Bay Area SMACNA Newsletter 1st Edition 2024

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY RETREAT

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP TRUST GOLF TOURNAMENT CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE BAY AREA SMACNA OFFICE

RECAP: DAY AT THE CAPITOL

SAVE THE DATE: SMACNA ANNUAL CONVENTION

CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING

SAVE THE DATE: SHEET

SHEET METAL

FATAL INJURIES UP 11 PERCENT ACROSS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

FEDERAL AND STATE ADVOCACY CREATES INDUSTRY IMPACT

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

This year presents new opportunities and positive changes as we aim to explore innovative ways to enhance the value we offer to our members. One of those changes was our first general membership board meeting, open to all contractor members, recently held on March 6 at the Bay Area SMACNA office.

Mark your calendars for June 9-11 when we gather in Napa for the annual General Membership Advisory Retreat at the Silverado Resort! This event offers a chance for members to collaborate in person, discuss industry challenges and solutions, understand our association better and and network with your peers. We urge all members to participat by reserving a spot before May 1 for what promises to be a well-attended event. See page 4 for details.

The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Local 104 District 1 has been distributed to Bay Area SMACNA contractors, replacing the 2010 version. This updated CBA includes negotiated changes, revised examples, updated terminology and removal of outdated information to simplify the reference for contractors. Page 11 has more detail and a link to the online document.

By staying informed about industry trends and fostering productive relationships with our labor counterparts, Bay Area SMACNA aims to improve the business landscape in our region.

NEW PAID SICK LEAVE LAW IN EFFECT

As of January 1, 2024, California has expanded its paid sick leave law under the Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act (HWHFA). According to the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO), employers must now allow workers to use at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave per year, an increase from the previous 24 hours or three days. Some cities or regions in California may require employers to provide additional sick leave.

In compliance with the updates, any employers previously providing less than five days or 40 hours of paid sick leave per year must provide employees a new copy of the notice. Additionally, employers are required to display a poster in an area frequented by employees where it may easily be read during the workday. Scan the code below to access and print your poster, or create your own.

UPDATED PAID SICK LEAVE POSTER AVAILABLE TO PRINT

Scan the QR code to view poster

https://bit.ly/48auG7Z

The LCO has also developed an extensive list of frequently asked questions. We’ve compiled a few pertaining to Bay Area SMACNA contractors:

Does paid sick leave apply to all employees who work in California? All employees who work at least 30 days for the same employer within a year in California, including part-time, per diem, in-home supportive services (IHSS) providers and temporary employees, are covered by this law with some narrow exceptions.

Which employees are exempt or partially exempt from the paid sick leave law? Employees exempt from the paid sick leave law include those in the construction industry covered by a collective bargaining agreement with specified provisions.

What options do employers have to provide paid sick leave? Employers may choose to have an “accrual” policy or an “up-front” policy.

• An accrual policy is one where employees earn sick leave over time, with the accrued time carrying over in each year of employment. In general terms (and subject to some exceptions), employees under an accrual plan must earn at least one hour of paid sick leave for each 30 hours of work, also known as the 1:30 schedule. Employers are allowed by law to limit an employee’s use of paid sick leave to 40 hours or five days during the year, and can also limit an employee’s total accrued paid sick leave to no more than 80 hours or 10 days.

• An up-front policy makes the full amount of sick leave for the year available immediately at the beginning of a year-long period, except for initial hires where three days or 24 hours must be available for use by the 120th calendar day of employment and five days or 40 hours available by the 200th day.

With the HWHFA changes now in effect, contractors must be sure to review and revise their paid sick leave policies and procedures to reflect the current updates. For more details and to view a full list of FAQs, visit https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/paid_sick_leave.htm.

EVENT | June 9-11

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY RETREAT

This year’s General Membership Advisory Retreat is scheduled for June 9-11 at Silverado Resort in Napa Valley. All members are invited to join us for an informative meeting to learn more about our association and how it operates. We’ll discuss the challenges contractors in the Bay Area face and work together to find solutions. Invitations will be emailed!

JUNE 9-11

Silverado Resort Napa Valley, CA

DON’T MISS OUT!

