CUTTING EDGE BAY AREA SMACNA’S
ASSOCIATE MEMBER FEATURE: STRATUS
MEMBER FEATURE: CROWN SHEET METAL & SKYLIGHTS
RECAP: GENERAL ADVISORY RETREAT
RECAP: CONVENTION UNITES INDUSTRY LEADERS WITH STRONG SHOWING FROM BAY AREA CHAPTER
RECAP: THE AI EVOLUTION: TRANSFORMING CONSTRUCTION, EMPOWERING WORKERS
RECAP: SPOTTING FATAL FLAWS: HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT BUSINESS LEADERS
RECAP: BAY AREA CONTRACTORS LEAD THE WAY IN SAFETY EXCELLENCE
SAVE THE DATE: TEE UP AND SWING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS DURING 30TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
SAVE THE DATE: TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT: SPORTING CLAYS RETURNS THIS FALL
NEW OPPORTUNITIES, MAJOR MILESTONES AND A FUTURE OF GROWTH
RECAP: MEMBERS EARN LIFE-SAVING CPR CERTIFICATION
MASTERING PROJECT SUCCESS: THE PROGRAM THAT’S BUILDING BAY AREA’S NEXT LEADERS
RECAP: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
REGISTER FOR FREE SAFETY SEMINARS
FIELD EFFECTIVENESS: MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY
CLICKSAFETY: 300+ COURSES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Do you have exciting company news you’d like to share with fellow Bay Area SMACNA members?
• High-profile projects
• New product launches
• New service offerings
• Company anniversaries
• New hires
• Celebrating retirees
Your good work and amazing teams deserve to be celebrated, and we want to help spread the news. So submit your news and/or photos to Liz Heaney (lheaney@bayareasmacna.org) and see your company represented in our next association newsletter!
SCAN TO EMAIL LIZ HEANEY
Scan to provide news for upcoming newsletters!
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS | Update from Bobby Bramlett
BIG IDEAS. BIGGER IMPACT. COLLABORATION KEY TO POWERING OUR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE
Summer is here, and with a few events already behind us and many more ahead, it’s the perfect time to reflect on and remind everyone of our focus for 2025. In my previous remarks, I stressed the importance of involvement by all. Our association is dedicated to advancing the sheet metal industry, guided by the belief that every voice counts, no matter the size. The General Advisory Retreat is one event where broad participation is key. Nominating new board members and fostering connections among our members — whether large or small — helps us stay informed about the trends and challenges shaping our industry. This year’s advisory retreat proved to be an outstanding platform for networking, sparking insightful discussions and generating valuable ideas.
Bobby Bramlett PRESIDENT
bob@airesm.com
Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming opportunities to get involved, including the Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament and Project Management program. There’s something for everyone!
As we look to the rest of the year, let’s celebrate our successes and stay motivated to achieve our 2025 vision. Your ongoing support is essential to make our association stronger and better for everyone. This will always be “our” association. Together, let’s continue to build a legacy of positive impact that we can all take pride in, never forgetting that collaboration is the energy that will produce a better team. Each one of us has something to offer that can impact us all. Personally, I have learned from many and copy from some, especially the ideas I am attracted to and recognize their impact on my development. No one grows by accident; it comes from these collaborative moments when one idea can shape or reshape an industry.
EVENT RECAP | Advisory Retreat
IMPORTANT LEGISLATION, INDUSTRY UPDATES & BOARD NOMINATIONS DISCUSSED DURING ADVISORY RETREAT
Twenty-six companies were represented at the General Advisory Retreat in Paso Robles June 8-10. The retreat kicked off with a dinner and networking for members.
The General Advisory Meeting was full of engaging discussions. We were excited to welcome two first-time attendees this year; Beighly Glass of Monterey Mechanical and Frank Young of Simpson Sheet Metal. Both were excited to be participate and meet other members, and we were glad to have them!
Eli Howard from National SMACNA provided a SMACNA update, including new duct standards, software available online for members and seismic bracing standards compliant with the International Building Code. Upcoming developments include kitchen service standards, architectural wall panel certification and Spanish translations for duct design.
Although Chris Walker was unable to attend due to legislative sessions, an update on bills supported and opposed by CAL SMACNA was shared. Key bills included: AB1331 regarding surveillance systems in off-duty areas, SB 61 to cap retention at 5% in private works of improvement; SB 440 to establish timely process for payments on change-orders in private works of improvement; SB 84 provides a limited safe harbor from ADA lawsuits and a right to cure construction-related ADA violations; and SB 597 to fix the KB Homes decision for trust funds.
