By Jeremy Hallman, Executive Director, SMACNA-BC
Is it just me or does it feel like this winter never truly materialized until January? Despite the bustling malls and crowded parking lots in November and December, the warm temperatures and lack of precipitation (until now) had me wondering what the New Year was holding in store.
As the calendar turned, the importance of planning ahead for SMACNA-BC to secure top presenters became apparent. I’m thrilled to announce that we’re finalizing details to bring back Andy Patron and Stephane McShane to the Civic Hotel in both the Spring and Fall (watch our events calendar for details). This year, we will have Stephane teaching the supervisor training program, and Andy and I are working on a business program geared towards project managers and estimators. I’m hoping that changing presenters for each program allows for the targeted audience to see someone new and fresh to avoid the perception that it’s not worth attending if it’s the same person who presented last year.
We’ve also initiated contact with potential speakers for dinner meetings. Discussed topics include an NFPA-96 presentation, insights from a business accountant on tax benefits for 2024 equipment purchases, engagements with software vendors, and a joint program on flue venting and HVAC equipment installation. This collaborative effort aims to highlight common mistakes and pitfalls faced by suppliers dealing with these issues.
Planning is in progress for the SMACNA-BC 55th annual AGM and convention on May 9 to 11 at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre, Penticton, BC. We assure you that this year, we’ll have the capacity to accommodate all interested attendees. (Contracts for our 2025 AGM and convention in Whistler, BC, are also in the final stages.)
We held our SMACNA-BC annual Christmas party at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver on December 1. We changed things up a little this year with a live performance by Patrick Gavigan whose one-man show sparked an impromptu dance floor. Despite the hotel patio undergoing renovations and obstructing some views, our guests partied into the early hours. A big thank you to our generous sponsors, including Crossroads C&I, Progressive Air Products, Ridge Sheet Metal, Samson Metals, SMART Local No.280, Smith Sheet Metal Works, and Summit Sheet Metal. Click here to view the photos.
I want to extend my gratitude for everyone’s generous gifts and cash donations to the Helping Families in Need Society. Alongside two large totes of toys, Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd. matched all donations, enabling SMACNA-BC to present a $14,840 cheque to the charity on behalf of our membership. Personally handing the cheque to Ray Abernethy at his warehouse assured me that the donations will make a meaningful impact.
I may be a bit late to the party, but if you haven’t explored AI options like ChatGPT or Microsoft CoPilot yet, you should. SMACNA Inc. hosted a recent webinar on this topic, and I’ve personally found them incredibly useful. I believe this technology will mark one of the next significant advancements for our industry, and we’re right on the brink of its widespread use. If you have the option to sign up for one of the online offerings, I would highly recommend it.
Final reminder for the College of Fellows Scholarship opportunity
The SMACNA College of Fellows is now accepting applications for the 2024 scholarship program. Applications will be for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The SMACNA College of Fellows Scholarship Program is open to eligible students from the SMACNA extended family seeking to further their undergraduate education by attending an accredited four-year college or university. Eligibility extends to SMACNA’s extended family, which includes SMACNA contractors, employees of SMACNA contractors, SMACNA Fellows, employees of local SMACNA chapters, employees of National SMACNA, SMACNA National Associate Members, and family members of any of these groups. The applicant may pursue any course of study; however, it is hoped that a career in a field related to the sheet metal industry will be considered.
Applicants may find the application and eligibility requirements on the SMACNA website. The current application to be used is FORM: COF23.
Applications for scholarships must be postmarked or emailed by February 28, 2024.
Learning Opportunities
February 27-29 | Partners in Progress Conference • Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel, Orlando Florida
The 2024 Partners in Progress Conference is an exceptional opportunity for all SMACNA member contractors and chapter executives, SMART local unions and regional councils, and future leaders to come together. It provides a collaborative environment where labour and management can strengthen existing relationships and discover innovative strategies to shape a more prosperous future.
March 21 | Membership Meeting with Amy Duncan, DMCL CPA • Civic Hotel, Surrey, BC
At this membership dinner meeting, special guest speaker Amy Duncan from DMCL Chartered Professional Accountants will be discussing tax changes and incentives available for 2024. (Please refer to our website for more details and her bio to follow).
Calendar of Events
- February 15: Board of Directors Meeting • SMACNA-BC Boardroom
- February 19: Family Day
- February 20: Joint Conference Board Meeting • SMACNA-BC Boardroom
- March 12: Board of Directors Meeting • SMACNA-BC Boardroom
- March 21: Membership Meeting • Civic Hotel Ballroom, Surrey
- March 26: Joint Conference Board Meeting • SMACNA-BC Boardroom
- March 29: Good Friday
- April 1: Easter Monday
- May 9-11: 55th Annual Convention • Penticton Lakeside Resort & Convention Centre, Penticton
- September 13: SMACNA-BC 39th Golf Classic • Northview Golf & Country Club, Surrey
- October 27-30: SMACNA National Conference • Palm Desert, California
- November 29: SMACNA-BC Christmas Party • Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver ■
