Congratulations to Air Comfort on becoming a first-place Safety Excellence Award winner!

Speaker Sonya Shearer will give a 30-minute presentation on “Generational Communication: Speaking the Same Language” so members can better understand ways to foster meaningful dialogue across generations.

Our sold-out Summer Outing on July 21 was an action-packed day at Wrigley Field!

Speaker Sonya Shearer will give a 30-minute presentation on “Generational Communication: Speaking the Same Language” so members can better understand ways to foster meaningful dialogue across generations.

Our SMACNAPALOOZA Industry Night event keeps getting bigger and better every year! We had another great turnout for our 4th annual networking event on September 19, with more than 180 members registered and 12 exhibitors joining us at Joe’s Live.

The Illinois Mechanical and Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) tracked 183 bills relevant to the construction industry during the 2023-2024 Illinois State Legislative Session. This is a rundown of what we helped pass, what we worked to amend, and what we successfully stopped in its tracks.

Construction demand continues to rise, yet our industry still faces the challenge of a dwindling workforce. Efforts to recruit students and veterans are well-documented, but there’s more to be done — including creating opportunities for those with a history in the criminal justice system.

Commercial buildings have long been the biggest energy users, accounting for 40% of total energy consumption (U.S. Department of Energy). With these buildings averaging 50-100 years, it’s more important than ever to invest in efficient and sustainable construction practices from concept through completion — efforts that can have a substantial impact on energy savings and the future of our environment.

In our social media obsessed world, a professional networking platform like LinkedIn is … largely misused. Many businesses have it but don’t use it to its full potential. So, let’s help you get the most out of your LinkedIn membership!

Join us in congratulating Joe Passannante on his recent nomination to the SMACNA National Board of Directors! As our chapter’s former President, Joe is a natural fit to continue serving the association and elevating our industry with other leaders around the country. He and three others will officially take office following the adjournment of the Annual Convention. Congrats, Joe!

A first-generation immigrant, Manny Rey was just 5 years old when he moved from Mexico to Illinois with his family in pursuit of a better life.

A 40-person team from AMS Industries is working on a $35 million, state-of-the-art grocery distribution center in Belvidere, Ill. The 1.3 million-square-foot facility is expected to be completed in 18 months.

IGT is a sister company to IG Transportation, a 350-truck operation in Addison, Illinois. This connection helped IGT grow as swiftly and safely as it has to a 60-employee operation spread across three offices.

The Heavy Metal Summer Experience has taken big steps on the journey toward helping alleviate our industry’s labor shortage, and SMACNA Greater Chicago is proud to play a small (but important) part.

With a past SMACNA Greater Chicago president nominated to SMACNA National’s Board of Directors and a distinguished GC member hosting a presentation, Chicagoland will be well represented at the SMACNA Annual Convention this year.

Jessica Newbold Hoselton, IMSCA Executive Director, shares an update on the legislative landscape of the Illinois General Assembly and the bills and initiatives supported by IMSCA.

Speaker Sonya Shearer will give a 30-minute presentation on “Generational Communication: Speaking the Same Language” so members can better understand ways to foster meaningful dialogue across generations.

The YES group and guests gathered at Topgolf Naperville for a presentation on “Generational Communication: Speaking the Same Language,” delivered by leadership development consultant Sonya Shearer.

SMACNA Greater Chicago is proud to help members prepare for success by offering a variety of meetings and educational programming through the year.

The nationally-recognized Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) came to the Chicagoland area this summer.

On March 10, SMACNA Greater Chicago members gathered at the United Center for our annual Chicago Blackhawks Night.

The 2024 Annual Conference took place from June 12-16 at Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta, Canada.

It’s possible you’re already marketing your business on social media, but are you using the tools at your disposal as effectively as possible?

The construction industry is the No. 1 most-targeted sector for cyberattacks, according to a 2023 cyber report.

10 Years Of Growth, So Many To Go.

Sheet Metal Connectors was founded as a yellow label union shop in Minneapolis in 1969 by Jerry Myers.

SMACNA Greater Chicago and SMART Local 265 have ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement effective June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2028.

A multigenerational workforce brings unique characteristics, opportunities and challenges to the office and jobsite.