Scan the QR code for our full calendar of events.

https://bit.ly/42H7nRT

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WHILE BUILDING THE BAY AREA

In 2012, three coworkers left their jobs at one Bay Area mechanical contracting firm in favor of starting their own company. Tom Best, Jonathan Diaz and Mike Herrera piled into a Ford Ranger and started a new chapter together as owners of Axis Mechanical.

Each of the co-founders got started in the trades at different times — Herrera as a truck driver-turnedapprentice in 1979, Best in the early 1990s as a sheet metal apprentice (after a brief stint with an electrical contractor) and Diaz in 1998 with the encouragement of his father. But their combined experience across a variety of positions within the industry has allowed them to navigate countless opportunities for growth in their nearly 12 years of business. In fact, the core team of three reached nearly 30 employees by 2017,

and hiring ramped up once the team secured a plumbing license in 2018 and began expanding into piping.

“Now, we’re running 100+ employees,” Best said. “Things have grown pretty aggressively in the last three years.”

“We started from ground zero, but we’ve experienced some good times in the Bay Area and have grown every year,” Diaz added. “One thing we’ve learned about the business and the industry is that it’s relationship based. When we maintain the relationships with the people we work for and do the best we can for them, it makes for a nice, successful project outcome.”

Axis Mechanical is a full-service mechanical contracting firm known for delivering the highest quality and service on some of the Bay Area’s most complex and

unique projects. Their range of services includes designbuild, BIM, sheet metal fabrication for custom ductwork and piping, and start-up commissioning of HVAC and plumbing systems. From cleanrooms to corporate campuses, the Axis team thrives on taking on new challenges in the commercial space.

Recently, Axis created and installed the ductwork at the Olympus Surgical Technologies of America San Jose campus and replaced two aging cooling towers and chillers at Kaiser Permanente San Jose.

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(with a tape measure), things are increasingly digital, and Axis makes it a priority to change with the times.

“Back in the day, we used to use pencils to draw something up. There was no AutoCAD. We used copy machines,” Herrera said. “From that to where we are now is beyond me. I never thought this day would be here, but here it is.”

One thing we’ve learned about the business and the industry is that it’s

Another high-profile undertaking for the Axis team is currently happening at the University of California San Francisco — a project that requires upgrading and replacing the air handling systems in two buildings with an epoxy coated, stainless steel system to better withstand the Bay Area elements.

relationship based. When we maintain the relationships with the people we work for and do the best we can for them, it makes for a nice, successful project outcome.

JONATHAN DIAZ Co-founder of Axis Mechanical

“The most interesting thing about sheet metal, to me, is we’re almost like artists, if you will,” Diaz said. “Everything above that ceiling is custom. With larger commercial projects requiring large ducting, that’s all custom fabricated. You can’t go into Home Depot and buy it off the shelf.”

Throughout their decades of experience, Best, Diaz and Herrera have witnessed significant changes in technology. Where things used to be done the good old-fashioned way

“We’re making laser scanning the norm for our larger projects, which allows us to accurately measure, fabricate and install all ductwork,” Best said. “There’s so much savings regarding duct waste on the job and being more efficient with our labor.”

In an ever-changing industry, the leaders at Axis maintain their core company values of responsiveness, workmanship, quality and fairness.

“As owners, we’re really hands-on with our customers,” Diaz said. “At the end of the day, we’re at the helm of this ship and we’ll always work with the customer — and sometimes jump through a few hoops — to get it done, and get it done right.”

Axis Mechanical has been a proud and active Bay Area SMACNA member since the company was founded in 2012.

APPRENTICES | Free Career Training

SHEET METAL INDUSTRY OFFERS SECURE CAREER FOR VETERANS

Through the years, Bay Area SMACNA has proudly made several generous donations to the SMART Heroes program in support of veteran development in our industry. This program trains military personnel who are nearly ready to transition to civilian life by providing an accelerated seven-week program. Located in Washington and Colorado, SMART Hero graduates can enter sheet metal apprenticeships anywhere in the country starting in their 2nd year. In addition, graduates can apply and potentially use their G.I. grant funds to help subsidize their rent and other costs of living during the early years of their apprenticeship. This can be a definite boon for those choosing to live in the costly Bay Area.

THANK YOU TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS

Besides the SMART Heroes program, the JATC also receives referrals from Helmets to Hardhats and other sources. The JATC database tracks veterans who submit applications, with 29 self-identified veterans who have applied to work with District 1 since June of last year. Should they choose to, these applicants can also apply for the veterans’ interview with JATC labor and management representatives and potentially qualify for the direct entry program for faster apprenticeship indenture.

