RECAP: November 2024 Membership Meeting

Matt Gugala, SMART Local 265 Business Manager, joined a full house at Gibsons Oak Brook as the featured presenter during our November 12 membership meeting. Gugala’s new leadership role follows the departure of John Daniel, who has become the new SMART General Secretary-Treasurer.

Gugala began with a brief introduction of his background as a field worker before joining Local 265 nearly 25 years ago.

“Two-thirds of my time in the industry has been field experience. I come with that perspective — to make sure we always have the contractor in mind,” Gugala said.

Throughout his presentation, Gugala repeated the importance and genuine desire of labor and management working together, establishing open communication channels and finding common ground.

Though he wasn’t able to attend the meeting, Martin Sulc from Air Design Systems received the company’s new member plaque this fall while attending a separate event. We’re thrilled to have Air Design’s participation!

Local 265 Happenings

Purchase of new building in Downers Grove that’ll house a new training center, union hall and funds department.

Plans to implement more “practice how you play” training simulating real jobsite experience.

Revamped apprenticeship testing to be more like the military’s ASVAB test designed to better measure strengths and anticipate potential success in the industry.

Exploration of apprentice portability to “help move the industry forward in a way that better helps every contractor.”