The 2025 SMART Northeast Region I Organizers Meeting was held September 9–10 in Clifton Park, New York, bringing together local union organizers, business managers, business agents and training coordinators from across the northeast of Region I, covering Virginia to Maine.
SMART Director of Organizing Jason Benson, Regional Director Frank Sullivan and International Organizers Tom Kelm, Warren Faust and Frank Greer provided field training to both experienced organizers and 11 newly appointed organizers, who participated in their first regional meeting.
The two-day meeting opened with sessions on SMART organizer expectations, street law, Construction Organizing Membership Education Training (COMET) and strategic campaign planning. Day two featured an in-field job action exercise at three different sites in SMART Local 83’s jurisdiction, as well as a debrief that provided hands-on experience in applying these organizing strategies. The meeting ended with local organizers’ reports and an open floor discussion, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing and alignment on SMART’s organizing priorities across the northeast portion of Region I.
As wave of workforce demand sweeps the United States, the need for highly skilled, certified HVAC testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) technicians has reached a critical point. In response, Chicago’s SMART Local 73 has opened a newly certified TAB lab — one of just 11 nationwide — to meet the industry’s most rigorous and current standards, and to provide a lifeline for both local apprentices and experienced technicians.
A photo from the day Local 73’s TAB lab got recertified with ICB Director of Certification Cassandra Kline; Instructor Leo Thier, Local 73 JATC; Sean Mulhearn, training coordinator, Local 73 JATC; and Matt O’Rourke, representative – Midwest region, NEMI. (Courtesy of the International Certification Board)
The lab’s recent certification by the International Certification Board (ICB) — under the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI) — ensures that more candidates can now complete their hands-on performance exams in Chicago, rather than traveling out of state. It’s a significant boost for the pipeline of certified TAB professionals, a group in high demand as older technicians retire and the complexity of building systems continues to climb.
From hall of famers to the next generation
For Leo Thier, a JATC instructor at Local 73 and a veteran of nearly four decades in the trade, the new lab is both a point of pride and a natural next step in a storied local tradition.
“I started my apprenticeship in 1987, and I was lucky enough to have the best instructors ever for TAB — John Christie and Gene Kennedy. They’re literally TAB Hall of Famers,” Thier recalled. “Now, our school has absolutely everything a sheet metal worker could come across, from architectural welding to a fully equipped TAB lab that just got certified.”
The facility features a clean room, fire damper walls and an array of both modern and legacy equipment — so students learn to balance everything from cutting-edge digital controls to the pneumatic systems still found in older buildings.
“We want to show both ends of the spectrum,” Thier said. “We’re adding new stuff to keep it current, but we keep the old controllers too, because that stuff’s still out in the field.”
Setting a national standard — and sharing it
Cassandra Kline, director of certification for ICB, emphasized the broader impact: “Certifying labs like the one at Local 73 is a critical part of our mission. It guarantees that candidates are tested in facilities that meet rigorous, consistent requirements nationwide.”
The ICB/TABB certification process is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17024 standard, and it has recently been updated to reflect industry and regulatory benchmarks. As part of the transition to updated standards, previously certified labs are undergoing recertification, with Local 73 being one of the first to meet the new benchmarks.
The lab’s reach extends beyond its own members.
“We had some members from other locals — 265, 20 — who wanted to take the test but didn’t have a school available because theirs was being rebuilt,” Thier explained. “We offered to help those members out as well. As far as TAB, you can test at any certified TAB school.”
Training for megaprojects, data centers and the future
The surge in demand for TAB technicians is driven not just by retirements, but also by a boom in projects like battery plants, high-tech manufacturing and data centers.
“This is where our trade is going,” Thier said. “Fire/ smoke damper technician, indoor air quality, building envelope — all those classes are getting more popular every day. Indoor air quality, especially, is a huge future for sheet metal workers.”
Certification is rigorous: Candidates must pass a five-hour written exam and a practical test at an ICB-approved lab, with pathways for advanced supervisor roles. Local 73’s program includes night classes, hands-on labs and, as Thier notes, a commitment to ensuring “everybody that takes the class gets the chance to pass the written test and then take the practical.”
The human side of certification
Thier credits his own mentors with sparking a passion for sharing knowledge.
“I can’t say enough about the instructors I had,” he said. “I picked their brains for every bit of information I could get. I’m just happy to pass it along. That’s what all members should be doing — sharing this information. The more we know, the better off we are.”
The curriculum at Local 73 goes beyond balancing airflows.
“We teach about commissioning, controls, everything,” Thier said. “Owners are hiring third-party commissioning agents to check building performance before letting in occupants. It’s all about integrity, and balancing is a big part of that. Owners should be able to trust our reports — they know these are certified people.”