In the past five years, SMW Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund (JATC) has indentured three SMART Heroes into the apprenticeship program. The most recent graduate is Dillon Tanner.

David Fordahl is a mainstay for all of the District 1 veterans’ interviews. He’s both a full-time instructor for the JATC and the veteran representative for the program. For more information on the resources available to veterans, visit the Veterans tab at smw104training.org.

Dave Fordahl (pictured), sheet metal service instructor, is a key representative for Bay Area veterans.

ERiCA GRANTS ASSIST APPRENTICE FAMILIES

Approximately 256 apprentices throughout the State of California were awarded ERiCA (Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship) grants last year. Of those, 44 recipients (over 17%) were from District 1 alone!

JATC co-administrators Ben Rivera and Tim Myres worked diligently with Bay Area’s three training center coordinators, Brad De Young, Pat Pico and Nate Vennaruci, to ensure the program was marketed effectively to prospective grantees.

The men and women who received notification of their awards are now receiving reimbursements up to $10,000 for 12 months through this pilot program. These stipends can be used for childcare receipts or other consumables, such as diapers.

Although construction journeyworkers who are turning out make a solid living wage in the region, it can be a struggle for new apprentice families to make ends meet in the pricey Bay Area.

Rickey Gipson, a second-year apprentice currently working at Therma, is one of the lucky ERiCA grant recipients. He stated that the grant “is a huge help and took a lot of weight off me and my wife’s shoulders” in the care of their young toddler. He affirmed that the process was easy to set up to receive reimbursement for their daycare bill.

EVENT

| July 22

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP TRUST GOLF TOURNAMENT

We’re currently organizing this year’s sponsorship opportunities for the Annual Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament, set for July 22 at Castlewood Country Club.

The event raises funds for tuition and book scholarships for students pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.

Sponsorship and registration details for the 2024 Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament will be emailed soon.

Associate members: Don’t forget that your credit from your paid 2024 dues can be applied to a booth or sponsorship to play.

JUL 22

JULY 22

Castlewood Country Club Pleasanton, California

FORE MORE INFO!

Scan the QR code for details and registration information.

https://bit.ly/3OMcYRd

SAFETY | Job Site Safety

FATAL INJURIES UP 11 PERCENT ACROSS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal work injuries in the construction and extraction industry increased 11 percent, from 12.3 deaths per 100,000 full-time employees in 2021 to 13 in 2022.

The Bureau’s Dec. 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report also reveals the construction industry suffered the second highest number of fatalities in 2022 compared to other industries.

Working in our industry will always be more dangerous than working in finance, for example, but fostering a culture of safety can go a long way toward preventing on-the-job injuries. At Bay Area SMACNA, we’re here to help! Visit BayAreaSMACNA.org/Safety to view a broad selection of safety-related resources, including more than 300 interactive safety courses. We also offer CPR and first aid training courses for member firms, and will notify members of CAL SMACA safety training seminars later this year.

On a local level, CAL SMACNA safety awards will be presented on April 6 at the 58th Annual Convention, this year set in La Jolla, Calif., at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, during the President’s Awards Luncheon. Nationally, SMACNA recognizes members every year with the lowest injury and illness rates through the Safety Awards Program. To participate in these programs, fill out the Safety Excellence Awards Program Survey on SMACNA.org before the deadline in May.

COMMON SENSE SAFETY CHECKLIST

• Always wear your PPE. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Wear gloves when you’re handling chemicals, or anything with sharp edges. Wear slipresistant footwear when working in slippery conditions. Wear hard hats when necessary. Be conscious, be cautious.

• Examine old equipment thoroughly before working on it.

• Use the right tools for every job, and make sure your tools are in good working order.

• Be careful where you place your tools when you’re working on something to prevent someone from tripping over them and put them away when you’re done.

• Take short breaks when necessary to prevent fatigue-related accidents. In California, workers are entitled to a paid 10-minute break for every four hours worked, and additional breaks when working outdoors to prevent heat-related illness.

