By / Jeremy Hallman, Executive Director, SMACNA-BC
News from the Office
SMACNA-BC has several important news announcements. First off, we are pleased to announce that we have a new Administrative Assistant. Leanne Husdon will be starting with us on August 21. Leanne has been trained in both accounting and finance as well as the office administration side of the business. She has worked for a large civil and railway contractor, and I feel that she will be a great asset to our membership.
The SMACNA-BC Board of Directors has been hard at work with community support, and recently approved a $1,000 donation for the Father’s Day walk that went to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of BC. The Board also recently approved a $2,000 donation to help with travel expenses for Henry Derksen to compete in the Alex Donaldson top apprentice contest in Saskatoon in July. Good luck, Henry!
Life Member Craig Benson (formerly of Paramount Sheet Metal) stepped down in March as a trustee of the Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 280 Health and Benefit plan. He was asked if he would be willing to stay on as chairperson and, thankfully, he accepted. Thank you, Craig, for your continued support, even in retirement. I would like to congratulate Ryan Atkinson of Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd. for stepping up to take on the remainder of the seven-year term.
54th AGM & Convention
The SMACNA-BC 54th Annual AGM and Convention was held May 4 to 7 at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, BC. We managed to fit 187 registered guests into meeting and ballroom spaces that are getting close to capacity. The event is a bit of blur for me, but based on the photos, it appears that everyone had a good time (see pages 6 and 7 for photos). The kids in attendance enjoyed the Friday fun night games and “The Time Benders” had the dance floor packed right until the end of their set on Saturday night. I would like to thank everyone who attended and were patient with me while I learned the ropes. I would also like to send a special thank you to our generous sponsors for their continued support.
I would like to congratulate our new president, Mark Kuelle of Austin Metal Fabricators LP, and thank our outgoing president, Phil McDonald, for being so available anytime I had a question or needed his ear. I’m looking forward to working with you both this year. Congratulations to Angelo Paris, Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd., and Dan Taillefer, Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd., for being re-elected to the Board of Directors. I would also like to welcome new Director, Paul Charbonneau of Cascade Metal Design Ltd. Paul’s years of experience in the industry and as a Sheet Metal Industry Training Board member will make him a perfect fit.
Under the heading of “Other New Business,” delegates moved, seconded, and carried that Bruce Sychuk, former SMACNA-BC Executive Director, receive SMACNA-BC Honorary Life Membership status. Congratulations, Bruce! Finally, you can sit back and enjoy the events.
Next year, the SMACNA-BC 55th Annual AGM & Convention will be May 9-11 at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, Penticton, BC.
MCABC Business Conference
I recently had the pleasure of attending the MCABC Business Conference in Whistler, BC, with our president, Mark Kuelle from Austin Metal Fabricators. Kim Barbero and her team put together a great event with an informative group of speakers. Highlights included Brian Belski of BMO Capital Markets who spoke about the economy and his general projections going forward. Bill Ferreira of BuildForce was another great presenter. He broke down labour statistics, had detailed information about how many workers would be required to complete some of the large capital projects, and discussed projected shortfalls. He also shared information about a new, 16-week grant that would provide money to contractors to subsidize new apprentices (more info to follow). The final presenter of the conference was Mark Breslin who spoke about a workforce revolution that he feels is going on right now. In his opinion, people are no longer interested in just being paid for services rendered. They want to be part of something bigger, and they have different values.
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 15, 2023
SMACNA-BC 38th Annual Golf Classic
Northview Golf Course, Surrey BC
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Contractors only meeting to discuss a DRAFT SMACNA-BC Change Order template
Delta Hotel Burnaby Conference Centre Burnaby, BC
October 15-18, 2023
SMACNA Inc. Annual Convention
Phoenix, AZ
The 2023 SMACNA Annual Convention is a yearly highlight for members, chapter executives, and associate members wishing to network with peers, see old friends, learn important trends and new skills, and discuss business topics with leading service providers and manufacturers. In addition, SMACNA offers wonderful opportunities to socialize and attend great social functions like the Meet & Greet Reception, PAC Reception & Dinner, College of Fellows Golf Outing, and the Closing Dinner and Show featuring “Big & Rich”.
Learn more at: smacna.org/learn/events/calendar
November 12-November 15, 2023
Project Managers Institute
Seattle, WA
Experienced SMACNA contractors know that the best project managers take ownership of their projects. This concentrated program builds upon existing project management skills and strengthens proficiency. It is recommended for project managers with two to five years project management experience. Participants should have some field experience and/or a college degree.
Learn more at: smacna.org/learn/events/calendar
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Membership Dinner Meeting
Civic Hotel, Surrey,
Friday, December 1, 2023
SMACNA-BC Christmas Party
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver, BC
February 27-28 (registration opens September 6, 2023)
Partners in Progress Conference
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Lake Buena Vista, FL
