Figuratively and literally speaking, a lot of water has passed under the bridge at SMACNA-BC since the last edition of SMJ. Alas, I think the rain may finally be subsiding and BC is moving from the newly labelled month of “Juneuary” into (hopefully) some vitamin “D” days in July and August. The following are some of the high and low lights of what has happened since the last edition and what is in the works for the summer and fall.

SMACNA-BC 39TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE

The SMACNA-BC Annual General Meeting and Conference as held at the beginning of May in the picturesque Okanagan city of Penticton. The number of attendees was around the 180 mark, including special guests from SMACNA National such as SMACNA National President Elect, all the way from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, John Ilten and a long time friend to SMACNA-BC, Deborah Wyandt, Executive Director of Labor Relations, both of whom provided SMACNA updates as well as Ms. Wyandt’s usual “Farm Report” of which “Anthony the rooster” seems to dominate.

Penticton’s Mayor, Jake Kimberly, kicked off the convention by welcoming the SMACNA-BC group to his wonderful city. Upon the conclusion of the mayor’s congenial and informative welcome, the delegates set out on their activities of choice. This year’s opportunities included golf at Penticton Golf Course; a downhill, 12-kilometer mountain bike ride down the old Kettle Valley Railroad line with a lunch at the Hollets; and the sampling of some of the Okanagan’s finest wines on the halfday wine tour. In retrospect, I guess the wine tour wasn’t the final option; the final option lies in the Penticton Lakeside Casino.

As usual, the majority of the SMACNA-BC convention was geared to rest and relaxation, and absolute family fun.

Of course there was the business side. SMACNA-BC president, Aaron Smith of Smith Sheet Metal Works Ltd., passed the gavel on to the new president, Mark Halvorsen of Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd. Aaron was also re-elected to the position of Trustee for the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board; Joe Toso of Tri-Metal Fabricators was re-elected as a management representative on the SMWIA Local Union No. 280 / SMACNA-BC Joint Conference Board; Daniel Beer of Ridge Sheet Metal and Al Benning of Ames Metal Fabricators 82 were re-elected as directors on the SMACNA-BC board of directors.

Bill Howell, former owner of Mercury Metals Ltd., was bestowed the honor of SMACNA-BC Honorary Life Member status and Tony Paris of Apollo Sheet Metal was honored for 25 years of service as a Trustee on the SMWIA Local Union No. 280 / SMACNA-BC Health Benefit Plan.

Every AGM involves reports from the various boards and committees. Jim Paquette, business manager of SMWIA Local Union No. 280, provided an in-depth and informative report on the numerous activities and decisions that the union has been involved in over the past year. Newly hired training coordinator, Judd Martell, reported on the activities at the Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre; Daniel Beer of Ridge Sheet Metal gave the Health Benefits / Pension report; and Fred Hofferd of CC Industries Ltd and Tom MacGillis of Bry-Mac Mechanical provided reports on the activities in Northern BC and Southern Interior, respectively. Al Benning of Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd. reported on the association’s financials, while Russell Bowe of Allied Blower & Sheet Metal Ltd. spoke on the past year’s activities at the Joint Conference Board. Even I took a few minutes and delivered some pearls of wisdom to the membership.

Judging by all of the post-conference congratulatory emails, all of the preparation and hard work performed by SMACNABC’s administrative assistant, Michelle Sychuk, was well worth the efforts. Also, many thanks go out to those contractors and associates who generously assisted in the conference’s success by participating in sponsorships.

SMACNA-BC LIFE MEMBER PAUL DAUM PASSES

It is with deep regret that I have to report on the recent passing of one of SMACNA-BC’s original founding members; a person who was a pillar in the sheet metal industry, and who, in years previous, had provided leadership and direction to virtually everyone who has been connected to the industry as a whole. I am speaking of none other than SMACNA-BC Life Member Paul Daum. SMACNA-BC was established on May 6, 1969 and Paul Daum was there. Paul was involved with the SMACNA-BC chapter in one capacity or another until as recent as 1999. I personally had the privilege of working my very first job in the sheet metal industry for Paul back in the days when he was the manager of Tacey / Coast Metal Fabricators. Paul will be sorely missed by everyone at SMACNA-BC and we wish to extend our deepest condolences to Doris, Paul’s wife of 60 years, and the rest of the family.