NEWS | ENR Awards

ENR TOP 600 SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS

Each year, Engineering News-Record releases its list of Top 600 Specialty Contractors. Companies on recently released 2023 list were ranked according to the prior year’s construction revenue (in millions) from specialty contracting in a prime or subcontracting capacity.

Join us in congratulating Bay Area SMACNA member Critchfield Mechanical, who ranked 147th on the most recent listing! Critchfield Mechanical specializes in design, fabrication and installation of custom HVAC systems for hospitals, convention centers, office campuses, data centers, hotels, condominiums, laboratories, schools and manufacturing plants.

Regardless of the application, CMI has become known for quality workmanship, timely project completion and budget consciousness — and their team continues to prove their commitment to excellence throughout every project.

EDUCATION | March 22

CPR/FIRST AID TRAINING

During this half-day, in-person training session, attendees will learn critical lifesaving skills. Topics covered include: CPR, emergency cardiac care, bleeding control, burns, shock, poisoning, hot and cold extremes, fractures, seizures, diabetic emergencies, insect bites and other lifethreatening emergencies.

Upon completion of the course, participants will receive their CPR and First Aid cards, valid for two years. Questions? Email Vickie at vconstantinides@ bayareasmacna.org.

No cost for SMWIA Local 104 members, managers or office staff.

MAR 22

MARCH 22

BAS Training Room

6689 Owens Dr., Ste. 200 Pleasanton, CA 94588

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

Scan the QR code for details and registration information.

https://bit.ly/3HU4jbA

NEW 2024 CBA DISTRIBUTED

The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for Local 104 District 1 has recently been distributed to Bay Area SMACNA contractors, replacing the 2010 version. Bay Area SMACNA Executive Vice President Sean O’Donoghue and Local 104 Business Manager Rick Werner led the process to incorporate a significant number of updates negotiated between the bargaining parties.

The new document also includes amended examples, modified terminology and deletions of outdated information that will provide a simplified source for contractors.

The CBA management committee members Duane Davies, Bob Bramlett, Mark Napier, Paul Irwin and Michelle Acosta also contributed their time and expertise to this project. Brian Masters, Assistant Business Manager, and Courtney Rodas of Local 104 are also appreciated for diligently working on the project this past year.

The new CBA, also known as Standard Form Union Agreement (SFUA), can be found by going to https://bit. ly/3UNaRk1. Contractors can access both the CBA and current MOUs at a Dropbox site by scanning the QR code on the hard copy back cover. Future CBA changes will also be posted at this site for easy reference.

A SAMPLING OF CBA UPDATES INCLUDES:

• DETAILING

• GPS/CAMERA TECHNOLOGY

• MOBILITY OF MANPOWER

• OSHA 10 AND 40 CERTIFICATION REQUESTS

• DMV’S (EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE) EPN PROGRAM

NEW MOUs INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:

• RESOLUTION 78

• HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA) MOU

• PRIVATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL ACT (PAGA) MOU

• SCHOLARSHIP MOU

• SIX ITEM MOU

• TAB RATIO

• SICK LEAVE LAW

• MAINTENANCE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

• PRIVATE ARCHITECTURAL

• APPRENTICESHIP TESTING REQUIREMENT

• B TO A LIST REQUIREMENT

• CBA CLARIFICATION – LANGUAGE UPDATES

• TASK FORCE MOU

Limited extra hard copies of the CBA are available by contacting kavila@bayareasmacna.org

Questions? Contact kdejong@bayareasmacna.org.

EDUCATION | Project Management Program

SHEET METAL & HVAC PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Our Sheet Metal & HVAC Project Management Certificate Program is back this fall! The six-week program was designed for students and young professionals with a minimum of one year of project management experience. Each week, attendees will explore what it takes to become a successful, efficient and productive leader:

• Learn that a Project Manager isn’t just a job; it’s a career path that can lead to many opportunities in the construction industry.

• Learn to successfully orchestrate the people, resources and tasks it takes to execute projects on time and within budget while developing better relationships with internal and external customers.

• Develop skills that will benefit both you and your company.

Registration is limited to the first 30 students who submit their registration form and tuition. Member firms are limited to five registrations per company. Tuition is reimbursed after completion of the course.