Mark Napier presented the financial and hour reports through April. The Training Trust update given by Paul Irwin highlighted the 108 new apprentices so far this year. Sean O’Donoghue shared the healthcare and pension update. He also went over the new five-year agreement and revised language for the MOU with SMW Local Union No. 104, and discussed nominations for the eight open board seats. Eight members had been nominated prior to the meeting. With no other nominations, Sean will follow up with the nominees for acceptance of the three-year board term. They will then be appointed during the installation of officers at the annual dinner in November.
The day concluded with a dinner at Sensorio, an enchanting field of lights featuring 100,000 glowing spheres resembling jewel-toned flowers. Attendees also enjoyed the Fiber Optic Symphonic Orchestra, showcasing 32 state-of-the-art columns of light synchronized to music, along with an immersive audiovisual experience featuring large-scale metal sculptures exploring the relationship between light, music, shadow and form.
Overall, it was another fantastic retreat, providing members with opportunities to network, meet new faces and engage in meaningful discussions about our association and industry.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER | Stratus
TAILORED TECH FOR MEP
The construction industry is notoriously slow to adopt technology. But with artificial intelligence rapidly evolving and enhancing workflows, contractors risk falling behind if they wait too long to embrace new technologies and capabilities.
In 2015, Todd Liebbe and Jonathan Umscheid combined their industry expertise to lay the foundation for a groundbreaking venture: GTP Services. Their mission was to deliver advanced digital tools to simplify complex processes, enhance collaboration and maximize project efficiency through datadriven contracting. Stratus was launched as the company’s flagship product. GTP Services was later rebranded under the Stratus name, solidifying its role as a leader in MEP software solutions for piping, plumbing, sheet metal and electrical contractors.
“
By connecting authoring tools like Revit, CAD and CAMduct directly to manufacturing workflows, Stratus ensures real-time data synchronization and a streamlined transition from digital models to physical production.
specific platforms, Stratus products offer a high level of customization to meet each clients’ unique needs. Features like automated detailing, fabrication management, spooling, status tracking, cutting and nesting, labeling, and digital assembly workflows empower contractors to operate more efficiently and competitively, while reducing manual steps and streamlining operations.
RACHEL PYDEN Director of Marketing
The name Stratus is fittingly derived from the Latin word meaning “layer” — which is precisely what the Stratus suite of solutions is designed to do throughout a company’s entire workflow. Once it integrates with authoring software, like Revit, CAD and other trade-
“By connecting authoring tools like Revit, CAD and CAMduct directly to manufacturing workflows, Stratus ensures real-time data synchronization and a streamlined transition from digital models to physical production,” said Rachel Pyden, Director of Marketing. “This integration minimizes errors, enhances collaboration and optimizes resource utilization, addressing significant technological challenges faced by contractors.”
“
To date, the company’s core products include Stratus, Stratus Flex (a mobile extension of the flagship product, allowing teams to manage workflows both onsite and remotely) and Stratus Works (a specialized tool for electrical contractors). By utilizing digital-first documentation, customers are better able to leverage historical data to more accurately forecast and allow better communication across teams.
A proud Bay Area SMACNA associate member, Stratus underscores its dedication to supporting the sheet metal industry with cutting-edge technology. The company was also an Elite Sponsor of the 2025 SMACNA Fab Forum, a sold-out fabricationfocused event.
“Our involvement ensures that we stay connected with contractors’ evolving needs and provide solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy and profitability.
Today, Stratus boasts a team of over 50 seasoned industry experts, skilled technology leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Their clients can be found from coast to coast and include specialty contractors of all sizes and scope, including the likes of McCusker-Gill, JRT Mechanical, Tweet Garot, UMC Inc. and more. In a testimonial shared to the Stratus YouTube page, Stratus helped SPC Mechanical Corporation save $400,000 in copper over an 18-month period, allowing the contractor to capitalize on the material savings.
RACHEL PYDEN Director of Marketing
“Our involvement ensures that we stay connected with contractors’ evolving needs and provide solutions that drive efficiency, accuracy and profitability,” Pyden said. “Being part of SMACNA allows us to collaborate with industry leaders, share best practices and contribute to the future of sheet metal fabrication.”
