MEMBERS PACK JOE’S LIVE FOR 2023 INDUSTRY NIGHT
On September 21, we had our best turnout yet for our 3rd annual SMACNAPALOOZA Industry Night! More than 170 SMACNA Greater Chicago members and 13 exhibitors joined us at Joe’s Live for an energetic evening of networking and learning more about the latest products and services available to help contractors perform their work better and more efficiently.
Representatives from industry partners SMART Local 265 and Local 73 were once again on hand for the event, and we were pleased to see a handful of fresh new exhibitors this year, too. There was no shortage of quality face time with all in attendance, and most attendees left with smiles on their faces, delicious giveaways of Garrett Popcorn and swag bags full of goodies.
Thank you to ALL participating membersfor making this one of our most successful and well-attended events this year!
Albany Steel & Brass Corp.
DeWALT
Energy Improvement Products, Inc.
IGT Logistics, Inc.
Long Supply, Inc.
Mestek Machinery, Inc.
Midwest Applied Solutions
Milwaukee ToolNationwide Coils, Inc.
SMART Local 73
SMART Local 265
Thermosystems, LLC
Trimble
CONGRATS to our $500 AMERICAN EXPRESS GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY WINNERS!
1. Gina Schlehuber
Atomatic Mechanical
Services, Inc.
2.Tony Boudos
Cleats Manufacturing
Co., Inc.
3. Dylan Kalchik
F.E. Moran, Inc.
Associate members BUILD partnerships AT INDUSTRY NIGHT
Our association strives to develop mutually beneficial relationships with local, regional and national organizations with the goal of fostering recognition and promoting support of these industry partnerships. With nearly 40 associate members in the SMACNA Greater Chicago network, we’re proud to connect members to the right tools, services and products to keep them at the top of their game. As the construction industry’s business landscape continues to become increasingly competitive, our associate members have become valuable resources to our dynamic community of contractor members. They often look forward to attending our annual events, like Industry Night, as a way to prioritize one-on-one time with the decision makers who make up their client base. Vendor participation at Industry Night changes year over year, but we’ve had a number of exhibitors that find the experience so worthwhile they’ve reliably reserved their table every year. They include Long Supply, Mestek Machinery and Nationwide Coils.
LONG SUPPLY
Long Supply, Inc. is a proud family-run company with roots dating back to 1961. Longtime business owner Dick Conover ran Strogen Metals before it was purchased by Jason Long and his wife, Michelle, in May 2011. Under the new company name, Long Supply has since become one of the most comprehensive sources for high-quality sheet metal supplies in the Chicagoland, specializing in gasketed duct systems, acoustical spiral duct liner, hanging solutions, fittings and more.
“We’re a relationship focused business and are in constant communication with our vendors to offer products that help deliver superior results for our customers,” Jason Long said. “We know in this industry that time is money. We’re always looking for ways to help contractors be efficient at their jobs while not sacrificing quality.”
Long finds value out of networking events like Industry Night because they’re able to interact more one-on-one with the decision makers they’re trying to reach.
“Not only have we gained new customers from this event, but we’ve been able to broaden the scope of what our current customers purchase from us,” he said.
MESTEK MACHINERY
Mestek Machinery is the industry leading designer and manufacturer of the most complete, productive and innovative metal forming solutions for the fabrication of HVAC sheet metal ductwork and fittings. The company’s family of metal forming brands includes Lockformer, Iowa Precision, Engel and Roto-Die, bringing together well over 100 years of experience addressing every facet of the duct industry.
For Michael Bailey, Senior Vice President, education is the name of the game during any industry function attended by Mestek representatives.
“These events are a great way to network with local contractors in a smaller setting,” Bailey said. “It’s one thing to attend and just be seen, but it’s more important to us to make sure we’re getting our message out and making sure the contractor base knows what’s available to them.”
No matter the event, he encourages members to ask questions. and get involved.
“Curiosity drives creativity,” he said.
NATIONWIDE COILS
Nationwide Coils is a leading commercial HVAC manufacturer and supplier of custom and OEM replacement coils — all manufactured in the U.S. with the highest-grade materials. Their product line includes hydronic, refrigeration and steam coils, all customizable to each customers’ specific HVAC requirements. Additionally, Nationwide Coils is able to manufacture any replacement coil for all major OEM brands.
The company operates under four guiding principles, including quality HVAC products, fair and competitive pricing, quick lead times and excellent customer service.
“The Industry Night event is a nice opportunity to connect with customers and prospects in a fun and informal setting,” said Chris Wright, Chicagoland account manager. “The idea of incentivizing members to visit each booth helps us as vendors by giving us the opportunity to chat with more individuals about their unique needs.”
In addition to SMACNA Greater Chicago events, Nationwide Coils representatives have participated in interactive learning events with various MCA chapters, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers and other popular industry events.