SEP 10 OCT 17

SEPTEMBER 10 - OCTOBER 17

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Bay Area SMACNA Training Room 6689 Owens Dr., Ste. 200 Pleasanton, CA 94566

SCAN TO REGISTER

Scan the QR code for details and registration information.

https://bit.ly/3SHQJgB

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE BAY AREA SMACNA OFFICE

After a year in the making, the Bay Area SMACNA team was thrilled to host an open house and showcase the new Bay Area SMACNA office in December 2023.

Located in Pleasanton, the new office boasts a state-of-the-art training room and provides modern collaborative spaces for our members to utilize. We had a great turnout, and it was heartwarming to see the support and enthusiasm from everyone who attended. We’re excited for this new chapter and look forward to hosting more events and classes in the new office.

MEMBERS IN Memoriam

It is with a heavy heart that the Brady family announces the passing of Frank Brady. After the Navy in 1963, Frank enrolled in the Local 104 apprenticeship program. Six years later, he purchased Joe’s Sheet Metal Works, which eventually became known as Brady Air Conditioning in 1983. Despite a setback due to a fire in 1986, Frank remained undeterred and persevered with the help of his fellow Local 104 and SMACNA members, including Jim Arena of Arena and Sons Sheet Metal, Rich Bertoldi of San Bruno Sheet Metal and Fred Ulrich from Burlingame Heating. These members stepped in and opened the doors to their shops so Frank’s team could continue to fabricate materials and finish jobs that were in progress or in contract. It was one of the things Frank valued most about our association, the way we treat each other as family.

Throughout his career, Frank was dedicated to improving the sheet metal industry and was on the San Francisco Advisory and Board of Directors for SMACNA of San Francisco before it became Bay Area SMACNA. Because of his dedication and love of the industry, many Brady family members joined the union sheet metal workers, including his own son, two grandsons and several extended family members. Even some of the neighborhood kids became union members after having conversations with Frank.

After his retirement in 2002, Frank pursued a new horizon by enrolling in City College to earn his Airplane Mechanic Airframe and Powerplant licenses. In 2008, he and his wife Marcie built a home on a private airstrip in Idaho, and in 2014 he became an avid hot air balloonist. In 2023, he took his final flight with his long-time pilot friend, Stacey Budell. His adventurous spirit and unwavering determination will never be forgotten, and his memory will endure in the hearts of his family, friends and all those who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Valerie Rose Howerton Miller on September 16, 2023. Valerie passed away peacefully at her home in Portola Valley surrounded by her family after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Valerie had been a valued board member of Bay Area SMACNA from 1998-2011, as well as serving as BAS President in 2010. Valerie was the President of Columbia Mechanical Contractors, her family’s business in San Francisco, which was started by her father, Vince, in 1971. During her 40+ years at Columbia, she touched the lives of countless people. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone, and had a way of bringing out the best in people and remaining calm in any situation.

Valerie also had an adventurous spirit and fully enjoyed life. Her smile brightened every room she entered, and her great laugh was infectious to those all around her. She had a passion for life that kept her strong throughout every obstacle she encountered. Valerie’s determination to overcome adversity was a marvel to everyone who knew her. She will be remembered as an elegant warrior who enhanced the lives of all who knew her. For many, her memory is a blessing.

EVENT RECAP | February 6

DAY AT THE CAPITOL

On Tuesday, February 6, CAL SMACNA hosted its 2024 Day at the Capitol, which was strongly supported by the Bay Area Chapter. Attendees met with a total of 42 senators and assemblymembers, engaging in productive conversations about the sheet metal and HVAC industry.

The event’s activities included a legislative reception featuring a speaker panel on “California: Challenges to Keeping the Golden Goose Healthy.” Dan Walters (CalMatters) and Emily Hoeven (San Francisco Chronicle) led the discussion. Assemblymember Blanca Rubio from Southern California kicked off Tuesday morning’s legislature forum by speaking about the challenges she faces as a moderate Democrat. Chris Walker, CAL SMACNA Executive Vice President, then discussed the day’s focus issues, which included:

• The Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)

• K-12 school facilities bond for classroom ventilation

• Career and technical education

• The Hit the Pause campaign, which aims to remind legislative members of the need to slow down the record number of bills being introduced that are adversely affecting businesses in California

Attendees from Bay Area SMACNA included Phil Phillips (incoming CAL SMACNA President); Duane Davies (Bay Area SMACNA President); Brian Pyle and Mark Napier (Executive Board members); Sheri Learmonth, Vijay Singh, Larry Jimenez (Board members); Reagan Brooks-Jimenez, Tanner Jimenez, Lisa Tuck, Mitch Hoppe, Jon Aude, Carna Phillips, Sean O’Donoghue, Kathy de Jong, Vickie Constantinides and Liz Heaney.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support CAL SMACNA and the HVAC industry.