With strategic investments, like the $32 million Series B funding secured earlier this year with the support of Radian Capital, Stratus continues to expand its product capabilities, support next-generation workflows and deliver solutions that enhance productivity, accuracy and profitability. As more contractors recognize the power of digital transformation, Stratus continues to be a partner, providing teams with the essential tools they need to succeed in an evolving industry.
EVENT RECAP | CAL SMACNA Convention
CONVENTION UNITES INDUSTRY LEADERS WITH STRONGSHOWING FROM BAY AREA CHAPTER
The CAL SMACNA Convention, held April 23-26 in Ojai, was a valuable networking opportunity for our 76 members in attendance.
The convention kicked off with a welcome reception for all California chapters. This was followed by a more intimate Bay Area Chapter night at The Duchess in downtown Ojai. Members enjoyed a delicious Burmeseinspired dinner accompanied by lively conversation and camaraderie. This event showcased the sense of community within our Chapter, leaving members excited for the next gathering.
The convention featured two standout workshops, “Spotting Fatal Flaws: How to Pick the Right Business Leader,” which focused on succession planning; and “AI in Construction.” Both sessions were well attended and sparked engaging discussions. Read more on pages 11 and 12.
During the annual business meeting, CAL SMACNA President Phill Phillips introduced the new 2025 Executive Board. Chris Walker provided informative updates, including current legislation capping the private works retention at 5%, which is expected to reach the
Governor’s desk before July 4. CAL SMACNA is focused on maintaining a healthy, resilient organization amidst significant economic and regulatory challenges.
Brian Pyle delivered the financial review and National SMACNA President Tom Martin gave an insightful national update. One key initiative is the conversion of papers and infographics into podcasts now available on SMACNA.org, making them more accessible. Eli Howard and his team are working to turn manuals into podcasts to better support both shop and field workers.
Jason Watson presented the labor report, noting the CBA settlements nationally remain steady and productive. He also shared his enthusiasm for SMACNA’s new strategic plan, which emphasizes collaboration on shared goals.
The overall message of the meeting was that this is your association. Whether you need support, resources or guidance, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
EVENT RECAP | AI in Construction Workshop
THE AI EVOLUTION: TRANSFORMING CONSTRUCTION, EMPOWERING WORKERS
We’re now in what many call the “Golden Age” of AI. The explosion of available data has allowed deep learning systems like those behind Facebook and TikTok to personalize experiences more accurately than ever before.
AI is already embedded in our daily lives: it powers the entertainment we consume, the cars we drive, our smart homes, even how we shop.
Generative AI, which focuses on creating new content like text, images and video, is rapidly reshaping industries, allowing users to generate video scripts, research insights or design layouts simply through prompts. It’s like handing a textbook to AI and having it predict the best possible response based on patterns in the data.
AI is also revolutionizing the construction industry. It’s being used to:
• Design ductwork layouts: AI can optimize paths, reduce waste and improve airflow efficiency.
• Analyze historical data: By pulling past design and climate data, for example, AI can recommend resilient structures suited for urban heat zones.
• Read and interpret spreadsheets: Automating tedious tasks like budget tracking or supply chain analysis saves time and reduces errors.
These capabilities mark a shift from human-intensive tasks to machine-assisted decision-making. AI won’t replace jobs;
it will redesign them. Rather than eliminating roles, it will consolidate tasks and augment human capabilities, shifting professionals from being creators to becoming editors or supervisors of AI-generated content.
As AI becomes more embedded in workflows, companies must address critical ethical and operational concerns:
• Proprietary data: Never input confidential or proprietary data into public AI systems like ChatGPT. Understand how third-party tools are using and training on your data.
• Training employees: Programs fail when they overinvest in software but under-train people. Success comes from empowering employees to use AI effectively.
• Governance and transparency: Understanding how AI platforms make decisions and their ability to cite sources is essential for trust, especially in regulated industries such as construction.
By integrating AI, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and efficiency while amplifying human potential for continued success across industries.
EVENT RECAP | Succession Planning Workshop
SPOTTING FATAL FLAWS: HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT BUSINESS LEADERS
In an industry as demanding and complex as construction, succession planning often gets pushed aside in favor of immediate project concerns. Yet the future of every business hinges on it.
