Chapter News

December 06, 2023 

Carol Duncan Named President of SMACNA National

Carol Duncan, CEO and co-owner of General Sheet Metal in Clackamas, Oregon, is officially SMACNA National’s President for the 2023 term.

 General Sheet Metal was founded in 1932 celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. Carol Duncan has been a part of GSM’s story since 1982 ­– becoming GSM’s CEO in 2000. Duncan’s more than 40 years of experience and leadership in the sheet metal industry have developed and sharpened her sense of quality, values, and innovative solutions. In Duncan’s time at GSM, she has helped to grow the company from 25 employees to more than 180. GSM is an entirely employee-owned company and is currently a Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified woman-owned company. As well as being successful in business, GSM has also been voted to have one of the best workplaces by both Oregon Business and The Oregonian. Duncan stated, “It is amazing the small, tiny things that you can do that have a bigger effect on your employees.” Some of GSM’s projects include AC Hotel by Marriot, Grand Avenue Apartments OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, and many more. You can read more about GSM’s accomplishments here.

 In addition to being GSM’s CEO, Duncan also focuses much of her time and energy on issues affecting the sheet metal industry – especially recruiting and retention. Currently, Duncan is sitting on SMACNA National’s National Convention Committee, Labor Committee, SMACNA College of Fellows, Political Pacesetters Council, National Joint Adjustment Board, SFUA Article X Management Panelists, and SMACNA/SMART Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force. Locally, Duncan is Chair of the Health and Welfare Trust and a member of the Local SMACNA Board and Governmental Affairs Committee. These current committees, as well as many past committees, have helped Duncan develop the expertise to lead SMACNA National to success as their new president.

When asked in an interview, by Seth Lennon, what Duncan is looking forward to the most in her term as President, 

Duncan stated, “I’m excited to go out and visit other chapters and other contractors. I think that SMACNA is such a unique family-oriented organization that just getting to know members of the family, and getting to see their operations and how they do things is probably what I’m looking forward to the most.”

 During her presidency, Duncan plans to focus on sharing SMACNA 's continuing Legislative agenda, political action committee opportunities and the BE4ALL initiative which is inclusive of recruiting, retention, and inclusion. 

As well as being a powerhouse in the business world, Carol is a wife, mother, and grandmother of 4 boys 5 and under.

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September 15, 2023

Seven SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington Member Companies Recognized for Safety Excellence

Seven of SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors were recognized for their outstanding safety performance. They were measured against hundreds of other SMACNA member companies. Winners in the manhours categories include Harder Mechanical, Southland Industries, and General Sheet Metal Works.

Over 500,000 hours 1st Place: Harder Mechanical 3rd Place: Southland Industries

200,000-300,000 hours 3rd Place: General Sheet Metal Works

This year, SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington would also like to recognize our members who won Zero Injury Awards. Congratulations to CK Industries Inc., JG2 Enterprises (Swan Island Sheet Metal), Neudorfer Engineers, and Trotter and Morton Group of Services.

The SMACNA Oregon Chapter strives to prioritize the safety and education of our members. The recognition of our seven winning members stems from their participation SMACNA’s annual safety survey and acknowledges members who report the lowest injury and illness rates. In the coming year, SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington will continue to refine our safety culture and we aim to employ innovative safety techniques. Our goal is to identify, eliminate and mitigate potential hazards through safe work practice. 

Regionally the chapter sponsors a Safety Committee in which members from the area share best practices and communicate challenges. Executive Director of SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington, Chris Schneider, states, “Safety is a principal focus for SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington. It is an honor to see our members’ hard work acknowledged in the Annual Safety Excellence Awards. An outstanding safety culture is just one of the benefits of hiring a SMACNA contractor but it’s the most important thing we do.”

In addition to our seven winning members, SMACNA Oregon and Southwest Washington was recognized with this year’s first place safety award out of dozens of SMACNA chapters across the country.

If you are interested in participating in the safety committee or in becoming a member of SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington, please reach out to Chris Schneider.

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November 2022

SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors raised more than $30,000 for local charities at SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington's annual Christmas Gala last Friday. The night's charity campaign was chaired by Steve Jones, President of R&J Metal Fabricators.

 

At the event SMACNA contractors, guests and affiliate members raised $30,883 for our community :

 

Toy and Joymakers

Oregon Food Bank

Oregon Tradeswoman

Meals on Wheels

$28,733

500

1300

350

 

 

SMACNA Oregon Affiliate Member Johnson Air Products was the night's big giver, with the company and its employees donating $8,290 for Toy and Joy Makers. Because of their generous donation Johnson Air will own SMACNA's "hardest working elf" award for the 2022-2023 season.  Doug Kissler from Johnson Air stated "the best part of giving is helping to support the good work that Toy and Joymakers is doing for children in need in our community, the next best part of giving is being recognized with SMACNA's award and we want to win it again next year." 