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Our association is proud to support legislation and initiatives that elevate the sheet metal industry and help our contractors remain the best in the Bay.

SEAN O’DONOGHUE Bay Area SMACNA Executive Vice President

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ASSOCIATE

50 YEARS OF HELPING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY STAY IN THE GREEN

CliftonLarsonAllen is a professional services firm that provides audit, tax, consulting and advisory services to clients across various industries, including privately-held businesses, nonprofits, government entities and individuals.

Let’s be honest, very few of us got into the construction industry eager to manage the financial side of the business. Ideally, you find an accounting firm that understands what you do. What if I told you there’s a firm in the Bay Area with more than 60 staff members dedicated to construction clients?

Our Bay Area construction industry professionals spend time getting to know our clients so we can find the best ways to help them. As longtime members of SMACNA, our teams have a deep understanding of the sheet metal industry and the needs of business owners.

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) may be the eighth largest accounting firm in the country, with more than 9,000 employees spread across 130 locations nationwide, but they have five decades of experience working with construction clients right here in the Bay Area. This requires a little unpacking.

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CLA has three offices in the Bay Area. Before those offices joined the CLA family in 2017 they were called GALLINA LLP. GALLINA — now CLA Bay Area — has served the construction industry since in the ‘70s. They’ve been an active SMACNA associate member for nearly 20 years, and their Managing Principal Darren Sparks has personally served the construction field for 28 years.

DARREN SPARKS Managing Principal

“Our Bay Area construction industry professionals spend time getting to know our clients so we can find the best ways to help them,” Sparks said. “As longtime members of SMACNA, our teams have a deep understanding of the sheet metal industry and the needs of business owners.”

CLA offers more than just accounting services. Construction groups around the nation utilize the firm for financial advisory and consulting services, tax and audit services, and more. That “more” is growing. CLA is investing heavily in new technologies to help their team and the clients they serve. The recent addition of a digital service line stands out as particularly useful.

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The digital service line is bringing capabilities to our clients they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise; tools that will help them streamline, work smarter, and better serve their own customers and clients.

“The digital service line is bringing capabilities to our clients they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise; tools that will help them streamline, work smarter, and better serve their own customers and clients,” Sparks said. He encouraged his clients in the construction industry to reach out to see how this new service could help them.

Speaking of help, CLA is big on giving back to the communities that support them. The CLA Foundation grants millions of dollars each year to organizations dedicated to what the company refers to as the “Three Es” — Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship. Sparks noted the foundation has some $3 million of grant commitments nailed for 2024 already.

DARREN SPARKS Managing Principal

“We believe our large group of construction industry professionals is one of our greatest strengths,” Sparks said. “As a professional services firm that brings assurance and tax, as well as specialty tax services, wealth advisory and digital solutions, we have a full menu of ways to help SMACNA members.”

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Mitch

LEGISLATIVE | Industry Impacts

FEDERAL AND STATE ADVOCACY CREATES INDUSTRY IMPACT

SMACNA National is known for navigating and advancing key policy tax credits, grants and regulations, with the last few years proving to be full of successful accomplishments benefitting our industry.

and Science Act now require contractors to pay a prevailing wage and have a registered apprenticeship program or hire firms with registered apprentices was a substantial win for SMACNA and SMART.

The passage of these landmark infrastructure bills is just the beginning of the work yet to be done. Without proper administrative implementation at the federal and state levels, the laws could fail to achieve their intended goals. Stan and his team work diligently to ensure that contractors’ interests are related to elected officials and administrators through regulatory comments or needed reforms. An example of this is the series of amendments recently made to the Davis-Bacon Act and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These targeted labor and tax reforms will help highly skilled signatory contractors be as competitive as possible when bidding for work in both the private and public sectors.

Action Committee (SMAC PAC). SMAC PAC provides funds directly to candidates for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives as allowed by Federal Election law. Besides contributing resources, contractors have increased their impact these past two years by responding to targeted requests and submitting more regulatory comments than any other period in SMACNA history.