Many owners are within seven to 10 years of transitioning out, but few have a clear plan for how to pass the baton. Why?
For one, the next generation of leaders must be willing to shoulder risk — including putting their personal wealth on the line. Add to that the fact that most construction leaders wear multiple hats, and the idea of training someone else to take over seems overwhelming. It’s not just about skill, but mindset. Leaders must shift from doing the work to building the people who will do the work after them.
Leadership development today is more complicated than ever. The old school “sink or swim” method of throwing people into leadership roles without training or feedback isn’t effective with today’s workforce. The next generation of leaders expects intentional development rather than trial by fire, and they need to understand the full picture, including how the company makes money, where profits go and how ownership works.
The move from single ownership to shared leadership, such as through ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans), introduces new layers of complexity. Leadership becomes about more than just decision-making, but also collaboration, communication and stakeholder management.
In a time where people prefer texting over talking, critical conversations about leadership, business continuity and ownership mindset are being delayed. These conversations are crucial. Future leaders must be taught, not assumed to understand. Waiting until “later” to explain how things work often turns into never (and by then, it’s too late).
Trust is also essential, but it must be earned and monitored. Future leaders need room to grow, but not so much freedom that their mistakes could sink the company. Give them tools, guidance and just enough rope so that if they fail, they’ll learn.
START EARLY
DEVELOP LEADERS LONG BEFORE YOU PLAN TO EXIT.
BE INTENTIONAL
TRAINING MUST BE STRUCTURED, ONGOING AND STRATEGIC.
ENCOURAGE AN OWNERSHIP MINDSET
DON’T WAIT TO GIVE EQUITY AND EXPECT PEOPLE TO ACT LIKE OWNERS. TEACH THEM TO THINK LIKE OWNERS FIRST, THEN OFFER EQUITY AS A REWARD.
Leadership is a full-contact sport. It demands communication, emotional intelligence, business savvy and a willingness to keep learning. Many seasoned leaders say, “I wish I’d known this earlier,” so let’s teach the next generation now.
BE OPEN AND TRANSPARENT
TEACH FINANCIAL LITERACY. EXPLAIN HOW PROFITS, TAXES AND REINVESTMENT WORK. SHOW THE BROADER BUSINESS CONTEXT, NOT JUST PROJECT DETAILS.
SHARE KNOWLEDGE STRATEGICALLY
SHARE KNOWLEDGE DELIBERATELY AND CONSISTENTLY.
EVENT RECAP | Safety Awards
BAY AREA CONTRACTORS LEAD THE WAY IN SAFETY EXCELLENCE
Congratulations to the 14 Bay Area SMACNA member companies that received safety awards at the CAL SMACNA Convention in Ojai!
Special recognition goes to the three members acknowledged for having the best safety record in their respective categories as well as our member recognized for the most improved safety record. This accomplishment highlights our members’ commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. Here’s to continued success and dedication to safety practices!
UNDER 25,000 MANHOURS WORKED
Bullard’s Heating & Air Inc.
BEST SAFETY RECORD IN THIS CATEGORY
Bullard’s Heating & Air Inc.
25,001 - 50,000 MANHOURS WORKED
Mauck Sheet Metal
BEST SAFETY RECORD IN THIS CATEGORY
Mauck Sheet Metal
2025 AWARDS
50,001 - 100,000 MANHOURS WORKED
National Air Balance Company, Inc.
BEST SAFETY RECORD IN THIS CATEGORY
National Air Balance Company, Inc.
MOST IMPROVED SAFETY RECORD
Izmirian Roofing & Sheet Metal
100,001 AND OVER MANHOURS WORKED
ACCO Engineered Systems
AGC, Inc.
Bell Products, Inc.
Control Air Enterprises LLC
Marina Mechanical Services
Matrix HG, Inc.
Monterey Mechanical Co.
Murray Company
Silicon Valley Mechanical, Inc.
Therma LLC
EDUCATION | Fall PM Program
MASTERING PROJECT SUCCESS:THE PROGRAM THAT’S BUILDING BAY AREA’S NEXT LEADERS
The Sheet Metal & HVAC Project Management Certificate Program was developed specifically for Bay Area SMACNA contractors, addressing their unique industry challenges.
The Fall PM Program is scheduled to take place September 9 - October 16. This program is tailored for students with at least one year of project management experience. Learn how to effectively coordinate the people, resources and tasks necessary to complete projects on time and within budget while also fostering stronger relationships with both internal and external customers. Acquire skills that will enhance your professional growth and benefit your company.
