By / Jeremy Hallman • Executive Director, SMACNA-BC
Our industry continues to face a rapidly evolving landscape as we start 2025. Just as I started to think we could pull off a “soft landing” and avoid a recession, now come tariff threats. As global trade policies shift, the potential for increased costs on imported materials could have far-reaching consequences for contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers. Steel and aluminum tariffs remain a significant concern, as price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions could impact project costs and overall industry stability.
The unpredictability of these tariffs creates uncertainty, making it essential for industry professionals to stay ahead of potential changes. SMACNA-BC is actively monitoring these discussions and working to find industry experts to speak on some of the “what ifs”. We understand that rising material costs can put pressure on businesses, impacting everything from bidding strategies to profitability.
Negotiations with SMART Local 280
As you probably know, the negotiation process with Local 280 started at the end of January. We would like to extend our gratitude to all the contractors who responded in writing to our request for input and attended the open forum to discuss upcoming negotiations. The forum, held at the Surrey Civic Hotel on January 29, provided a valuable platform for open discussion and feedback. Your participation and insights are instrumental in helping us navigate these negotiations effectively.
Local 280 continues to be a great partner, and we hope to have a new contract signed by the time our current one expires on April 30, 2025. As always, our goal is to secure a fair and sustainable agreement that benefits both workers and employers, ensuring stability and continued growth within the industry. We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of all parties involved and will continue to keep our members updated as discussions progress. A special thanks to our SMACNA-BC negotiating committee.
Recent Events
SMACNA CEI Conference
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the SMACNA CEI Conference, which provided valuable insights and discussions with industry peers. It’s great to be able to connect with other chapters that face challenges similar to ours. Even though we are in different parts of the world, it always surprises me how similar things can be.
SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger provided an important industry update. He shared that total hours worked are expected to increase by 3% this year, a positive trend that signals continued growth in our sector. However, he also highlighted a significant shift in workforce challenges. Previously, the main concern was finding enough workers to fill jobs, but now the industry is struggling to find skilled project managers, estimators, and supervisors. This change presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to build strong leadership teams and invest in professional development.
As companies continue to expand, it is crucial to address this management gap by investing in leadership training programs. Companies that actively seek to develop and promote talent within their organizations will be in a better position to thrive in the years ahead.
SMACNA-BC January Dinner Meeting – Bonding and Surety
On January 23, we hosted an informative dinner meeting focused on bonding and surety with presenter Craig Spence, an account executive at Wilson M. Beck Insurance in Langley. He discussed the essentials of setting up a bond facility, the broker’s role in the process, and what surety underwriters consider when making their decisions. He also discussed the costs and benefits of maintaining a bonding facility, along with an overview of the basic types of bonds.
Upcoming Events
SMACNA College of Fellows Scholarship Application
The SMACNA College of Fellows is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship program is open to qualified students seeking to further their undergraduate education by attending an accredited four-year college or university. The scholarships are open to full-time students entering their first year, as well as current full-time undergraduate students. Any course of study may be pursued; however, it is hoped that a career in a field related to the sheet metal industry will be considered.
The scholarship application and eligibility requirements are available on the SMACNA website. Applicants must be part of SMACNA’s extended family, which includes SMACNA contractors, employees of SMACNA contractors, SMACNA Fellows, employees of local chapters, employees of SMACNA National, SMACNA National Associate Members, and members of the families of any of these groups.
Scholarship applications must be postmarked or with email transmission date by February 28, 2025. Applications are evaluated and candidates selected by a Scholarship Committee appointed by the College of Fellows. Selection is based on educational goals as stated by the applicants, academic achievement, and involvement in school-related extracurricular and community activities. Applicants must have demonstrated leadership potential and be of good character. Financial need is not a prerequisite. Award notifications are made by July 1.
SMACNA-BC Dinner Meeting – March 2024
Our next dinner meeting is set for March, and we encourage all members to attend. These gatherings provide an excellent opportunity to discuss industry trends, share insights, and strengthen connections within our professional community. Details regarding the venue and guest speakers will be announced soon, so stay tuned for updates.
SMACNA-BC AGM & Convention – May 8-11, 2025, Whistler, BC
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the SMACNA-BC Annual General Meeting and Convention will take place at the Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler. This family-friendly event should have something for everyone. Leanne’s planned activities include a zip line tour, axe throwing, a lunch tour, or golf at Big Sky in Pemberton. The Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:00 am on the Saturday. Please make every effort to attend the meeting or send in your proxy vote to ensure your voice is heard. A list of expiring terms for various boards and committees will be coming out in the next few weeks, so please watch your inbox if you’re interested.
SMACNA National Convention – October 26-29, 2025, Maui, HI
Looking further ahead, the SMACNA National Convention will be held in October in Maui at the Grand Wailea Hotel. Registration for the convention is set to open April 24 at 9:00 am Pacific time. This year, contractors will be registering themselves and not going through SMACNA-BC. That said, if you have any questions or need any help from us, please contact us in the SMACNA-BC office at 604-585-4641.
Chapter night for this event will be held with the Western Washington and Oregon & Southwest Washington chapters at the Four Seasons Hotel. Based on past events with Julie and her team, this night should be sure to please.
For a full list of upcoming SMACNA-BC events please visit our website at business.smacna-bc.org/events ■
