Letter From The President: Peer groups, networking benefit all members

Every SMACNA Greater Chicago member has an important role in shaping the sheet metal industry. 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.

Recently, SMACNA National emailed out a Peer Group Interest Survey. Peer groups give SMACNA members a chance to network, collaborate and share their knowledge with other members throughout the country, while receiving valuable feedback, advice and resources. I urge you to consider participating in the survey. The SMACNA team will use the results to pair your business with similar-sized contractors in other markets so you can share your experiences and benefit from each other’s successes (and even learn from past mistakes). To take the survey, visit bit.ly/3NtP514.

Speaking of networking, our Annual Conference in May was a record-setting year with more than 90 attendees! I was happy to see many new faces join us this year, and hope to see many of you during the SMACNA Annual Convention in Phoenix from October 15-18. I’ve heard they’re expecting another sold-out event, so be sure to register early to reserve your spot.

 The value of getting involved and meeting other contractors cannot be overstated. On a local level, we have so many opportunities to join together as partners and look to the future of our industry. Our board continues to strategize ways to elevate the sheet metal industry as a whole, including navigating materials issues and recruiting talent. Our goal, always, is to benefit all members within our association.

Hank Artlip
President, SMACNA Greater Chicago

Kirby SHEET METAL: 

A proud family company with roots in THE 

early 1920s