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Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling visited a Philadelphia-area SMACNA contractor and sat down with the SMCA chapters leadership. Sonderling led an issues roundtable to discuss current business conditions and the state of the industry. He was welcomed at SMCA (SMACNA Philadelphia) by Executive Director Pete Jenkins and Prime Sheetmetal CEO Dominic Bonitatis. Following a brief discussion, they toured Prime Sheet Metal, where Bonitatis provided a detailed overview of sheet-metal fabrication and the specialty subcontracting role in the marketplace. The group then returned to the SMCA office boardroom for an industry-focused roundtable discussion and to hear the Acting Secretarys top priorities for workforce training, registered apprenticeship and safety education, and OSHA enforcement. SMCA leaders shared their experiences in the Philadelphia region on the importance of registered apprenticeship, apprentice recruitment, and mega project management. Jenkins, Bonitatis, Ernest J. Menold, and Jennifer Lohr emphasized the significant value of their partnership with Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, boosting apprenticeships, supporting highly skilled workforce development, and developing a variety of joint union-management initiatives. Stan Kolbe, SMACNAs Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs, also attended and participated in the roundtable discussions on national issues, including tax reforms, data center development, and Congressional action on Veteran recruitment and training. During his remarks, the Secretary emphasized the importance of safety, strong public-private training partnerships, and the Department of Labor's goal of expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide.

We take a look at Chicago-based Sheet Metal Werks, a family company started in 1987 that has grown into one of the leading firms in the region. Learn more about the broad portfolio of Sheet Metal Werks, ranging from bespoke copper work to producing duct for some of the world's largest companies.

For the latest episode of Clear the Air, Seth Lennon is joined by our residential committee panel, Paul Heimann (Welsch), Tom Mascari (Mendel), and Rob Schimmelpfennig (HAVE) to talk about the customer experience. The panel talks about some techniques for bringing new customers into the fold, but also how critical a commitment to service and integrity is for maintaining those relationships. Listen Below

SMACNA is proud to announce Virtual Building Studio as a new Silver Associate Member!  Virtual Building Studio helps SMACNA members expand their delivery capacity without increasing overhead costs. Through dedicated BIM and drafting support, we enable faster project execution, improved coordination, and greater operational flexibility. As a valued SMACNA member benefit, members also receive exclusive pricing on our BIM services, helping maximize project profitability while maintaining quality. The Virtual Building Studio team talked about what they see as the value of their newly minted SMACNA partnership. What excites us most about becoming a SMACNA Associate Member is the opportunity to increase our visibility within the MEP and sheet metal industry while becoming part of a highly respected professional community. We look forward to connecting with contractors, fabricators, and other industry stakeholders, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to the exchange of knowledge and best practices. The strong network and collaboration opportunities within SMACNA make it an ideal platform for long-term growth and industry engagement. Click here to learn more about Virtual Building Studio: BIM Modeling Company | Scan to BIM & MEP BIM Services .

PypeServer offers integrated project tracking and fabrication software that connects your BIM or CAD design model directly to your duct, pipe, plumbing, and fire protection fabrication shops to minimize labor and material waste. Our Cloud+ project tracking solution gives you visibility and control over every aspect of your projects, from material receiving, through fabrication, and out to the field so you can manage entire projects via the web and our mobile apps. PypeServers tool control software integrates fully with our Cloud+ system to give you a unified tech stack and is compatible with machines from Mestek, Voortman, Lincoln Electric, HGG, Machitech, Lone Star Cutting Solutions, Watts Specialties, TigerStop, RazorGage, Scotchman, Kentucky Gauge, NAP, Rotoweld, Novarc, Transfluid, RMT, T-Drill, Victaulic, and others. Click here to learn more about PypeServer: Fabrication Workflow Software - PypeServer