 

Employees and leaders representing Alliant, Arctic, General Sheet Metal, Streimer & R&J were not far behind each making sizable donations to Toy and Joy Makers.  Guests also brought unwrapped presents to be donated to Toy and Joymakers. The presents were collected by Lt. Jeff Tachney and firefighters from Portland Fire Department Engine Company #1.    Pat McMahon from Toy and Joy stated that "for over 100 years, Toy and Joy Makers has promoted the spirit of helping children and their families during the holiday season. Last year the organization provided toys to 7,529 children. The annual toy drive was founded by the Portland Fire & Rescue in 1914 to help local families in need around the holidays. It’s run by volunteers and funded by donations, the donations from SMACNA's contractors represent a significant portion of our budget and we are incredibly thankful for their generosity."

 

Steve Jones is proud of the impact that SMACNA contractors have had on the community. "Over the past 7 years SMACNA Oregon and it's contractors have raised more than $130,000 for Toy and Joymakers, our members have also given hundreds of unwrapped toys, it's nice to be a part of something good for kids."  

 

The Chapter continued the spirit of giving by making donations to Oregon Tradeswoman, Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors raised more than $30,000 for local charities at SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington's annual Christmas Gala last Friday. The night's charity campaign was chaired by Steve Jones, President of R&J Metal Fabricators.

 

At the event SMACNA contractors, guests and affiliate members raised $30,883 for our community :

 

Toy and Joymakers

Oregon Food Bank

Oregon Tradeswoman

Meals on Wheels

$28,733

500

1300

350

 

 

SMACNA Oregon Affiliate Member Johnson Air Products was the night's big giver, with the company and its employees donating $8,290 for Toy and Joy Makers. Because of their generous donation Johnson Air will own SMACNA's "hardest working elf" award for the 2022-2023 season.  Doug Kissler from Johnson Air stated "the best part of giving is helping to support the good work that Toy and Joymakers is doing for children in need in our community, the next best part of giving is being recognized with SMACNA's award and we want to win it again next year." 

 

Employees and leaders representing Alliant, Arctic, General Sheet Metal, Streimer & R&J were not far behind each making sizable donations to Toy and Joy Makers.  Guests also brought unwrapped presents to be donated to Toy and Joymakers. The presents were collected by Lt. Jeff Tachney and firefighters from Portland Fire Department Engine Company #1.    Pat McMahon from Toy and Joy stated that "for over 100 years, Toy and Joy Makers has promoted the spirit of helping children and their families during the holiday season. Last year the organization provided toys to 7,529 children. The annual toy drive was founded by the Portland Fire & Rescue in 1914 to help local families in need around the holidays. It’s run by volunteers and funded by donations, the donations from SMACNA's contractors represent a significant portion of our budget and we are incredibly thankful for their generosity."

 

Steve Jones is proud of the impact that SMACNA contractors have had on the community. "Over the past 7 years SMACNA Oregon and it's contractors have raised more than $130,000 for Toy and Joymakers, our members have also given hundreds of unwrapped toys, it's nice to be a part of something good for kids."  

 

The Chapter continued the spirit of giving by making donations to Oregon Tradeswoman, Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

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September 13, 2022 

Four SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington member companies recognized for their exceptional performance in safety.

SMACNA Oregon and Southwest Washington was recognized with this year’s first place safety award out of dozens of SMACNA chapters across the country.  Four of our contractors were recognized for their outstanding safety performance measured against hundreds of other SMACNA member companies. Winners include Harder Mechanical, Streimer, Just Right Heating and Cooling and Hanset Stainless, Inc.  Just Right Heating and Cooling earned the top spot in their work hours category. 

Over 500,000 hours

2nd Place: Harder Mechanical – Portland, OR

 

 

400,001-500,000 hours

2nd Place: Streimer – Portland, OR

25,001-50,000 hours

1st Place: Just Right Heating and Cooling – Vancouver, WA

2nd Place: Hanset Stainless, Inc. – Portland, OR

The SMACNA Oregon Chapter strives to prioritize the safety and education of our members. The recognition of our four winning members stems from their participation SMACNA’s annual safety survey and acknowledges members who report the lowest injury and illness rates. In the coming year, SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington will continue to refine our safety culture and we aim to employ innovative safety techniques.

