Recent News

Monterey County Plumbing was founded in 1942 during the heyday of World War II. At the time, President Roosevelt had just authorized the largest armaments production in U.S. history, so the primary focus of Monterey County Plumbing in the beginning was to support barracks construction for the war effort buildup.

This year’s Fall Project Management Certificate Program received a refreshing update with new instructors and classes!

Known as the best technology conference for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, service and sheet metal contractors, this year’s event will offer educational sessions conducted by industry leaders from MCAA, NECA and SMACNA.

This conference, presented by MCAA, SMACNA and TAUC, was designed to foster collaboration, facilitate the sharing of best practices and important resources, and drive collective progress towards the future of the industry.

We had a fantastic turnout for our general meeting on December 11. Led by our new President Bobby Bramlett, the meeting covered several key updates.

Building partnerships, attracting talented individuals and producing quality work remain essential; however, emerging leaders are now facing an array of new challenges.

Join us for an informative session about industry initiatives followed by a morning of legislator appointments for your business areas.

Bay Area SMACNA’s Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers took place for the second consecutive year at the Meritage Resort in Napa. The event saw a great turnout, with over 100 contractor and associate members in attendance.

With 110 shooters representing 28 member companies, this year’s Sporting Clays event on October 4 was a huge success!

A total of 23 board members participated in the September 22-24 Board Retreat at Carneros Resort in Napa. The consensus on the industry is that conditions are currently slow or steady; however, there’s a sense of optimism for 2025 and completing backlogged work.

The future has come to the construction industry, including 3D laser scanning, autonomous robotic layout printers, mixed reality project mapping and so much more.

Although the September 15 Giants game didn’t end the way we wanted, it was an enjoyable evening full of baseball and great company!

November’s “Seven Critical Decisions to Maximize Your Team and New Opportunities class” was well attended by our contractor members.

On December 6, 30 of our contractor members participated in our complimentary CPR and First Aid class held at the Bay Area SMACNA Training Room.

With the election behind us, we can visualize the outlines of what can be expected in the next Congress for SMACNA’s priority issues. We know the White House will flip back to Republican control and a new agenda will soon be on display offering challenges, but also legislative and regulatory opportunities.

Too often, construction industry professionals have a dated website (if they have one at all); one that isn’t up to snuff by today’s standards, has sat static for years and/or was built on old technology.

Bay Area SMACNA members are invited to attend the CAL SMACNA Convention for another insightful networking experience with peers.

At the invitation of Bay Area SMACNA President Duane Davies, Assemblymember Juan Alanis visited District 1’s newest apprenticeship training center for a tour and to learn more about the sheet metal apprenticeship.

Legislation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates an 85 percent nationwide phasedown in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants by 2036.

Join us for our popular Sporting Clays Chapter Event at Birds Landing on Friday, October 4!f

All Temperature Service Air Conditioning, Inc. began earnestly in 1984 in founder Richard Lowder’s living room in his family home. As business expanded ATS moved on to much more illustrious locations, like the family garage and a storage unit.

The U.S. Dept. of Labor recently issued a final rule increasing the salary threshold that determines whether employees are exempt from overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

On September 30, 2023, California Senate Bill 553 was signed into law and California Labor Code section 6401.9 and was effective and enforceable on July 1, 2024.

Engage with your lawmakers to inform them about key issues vital to the well-being of our contractors.

In April, a building trades (BT) service curriculum committee of Bay Area SMACNA (BAS) contractors and labor was put together to review the content, timing and relevance of existing modules to meet current and future industry needs.

Having a service and special projects group to help balance the portfolio can create additional financial stability to an otherwise fluctuating industry.

Bay Area SMACNA and our labor partners at Sheet Metal Local 104 have a strong history of successful negotiations

Save the date for our Annual Dinner & Installation of Officers on November 9!

Apprentices are generally assigned to take classes in the regions where they are indentured, with instruction happening at the Fairfield, Santa Clara, Livermore and Castroville Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs).

Bay Area SMACNA members are invited to attend one of two FREE Safety Seminars this fall hosted by CAL SMACNA.

Forty-two contractor member representatives participated in the 2024 General Membership Advisory Retreat June 9-11 at the Silverado Resort in Napa.

In a time where technology and efficiency are crucial, the newly built Livermore Joint Apprentices Training Center offers a state-of-the-art facility to train the next generation of sheet metal workers. Over 30 people representing many of our contractor firms came out to see what the facility has to offer.

We have quite a few classes around the corner from various instructors and a wide scope oft topics!

Our annual Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament took place July 22 at The Club at Castlewood in Pleasanton, with 135 contractor and associate members participating.

The SMART Local Union 104 apprentice class of 2023 was honored with a graduation ceremony at the Local 104 offices in Livermore on August 24.

Good branding is incredibly powerful, but all that power lies dormant until that branding is pushed out into the real world. Pleasanton-based promotional products company LogoBoss specializes in getting branding out into the wild on t-shirts, bottle openers, hats — you name it!

This year’s intern training in July was conducted over Zoom due to the limited number of interns. Despite the virtual format, the session was engaging and interactive.

The pilot program “Understanding the Real Costs of Running a Sheet Metal Contracting Business” was offered to 4th year apprentices at the San Jose Joint Apprenticeship Training Center on August 21.