Building trust, building the trade
For both Kline and Thier, the stakes are more than technical; they’re about credibility and opportunity.
“I’m passionate about this because it’s about fairness for the candidates and trust for the industry,” Kline said. “By choosing a certified TAB technician, building owners can be confident the job is done right and meets the highest industry standards.”
With a certified lab now open in Chicago and more facilities upgrading across the country, Thier hopes the next generation will be equipped to meet this moment.
“The best way to build a reliable pipeline is to invest in new talent and make sure the standards are rock solid,” he said.
SMART Local 67 (San Antonio) members volunteered their time and expertise with Habitat for Humanity in early September, helping build homes for those in need. Great work, brothers and sisters!
SMART Local 104 and the Bay Area Industry Training Fund hosted the Western States Apprentice Contest on July 18-19, 2025, at its Livermore, California, training center. Sixteen apprentices from five locals participated in the first contest in the region since 2011. Another first: the addition of the project management category, which made its debut for the first time at any regional contest.
Nate Vennarucci, training coordinator, speaking with Local 104 apprentice Rebecca Suen
California, Nevada, Arizona and Hawaii make up the SMART Western States Region, and apprentices and coordinators from Local 104, Local 105 in Southern California, Local 206 in San Diego, Local 359 in Phoenix, Arizona, and Local 26 in Sparks, Nevada, were represented at the contest. Each training program was allowed to send one competitor per 300 apprentices.
The competition projects were divided into four categories: architectural, HVAC, industrial/welding and project management, which tested apprentices on their organizational skills and attention to detail in a leadership position.
To compete, apprentices worked long days designing a gutter system, fabricating and installing a duct system, and performing field verification and site measurement. Working side by side, then decompressing together after tasks, they were forging connections with other future industry leaders.
In the new project management category, Austin Cummings, a third-year apprentice at Local 105, placed first, with Alex Giroux of Local 104 earning second place and Rebecca Suen of Local 104 placing third.
In the architectural category, Esteban Mercado, a third-year apprentice at Local 104, took first place, and there was a three-way tie for second place: Trevor Baker of Local 104, along with Dillon Uhern and Richard Morrison, both of Local 105. Giroux came in third.
In the HVAC category, there was a tie for first place between Mercado and Morrison. Baker took second, and Uhern came in third.
For the industrial/welding category, Uhern took first place with Suen in second and Tristan Haynes of Local 104 in third place.
Scores from all categories were combined to award the overall winners, and the honor of first place overall went to Morrison, with Cummings in second place and Uhern in third.
“Coming out of it, I thought I did all right but didn’t expect this,” Morrison said. “I prayed a lot.”
After years with no regional contest, this one came together thanks to an apprentice contest grant from the International Training Institute (ITI). Milwaukee Tool, a longtime partner with the sheet metal industry, generously donated an array of prizes.
Tim Myres, administrator for Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund, was a driving force behind restarting this contest, and training coordinator Nate Vennarucci and instructor Ben Alva, both from Local 104, put in the work to create and test the projects used in the contest, a process that began in October 2024.
Jason Ferguson, ITI field representative, was on hand to support the event and meet face-to-face with coordinators. He said the sense of accomplishment you feel as an instructor or coordinator, watching your apprentices succeed, is even greater than winning yourself.
“These apprentices are your future leaders, and today they’re getting to know others in the industry,” Ferguson said. “Intentional or not, they’re collaborating, they’re strengthening those relationships.”
What started as a regular day on the job quickly turned into an emergency when one of brother Jarid Morelli’s coworkers experienced a medical episode.
As a shop steward at AMBICO and a proud member of SMART Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario), Morelli, along with his colleagues and fellow union members, take safety seriously — making it a top priority to ensure their coworkers can go home to their families at the end of each workday.
That priority became reality when a colleague suddenly collapsed on the shop floor. In a moment where every second counted, Morelli and his coworkers remained calm and acted quickly under pressure. Thanks to their fast response, training in first aid and the availability of an automated external defibrillator (AED) on-site, they were able to save their colleague’s life.
Mayor Sutcliffe visited AMBICO to present awards of commendation to members
It is part of Local 47’s policy to have all officers of the local trained in CPR and first aid. As both the health and safety representative and lead hand at AMBICO, brother Morelli received CPR training through the company as part of his role; training that proved vital in a critical moment.