EDUCATION RECAP | CPR Training
The $1,500 registration fee can be paid online at the time of registration or by check made out to Bay Area SMACNA and sent to Kelly Avila, 6689 Owens Dr., Ste. 200, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Member firms will receive 100% registration fee reimbursement upon successful completion of the program.
Registration will open soon; in the meantime, please add your name to our waitlist if you’re interested in attending!
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Registration opens soon.
https://bit.ly/4mCQkds
The BAS training room hosted 13 members on March 14 for a CPR and first aid training course.
During the session, members acquired essential skills to respond to life-threatening emergencies, including cardiac arrest, choking and drowning. Participants learned how to administer CPR when an individual’s breathing or heartbeat has ceased and were instructed on the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE CLASS
• The class addressed specific techniques for infants and children.
• Students were trained in how to assist someone who is choking by performing abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
• Participants engaged in practical exercises with mannequins and the use of AEDs.
MEMBER
FEATURE | Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights
FAMILY-OWNED CROWN SHEET METAL & SKYLIGHTS CARRIES LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP INTO FIFTH DECADE
Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights, a family-owned operation specializing in commercial skylights, architectural and historic sheet metal work offers a legacy of multi-generational craftsmanship to the Bay Area.
Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights was founded in the ‘70s by Don Dennehy Sr. At the time, Don Sr. was a full-time firefighter doing sheet metal contracting work on the weekends because he liked the work and was good at it. When unexpected medical bills hit Don’s young family, he decided to start his own company.
Today, his son Don Dennehy Jr. works as vice president of the company, which employs some 20 workers and remains family-owned and operated. Don Jr. has worked for Crown for 41 years; 15 of those he spent working in the field and in the shop. Once he got a handle on estimating, though, the office slowly became his home.
For much of Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights’ history, the company focused solely on skylights. It wasn’t until the late ‘90s that Crown got into architectural and historical sheet metal work in a big way.
“We noticed that there was a real opportunity in the market to do specialty sheet metal work, and it was pretty similar to our core work — it’s got to have good fit and finish, it’s got to be neat — so it was a natural thing to pick up,” Don Jr. says.
We were looking at a skylight job the other day and I knew we’d installed the original skylights in 1997. It’s great that our customers get such long service from our work, and it’s great they call us when it’s time for replacement.
DON DENNEHY JR. Vice President
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This expansion into architectural and historical restoration led to some prestigious projects across the Bay Area and beyond, including a complete renovation of the detailed metalwork atop the historic Mark Hopkins Hotel.
At the time this article was written, Crown was wrapping up their roughly $1.4 million restoration of the historic Ghirardelli Clock Tower.
“We’re removing and rebuilding all the metalwork on the tower, which has a lot of really decorative dormers and a crow’s nest at the top with finials on it,” Don Jr. says. “It’s been a fun project.”
The clock tower was built in 1916 as part of the five-building Ghirardelli Square, where the company made chocolate until the early ‘60s. The tower now houses a luxury hotel, and this is the first time the roof and decorative sheet metal adornments have seen any repair or replacement.
Some 10 minutes south of Ghirardelli Square, Crown is working on a $1 million project to replace all the copper gutters, copings, flashings and crickets on the historic St. Dominic’s Church, as well as the roof’s copper ridge. While Crown’s work often demands traditional craftsmanship, they’ve incorporated modern technology where appropriate.
“We do have a bunch of old tools left, but we also use these new folding machines,” Don Jr. explains. “They’re essentially a leaf brake that’s CNC. We can program it and it does all the bending for us.”
The company also utilizes CAD drawings and partners with a company that provides laser-cut parts for certain projects.
Despite these technological advances, Crown remains “a labor-based company because a lot of the stuff we do is old-fashioned-built,” emphasizing the irreplaceable value of skilled sheet metal workers.
Perhaps nothing speaks to Crown’s quality better than their current work replacing skylights they installed nearly 30 years ago at the Vacaville Cultural Center Library. When you’ve been in the skylight business since the ‘70s, this sort of thing happens with increasing frequency. If your work is of the utmost quality, that is.
