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Congressman James Walkinshaw of Virginia's 11th Congressional District joins Seth Lennon to talk about his passion for advancing indoor air quality legislation and how critical building relationships with Congressional staff can be in the legislative process.

SMACNA and SMART are pleased to invite your Local Union and Chapter to participate in the nomination process for the upcoming Emerging Leaders Leadership Training, launching this fall as part of the continued SMART/SMACNA partnership to support and develop future leaders in our industry. We are asking each Local and Chapter to work jointly to identify and nominate rising stars, individuals who demonstrate ambition, initiative, and early leadership skills, to be considered for this exciting opportunity. The program will kick off with a welcome reception on the evening of September 1 with the 2025 class, followed by the 1.5-day in-person Leadership Training held September 23 at the Hyatt Regency OHare Chicago in Rosemont, IL. The training is designed to strengthen leadership at every level by focusing on three core areas: leading yourself, leading a team, and leading within an organization. Participants will build resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset; develop skills in communication, coaching, and team building; and learn to navigate organizational dynamics and lead through change. To support continued growth, the program includes year-long follow-up through small peer groups and virtual sessions that reinforce learning and foster lasting leadership development. It is very important that Local Unions and SMACNA Chapters work together to submit a joint nomination consisting of one labor and one management representative for consideration. Selecting participants as labor-management teams is intended to encourage collaboration within each area both during and after the training, helping to strengthen local relationships. A total of 26 participants will be selected, 13 from labor and 13 from management. If more than 26 nominations are received, a lottery will be conducted on June 12, 2026, to determine the final participants. Participants will also be asked to complete a brief assessment, which will be provided in advance of the training and due by July 17, 2026. Selection will be based on a randomized drawing to ensure fairness and equitable access across Locals and Chapters. Those not selected for the fall session will be placed on a waitlist and given priority consideration for the next cohort planned for 2027. We are committed to expanding this opportunity and ensuring broader access to leadership development over time. To help offset program costs, we ask that Local Unions, contractors, or local LMCCs sponsor their selected nominees by covering associated travel, lodging, and other related expenses. This investment ensures participants have access to this valuable training opportunity without added barriers. Please use the following link to submit your nominations by June 12, 2026: Emerging Leaders Leadership Training Program Nomination We encourage you to consider emerging leaders who not only bring energy and commitment but also reflect the future of our workforce through diverse lived experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. It is important that nominations be made in collaboration between labor and management. Thank you for your continued support and leadership. Should you have any questions about the training or the nomination process, please reach out to Maggie Powers .

Make your mark on the 2027 MEP Innovation Conference by submitting a proposal for an educational session. The event will be held January 2527, 2027, in Tampa, Florida, and we invite you to add your voice to the program Hosted by MCAA , NECA , and SMACNA, this conference convenes leading professionals from the electrical, mechanical, and sheet metal industries with a shared goal: advancing the efficiency, performance, and profitability of MEP contractors. As innovation continues to reshape every trade, this is your opportunity to contribute and stand out at a premier industry gathering. Engage with peers through insightful presentations, interactive panel discussions, collaborative roundtables, and hands-on exhibitor showcases. For assistance with the submission form or general inquiries, please contact Andrea Herrera Hendricks at speakers@necanet.org . The proposal deadline is Monday, June 22, 2026. Click here to submit!

A revised edition of The Contractor's Guide: Preconstruction Strategy is now available. Preconstruction planning is the foundation for project success, but in todays environment, it extends far beyond traditional scheduling and estimating. It is the process by which contractors define, allocate, and manage risk across contract terms, cost structure, coordination, and communication. The Contractors Role in Preconstruction Strategy explores how leading contractors standardize their approach while adapting to project-specific conditions. By integrating contract awareness, data-driven estimating, coordination strategies, and performance feedback loops, contractors can move beyond reactive problem-solving toward predictable, controlled project delivery. Click here to read

SMACNA Canada invites contractors, workers, and industry leaders to attend the 2026 Canada Mental Health Summit a half-day event focused on mental health awareness, reducing stigma, workplace support, and practical strategies for fostering healthier workplaces in the trades. Registration will open June 1, 2026. Space is limited, so make sure to save the date. Event Dates & Locations Vancouver September 17, 2026 Civic Hotel Autograph Collection 13475 Central Avenue Surrey, BC V3T 0L8 Toronto September 30, 2026 Eagles Nest Golf Club 10000 Dufferin Street Maple, ON L6A 1S3 Both events will feature the same agenda and include lunch provided by SMACNA. What Attendees Will Learn Enhancing health awareness in the workplace Understanding addictive behaviors Reducing stigma and supporting colleagues Having effective mental health conversations Click here to learn more.