It can take years to become proficient in TIG welding. Innovations and investments in high-powered laser welding can dramatically reduce both the training time and experience needed to produce high-quality fabrication builds. The turnaround time for high-quality finished products using laser welding is estimated to be 25 percent of traditional TIG welding. Examples of this time savings include minimizing or deleting pre- and post-processing steps, such as the use of welding fixtures or the need to pre-brush metals.

We’re excited to announce two management classes led by instructor Kevin Dougherty. Although both classes are stand-alone, we recommend beginning with “Growing and Developing” before progressing to “How to be More Effective,” which is more advanced and goes deeper into how to handle challenging conversations.

This is a potential opportunity for members, chapter executives and associate members to network with peers, learn important trends and new skills, and discuss business topics with leading service providers and manufacturers. This year’s event will take place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.

With the production of tanks, planes, munitions and more, metalwork in the WWII era spiked across the U.S. Even after the war, metal fabrication became a mainstay in American architecture. In 1945, Joe Bell capitalized on this trend and founded Bell Products, Inc.

Many Bay Area SMACNA (BAS) contractors continue to hire professional or trades interns to get a jump on securing top talent, assist with peak demand and give them an opportunity to evaluate candidates’ cultural fit and aptitude within their organization.

The first consolidated Bay Area SMACNA general membership meeting was held on March 6 in the Bay Area SMACNA training room. This meeting replaced the regional advisory sessions and provided an excellent chance to engage with other members, exchange ideas and play a part in the advancement and success of our industry.

Registration for the Annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament is now open! This year’s event will only be played on the Hill Course at Castlewood Country Club. Registration is limited to the first 144 players and is expected to fill quickly. Players will not be confirmed until payment is received.

The Sheet Metal JATC program continually evaluates and flexes its curriculum to meet evolving construction industry needs. When possible, apprenticeship leaders also work with contractors to accommodate specific requests.

The Sheet Metal JATC program continually evaluates and flexes its curriculum to meet evolving construction industry needs. When possible, apprenticeship leaders also work with contractors to accommodate specific requests.

The Sheet Metal JATC program continually evaluates and flexes its curriculum to meet evolving construction industry needs. When possible, apprenticeship leaders also work with contractors to accommodate specific requests.

Although apprenticeship training continued during the pandemic with lots of effort and readjustment, the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund (JATC) needed to shift priorities, leaving apprenticeship completion ceremonies on hold.

In late 2021, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented legislation mandating an 85 percent nationwide phasedown in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants by 2036.

With more than 100 Bay Area SMACNA members and their families in attendance, the 58th Annual CAL SMACNA Convention was a great success! Held April 3-6 at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, attendees were treated to networking events, workshops and speakers.

Congratulations to the 19 Bay Area SMACNA member companies that received Safety Awards during the CAL SMACNA Convention! Safety is incredibly important in our industry, and we’re proud of these companies for making it a top priority.

Congratulations to the Control Air Enterprises, the recipient of the 2024 Tom Guilfoy Memorial Craftsmanship of the Year Award!

Join us in congratulating Phill Phillips of Southland Industries on becoming the 2024-2025 CAL SMACNA President!

This course is designed for students with a minimum of one year Project Management experience.

Unless you’ve lived your whole life off-grid, you know the name Siemens. It’s practically everywhere, on a staggering number of different things. Which leads to an obvious question: Who or what is Siemens and what do they do?

Unless you’ve lived your whole life off-grid, you know the name Siemens. It’s practically everywhere, on a staggering number of different things. Which leads to an obvious question: Who or what is Siemens and what do they do?

In April, a Building Trades Service Curriculum Committee was established to assess the content, timing and relevance of existing modules to meet current and future industry needs.

The SMW Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Fund (JATC) program curriculum continues to develop in partnership with Foothill College. In fact, Foothill’s certificates of achievement in Sheet Metal Building Trades, TAB and Air Conditioning Mechanic are among the highest unit counts, with apprentices earning 68 -70 quarter units upon turnout.

We’re excited to announce two management classes led by instructor Kevin Dougherty. Although both classes are stand-alone, we recommend beginning with “Growing and Developing” before progressing to “How to be More Effective,” which is more advanced and goes deeper into how to handle challenging conversations.

As of January 1, 2024, California has expanded its paid sick leave law under the Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act (HWHFA). According to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO), employers must now allow workers to use at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave per year, an increase from the previous 24 hours or three days. Some cities or regions in California may require employers to provide additional sick leave.

This year’s General Membership Advisory Retreat is scheduled for June 9-11 at Silverado Resort in Napa Valley.

Each year, Engineering News-Record releases its list of Top 600 Specialty Contractors. Companies on recently released 2023 list were ranked according to the prior year’s construction revenue (in millions) from specialty contracting in a prime or subcontracting capacity.

In 2012, three coworkers left their jobs at one Bay Area mechanical contracting firm in favor of starting their own company. Tom Best, Jonathan Diaz and Mike Herrera piled into a Ford Ranger and started a new chapter together as owners of Axis Mechanical.

Dave Fordahl (pictured), sheet metal service instructor, is a key representative for Bay Area veterans.

Approximately 256 apprentices throughout the State of California were awarded ERiCA (Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship) grants last year. Of those, 44 recipients (over 17%) were from District 1 alone!