Thanks to the passage of several large infrastructure and economic development bills in the past year, the construction industry is experiencing a massive boom across the nation.

SMACNA Greater Chicago celebrated the holiday season during our annual Holiday Dinner and Installation of Officers.

We’re excited to once again take our Annual Conference to the Fairmont Banff Springs

On February 22, we held a well-attended industry favorite event — Apprentice for a Day! Members spent the day at SMART Local 265 for a hands-on training event that gave them the opportunity to gain insight into the world of sheet metal fieldwork.

The 2024 Partners in Progress Conference took place February 27-28 in Orlando, Florida.

Everything we could ever want to learn about, or buy, or visit can all be found in the palm of our hands.

In the next 5-7 years, 41% of the construction workforce nationwide is set to retire, leaving quite an experience gap in our industry. In response to this growing need for future workers, the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) was born.

It’s a classic American tale: An entrepreneur starts a business at his dining room table and a few years later, the company’s an emerging leader in its industry.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of SMACNA Greater Chicago! To commemorate becoming one of the premier sheet metal organizations in the country, we’d like to share a brief historical snapshot of how we got here.

In 1994, Ernie Hatchell’s mentor, Pete Murphy, decided to slow down and step away from his company. That was all it took for Ernie to pursue the next step in his career as business owner.

10 Years Of Growth, So Many To Go.

Tech guru Beth Ziesenis of Your Nerdy Best Friend joined us during our September membership meeting.

On August 2, we hosted our Annual Golf Outing at Stonebridge Country Club.

Tech guru Beth Ziesenis of Your Nerdy Best Friend joined us during our September membership meeting.

This September, we had our best turnout yet for our 3rd annual SMACNAPALOOZA Industry Night!

Congratulations to Air Comfort on becoming a first-place Safety Excellence Award winner!

Today’s construction leaders recognize the impact of investing in a culture of safety.

If your website is a fright to manage, runs slow as Frankenstein and isn’t generating leads, it could be time to breathe life into a new creation. But updating your site to today’s standards doesn’t have to be a monster undertaking with our tips.

Recent data shows global AI in the construction market is expected to increase to more than $39 billion in the next decade.

Changing construction landscape brings NEW opportunities

The strength of SMACNA Greater Chicago lies in the expertise and energy that each of our valued members brings to our association. Join us in welcoming our newest members!

What started as a small refrigeration company out of a former gas station facility has grown into a team of 500+ field craftspeople and 160 office personnel operating out of four locations.

Thanks to the rising costs of a higher education (not to mention the burden of student loan debt that can sometimes accompany those degrees), apprenticeship programs and other college alternative pathways to a high-paying career are becoming more popular.

Jessica Newbold Hoselton, IMSCA Executive Director, shares an update on the legislative landscape of the Illinois General Assembly and the bills and initiatives supported by IMSCA.

Check out our top three industry events — including local and national options — to put on your calendar this year.

We’re excited to offer a NEW benefit! Moving forward, the newest value-add for SMACNA Greater Chicago members is a 50% reimbursement on your registration fee when you attend any SMACNA National educational program.

Despite the questionable weather, we had a great turnout of more than 30 attendees for our first YES event of the year! Alex Willis, CEO of Leadership Surge and noted construction industry leadership speaker, joined us for an engaging presentation on “The Have It All Lifestyle.”

We were thrilled to bring back our industry favorite Apprentice for a Day workshop on February 23! For the second year running, SMART Local 265 has partnered with the SMACNA Greater Chicago YES Steering Committee to host our group of attendees for a day of hands-on training.

SMART Local 265 is among many statewide organizations, health experts, physicians and advocacy groups endorsing the HB3713 Clean Air for Healthy Equitable Schools Act.

Since 1999, the suicide rate in the United States has climbed a whopping 30%. Additionally, men working in construction have twice the total suicide rate as civilian working men, according to the CDC.

According to OSHA, heat is the leading weather-related killer — and the past 18 out of 19 years were the hottest on record! This alarming trend has landed among OSHA’s top regulatory concerns for 2023.

