, Experience Change, and Effective Personal Change.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/events-education/registration/business-management-university"><strong>Business Management University</strong></a> &ndash; March 1-5, Tempe, AZ</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>This highly popular program has been designed specifically for future managers and owners. Attendees get the opportunity to network with peers while learning critical skills such as financial management, strategic planning, contractor survival skills, negotiation, surety and bonding, leadership and productivity.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/events-education/registration/project-managers-institute"><strong>Project Managers Institute</strong></a> &ndash; March 29 &ndash; April 1, Raleigh, NC</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Attendees will cover the essential skills of effective project management. Sessions include management/leadership, project planning, ethics and integrity in project management, financials, time management, change order management, and standards and best practices. <strong>This program will sell out quickly</strong>.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/events-education/registration/advanced-project-managers-institute"><strong>Advanced Project Managers Institute</strong></a> &ndash; April 19-22, Raleigh, NC</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The Advanced PMI program simulates the experience of running a sheet metal project with many of the associated challenges managers will face. These include understanding and managing project scope, estimating cost to complete, billings and cash flow and change order management. Participants will learn how to better identify and manage the financials of a project and to think more strategically.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The program will also address many of the key operational aspects of a project, from site logistics to project tracking and forecasting. <strong>Previous graduates of SMACNA&rsquo;s Project Managers Institute are strongly encouraged to attend this program</strong>.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/events-education/registration/financial-boot-camp-registration/"><strong>Financial Boot Camp</strong></a> &ndash; May 18-20, Tempe, AZ</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>This two-and-a-half-day program is designed for owners, future owners, financial and non-financial personnel who want to better understand and manage their company&rsquo;s financial situation. Attendees will cover in-depth financial management issues, how to interpret financial statements, how to calculate financial ratios, working with credit, developing cash flow projections, understanding equipment acquisition and leasing, and using financial information for strategic and business planning.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><em>In addition to the above listed programs, Supervisor Training Academy will be held from April 26-29, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Planning Your Exit and Business Valuation will be held at date and location to be determined in 2020. Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bbienacker@smacna.org"><strong>Bridgette Bienacker</strong></a>&nbsp;for any additional questions regarding SMACNA&rsquo;s 2020 education programs.</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/icb-tabb-logo-registered-01-600x241.png?sfvrsn=1d1fc7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/icb-tabb-logo-registered-01-600x241.tmb-medium.png?sfvrsn=1d1fc7a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="ICB-TABB-LOGO-registered-01 600x241" title="ICB-TABB-LOGO-registered-01 600x241" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The ICB/TABB has made improvements to the Fire and Smoke Damper certification exams. These improvements led to the creation of new Fire and Smoke Damper Technician and Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor exams. </p> <p>Listed below are some common questions pertaining to the new Fire and Smoke Damper certification exams.</p> <p><strong>Why were new exams being introduced? </strong>ICB certification schemes are periodically reviewed to ensure content is relevant to current industry practice. Through this review process, the ICB identified that the scope of the job for both the technician and supervisor had changed, necessitating the revisions.