“It’s amazing. We were looking at a skylight job the other day and I knew we’d installed the original skylights in 1997,” Don Jr. says. “It’s great that our customers get such long service from our work, and it’s great they call us when it’s time for replacement. We probably have glass units out there that are 50-plus years old.”
This longevity is a testament to Crown’s core values, which Don Jr. describes as “excellent workmanship quality, integrity, family mentality, caring for employees and being really safety-oriented.”
“We work in a lot of places that are hard to get to, so safety is our number one priority,” he adds.
Beyond their commercial work, Crown works to support the community it serves, donating time and resources to their local church, the Moose Lodge and the Bay Area Loaves and Fishes family kitchen food pantry.
The Dennehy family also supports A Chance In Life, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting at-risk youth around the world.
As Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights continues into its fifth decade of operation, the company stands as a shining example of how specialized trade skills, family values and commitment to quality craftsmanship can create a lasting legacy in the construction industry.
SAVE THE DATE | Golf Tournament
JUL 21
SCHOLARSHIPS DURING 30TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT
JULY 21, 2025
Castlewood Country Club 707 Country Club Circle Pleasanton, CA 94566
In celebration of our 30th Annual Bay Area SMACNA Scholarship Trust Golf Tournament, we are proud to recognize Chris Walker for his outstanding contributions to the sheet metal industry. His tireless work in our state regulatory and legislative affairs has helped shape policies and drive positive change within the industry, ensuring a stronger and more sustainable future for all!
This special event also raises funds through sponsorships to support scholarships for students pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. All proceeds from the golf tournament benefit the Bay Area Scholarship Trust, which awards tuition and book scholarships each year in amounts of up to $6,000 each. A portion of all sponsorships are tax deductible (tax ID# 68-0455765). Thanks to the generosity of our 2024 sponsors, we were able to award 38 scholarships.
The event takes place at Castle Wood Country Club on July 21. Event registration is limited to the first 144 players. The tournament will be played on the Hill Course and is expected to be filled quickly; players will not be confirmed until payment is received. If you sign up for a sponsorship that includes golf, please also include yourself as an attendee if you’ll be playing. (Proper golf attire is required. Denim is not permitted on the golf course.) Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Chris Walker while helping shape the future of the industry!
CHRIS WALKER
EAGLE SPONSOR - $8,000
Includes two Par Sponsorships, plus Hole-In-One Sponsorship
BIRDIE SPONSOR - $5,000
Includes One Par sponsorship, plus customized golf course flag
PAR SPONSOR - $4,000
Includes one foursome; lunch, dinner and beverages for four players; tee prizes for four players; company logo in print and a Tee Sponsor sign
BOGIE SPONSOR - $1,500
Includes golf for one player; tee prizes; lunch, dinner and drinks
FLAG SPONSOR - $1,250
Includes one customized golf course flag, company logo in print and recognition as a Flag Sponsor
HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR - $1,000
Includes Hole-In-One Tee Sign, company logo in print and recognition as a Hole-In-One Sponsor
DINNER SPONSOR - $2,000
Company logo in print and recognition as a Dinner Sponsor
LUNCH SPONSOR - $1,000
Company logo in print and recognition as a Lunch Sponsor
SNACK SPONSOR - $750
Company logo in print and recognition as a Snack Sponsor
TEE SPONSOR - $500
Includes one Tee Sign, company logo in print and recognition as a Tee Sponsor
SCAN TO REGISTER
Scan to learn more about the tournament details.
https://bit.ly/3SIH5KN
DISTRICT 1 JATC UPDATES | Certificate Opportunites
NEW OPPORTUNITIES, MAJOR MILESTONES AND A FUTURE OF GROWTH
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) is proud to announce several exciting updates and initiatives designed to provide more opportunities for our members and apprentices.
These updates span across certifications, training classes and important events, ensuring that our apprentices and journeymen continue to grow, learn and thrive in their careers.
TAB LAB CERTIFICATION ACHIEVEMENT
We are thrilled to share that the TAB Lab at the Fairfield Training Facility has been officially certified under the new ICB certification criteria! This achievement is a significant milestone as the Fairfield Training Facility becomes the first TAB Lab in the country to receive this certification. For members who are due for their TAB certification renewal, we encourage you to reach out to the Fairfield Training Facility and schedule your recertification soon to stay up to date with industry standards.