We’re currently organizing this year’s sponsorship opportunities for the Annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament, set for July 22 at Castlewood Country Club.

According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work injuries in the construction and extraction industry increased 11 percent, from 12.3 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees in 2021 to 13 in 2022.

During this half-day, in-person training session, attendees will learn critical lifesaving skills.

As of January 1, 2024, California has expanded its paid sick leave law under the Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act (HWHFA). According to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO), employers must now allow workers to use at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave per year, an increase from the previous 24 hours or three days. Some cities or regions in California may require employers to provide additional sick leave.

Our Sheet Metal & HVAC Project Management Certificate Program is back this fall!

After a year in the making, the Bay Area SMACNA team was thrilled to host an open house and showcase the new Bay Area SMACNA office in December 2023.

Bay Area SMACNA remembers Frank Brady and Valerie Rose Howerton Miller.

On Tuesday, February 6, CAL SMACNA hosted its 2024 Day at the Capitol, which was strongly supported by the Bay Area Chapter. Attendees met with a total of 42 senators and assemblymembers, engaging in productive conversations about the sheet metal and HVAC industry.

CliftonLarsonAllen is a professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting and advisory services to clients across various industries, including privately-held businesses, nonprofits, government entities and individuals.

SMACNA National is known for navigating and advancing key policy tax credits, grants and regulations, with the last few years proving to be full of successful accomplishments benefitting our industry.

The SMACNA 2024 Annual Convention will be held from October 27-30 at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.

The Bay Area SMACNA Board of Directors recently welcomed five new faces. Effective leaders within their own companies, each of these individuals will be instrumental in the development of our association’s strategic vision. We’re excited for them to share their expertise. Let’s meet our new our new board members!

CAL SMACNA’s advocacy staff and Legislative Committee (including Bay Area members Mike Pence, Lisa Tuck, Duane Davies, Mitch Hoppe and Sean O’Donoghue) worked hard during the 2023-2024 legislative session to protect and improve conditions for signatory contractors in the sheet metal industry.

Expand your professional and personal network during CAL SMACNA’s 58th Annual Convention, set for April 3-6, 2024. Experience the timeless craftsman charm of The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the venue for this year’s event.

The idea for Rhumbix was ignited more than a decade ago, sparked by a multi-billion-dollar project at a Chilean copper mine. Navy Veteran Zach Scheel was tasked with tracking and reporting the labor hours and production metrics for more than 7,000 craftworkers running 24-hour shifts and using paper timecards.

Contractor orientations are held at various times throughout the year at our local Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATC), facilitated by Bay Area SMACNA contractors. In these sessions, contractors share valuable industry insights and guidance on what they look for in a successful apprentice.

The CAL SMACNA Safety Seminar was held in the new Bay Area SMACNA training room on September 21, and we were excited to have more than 20 of our local contractors participate.

We were thrilled to see so many of our Bay Area SMACNA members come out for our annual Sporting Clays event on October 7 at the Bird’s Landing Hunting Preserve.

What’s in a name? At ICOM Mechanical Inc., the company’s name literally says it all; it stands for Industrial/Commercial.

The 2023 SMACNA Annual Convention — held in Phoenix, Arizona, at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge — offered a chance for members, chapter executives and associate members to network, learn about industry trends and discuss business topics with leading providers and manufacturers.

On September 18, we held our annual Board Getaway at the beautiful Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley. The meeting began with Chris Walker giving an update on current legislation proposals, including climate changes, raising the number of sick days per year and lead thresholds.

The Bay Area SMACNA’s Annual Dinner and Officer Installation is a highly anticipated occasion among the members of our organization. We had a great turnout this year, with more than 100 contractor and associate members in attendance.

Get on the WIC list and stay up-to-date! Email contact@wicbayarea.org and tell your colleagues, male and female! You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

In today’s rapidly evolving business climate, project timelines are becoming increasingly compressed, making streamlined communication between the office, field and shop more critical than ever before

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Fund team went full steam ahead with recruiting efforts in 2023.

The post-COVID economy remains challenging in California and across the nation. CAL SMACNA members — both small and large — struggle with inflation, high interest rates, reduced capital, reduced manhours and legal compliance with the sheer volume of mandates on employers.

We need your help to make a difference. On Feb. 4-5, we are headed to the capitol to speak up for our cause. Join us for a powerful and impactful day at the capitol. Let’s work together to make a change!

We’re excited to announce a successful Project Management Program, held for the first time in our new training room! Students representing 16 contractor member companies attended the six-week program that ran from September 26 to October 26.

SMACNA’s federal and non-federal contractors applaud the Department of Labor’s (DOL) long-needed reforms updating and modernizing the Davis-Bacon Act to benefit every contractor and worker.

Whether you’re collaborating with an architect, meeting with facility managers on a project or playing golf with colleagues, building successful relationships is key to keeping your business running smoothly and efficiently.

Founded by Tom Sosine and Jon Gundersen in 2003, United Mechanical was built on the foundation of customer service. The company operates under the philosophy that every client is important, and no project is more important than theirs.

Summer brought a punishing heat wave to many parts of the United States, California included. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people die each year from heat-related illness — and construction workers in particular are exposed to risk.

As every contractor knows, keeping ahead of the curve on the latest technology, regulatory changes and best leadership practices are a few of the many ways to ensure a competitive edge.