</p> <p><strong>What in included on the new exams? </strong>Exam questions are designed to assess the knowledge base required to perform specific tasks to do a job. A Job Task Analysis (JTA) was conducted for each exam, and the results are included in the ANNEX for each certification. See below:</p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/fsd-technician-annex-for-iti-cert-manual-_190726.pdf?sfvrsn=e21fc7a5_0" target="_blank">FSD Technician ANNEX FOR ITI CERT MANUAL_190726</a><strong> <br /> </strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/fsd-supervisor-annex-for-icb-cert-manual_190726.pdf?sfvrsn=d51fc7a5_0" title="FSD Supervisor-ANNEX FOR ICB CERT MANUAL_190726" target="_blank">FSD Supervisor-ANNEX FOR ICB CERT MANUAL_190726</a><strong> </strong></p> <p>Additionally, the following resources were used in development of the new exams:</p> <p>FSD Technician: </p> <ol> <li>ITI &ndash; Testing, Adjusting and Balancing of Environmental Systems: Unit 6 </li> <li>NFPA 80 &ndash; chapters 3 and 19</li> <li>NFPA 92 &ndash; chapters 3 and 8 (8.4.6.1.1, 8.4.6.1.2 and 8.4.6.2.1)</li> <li>NFPA 105 &ndash; chapters 3 and 7</li> </ol> <p>FSD Supervisor:&nbsp; </p> <ol> <li>NFPA 1 &ndash; chapter 12 (12.4, 12.4.1 and 12.9.5.4)</li> <li>NFPA 70E &ndash; chapter 1</li> <li>NFPA 80 &ndash; chapters 3 and 19</li> <li>NFPA 92 &ndash; chapters 3, 7 and 8 </li> <li>NFPA 101 &ndash; chapters 3, 7, 8 and 9</li> <li>NFPA 105 &ndash; chapters 3 and 7</li> </ol> <p>Other resources highly recommended:</p> <ol> <li>ITI &ndash; Fire Life Safety Level 1 Technician, Student Manual</li> <li>ITI &ndash; Fire and Smoke Damper Technician Supplemental Self Study Outline</li> </ol> <p><strong>Will the new exams be administered as "open-book"? </strong>Yes.</p> <p><strong>Do I need to purchase the NFPA Standards to use during the exam? </strong>No. The NFPA allows free access (online) to Standards. Please view the <a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/free-access-nfpa_eresources-on-exam_190726.pdf?sfvrsn=c41fc7a5_0" title="Free Access-NFPA_eResources on Exam_190726" target="_blank">Free Access-NFPA_eResources on Exam_190726</a> for detailed instructions.</p> <p><strong>How do I use electronic resources during the exam? </strong>Please view the <a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/free-access-nfpa_eresources-on-exam_190726.pdf?sfvrsn=c41fc7a5_0" title="Free Access-NFPA_eResources on Exam_190726" target="_blank">Free Access-NFPA_eResources on Exam_190726</a> for an example. The following criteria apply to the use of electronic resources on the exam:</p> <ol> <li>During the exam, the candidate shall access electronic resources only on the same device upon which the exam is being completed.</li> <li>Personal computers, tablets or any other type of electronic device that stores and displays data, including smart phones, are not allowed to be used during the exam.</li> <li>The exam Proctor shall ensure these requirements are followed.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Why were NFPA Standards used to develop some portions of the exams? </strong>Local, state and international codes require that the inspection and testing of fire and smoke dampers shall follow specifications identified in the Standards. Also, legislation is being passed at the county, city and state-wide levels all across the U.S. requiring inspecting and testing to be completed by technicians certified through a program accredited by ANSI under the ISO/IEC 17024 Standard. The law requires use of NFPA Standards, so the certification exam must include those references to ensure ICB-certified professionals are knowledgeable of the requirements in the Standards.</p> <p><strong>I studied for the exam expecting to take the version that has been discontinued. What should I do to be prepared for the new exam?</strong></p> <ol> <li>Review the Job Task Analysis</li> <li>Identify with the requirements in the NFPA Standards</li> <li>Become familiar with navigating through the NFPA Standards </li> <li>The ITI Fire Life Safety Level 1 Technician Student Manual remains an effective resource</li> <li>View the <em>Fire and Smoke Damper Technician Supplemental Self Study Outline</em>: <ol> <li>Go to <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinkprotect.cudasvc.com%2Furl%3Fa%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.sheetmetal-iti.org%26c%3DE%2C1%2C7M4-d3ULDOkCrHIpTYuerMBAjrf5HWXH6taJpqoceot6ZwvOqSslJEs6tj9P6hPPaaCrXacaoIvxhzSqcU1XouaSgZQ97ba4AAw5Ocjj_IN3_bCL%26typo%3D1&amp;data=01%7C01%7Cehoward%40smacna.org%7C19b0f49a42b44e6fd95008d76f5e646c%7C2b1ed46dc05247cdb9c2e701db48f7ab%7C0&amp;sdata=1XIAS4vDnex4wUyDr94XsPCMnbmeaGkikAXEJvb%2BSlQ%3D&amp;reserved=0"><strong>www.sheetmetal-iti.org</strong></a> &gt; Training &gt; ONLINE CLASSES &gt; Fire Life Safety Level One Technician</li> <li>Once you complete the online class, you will be able to view the <em>Fire and Smoke Damper Technician Supplemental Self Study Outline</em></li> </ol> </li> <li>FSD Supervisor training: <ol> <li>Go to <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flinkprotect.cudasvc.com%2Furl%3Fa%3Dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.icbcertified.org%26c%3DE%2C1%2CePNs1iM8tmvCcq4701XODFsfE3sUlAik64BDgM8wqneeTbsVo430hgZk-ogxdAaT7MA7tpP15COQXf2_foBIkVSknmReq-O5HfyWfSkB_j4NzA%2C%2C%26typo%3D1&amp;data=01%7C01%7Cehoward%40smacna.org%7C19b0f49a42b44e6fd95008d76f5e646c%7C2b1ed46dc05247cdb9c2e701db48f7ab%7C0&amp;sdata=XiI6UDE7IIasmb2b8%2FkToouWqnZZGegfSSVxP3G%2FE3E%3D&amp;reserved=0"><strong>www.icbcertified.org</strong></a> </li> <li>Click on <strong>Certification</strong> tab</li> <li>Click on <strong>Fire and Smoke Damper Supervisor</strong></li> <li>Click on <strong>Get Certified Now!</strong> (scroll to bottom of page)</li> <li>Complete <strong>Option 1</strong> or <strong>Option 2</strong></li> <li>Complete the application</li> <li>Once your application is approved, you will receive an access code for the online training module</li> </ol> </li> </ol> <p>For a detailed, printer friendly version of the information listed above, please <a href="https://www.smacna.org/docs/default-source/pdf-photos/faq-fsd-changes_190731.pdf?sfvrsn=341fc7a5_0" title="click here" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/census-921342954-600x400.jpg?sfvrsn=a91ac7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/census-921342954-600x400.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=a91ac7a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="Census-921342954 600x400" title="Census-921342954 600x400" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>SMACNA&rsquo;s vendor partner, Vault Consulting, recently sent a very important email to the primary contacts listed for all SMACNA member firms. This email contained the first-ever SMACNA Census, the results of which will provide our industry with new ways to convey the size and scope of our trade to broader audiences.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The survey responses you provide will remain completely confidential and only aggregated data will be used with the public. None of the data you provide will be identifiable to a specific company. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>SMACNA National highly encourages you to compete this survey as soon as possible, as this information is immensely important for us to use for workforce development and advocacy initiatives.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>If you have any questions about this survey, please contact <a href="mailto:jhenriksen@smacna.org?subject=Member%20Census%20Question" target="_blank"><strong>Jeff Henriksen</strong></a>.</p> <p> <br class="t-last-br" /> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/nhf_logo.jpg?sfvrsn=d3dc7a5_0"><img src="https://www.smacna.org/images/default-source/2019/nhf_logo.tmb-medium.jpg?sfvrsn=d3dc7a5_1" data-displaymode="Thumbnail" alt="nhf_logo" title="nhf_logo" style="float: right; margin-left: 12px;" data-openoriginalimageonclick="true" /></a>The New Horizons Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new logo and website, <a href="http://www.newhorizonsfoundation.org">www.newhorizonsfoundation.org</a>. The website and logo were developed to modernize the look and feel of the Foundation, as well as to complement the recently completed Contractor Resource Library. </p> <p>Earlier this year the New Horizons Foundation and partner Arizona State University completed a project to create a Contractor Resource Library that would organize the Foundation&rsquo;s research reports and white papers. The digital version of the resource library<a href="https://www.newhorizonsfoundation.org/resource-library/">, now available on the website</a>, organizes these resources into three main knowledge areas (Business Management, Organization &amp; People and Project Execution) and fourteen topic areas. The Foundation will continue to identify best practices as the library matures. </p> <p>The New Horizons Foundation publications and white papers are available for free to SMACNA members. Each library item includes a button called &ldquo;SMACNA Member Download&rdquo; that will redirect to the individual PDF on SMACNA&rsquo;s website. </p>