^{RCABC TURNS THE BIG “50”}

SMACNA-BC wishes to recognize the members and staff at the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia and congratulate the association on its 50th anniversary. Through the years RCABC and SMACNA-BC have always maintained a very close, respectful relationship. I believe that due to the
astute professionalism demonstrated by RCABC’s executive, staff and members, this relationship will continue for the next 50 years.

SMACNA-BC IS MOVING TO SURREY

We are moving the SMACNA-BC offices to Surrey, BC. We will be taking occupancy on September 1, 2008, so please make note of our new address and make the appropriate changes:

BC Sheet Metal Association (SMACNA-BC)

#315 – 15225 104th Avenue

Surrey, BC V3R 6Y8

We aren’t sure yet if the phone / fax numbers will change. We will advise you accordingly.

SMACNA-BC GOES TO VICTORIA

Did you know that there are no SMACNA-BC contractors on Vancouver Island? There is the Vancouver Island Sheet Metal Contractors Association (VISMCA); however, the organization is not affiliated with SMACNA-BC or SMACNA National. Through the years, SMACNA-BC and VISMCA have exchanged correspondence with SMACNA-BC suggesting that the two associations join forces; however, little progress evolved in that direction.

I’m happy to report that now the potential for some changes does exist, due partly to various design authorities. I’ll explain: while participating in the ASHRAE Vancouver Island Tradeshow last February, (go to <www.ashrae.bc.ca/vi/vi.htm> to prove that I was there) the majority of the attendees, which consisted of engineers, architects, municipal and city inspectors / building officials, requested a list of SMACNA-BC contractor members on Vancouver Island. I had to tell them that there were none on the Island and when asked why, I didn’t have a response for them. To make a long story shorter, SMACNA-BC contacted SMACNA National and requested that a plan be implemented to showcase some of the benefits of a SMACNA-BC / SMACNA membership.

In response, market sector executive director Thomas Soles at SMACNA National generously offered to fund a “Supervisory Training Program” for the VISMCA members. Through the coordinated efforts of SMACNA National; Mark Curtis, business manager of SMWIA Local Union No. 276, and the SMACNA-BC office, Kevin Dougherty of Proof Management Consultants presented a full-day program geared to project managers, super-intendants and foremen on Wednesday, June 25. The program provided guidance on identifying and dealing with potential problems that may affect the outcome of a project. Other topics in the presentation included communication, leadership, management and opportunities. An invitation to participate with no cost was issued to all VISMCA members, and hopefully VISMCA members acknowledged the validity of the program, the benefits and services that come with SMACNA membership and the way in which membership provides the opportunity to be available to engineers, consultants and other industry professionals.

The initial program was held at the Harbour Tower Hotel & Suites in Victoria, BC, and an additional session was held Thursday, June 26th at the Sheraton Guilford Hotel in Surrey, BC. This program was open to all SMACNA-BC contractors and industry fund contributors.

NEW SMWIA LOCAL UNION NO. 280 HEALTH & BENEFITS / PENSION PLAN ADMINISTRATOR AT THE HELM

On behalf of the SMACNA-BC board of directors and members, I wish to extend a warm welcome to the new Health & Benefits / Pension Plan Administrator, Mr. John Courtenay. We are looking forward to his new and innovative changes and ideas and to working together for many years to come. John can be contacted toll-free at 888.892.1168, 604.430.3015 or by email at <info@smw280benefits.ca>.

SMACNA-BC GOLF TOURNAMENT

Mark your calendars for the best and probably the last golf tournament of the year. The tournament is on September 19th and will be once again held at Northview Golf & Country Club.

SMACNA NATIONAL 65TH CONVENTION, OCTOBER 19-23, MAUI, HI

Just a quick reminder to all SMACNA-BC members that the national convention is coming up sooner than you think. This year the convention will be held at the Grand Wailea, in Wailea, Maui, HI. Along with great programs and seminars, the entertainment value is second to none with Huey Lewis and the News wrapping things up this year. Register before September 1 for the discounted rate.