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z (Gen Z) is expected to make up more than ¼ of the workforce by 2025. This generation is collaborative, tech-focused and connected in ways we’ve never seen … and we need their skills. But what do they want from a career, and how can we keep them engaged?

In his office, Robert Novick keeps a framed vintage receipt dated May 15, 1928. For him, this piece of company history is a special reminder.

We’re all top-performing leaders in our respective services, but continued learning opportunities must be added to our business strategies to help us remain at the top of our game.

Wintrust first began as a conversation with friends over a game of cards and cigars. Founder Ed Wehmer wanted to create a community-focused, local bank that could compete with the bigger banks of the time. In 1991, his idea became reality with the opening of Lake Forest Bank & Trust, the first Wintrust Community Bank location.

Justin Crandol, SMACNA National’s Director of Safety, joined us during our March 14 meeting to discuss industry trends. He began his presentation with an OSHA update and the organization’s regulatory efforts, including recordkeeping, PPE in construction, lead standard and heat stress. An ANSI update followed.

Our 2023 Annual Conference at the beautiful Chileno Bay Resort was a sold-out event! We had more than 90 members and their families take advantage of the tranquil beach, exciting group activities and more.

During our member-favorite event on February 19, we had an exciting game with an exciting win

We’re living in a digital world, and the sheet metal and HVAC industry needs to find ways to adopt the right technologies and keep up.

January 11 marked the beginning of Illinois’ 103rd General Assembly and the official start of the Spring 2023 legislative session.

SMACNA Greater Chicago is pleased to announce three new additions to our Board of Directors

Midwest Mechanical was founded by the late Ken Beard, a former engineer for the Trane Company.

Will 2023 finally be the year you set your business apart in the public relations and digital marketing sense of the word?

Today’s construction software is designed to help streamline and simplify everything from payroll and HR to project management and estimating.

Backed by 40+ years of industry research, Trimble has become a leader in providing solutions that improve productivity and solve construction’s biggest challenges.

Check out our by-the-numbers look at construction industry safety throughout 2022.

Apprentice Feature: Women in Construction

Holiday Dinner Dance 2022

Membership meetings bring national and local leaders

Save these dates for some of the most anticipated chapter and industry events this spring.

SMACNA Greater Chicago continues to work hard behind the scenes to provide members with the tools and resources they need to be the best in the business.

Moving into the midterm elections and beyond, there are a number of issues, challenges and exciting opportunities facing the HVAC and construction industry.

Moving into the midterm elections and beyond, there are a number of issues, challenges and exciting opportunities facing the HVAC and construction industry.

A Glimpse Into The Longstanding Company’s Rich History

When things get busier on the jobsite, the number of injuries always seems to creep up.

Each year, SMACNA National recognizes companies for outstanding performance in occupational safety.

Today’s technology benefits us in ways we couldn’t have imagined even a decade ago.

The HVAC system market is projected to reach $455.96 billion by 2028 — a huge bump in demand from $246.10 billion in 2022.

Congratulations to SMACNA Greater Chicago member Helm Group, who recently earned the designation of ENR’s Top Specialty Contractor for 2022!

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that only 12% of companies are older than 26 years old — and much, much less (about 0.5%) have what it takes to make it to 100 years.

The weather struggled a bit on the day of our 2022 SMACNA Greater Chicago Golf Outing.

We had a terrific turnout for our 2nd annual SMACNAPALOOZA Industry Night event at Joe’s Live in September!

SMACNA Greater Chicago welcomed Warren Jacobsen, president and founder of Horizon Capital Advisors, LLC, to our September 6 membership meeting.

The 2022 SMACNA Annual Convention took place at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

According to an industry report, the HVAC services market was valued at $57.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $82.5 billion by 2026.

As a contractor in the Midwest, you’re no stranger to working in extreme environments.

As a perk of membership, SMACNA Greater Chicago signatory members have their National dues paid for by our chapter.

In 2022, your marketing strategy likely includes things like a mobile-optimized website, professional social presence, digital advertising and more.

Mestek Machinery has long been an industry leading provider of the most complete, innovative metal forming solutions, specializing in machinery manufacturing for HVAC ductwork.

