SMACNA-SoCal Update: Moving Into Summer

By / Hector Vargas, SMACNA-SoCal President

As we move into the summer months, there is a renewed sense of optimism as the situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic improves and businesses start to make a comeback while determining what their “new normal” will look like moving into the rest of this year and next. There is no doubt our members will be experiencing a range of change, and we will be here to support their endeavors every step of the way.

I would like to note that the SMACNA Southern California Labor Committee has finally negotiated a three-year agreement that allows our member firms to keep working as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Make no mistake, negotiations were tough. As Management Chair, I would like to recognize my team for the dedication and countless hours donated towards this very important cause. Thank you goes out to Kent Cooper, Los Angeles Air Conditioning; Pete Fortin, ACCO Engineered Systems; Mike Hilgert, Superior Duct Fabrication; Kevin Michel, Xcel Mechanical; Karen Fox, Precision Air Balance; and Gina Medel, Penn Air Control, Inc.

Now that the COVID-19 crisis is coming to a slow close we have the wonderful opportunity to attend the SMACNA

Convention, October 24-27 in Maui, Hawaii, at the Grand Wailea, as well as our own Annual Dinner Meeting and Dance at the Langham Hotel, Pasadena, California, on Saturday, October 30, 2021. I hope to see all of our members at one of these events.

I would also like to recognize the passing of Mr. Jordan Ehrenkranz. Please visit page 7 in this issue of the SoCal Industry Reporter to read more about Jordan’s life and work for our association and industry. Jordan dedicated many years representing the best interest of SMACNA members and the betterment of our industry, and we send our deepest regrets and solace to his family. ▪