SOLDER CERTIFICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
In addition to TAB certifications, members can now obtain solder certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS). This nationally recognized certification is a valuable asset to any journeyman or apprentice looking to enhance their skillset in the welding industry. If you’re interested in pursuing this certification, please contact any of our training facilities to schedule.
NEW APPRENTICE ARCHITECTURAL CLASS
A new apprenticeship class focusing on architectural layout and installation is now available to all interested apprentices. This class will teach the layout and installation of architectural wall panel systems, including materials such as MCM (metal composite material) and ACM (aluminum composite material). The training will take place in a field setting using the steel structure at the Livermore Training Facility.
The course will also integrate Total Station layout capabilities for vertical spaces, along with architectural field surveying techniques. This hands-on training will provide apprentices with the skills needed to document architectural points of interest, such as scupper openings, distance measurements, and model exporting. This is a great opportunity to gain cutting-edge skills that will enhance apprentices’ understanding of the architectural trade.
ENGLISH AND HUMANITIES CLASSES NOW AVAILABLE
In response to the needs of our apprentices, we are pleased to announce that the required English and humanities classes are now available for those looking to pursue a degree program. These courses, which are at no cost to apprentices, are being offered both in person at the training facilities and online for convenience. This is a great opportunity for apprentices to meet their degree requirements while continuing their on-the-job training.
2024-2025 GRADUATION CEREMONY
Save the date for a graduation ceremony on August 23 for all 2024 and 2025 graduates. This event will celebrate the achievements of apprentices who graduated or will graduate between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming communications from the training program with more details about this special event.
Get ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that merges a golf-style course with the exhilarating challenge of clay shooting!
Join us on October 3 at Birds Landing for this memberfavorite event. All skill levels are welcome, and equipment is provided. Watch your inbox for an email invite with more details — but mark your calendars now!
OCT 3
OCTOBER
3, 2025
Birds Landing Hunting Preserve 2099 Collinsville Road Birds Landing, CA 94512
EDUCATION RECAP | Technical University
HANDS-ON TRAINING IN DUCT CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR BAY AREA MEMBERS
Twenty-five students from nine different companies participated in a full-day training session on May 14 presented by Eli Howard, Billy Farrell II and Geoff Parks of National SMACNA.
The training covered duct construction standards, duct leakage standards, the fire damper manual, grease ducts, technical applications and foundational concepts related to industrial duct construction. This course provided participants with detailed descriptions, illustrations,
One of the most important things I learned today was how to read through the different tables and different ways to strategize when building duct and cost comparisons. It was a great class, and I would highly recommend it to anyone newer to the industry.
WYATT
HATCH
N.V. Heathorn Company
definitions, industry practice recommendations, clear designations of responsibility and guidance on plan and specification requirements, helping to eliminate the confusion contractors often face.
REGISTER FOR FREE SAFETY SEMINARS
CAL SMACNA members are encouraged to take advantage of two free Safety Seminars designed to keep you updated on safety regulations and changes that may impact your businesses. The sessions are scheduled for September 15 and 18, with a deadline to register on August 29.
http://bit.ly/43N3AVu
RECAP | Training
A total of 36 of our members participated in the Field Effectiveness training sessions conducted by Andy Patron from Above Board Consulting, LLC.
The sessions took place on June 11 and 12 in the Bay Area SMACNA training room.
During this training, participants:
• Evaluated and discussed essential best practices in field management
• Learned to transform field challenges into opportunities for project success
• Engaged in a project planning exercise that emphasized the difference between production and productivity
• Gained valuable insights into why productivity is the most effective and lowest-risk strategy for improving company profitability
Each day wrapped up with a discussion focused on punch list management and the importance of timely project completion.
The BAS training room hosted 13 members on March 14 for a CPR and first aid training course.
This customizable and interactive safety resource has more than 300 online safety courses, including HAZWOPER, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, harassment training and custom site-specific general industry courses.
ClickSafety employs an in-house team of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) and Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) to create and maintain the industry’s most comprehensive catalog of online safety courses, each designed to enhance learning and retention throughout an individual’s entire professional career.
Members should contact Vickie Constantinides at vconstantinides@bayareasmacna.org to have course units added to their ClickSafety account, or to obtain an authorization code when creating an account on ClickSafety.com/SMACNA. The number of units each member firm is eligible for is based on the number of hours contributed from the prior year.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Browse a list of available courses on ClickSafety.com.
https://bit.ly/4j9ntKw
Mitch
Mike