The SMACNA Annual Convention — this year set in the serene Sonoran Desert at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort — is a yearly highlight for members, chapter executives and associate members.

As a member of Bay Area SMACNA, you’re part of a network of industry professionals with shared interests. Our group is stronger together through networking, educational programming and our commitment to making a difference in our communities and for the future of the sheet metal industry.

The DEWALT name first made an appearance in 1924, when Raymond DeWalt perfected the first woodworking machine and started the DEWALT Products company. Nearly 100 years later, DEWALT has become synonymous with innovation and tough performance.

In August, our Women in Construction (WIC) group hosted a Top Golf event in San Jose, where more than 30 attendees enjoyed practicing their swing, networking and prepping for their next client get-together.

Contractor team members with accounting and payroll responsibilities should mark their calendars for the Wage/Fringe Administration class on November 7 at the new Bay Area SMACNA office.

Bay Area SMACNA is proud to announce Paul Irwin has been nominated to the SMACNA National 2023 Board of Directors!

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund (sheet metal apprenticeship program) was recently awarded a significant ERiCA grant through the State of California’s Department of Industrial Relations.

Our latest contractor orientation for 1st year apprentices was presented by Carl Koos (Marina Mechanical) and held at the Livermore JATC.

For many years, we’ve been proud to host the Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for this year’s Annual Dinner & Installation of Officers, set at The Meritage Resort in Napa Valley.

We reached out to Stan Kolbe, Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs for SMACNA, for a brief update on legislation impacting our industry.

JATC trustees, committee members and interested contractors are encouraged to sign up for the Western States Regional Conference on Apprenticeship on October 23-24 in San Diego.

The 2024 CAL SMACNA Day at the Capitol is your opportunity to meet with local legislators and staff to continue developing relationships and help shape state policy on the top issues related to public contracts, public education and employment issues.

The International Training Institute (iTi), sponsored by SMACNA and SMART, supports more than 148 training centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Practice your “golf with a shotgun” and spend the day engaging in some friendly competition!

This year’s Intern Training Day was held at the new Livermore JATC. Twenty-five interns started their morning with an introduction by Kathy de Jong, who talked about Bay Area SMACNA’s role in benefiting our industry and our relationship with the apprenticeship program and SMART.

Recently the Labor and Management Trustees of the Sheet Metal Workers Pension Plan of Northern California (the Plan) updated the guidelines for retired Local 104 District 1 pensioners to apply for Return to Work at signatory contractors without having their benefits suspended or delayed.

The group utilized the portable training module built to demonstrate how a vestibule and stairwell should protect building occupants in the event of an emergency.

“Some things never change — we have always prided ourselves on providing consistent, honest, quality work — and other things take big swings,” he said. “The latest trend is getting away from natural gas (furnaces) and moving toward decarbonization. With the move to electric HVAC, heat pumps are making a comeback which makes a blast from the past and simultaneously the wave of the future.”

Throughout a six-week course, students learned how to successfully orchestrate the people, resources and tasks it takes to execute projects on time and within budget, while developing better relationships with internal and external customers. Our newest session topics on Lean Construction and Change Agility were a big hit with the students.

The venue is set in the serene Sonoran Desert at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort. It can be counted as both a getaway and a forward-thinking destination to gain insight on industry trends in support of your business. The goal is forward motion!

It’s official: the new Bay Area SMACNA office is open! We’re super excited about the new location and can’t wait to invite you in. Once we’re settled in, we’ll look forward to hosting our popular Project Management Program in the fall, scheduled for September 19 through October 26.

Recently the Labor and Management Trustees of the Sheet Metal Workers Pension Plan of Northern California (the Plan) updated the guidelines for retired Local 104 District 1 pensioners to apply for Return to Work at signatory contractors without having their benefits suspended or delayed.

Women in Construction (WIC) Week is a national event that promotes and amplifies the success of women in the construction industry. This year marked the 25th annual celebration and took place March 5-11

Member representatives from our four regions — Oakland, West Bay/San Francisco, Santa Clara and North Bay — met at individual advisory meetings held by Bay Area SMACNA the week of April 17. During each meeting, members discussed industry forecasts, upcoming events and nominations for open Board member seats in their respective regions. Other topics included work hours and projections, the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) and apprenticeship updates.

More than 100 Bay Area SMACNA members and their families attended the 57th annual CAL SMACNA Convention in Dana Point from April 12-15.

Join us in congratulating Brian Pyle, COO at Silicon Valley Mechanical, on being elected the 2023-2024 secretary of CAL SMACNA!

More than a great networking and social event, the annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament is a worthy fundraiser to help students meet the demands of a higher education through tuition and book scholarships.

Congratulations to the 25 companies that qualified for CAL SMACNA’s Safety Awards with their excellent safety records! Marelich Mechanical, Inc. was also recognized with the best safety record in the 100,001+ category of manhours worked.

Congratulations to Bobby Bramlett, Aire Sheet Metal, who is the 2023 recipient of the Edward Banks Memorial Award for Contractor of the Year! This prestigious honor is awarded to a member who participates at every available opportunity, while providing leadership and a willingness to be a team player when a situation calls for collective action.

The 2023 Advisory Getaway in Lake Tahoe drew a total of 45 members, with many attending for the first time. Introductions were insightful with a snapshot of where we currently are with market conditions.

