New Horizons for SMACNA-BC

It’s been a busy fall here in the land of SMACNA-BC: new website, new software system, finally received the building permit for the new SMACNA-BC office, annual golf tournament, SMACNA National Convention in San Diego. All of this, along with a shortage of manpower, curve balls from the NDP government, such as downloading MSP costs to contractors, is part and parcel added to the regular everyday activities of the association.

Let’s start with the new office. We will be out of our Guildford location by December 31, 2018. Our new address is: Suite #705 – 9639 137A Street, Surrey, BC V3T 0M1. Due to a lengthy wait for a building permit and few other extenuating circumstances, we will be moved in; however, the final touches won’t be complete until February.

SMACNA-BC Golf Classic September 14 Northview Golf & Country Club, Surrey

Once again, 144 players got lucky with the weather. It was a spectacular day for the SMACNA-BC Golf Tournament at Northview Golf Course, including a host of activities and prizes thanks to all our generous sponsors.

With the 50/50 draw, the air cannon, and the Beat the Pro hole, we were able to muster up donations of just under $2,500. The SMACNA-BC Board of Directors agreed to match the amount of donations collected, so I am happy to say we were able to cut a cheque for $5,000 to the Prostrate Cancer Foundation.

SMACNA’s 75th Annual Convention, San Diego, CA

We had 44 SMACNA-BC members at SMACNA’s 75th Annual Convention October 14-17. This was SMACNA National’s premier event that blended exceptional education with world- class networking and social events.

The opening reception on Sunday evening took place on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Midway Museum, one of the longest- serving and most famous aircraft carriers in U.S. Naval history. Everyone was talking about this event, all I heard was, “This is the best one ever”. It was a treat to be able to venture into some of the planes and helicopters on the flight deck and to hone your flying skills in the flight simulators, but the capper were the three skydivers at dusk, all lit up and each one flying a flag—one US flag, one Canadian flag, and one SMACNA flag.

Other highlights of this year’s convention were Craig Benson of Paramount Sheet Metal being inducted into the SMACNA College of Fellows. Craig was also recognized for completing his four-year term as Canadian Representative on the National Board of Directors.

Aaron Smith of Smith Sheet Metal Works Ltd. was elected to a four-year term as Canadian Representative on the National Board of Directors.

Congratulations and thank you to both Craig and Aaron, and their families, for generously devoting time and effort to joining the rest of the National Board in keeping SMACNA and its Chapters leaders of contractor associations.

Project Managers Institute November 5-7 Civic Hotel, Surrey

Experienced SMACNA contractors know their best project managers take ownership of their projects. This concentrated 21⁄2- day program sought to build upon existing project management skills and strengthen proficiency. Twenty-three project managers from all over the province attended this program and definitely were handed the tools to enhance their current skill set.