Changing construction landscape brings NEW opportunities

It’s no secret the construction industry is aging. In fact, data from the CDC in 2022 reported the industry’s average age of retirement was 61, with 1 in 5 workers older than 55. That means the landscape of business ownership is shifting. We’ve seen it at our local level throughout the past handful of years — owners have followed the path toward well-deserved retirement, taking decades of experience with them and encouraging a younger generation of workers and leaders to step up and fill the gap. 

This change has created a unique opportunity for our young executives and leaders to get more involved, both in SMACNA Greater Chicago and the industry as a whole. From the Young Executives of SMACNA (YES) group and regular membership meetings, to the many networking events and both local and national committees, there’s no shortage of opportunities for people to get their foot in the door. If you’re interested in becoming more involved, I encourage you to speak with Tony Adolfs, who can help direct you to the group that could best use your talents.

As of the time of this writing, the SMACNA Annual Convention has not yet taken place. However, I still want to congratulate Hill Mechanical, who was recently named the 2023 SMACNA Safety Innovation Award winner for their unwavering commitment to creating a robust safety culture. Hill will officially be recognized during the national convention.

Finally, I want to thank you for your support during my term as president of our chapter. Recruiting and training the workforce of tomorrow and maintaining a positive working relationship between labor and management have been important issues to me, as I know they are to many of you. With incoming president Jeff Lukitsh, I have no doubt I leave you in capable hands. Jeff’s expertise and steady energy will continue to lead our association — and our industry — forward.

Hank Artlip

President, SMACNA Greater Chicago