From drones and 3D printing to virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR), the future of construction is already here. Now, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and the Bay Industry Training Fund are excited to introduce today’s cutting-edge technology to the training curriculum — Dusty, an autonomous robot designed for full-scale floor layout.

The key to developing the next generation of sheet metal workers is on-the-job training, a targeted curriculum and consistent feedback on performance. Each contractor’s obligation and role in providing authentic evaluations on apprentice performance is both necessary to the apprentice’s career growth and is required by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards. In addition, apprentices who receive high marks may qualify for the Training Coordinator’s List, enabling them to customize their 5th year class selection.

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund (JATC) endeavors to have skilled and qualified apprentices available for dispatch to meet current and future industry requirements. When needed, the union office contacts eligible applicants (in order of application) to offer employment to individuals seeking opportunities as a pre-apprentice.

Every summer, contractors hire interns to recruit and engage top talent for the future, fill in for busy peak seasons and evaluate candidates for their fit and potential within their organization. It’s exciting to see how many interns have grown through the ranks of their respective companies and made a difference in our industry.

When SMACNA members are informed and involved in the legislative process, they become powerful advocates for the issues that directly impact our industry.

Growing up with siblings, you often have built-in best friends — and that sibling bond lasts a lifetime. For brothers Manuel, Ramon and Mario DeHaro, that bond extended into a shared interest in the construction industry as adults, which ultimately led to a family-run business.

Spend four days networking with peers, attending educational workshops and listening to inspirational speakers while being thoroughly entertained at the Waldorf Astoria’s Monarch Beach Resort.

All SMACNA members are encouraged to complete the online 2023 SMACNA Safety Excellence Award Program survey

More than a great networking and social event, the annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament is a worthy fundraiser to help students meet the demands of a higher education through tuition and book scholarships.

The Mestek Machinery story began in 1964 when Mestek acquired Peterson Roll Feed Company. It was later merged into Cooper-Weymouth in 1974 and wasn’t until the 1990s that the company made plans to better serve metal forming companies.

On February 6, more than 20 SMACNA members participated in the 2023 CAL SMACNA Day at the Capitol in Sacramento.

In January, Bay Area SMACNA members networked in Texas with colleagues and industry leaders from across the country at the 2023 MEP Innovation Conference — an event that has become known as the best technology conference for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, service and sheet metal contractors.

Effective this year, the Women in Construction group is a new Bay Area SMACNA Mission Partner and will incorporate into a separate non-profit.

On February 9, Maxim Consulting Group, LLC, hosted a webinar on the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), part of the COVID stimulus provided by the federal government.

We’ve kicked off 2023 with a number of meetings discussing topical issues.

We’re excited to start the year off with the Spring Project Management Certification Program, running February 28 through April 6.

The mission of the Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Fund is to provide educational opportunities to students who have demonstrated exceptional excellence and commitment in academics, community service and extracurricular activities.

According to a 2021 study by John Hancock, financial stress and the recent impact of COVID have had a substantial impact on well-being.

Governor Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 2232, a bill supported by SMART and CAL SMACNA to require California schools to ensure facilities and classrooms have heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that meet minimum ventilation rate requirements.

All California contractors performing acceptance testing on non-residential projects will need to have their supervisors and technicians renew their MATT/MATE certifications

Join us at Waldorf Astoria’s Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, California, for CAL SMACNA’s 57th Annual Convention.

In the early 1990s, Bob Blocka worked in Detroit, where he was a project manager for a contracting company. When his job brought he and his wife, Jean, to the Bay Area in 1991, they assumed it would be a short-term stay while he completed work on the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) plant in Fremont.

The expertise of a trusted financial advisor is beneficial to anyone facing big life decisions, but their advice becomes an especially helpful resource for business owners.

More than 100 Bay Area SMACNA members joined us for our annual sporting clays event on October 7 at the Bird’s Landing Hunting Preserve.

This year’s Board Getaway meeting was held in September at CordeValle in San Martin.

The Bay Area SMACNA Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers on November 12th was held in a new location — at the historic Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

Leveraging the International Training Institute (iTi) grants, two of Sheet Metal Worker Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund District 1’s training centers have received funding to purchase computers and new monitors.

Daytime and evening classes are underway in the new Livermore Training Facility.

We are happy to list the 86 women and men who turned out on time with certificates of completion in Building Trades Sheet Metal, BT Service or BT TAB graduates.

Bay Area SMACNA offers plenty of local programming and value, but SMACNA National has even more tools and resources to make your business better!

Are you ready for 2023? So are your apprentices!

Our six-week Fall Project Management Certification class was another success! All 30 students received project management certificates during PM graduation on November 3rd.

Provided by Safety Training Seminars Our industry requires a high level of safety in the workplace, and all workers and leaders must be prepared for an emergency.

Education Recaps: Project Communication, Supply Chain Management, Purchasing Best Practices.

Bay Area SMACNA is proud to continue offering ClickSafety online safety training for member firms. This customizable and interactive safety resource has more than 300 online safety courses, including HAZWOPER, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, harassment training and custom site-specific general industry courses.

We’re only a few weeks removed from the 2022 SMACNA Annual Convention, where many of our members and associate members gathered for four days of great educational content, networking and breakout sessions.

