With many in our workforce planning for retirement in the near future, our industry faces the continued challenge of finding talent to fill the experience and skills gap.

At the time of this publication, President Trump’s second administration is little more than one month into office and continuing to make moves in the confirmation process to secure cabinet picks.

Recent years have begun to see a positive shift in the role of women in construction.

The Illinois Mechanical and Specialty Contractors Association (IMSCA) tracked 183 bills relevant to the construction industry during the 2023-2024 Illinois State Legislative Session. This is a rundown of what we helped pass, what we worked to amend, and what we successfully stopped in its tracks.

Construction demand continues to rise, yet our industry still faces the challenge of a dwindling workforce. Efforts to recruit students and veterans are well-documented, but there’s more to be done — including creating opportunities for those with a history in the criminal justice system.

Commercial buildings have long been the biggest energy users, accounting for 40% of total energy consumption (U.S. Department of Energy). With these buildings averaging 50-100 years, it’s more important than ever to invest in efficient and sustainable construction practices from concept through completion — efforts that can have a substantial impact on energy savings and the future of our environment.

With a past SMACNA Greater Chicago president nominated to SMACNA National’s Board of Directors and a distinguished GC member hosting a presentation, Chicagoland will be well represented at the SMACNA Annual Convention this year.

Jessica Newbold Hoselton, IMSCA Executive Director, shares an update on the legislative landscape of the Illinois General Assembly and the bills and initiatives supported by IMSCA.

A multigenerational workforce brings unique characteristics, opportunities and challenges to the office and jobsite.

Thanks to the rising costs of a higher education (not to mention the burden of student loan debt that can sometimes accompany those degrees), apprenticeship programs and other college alternative pathways to a high-paying career are becoming more popular.

Jessica Newbold Hoselton, IMSCA Executive Director, shares an update on the legislative landscape of the Illinois General Assembly and the bills and initiatives supported by IMSCA.

We were thrilled to bring back our industry favorite Apprentice for a Day workshop on February 23! For the second year running, SMART Local 265 has partnered with the SMACNA Greater Chicago YES Steering Committee to host our group of attendees for a day of hands-on training.

SMART Local 265 is among many statewide organizations, health experts, physicians and advocacy groups endorsing the HB3713 Clean Air for Healthy Equitable Schools Act.

January 11 marked the beginning of Illinois’ 103rd General Assembly and the official start of the Spring 2023 legislative session.

Will 2023 finally be the year you set your business apart in the public relations and digital marketing sense of the word?

Save these dates for some of the most anticipated chapter and industry events this spring.

SMACNA Greater Chicago continues to work hard behind the scenes to provide members with the tools and resources they need to be the best in the business.

Moving into the midterm elections and beyond, there are a number of issues, challenges and exciting opportunities facing the HVAC and construction industry.

Moving into the midterm elections and beyond, there are a number of issues, challenges and exciting opportunities facing the HVAC and construction industry.

The HVAC system market is projected to reach $455.96 billion by 2028 — a huge bump in demand from $246.10 billion in 2022.

The Microsoft Suite is a powerful tool designed to support business goals and market demands — but you have to know how to use it to your advantage.

Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 265, in partnership with our YES Steering Committee, kicked off the inaugural hands-on workshop “Apprentice for a Day” this past February.

A lot has changed in the past decade within our industry. Women remain underrepresented, but we are beginning to see a change.

The SMACNA College of Fellows Scholarship Program is now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Professionals in the sheet metal and HVAC industry are essential to the health and comfort of our communities — not just during the pandemic, but every day.

As diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) becomes more relevant in our world, we support the drive for increased diversity and inclusion in the workplace as a solid business strategy.

As previously reported, IMSCA’s top legislative priority for the spring 2021 legislative session is SB 178.

The Winter/Spring Virtual Classroom Series was full of quality programming. These free courses bring together some of our industry’s most engaging professionals to discuss some of the hottest topics in our industry.

We’re excited to offer the SMACNA Greater Chicago Virtual Classroom to our members, and all signatory contractors from LU265 and LU73, this fall.

In addition to the great line-up of classes available in the Virtual Classroom, we will once again offer our popular Lunch & Learn and Deep Dive tech sessions.

When the Paycheck Protection Program originally launched in March 2020, many small businesses hesitated to apply — deterred by uncertainty of the rules, no banking relationship to help with the process, etc.

Regardless of the challenges we face, our association continues to provide members with the resources they need to be the best in the business.

Anti-union groups and employers are trying to destroy our SMART sheet metal apprenticeship programs so they can boost their own profits through proposed Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

Need help troubleshooting inefficient documents? Want to gain knowledge about technology, and become more efficient in the tech world?

The recently launched Lunch and Learn programs, conducted by Ginnie Floraday, have been overwhelmingly successful. These webinars deliver real-time monthly computer training opportunities to our membership free of charge.

SMACNA Greater Chicago kicked off the New Year by offering the new workshop series “Leadership Without Limits.” This program was broken down into four, 4-hour interactive sessions and was designed for both the emerging and seasoned leaders to help them accomplish their business goals.

As a SMACNA Greater Chicago member, you can gain valuable information through a number of classes offered at the CEI® in Burr Ridge.

SMACNA’s College of Fellows has awarded its 2017 scholarships — five funded by the College of Fellows and nine endowed by SMACNA members and chapters.