On June 16-17, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 JATC hosted an open house for signatory contractors and SMACNA Greater Chicago members to learn more about how the apprenticeship program works.

SMACNA Greater Chicago is pleased to announce Mark Gibson, President and Owner of MG Mechanical Contracting, as the newest addition to our Board of Directors.

You’ve probably noticed people experience and respond to situations differently.

Our 2022 Annual Conference took place from May 19-22 on Hilton Head Island.

The Microsoft Suite is a powerful tool designed to support business goals and market demands — but you have to know how to use it to your advantage.

We’ve got the scoop on the ever-changing business landscape that will impact residential and commercial contractor members within the next year and beyond.

In the unfortunate event of a fire, having a properly installed (and maintained) fire life safety system can be the difference between life and death.

What’s the impact of a poorly managed fleet? For starters, it can hurt your bottom line.

Where is the construction industry headed in the next 5, 10, 20 years and beyond? It’s always important to keep the future of our industry in mind as we continue about our day-to-day work.

As an owner of a privately held business, are your strategic goals to increase shareholder value or have a lifestyle company?

We are proud to announce that Hank Artlip, SMACNA Greater Chicago President and owner of Artlip & Sons, will be inducted into SMACNA’s College of Fellows later this year.

Family-run Althoff Industries was founded by James Althoff in 1961, providing service to residential heating and air conditioning customers in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

For 16 years, Midwest Applied Solutions, Inc. has been a premier provider of specialized engineered product solutions for the HVACR marketplace.

We were excited to welcome John Daniel, SMART Local 265 President and Business Manager, as our featured speaker during the March Regular Membership Meeting.

Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 265, in partnership with our YES Steering Committee, kicked off the inaugural hands-on workshop “Apprentice for a Day” this past February.

A lot has changed in the past decade within our industry. Women remain underrepresented, but we are beginning to see a change.

Keeping up on the latest trends and forecasts for the construction and HVAC industry will give you an edge in the market.

SMACNA National recently announced winners of its 2021 annual Safety Excellence Awards.

To help minimize the spread of COVID-19, President Joe Biden issued an executive order in September requiring federal contractors to vaccinate their employees.

Another busy holiday season has passed and we’re looking forward to the bustle and excitement a new year will bring.

The Mendel Plumbing and Heating journey started out of a small garage in St. Charles. The company purchased its first service truck in 1985, outfitted it in the signature Mendel blue and has meticulously maintained the growing fleet of 30+ ever since.

In October, the Illinois General Assembly convened in Springfield for fall veto session when lawmakers approved many of their top legislative priorities.

Imbert International, Inc. has been a leader in the Chicagoland construction industry since 1950.

This fall, we were able to resume in-person membership meetings. Both were well-attended, and great speakers kicked off each event.

In September, we got the band back together for our SMACNA Greater Chicago 2021 Industry Night with a fresh new theme —SMACNAPALOOZA!

SMACNA Greater Chicago members and their families had a great time during the 2021 SMACNA 77th Annual Convention in beautiful Maui, Hawaii, in October.

December is always a busy time of year, but we were excited to give our members a chance to socialize, connect and let loose during our Holiday Dinner Dance.

The SMACNA College of Fellows Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Professionals in the sheet metal and HVAC industry are essential to the health and comfort of our communities — not just during the pandemic, but every day.

It’s here! After months of development and testing, our SMACNA App is now available.

Although you’ve likely dabbled in various software platforms to stay on track through the better part of 2020 (and early 2021), chances are good that you still need a bit of help to become proficient.

From operating heavy machinery to working from heights, construction workers are constantly exposed to a variety of risks — risks that have the potential to lead to accidents.

Today’s clean air technologies are more than a luxury, and our contractors and union workforce are among the most qualified to educate our communities and install these solutions.

AT Mechanical Owner and President Alex Tompsidis got his start in the construction industry in 1986.

Energy Improvement Products (E.I.P.) has been a staple in solutions to enhance building health throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana since the company was founded by Jim Karambelas in 1983.

This year’s event sold out in record time, with 130 golfers joining us at the beautiful Midlothian Country Club for an afternoon of competitive play and socializing.

On July 29, we were excited to host our first Young Executives of SMACNA (YES) event in two years!

As diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) becomes more relevant in our world, we support the drive for increased diversity and inclusion in the workplace as a solid business strategy.

As previously reported, IMSCA’s top legislative priority for the spring 2021 legislative session is SB 178.

The Winter/Spring Virtual Classroom Series was full of quality programming. These free courses bring together some of our industry’s most engaging professionals to discuss some of the hottest topics in our industry.

Nearly every industry experienced some sort of disruption last year. But with the economy on the mend, it’s an exciting time to be in the industry, and we must always adapt to changing times to overcome issues and continue to grow.

According to safety and compliance professionals at KPA, lockout/tagout violations are among the 10 most frequently cited Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards.

If you’re from the Fox Valley area, you’ve probably noticed the signature green trucks of Artlip and Sons, Inc. on the road.

We’re pleased to announce two new officers have been nominated and accepted on the SMACNA Greater Chicago Executive Committee.

In just one month since we launched our Breathe Easy Illinois advertising campaign, we have reached hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans within our respective jurisdictions.

With sometimes rough conditions and daily challenges faced on the jobsite, contractors want tools and equipment that are “guaranteed tough.” That’s where DeWALT comes in.

“Going to work” today is completely different than the not-so-distant past. Just a handful of months ago, we were figuring out the toughest problems of our businesses together in the same room.

Since first authorized in December, millions of Americans have rolled up their sleeves to receive the first approved immunizations against COVID-19.

As a new administration takes over the White House, there’s no doubt we’ll begin to see changes within the construction industry soon.

Sheet Metal Werks just celebrated 33 years of successful business, but in a much larger space than its humble origins.

Longtime SMACNA Greater Chicago member John Lindemulder, Sr. peacefully passed away on July 28, 2020.

We are proud to announce that Tony Adolfs, executive vice president of SMACNA Greater Chicago, will be inducted into SMACNA’s College of Fellows later this year.

Since 1970, Naperville-based Westside Mechanical Group has been a leader in mechanical services in the Chicagoland area.

In 1972, O’Hare Engineering got its start in the Chicago market as a Trane Comfort Corps dealer.

In May 2011, Jason Long and his wife, Michelle, purchased Strogen Metals from longtime business owner Dick Conover.

We’re excited to offer the SMACNA Greater Chicago Virtual Classroom to our members, and all signatory contractors from LU265 and LU73, this fall.

In addition to the great line-up of classes available in the Virtual Classroom, we will once again offer our popular Lunch & Learn and Deep Dive tech sessions.

When the Paycheck Protection Program originally launched in March 2020, many small businesses hesitated to apply — deterred by uncertainty of the rules, no banking relationship to help with the process, etc.

Regardless of the challenges we face, our association continues to provide members with the resources they need to be the best in the business.

Anti-union groups and employers are trying to destroy our SMART sheet metal apprenticeship programs so they can boost their own profits through proposed Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

Need help troubleshooting inefficient documents? Want to gain knowledge about technology, and become more efficient in the tech world?

There are a variety of security leaks that can occur through your HVAC system design. It is important that today’s HVAC design engineers be diligent.

According to hostingfacts.com, more than 90,000 websites are hacked every day. Here’s what you should do if your business’s website comes under attack.

At the start of the year, you probably had a routine as you went about your day. Fast forward to today, when the monotony of yet another virtual meeting has you feeling exhausted, unfocused and unproductive.

Even before the pandemic, the number of remote workers in the U.S. was on the rise.

Operating a data-driven fleet is good for any business. Today’s data platforms allow safety managers and CEOs to monitor expensive equipment, measure a vehicle’s utilization and track a driver’s compliance and safety behaviors.

SMACNA Greater Chicago, Local 73 and Local 265 are excited to announce the launch of Breathe Easy Illinois.

The Columbus Blue Jackets came out strong in the first period, scoring three of their five goals.

RAM Mechanical Services, Inc. was incorporated in 1987.

Plaques were presented during our January membership meeting.

Every staff meeting at Nelson Insulation begins with the question that helps employees evaluate their relationships with customers.

IMSCA has reviewed nearly 6,000 bills that were introduced this year and identified 127 bills that may impact the Illinois construction industry.