Sexual harassment can happen on the jobsite, in the office, at a trade show, through social media … and it’s more than just unwanted physical contact.

Join us in a new location for our 2022 Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers!

The pandemic touched every aspect of Americans’ lives – both personally and professionally – and left many wondering if their career path was the right one. Last year’s “Great Reshuffle” started an unprecedented job-hopping trend across all industries, particularly among a younger demographic.

After a two-year break, the 2022 Intern Training Day was a tremendous success! Hosted by United Mechanical Inc. (UMI), there were more than 30 high school and college students in attendance representing over 10 contractors.

With great sadness, we announce the unexpected passing of longtime board member Les Peterson. Les was a third-generation owner, president and CEO of Peterson Mechanical, a Sonoma HVAC company with a 106-year tenure.

The Bay Area SMACNA Board of Directors recently welcomed five new faces. Effective leaders within their own companies, each of these individuals will be instrumental in the development and execution of our association’ s strategic vision.

It was a beautiful day for the Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton. Golfers checked in and were greeted with a warm breakfast and gift bag.

More than 120 students participated in the 2022 Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) hosted by four of our local contractor members: Western Allied Mechanical, ACCO, Silicon Valley Mechanical and Peterson Mechanical.

Gallagher is one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms. As a community insurance broker and trusted consultant, the company helps people and businesses move forward with confidence.

On June 23, Bay Area SMACNA had a great turnout of more than 70 members for the halibut fishing trip in the bay.

The 2022 National Convention was held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Contractor and associate members had four days of education, networking and unforgettable memories together.

Although the Giants couldn’t pull off a win for our Chapter Night on September 17, it was still a fun night!

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund met in January for the Trust Meeting of Labor and Management.

CAL SMACNA’s 2023 Day at the Capitol will provide you with an opportunity to help shape state policy on CAL SMACNA’s top issues related to public contracts, public education and employment issues.

James Benham of JBKnowledge was one of the dynamic speakers at the CAL SMACNA Convention. His examples and stories of how construction companies can “hack” the expertise and experience of other industries was motivational and informative.

Jyoti joins us as our new Program and Event Assistant.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of longtime colleague, William “Bill” Last, Jr. in February.

Rob Stocker has been in the sheet metal industry for nearly 40 years — a career that began with a few sheet metal/HVAC courses in Arizona and ultimately led to a sheet metal apprenticeship. In 2006, RJ Mechanical Inc. was born.

Every industry stands to benefit from data analytics — and construction is no exception. Every piece of data collected during the lifecycle of each project, from design, to financials, to safety and more, can help you make smarter decisions that will fuel future success.

The construction industry is tough. Rugged. Fast-paced. Physically demanding. From architects and mechanical engineers to project managers, site superintendents and journeyworkers — it takes a certain type of person to be able to handle everything this industry throws at them.

The Fire Life Safety demonstration on April 13 at the Local 104 Main Office in Livermore was well attended. More than 40 participants, including contractors, Local 104 TAB employees and other industry representatives enjoyed the presentation followed by a BBQ lunch hosted by Bay Area SMACNA.

Email marketing can be a valuable tool for your company. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to help generate leads, promote your products and services, bring in revenue, even strengthen relationships with current clients.

Improve on-site safety by establishing a forklift safety program within your company. Comprehensive, effective and affordable safety training for Bay Area SMACNA members is now available through Forklift Academy, with a 0 reimbursement from SMACNA!

For more than 25 years, Fasteners Inc. Professional Contractor Supply has built a reputation as an innovative, fast-paced solutions provider for commercial, residential and industrial contractors.

With a 90% reimbursement rate provided by the International Training Institute’s grant program, the trustees of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund program recently purchased three laser welders, one for each AWS Accredited Welding Lab.

On May 17, contractors had the opportunity to review the service training equipment and a high-level overview of curriculum at the Fairfield Apprenticeship Training Facility. Of particular interest was the augmented reality (AR) program used by apprentices.

A “SPYDERCRANE “ mini-crawler is a mini-crane that has been designed and built for working in low access confined areas either indoors or outdoors.

The BuiltWorlds pre-conference event on construction technology and innovation, hosted by Associate Member Hilti, had fascinating information on what is coming to our industry.

Join us in congratulating Mitch Hoppe, president of Melrose Metal Products, on becoming the 2022-2023 president of CAL SMACNA!

Congratulations to the Bay Area SMACNA winners of several annual awards that were recognized at CAL SMACNA’s 56th Annual Convention in Kauai.

This year’s advisory meeting was held at the Edgewood Resort in Lake Tahoe from June 9-11. After not meeting for two years due to COVID, the meeting was well attended with 47 members represented.

Even though the Boston Bruins beat the Sharks 3-1 at our chapter night on February 26th there was still much to celebrate.

In February, Bay Area SMACNA held four Regional Advisory Meetings, bringing together representatives from member firms in each region.

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund met in January for the Trust Meeting of Labor and Management.

Bigge Crane & Rigging has been instrumental in the American construction scene since it was founded in 1916.

We are happy to list the 178 women and men who turned out on time with certificates of completion in Building Trades Sheet Metal, BT Service or BT TAB graduates.

To ensure projects can obtain a certificate of occupancy, new buildings and tenant improvement projects are built in accordance with local code requirements, and are tested, adjusted and balanced to meet required airflows, pressurization differentials and door force opening requirements.