To discover more about ways to get involved or learn more about the legislative issues, go to the government affairs tab at SMACNA.org or scan the QR code below.

GET INVOLVED!

Scan the QR code for details on legislative issues and government affairs.

https://bit.ly/government-affairs

GENERAL NEWs | Appointees

WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Bay Area SMACNA Board of Directors recently welcomed five new faces. Effective leaders within their own companies, each of these individuals will be instrumental in the development of our association’s strategic vision. We’re excited for them to share their expertise. Let’s meet our new our new board members!

Sheri Learmonth

CEO, MARINA MECHANICAL SERVICES

Sheri Learmonth is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Marina Mechanical Services.

Sheri serves on the SMW Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Trust. She was also appointed by the Governor of California and currently serves as a Commissioner and EEO Chairperson on the California Apprenticeship Counsel — a role that supports her passion of bringing more women into the construction trades.

Marina Mechanical Services is a provider of commercial, industrial and high-density residential solutions involving HVACR, and the fabrication of custom and sheet metals. From ideation and design through installation and maintenance, the company approaches every project with the excellence and integrity required to ensure the best results. Marina Mechanical Services fosters relationships built upon mutual respect, and continually works to earn the trust and business of their customers.

Michael MacDonald

PRESIDENT & CEO, NORTH BAY COMMERCIAL SERVICES

Michael MacDonald is President and CEO of North Bay Commercial Services, Inc. He completed his education at SRJC and Diablo Valley College, specializing in mechanical/HVAC before joining SMW 104 in 1989. After 23 years as a lead service journeyman in the union, Michael established his own company, North Bay Commercial Services Inc, in Santa Rosa, California, in 2010.

North Bay Commercial Services provides HVAC services, repairs and retrofits for buildings and facilities in northern California. The company specializes in large tonnage equipment and boilers.

Jessica Pacat

CEO, CFO & PRESIDENT, MARTINEZ SHEET METAL

Jessica Pacat’s professional career has taken her through travel, technology and finance before finding her true calling in construction. In 2018, she began working as an admin at Martinez Sheet Metal, dedicating herself to learning everything she could about the business. Her experience in setting up call centers and serving as a financial supervisor gave her a unique perspective and skillset to excel in her current role as CEO, CFO and President. As one of the few women-owned mechanical contractors in the Bay Area, Jessica is eager to take on more leadership roles with her involvement in Bay Area SMACNA, East Bay JATC, the MCAA Scholarship Committee and Women in Construction.

Martinez Sheet Metal is a Bay Area full service mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, sheet metal, hydronics and plumbing, including medical gas installation. Located in Martinez, servicing the East Bay.

Scott Peterson

VICE PRESIDENT, PETERSON MECHANICAL

Scott Peterson is currently Vice President of Peterson Mechanical. Scott joined the company’s service division in 2004 after graduating from Sierra Nevada College with a BS degree in Business. He represents the fourth generation of Petersons to work in the business. Scott is currently on the North Bay JATC committee.

Peterson Mechanical Inc. is a Sonoma-based mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing and refrigeration for a wide variety of market sectors including Healthcare, Technology, Education, Office Space, Hospitality, Winery, High Rise and Low Rise Residential. Peterson Mechanical Inc. provides preconstruction, prefabrication, custom fabrication, design-build and plan/spec. solutions for San Francisco, Oakland, Sonoma, Napa and the surrounding areas.

Jon Mohs

PRESIDENT, AGC

A Bay Area native, Jon Mohs received his mechanical engineering degree from San Jose State University in 1994, then later a MA in philosophy in 2012. He began his career in the HVAC industry in 1992, working as an engineering intern for Industrial Design Corporation. In 1998, he entered the design-build world and went to work for the engineering department at Therma. And then in 2000, joined forces with his partners to form AGC Mechanical. Currently, Jon serves as President of AGC. He also serves the industry on the CAL SMACNA board and as a trustee for NEMIC.

AGC Mechanical is a design-build mechanical contractor that provides sheet metal, plumbing, med gas and process piping design and install for university labs, biotech facilities, medial hospitals and clinics, school districts and other research facilities. The company performs work throughout the SF Bay Area.

Michelle

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