SMACNA Oregon and Southwest Washington was recognized with this year’s first place safety award out of dozens of SMACNA chapters across the country.  Four of our contractors were recognized for their outstanding safety performance measured against hundreds of other SMACNA member companies. Winners include Harder Mechanical, Streimer, Just Right Heating and Cooling and Hanset Stainless, Inc.  Just Right Heating and Cooling earned the top spot in their work hours category. 

Our goal is to identify, eliminate and mitigate potential hazards through safe work practice. Daniel and Jodie owners of Just Right Heating and Cooling believe, “Safety is a team effort. It means everyone goes home to their family the same way they came to us.”

Executive Director of SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington, Chris Schneider, states, “Safety is a principal focus for SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington. It is an honor to see our members’ hard work acknowledged in the Annual Safety Excellence Awards. An outstanding safety culture is just one of the benefits of hiring a SMACNA contractor but it’s the most important thing we do.” 

Regionally the chapter sponsors a Safety Committee in which members from the area share best practices and communicate challenges.  Steve Streimer said, “Safety has always been one of those areas where the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter members have worked really well together. We believe the chapters safety taskforce is a great place to bounce ideas off each other and to align approaches to similar issues.”

If you are interested in participating in the safety committee or in becoming a member of SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington please reach out to Chris Schneider.

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March 18, 2022

Meet Chris Schneider SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington’s New Executive Director

SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association) is a non-profit organization that focuses on the advancement of the sheet metal industry. This includes highlighting safety, promoting education, advancing technology, and supporting our contract members. A major element to SMACNA’s success is centered around its quality leadership, and this year SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington is proud to welcome Chris Schneider, the new Executive Director, to the sheet metal family.

Chris was raised in Michigan. After high school, he attended and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in English. Originally, Chris planned on making a positive influence in the world by becoming a high school teacher. Ultimately, he decided to go to law school.

Growing up, Chris’ grandmother was an inspirational figurehead in his life and the community. As a judge, her vocation helped guide the public and influenced Chris to pursue a degree in law. Chris chose to attend law school at Wayne State University with a focus on labor law.

After graduation, Chris worked as a labor attorney representing the Chicago Teamsters labor union – eventually transitioning to the management side of labor relations. Chris moved to Portland, Oregon where he led the labor relations program for PacifiCorp.

Upon Jerry Henderson’s retirement in 2021, Chris was hired as Executive Director at SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington. Moving forward Chris plans to focus on workforce development, promoting the benefits of joining SMACNA, and encouraging trade education.

Chris states, “SMACNA membership provides a tremendous training advantage in recruiting employees into our industry. Our training program is world-class and is absolutely free for those who become apprentices. This training opportunity is a clear path toward a career with significant earning potential on day one.” SMACNA and its member companies are committed to recruiting the next-generation workforce. And are particularly excited to continue career outreach to women, minorities and people of color. Our sheet metal family is welcome to all.

What gets Chris excited for work is the diversity of opportunities that being SMACNA’s Executive Director offers. Currently he is working with the trusts to ensure the health and longevity of those programs, and he is resolving conflicts in the labor unions. He is excited to explore and expand how SMACNA can better represent our members. Chris feels through collaboration and communication difficulties can be resolved in a win-win outcome for all parties.

But Chris isn’t all work and no play! When Chris is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family. And as a man who loves nature, you might also catch him hiking, fly fishing, boating, or commuting to work by bike.

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September 2, 2021 

Three SMACNA Oregon Contractors Win National Safety Awards

Chantilly, Va.— The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), the leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, announced the National winners of its 2021 Annual Safety Excellence Awards. The recognition program stems from SMACNA’s yearly safety survey and celebrates members who report the lowest injury and illness rates and who continue to adopt a safety culture along with safe practices on the jobsite. This year’s winners from Oregon are:

Over 500,000 hours

TCM Corp – Portland, Oregon

400,001-500,000 hours

Streimer – Portland, Oregon

300,001-400,000 hours

General Sheet Metal – Clackamas, Oregon

Executive Director of SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington, Jerry Henderson, stated,
“Safety has always been a top priority for our local Member companies, but it is still an incredible accomplishment to have three of our companies win 1st Place National Safety awards in the same year, in three different manhour categories. That can only be seen as a testament to the focus and dedication that our Members have in keeping their employees safe.”

The 27 member companies in Canada and the US received the 2021 Safety Excellence Award for overall safety performance based on hours worked and OSHA incidence rates as reported in the annual safety survey. Award winners in Canada were recognized based on performance as measured against Canadian safety programs which are conducted on a provincial basis rather than the national OSHA program in the U.S. Detailed results from the U.S. survey can be found in the SMACNA Safety Statistics Profile.

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