By the time he was 24, Kenneth Morando was itching to start his own business. So, he did.

Each year, CAL SMACNA is proud to recognize members with outstanding safety records.

This program is designed to help anyone who manages people, from the new foreman to the experienced veteran. All attendees came away with tools that will make an immediate impact on job performance.

It takes a team to manage the multiemployer billion+ Pension Plan (the Plan) for thousands of past, current and future Local 104 Sheet Metal Workers.

This course gives our members the tools to be prepared for an emergency in any type of setting.

Our first Chapter night of the year was a thrilling one! Nearly 180 Bay Area Chapter members, friends and family joined us at the Chase Center to cheer on the Golden State Warriors as they took on the Houston Rockets.

The SMW 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers (JATCs) must continually evolve to achieve goals and objectives that meet the needs for contractors, the union and the marketplace.

Congratulations to the following contractors who have completed the MATE/MATT certifications.

After thorough analysis, the revisions for SMACNA’s fourth edition HVAC Duct Construction Standards Metal & Flexible is now available to all SMACNA contractors.

Liz joins us as the new Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Vickie joins us as our new Membership and Events Manager.

The new year brings new changes for Bay Area SMACNA. In addition to moving to Pleasanton, we are working on a new registration process for our members to register for trainings and events.

Determining the best way to keep folks healthy and minimize risks has proven challenging, while changing CDC and OSHA guidelines have both helped and, other times, caused confusion.

Since 1913, Murray Company Mechanical Contractors has built a solid reputation as a leading full-service mechanical contractor throughout the Southwest.

With 200+ contractors in District 1, the Bay Area SMACNA team relies on the leadership and volunteering spirit of its members to assist in guiding and growing the organization to meet current and future industry needs.

Unlike other parts of the country, the Bay Area District 1 currently has a great number of applicants waiting to be indentured.

Started in 1945 as a health care program for shipyard and steel mill workers, Kaiser Permanente has since grown into one of the largest unionized, nonprofit healthcare organizations in the country, including more than 40 union locals in its Labor Management Partnership.

Bay Area SMACNA is proud to continue partnering with ClickSafety to offer online safety training to member firms.

The Women in Construction (WIC) Leadership Team had a productive and engaging day of strategic planning, collaboration and networking during their first Strategic Planning Summit meeting in August.

The “Control Your Attention, Control Your Life” workshop on November 19th, hosted by WIC sponsor Silicon Valley Mechanical, was sold out with 45 attendees representing multiple member firms.

The new SMW Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in Livermore is in the design build phase. Architect FCGA has been working with selected General Contractor, J.M. O’Neill, with Sigmatech Consulting assisting.

With 40% of workers set to retire in the next 5-10 years and nationwide labor shortages, the construction industry is at a crossroads.

The apprenticeship program has reinstated hybrid learning due to the increase of Delta variant COVID-19 cases as of fall.

Sheri Learmonth, CEO of Marina Mechanical, was appointed to the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) as an Employer Representative by Governor Newsom and is one of only two women on the 14-member Commission.

Standing at 65%, public support for American labor unions is the highest it’s been since 2003. According to the July 30-Aug. 12 Gallup poll, approval has been steadily climbing since reaching a historic low of 48% during the Great Recession in 2009.

20 students graduated on October 21 and received their certificates from the Project Management Certification class designed specifically for Bay Area SMACNA.

The 2021 SMACNA 77th Annual Convention brought 100 of our Bay Area SMACNA members and their families to Maui, Hawaii, for a few days of learning, networking and celebrating being back together in person.

Bay Area SMACNA Chapter was very thankful to be able to hold the Annual Dinner and Installation of Officers in person this November.

Nancy Pirrone came to us in 1999 with a background in patient assistance and marketing at Kaiser Permanente but jumped into the challenges of the sheet metal industry with eagerness.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), designed to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic, ended as of May 31, 2021. Those who received relief loans through the PPP may be eligible for loan forgiveness.

After more than a year of working from home and social distancing, we’re excited to once again resume live, in-person meetings and events!

After last year’s hiatus, we were thrilled to once again host our annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament at The Club at Castlewood.

The mission of the Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship is to provide educational opportunities to students who have demonstrated exceptional excellence and commitment in academics, community service and extra-curricular activities.

Cold Craft has one of the longest running Diamond Certified ratings (since 2002) of any HVAC/R dealer in Santa Clara County.

When school is in session, that’s where most children spend a majority of their day. But the problem is that many schools don’t have the proper ventilation to keep unhealthy pollutants out of their indoor air, reducing the cognitive ability for students to be successful learners.

Total Track was developed by the International Training Institute (ITI) and provides critical information for managing and monitoring sheet metal apprentices, the apprenticeship program and contractors.

According to updated guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, contractors and other employers throughout the country are free to make the COVID-19 vaccination a job requirement.

The longer the recruitment process takes, the more it’ll cost you.

Your brand is your company’s identity, your foundation, the driving force behind connecting with your employees and audience.

Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to industrial, commercial and residential customers, and insulation is a critical part of delivering a healthier, superior building.

For 20 years, JBKnowledge has been a leader in technology for the construction and insurance industries.

Fifteen Local 104 District 1 apprentices were each awarded 0 gift cards to Work World to purchase new, comfortable steel toed boots.

