By / Jeremy Hallman, Executive Director, SMACNA-BC
Summer brought sunny days and with that a hiatus on some of our meetings and social gatherings. This was our chance to reassess goals, book presenters, and finalize details for some of the upcoming events. As requested, we have added additional tee times on the Canal Course at Northview Golf & Country Club, providing us with 28 additional spots. Unfortunately, we will not be able to have any on course activities on that side, but the additional spots should satisfy our typical waiting list.
We have recently finalized AGM & Convention contracts for the Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler for 2025 and at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna for 2026. I’m also excited to announce that we signed a contract with the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver to host our SMACNA-BC Christmas Party for 2025. With these details taken care of, I found some time to get away with the family to the lake and enjoy summer.
Our industry shows no sign of slowing down. Many of our contractors, after a busy year last year, expected a similar workload for 2024, with most predicting flat or slightly increased activity. To our surprise, hours have continued to rise over the first part of this year compared to 2023, at a rate of almost 20%. This is great for our industry and its members. The large capital projects keep coming, and although there seems to be a cooling on the residential high-rise side, we all know that the lack of housing will force many of these projects to proceed. I believe the Bank of Canada’s 0.25% rate decrease in June, along with another rate drop in July, will help nudge these projects in the right direction. Inflation has also steadily declined, which should help build confidence.
Next year is a contract year for SMACNA-BC and SMART Local Union No. 280. Please start considering where we need to be and incorporate that number into your quotes for any work that will be in progress after May 1, 2025.
I’m pleased to announce that in May, the SMACNA-BC Board of Directors approved a $1,000 donation for the Father’s Day Walk, which went to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of BC. In July, they approved a $500 donation for Run for the Cure, in which Leanne Hudson will be participating on October 6, 2024.
Tyler McLaren was selected as the recipient of the SMACNA British Columbia Endowed Scholarship, which was administered by the SMACNA College of Fellows. The scholarship is for a one-year term of undergraduate study paid at the rate of $2,000 US dollars per year. Congratulations, Tyler!
Sadly, we recently found out that Rob Nofield of Crossroad C&I passed away on June 23, 2024. Handsome Rob, or Uncle Rob, had a passion for our industry and was a friend to all he met. He was a remarkable person and will be greatly missed.
Our president, Mark McLaren of Ridge Sheet Metal Co., and Director Phil McDonald of Summit Sheet Metal Ltd. recently attended the MCABC Business Conference at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort in Kelowna, BC. Based on their reports, it sounds like the venue, service, food, and speakers were highlights. Programs included embracing artificial intelligence, market outlooks, growing your wealth, and mental health programs.
CHAPTER NEWS
SMACNA-BC and the Board of Directors would like to congratulate the following people at SMART Local Union No. 280 for being re-elected
- Business Manager & Financial Secretary – Steve Davis
- Assistant Business Manager – Owin Baxter
- Business Representative – Troy Clutchey
- Business Representative – Jeff Lind
- President – Jud Martell
I would also like to congratulate our new and returning board members following the SMACNA-BC AGM & Convention at the Penticton Lakeside Resort & Convention Centre on Saturday May 11, 2024.
- Board of Directors 4-year term – Phil McDonald. Summit Sheet Metal Ltd.
- Board of Directors 4-year term – Aaron Smith, Smith Sheet Metal Ltd.
- Board of Directors 2-year term – Dave Brown, Vets Sheet Metal Ltd.
- Joint Conference Board 5-year term – Mark McLaren, Ridge Sheet Metal Co.
- Sheet Metal Industry Training Board 4-year term – Derek Crowie, Summit Sheet Metal Ltd.
Thanks again to all who attended the AGM and those who put their names forward for the various board positions. Your interest is appreciated and necessary for the association to remain strong.
Welcome new SMACNA-BC Contractor member
- Evergreen Sheet Metal Ltd.: evergreensheetmetal.ca
Welcome new SMACNA-BC Associate member
- Sinclair Supply Ltd.: sinclairsupply.ca
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 13, 2024
SMACNA-BC 39th Annual Golf Classic
Northview Golf Course, Surrey BC
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Supervisor Training Program featuring Stephane McShane, Maxim Consulting
“Enabling Success – Creating Alignment Between Field and Office”
Civic Hotel, Surrey, BC
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the information needed to effectively navigate preconstruction planning
- Learn the critical communication required in short interval planning
- Discuss the importance of accurate production tracking
- Identify the needed data transfer of a daily project report
- Outline the data collection required of the project team during closeout and lessons learned
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Membership Dinner Meeting also featuring Stephane McShane of Maxim Consulting
Civic Hotel, Surrey, BC
Stephane will be discussing some of her key takeaways from the all-day program held prior to the dinner meeting
October 27–30, 2024
SMACNA Inc. Annual Convention
Palm Desert, CA
The 2024 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, College of Fellows Golf Outing, SMACNA’s Product Show, and the closing dinner and show.
This year, SMACNA is hosting the 2024 SMACNA Annual Convention at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA, which offers guests an incredible way to experience the beauty of the desert while experiencing warm, genuine hospitality and an unmatched selection of programs and activities that celebrate the magnificent surroundings of the resort.
smacna.org/learn/events/calendar/2024-smacna-annual-convention
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Membership Dinner Meeting featuring Scott Mosher, RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
Civic Hotel, Surrey, BC
Scott will be discussing financial basics
Friday, November 29, 2024
SMACNA-BC Christmas Party
Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver, BC ■