SMACNA Greater Chicago was honored to have Vince Sandusky, Chief Executive Officer of SMACNA, to speak at our January 8 membership meeting.

Since 1924, Milwaukee Tool has been committed to innovation, quality and performance.

The construction industry is suffering from a worker shortage. Women are seriously under-represented in the construction field. Only 14% of the construction sector is made up of women, and only 2% of on-site workers are women..

Contractors, chapter executives, business agents and managers gathered at the beautiful and newly renovated Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida, for the first Partners in Progress Conference since 2012.

Enjoy business, brews and a taste of Bavaria during this year’s Industry Night and Associate Member Expo at Hofbrauhaus Chicago!

The recently launched Lunch and Learn programs, conducted by Ginnie Floraday, have been overwhelmingly successful. These webinars deliver real-time monthly computer training opportunities to our membership free of charge.

SMACNA Greater Chicago kicked off the New Year by offering the new workshop series “Leadership Without Limits.” This program was broken down into four, 4-hour interactive sessions and was designed for both the emerging and seasoned leaders to help them accomplish their business goals.

For more than 40 years, Any Temperature has provided commercial and industrial clients in the Chicagoland area with excellence in design-build, service and custom fabrication solutions.

Westside Mechanical — with locations in Chicago and Naperville — has been a recognized leader in mechanical HVAC construction, service and maintenance since the company was founded in 1970.

Many trade associations and unions have asked Nehlsen Communications to help them recruit workers — both apprentices and management trainees — and with good reason. Baby boomers are retiring at a rate of approximately 10,000 per day.

You’re invited to join us for the Annual Conference from June 13-17, 2018 at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta, Canada!

With 10,000 Baby Boomers retiring every day, and nearly 5.3 million vacant jobs in the skilled trades, the time is now to work smarter — not harder — in the construction industry.

As a SMACNA Greater Chicago member, you can gain valuable information through a number of classes offered at the CEI® in Burr Ridge.

SMACNA’s College of Fellows has awarded its 2017 scholarships — five funded by the College of Fellows and nine endowed by SMACNA members and chapters.

SMACNA Greater Chicago members Westside Mechanical of Naperville and RAM Mechanical Services, Inc. of Carol Stream for their excellent safety and health records. Both companies received a safety award from SMACNA National in 2017.

Our new source for purchasing safety materials is live! A new safety perk for SMACNA Greater Chicago Members.

On August 16, we hosted our first Young Executives of SMACNA (YES) event at Joe’s Live in Rosemont. More than 50 attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and lively industry conversation.

The SMACNA Greater Chicago 2017 Golf Outing on August 7 at Midlothian Country Club was another well-attended tournament! 190 golfers played in this years outing.

Face masks and respirators have their place in construction safety, but you’re going to need to adopt a more comprehensive plan to comply with OSHA’s new standard for respirable crystalline silica.

Injury and illness recordkeeping has always been required, but the information is typically filed on an office shelf. The new rule, however, allows public access in an effort to encourage employers to focus on and improve safety measures within their companies.

SMACNA’s College of Fellows recently announced that John W. Comforte, president of Climatemp Inc., in Broadview, Ill., will be inducted into the prestigious College in October. He will receive his signature College medallion at SMACNA’s 74th Annual Convention, in Maui, Hawaii.

Whether you plan to spend your retirement sipping frozen margaritas on a white sandy beach or napping in your backyard hammock, if you’re a business owner, succession planning is the roadmap that will get you there.

During a special March 18 gala held in his honor, the Boys & Girls Club of Joliet paid tribute to the legacy of Mike Adler by unveiling the name to the organization’s new auditorium — the Michael W. Adler Auditorium.

SMACNA Greater Chicago hosted SMACNA’s Technical University March 21-22. The program drew nearly 50 members to the conference center in Oak Brook to learn about duct construction.

Although many of our members have established effective safety programs that address issues from the design phase through completion, how many can confidently navigate those accidents that are simply unavoidable?

Although many of our members have established effective safety programs that address issues from the design phase through completion, how many can confidently navigate those accidents that are simply unavoidable?