Congratulations to the following companies that qualified for CAL SMACNA’s Safety Awards with their excellent safety records!

The Women in Construction group partnered with Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) for their second SHEBuilds event funded by WIC sponsorships/donations.

Being a project manager isn’t just a job — it’s a career path that can lead to many opportunities in the construction industry.

From the start of the pandemic in March 2020, it was clear SMW Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Trust Fund (JATC Training Trust Fund) had some decisions to make about safely continuing the apprenticeship training program.

Later this year, all fifth-year apprentices will be able to customize their class selection for their final year of instruction.

In March, Western Allied Mechanical President and CEO Angie Simon was recognized by Construction Dive as one of the industry’s leading tradeswomen.

Kelly Avila began her career with our association in August 2001. As our Financial Administrator, she’s responsible for accounting, payroll, hours reporting, administrative support and bookkeeping, among other duties.

Barbie Simpson has been a mainstay at Simpson Sheet Metal since she was 16 years old. Her parents, Bill and Nancy, founded the Santa Rosa-based business in 1981 and hired their only daughter to help in the office as the fledgling company got off the ground.

During the past year, it’s likely that some fleets have been fully or partially out of commission due to decreased workload or other pandemic-related issues.

Since 1927, Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP has met the legal needs of clients throughout California with efficiency, integrity and responsiveness.

On March 19, 2021, Governor Newsom signed the Retroactive COVID Paid Sick Leave law. This piece of legislation, also known as AB 94 & SB 95, extends and expands employer requirements to provide supplemental paid sick leave to employees impacted by COVID-19.

As a contractor, you know what it takes and who you can rely on to make every job happen on time, on budget and sometimes within very complex specifications.

The Women in Construction Community Involvement team piloted a fundraiser to help 1st and 2nd year apprentices pay for one of the most costly and important pieces of safety equipment needed for their careers — work boots!

Thanks to the support of the WIC leadership team, JATC leaders, volunteers and numerous donors, more than 85 swag bags were delivered to women and men through the WIC group’s Drive Through Celebrations.

Bay Area SMACNA’s Women in Construction group collaborated with two different organizations to provide webinars with impact during National WIC week. Working with the Western Washington SMACNA chapter, Bay Area SMACNA was pleased to co-host the Ascend Summit for a two-part virtual offering.

Currently, more than 400 pre-apprentices provide much needed support and entry-level skills to contractors.

Since 2000, Bay Area SMACNA’s Intern Program has introduced students to the different career paths available within the construction industry.

An expectation of participating in the apprenticeship program is to provide evaluations to the Joint Apprenticeship Training Program about each student’s on-the-job performance.

The history of Johns Manville can be traced back to a tenement building in 1850s-era New York City. Now — more than 160 years later — Johns Manville (JM) has become a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium quality insulation and commercial roofing.

Dan Greeson and Art Hoover, co-founders of Matrix HG, met while working together at the same company as air conditioning service mechanics in the special projects division. In 2002, the duo decided to go into business for themselves.

California law now requires California employers with five or more employees to provide two hours of sexual harassment prevention training to all supervisory employees, and one hour of sexual harassment prevention training to all nonsupervisory employees by January 1, 2021.

Proposition 13, originally passed in 1978, placed a cap on property taxes for both residential and business properties; taxes were calculated based on 1% of their purchase price, and annual increases in property taxes were capped at 2% per year, which limited increases in property taxes, even when property values increased.

Governor Newsom signed AB 841 at the end of the 2020 Legislative Session, creating the School Reopening Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair Program (SRVEERP).

Bay Area SMACNA will reimburse member firms that host their own CPR and Basic First-Aid Training and Certification. SMWIA Local 104 members, managers, and office personnel who attend the training will receive each!

With the onset of COVID-19 and juggling to restructure our workplaces, homes, schools, etc., we all learned quickly what we needed to do to reduce the risk of becoming infected and prevent the spread if we contracted the virus.

With clear blue skies and perfect weather, October 9th turned out to be a great day for our 8th annual sporting clays event.

The SMACNA Edge: A Virtual Education Forum, SMACNA’s first virtual conference held from October 13-15, had something for everyone, including personal or professional development, aligning organizational strategy, getting better insights on new technologies and navigating changing business practices with COVID.

In addition to working remotely and disrupting our normal routines, the pandemic has also sidetracked us from heading to the gym. That’s why our Women In Construction group began hosting #WICFit Challenges to really motivate members to tap into more opportunities to network and stay fit.

The California sheet metal industry prides itself on recruiting the brightest talent to design and build everything from museums and entertainment venues to hospitals and high-rises throughout the state.

Did you know that one pint of blood can save up to three lives? What an admirable way to spend 10 minutes of your day!

On September 25, Bay Area SMACNA hosted the Pandemics and Productivity: Quantifying the Impact webinar for chapter members. Information was shared from the New Horizons study that quantifies MEP contractors’ loss in risk mitigation and productivity.

For 20 years, Bay Area SMACNA has introduced local students to the variety of career opportunities available within the sheet metal industry through our successful Intern Program.

For the past several years, the Sheet Metal Workers 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund Building Committee has searched for an ideal facility to replace the aging San Leandro JATC.

The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund are proud to offer a direct entry program for qualified veterans.