The actions of Local 47 members Morelli, Luis Lopez, Cameron Pryor, Ruben Fuentes and David Court saved brother Andrew James’ life, and because of their quick thinking and training, James is not only alive today but can return to work. In recognition of their heroic actions, AMBICO worked with the city of Ottawa to get Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to present our Local 47 brothers with awards of commendation, a well-deserved honour that reflects their outstanding service.
The incident served as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety preparedness and the need for the right equipment and training. Access to AEDs and regular emergency response training are vital tools that save lives and foster a work culture where safety and readiness are prioritized.
This potential tragedy was turned into a story of resilience, readiness and the power of looking out for one another.
Each year, Special Olympics Kentucky hosts the Big Brown Truck Pull to raise money for local athletes. Teams of 15 take turns pulling an 18-wheeler UPS cargo truck 12 feet; the teams with the fastest pull times win trophies in different categories, with awards also given for fundraising, team spirit and more.
SMART Local 110 showed up in force for the Paducah event, taking third place in the pull and second place in most money raised. Together with other teams and participants, SMART members helped provide funding for Special Olympics athletes to compete in basketball, bowling, softball, cheer leading and track and field year-round on the local, regional and state level, traveling to tournaments in Bowling Green, Richmond and Louisville.
That’s what our union stands for. Great work, Local 110!
In October 2025, SMART Local 83 (Albany, New York) celebrated brother Joe DeMarco, who at 99 years old was one of the local’s oldest living members. Local 83 Regional Manager Rob Monahan and JATC Coordinator Steve Savoca personally presented brother DeMarco with his 70-year service award plaque.
Brother DeMarco sadly passed away on November 11, 2025, weeks after celebrating his service award.
“A proud veteran and dedicated tradesman, Joe’s passing on Veterans Day is a profound reminder of his lifelong service and commitment. We extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Local 83 wrote.
Ahead of SMART Local 38’s October union meeting, the local asked members to wear pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and show support for research efforts. Members responded with a full “pink out” at the October 15 meeting!
In early September, SMART Local 265 (DuPage County, Illinois) held a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for its new union hall and training center during the local’s annual picnic and car show. The new facility marks a major investment in the area’s skilled workforce and the future of the sheet metal and HVAC service industry.
“This facility is dedicated to those whose shoulders we stood on that came before us, and to those who will stand on ours in the future,” said Local 265 President and Business Manager Matt Gugala. “With expanded classrooms, upgraded labs and modern equipment, and a new focus on architectural work, we’re preparing the next generation of sheet metal workers to deliver world-class craftsmanship on day one.”
Gugala and fellow elected officers welcomed a number of attendees for the ceremony, including SMART General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel, SMACNA representatives, past business managers, state and local politicians, plus hundreds of members and their families.
Local 265 Business Manager Matt GugalaSMART GST John Daniel
The new training center features dedicated spaces for fabrication, welding, HVAC service simulation and safety instruction — supporting apprentices and journey-level members as they upskill to meet evolving industry standards.
Congressman Sean Casten praised the local’s commitment to workforce development: “Investments like this keep Illinois competitive, grow good-paying careers and strengthen our clean-energy future.”
Spectators, including SMART-TD Illinois SLD Bob Guy, look on during the ceremony
General Secretary-Treasurer Daniel, previously the local’s business manager, added that “Local 265 continues to set the bar for training and community leadership. This facility reflects our union’s promise to deliver excellence for members, contractors and the public.”
Following the ceremony, guests toured the facility and joined members and their families for a picnic on the grounds.
In Washington, a team of volunteers led by the SMART Local 66 Women’s Committee regularly hosts workshops at Boys and Girls Clubs across Snohomish County — educating both participants and the counselors about how fun it can be to work with your hands.
“The kids get the opportunity to build something with their hands, and the parents and counselors get the opportunity to learn about who we are and why it’s awesome being a sheet metal worker,” explained Local 66 member and International Training Institute Recruitment and Retention Specialist Tammy Meyen.
Boys and Girls Clubs provide voluntary after-school programs for young people, offering kids safe spaces where they can have fun, meet mentors and find pathways to good, fulfilling lives. That mission aligns closely with SMART apprenticeship programs, which help equip members with pathways to rewarding careers — and lives — in the sheet metal trade.
Stephanie Hobbs, a journeyworker and Local 66 Women’s Committee Outreach and Recruitment lead, started organizing workshops with area Boys and Girls Clubs several months ago. Working closely with Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County Director of Life and Workforce Readiness Jordyn Creager, the women’s committee has organized volunteers to host classes at the Everett (Cascade), Arlington, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Tulalip and Sultan clubs, with plans to visit the remaining county clubs in 2026.
“During each class, we share a bit about who we are and what we do as a union,” Hobbs said, “explaining the work behind heating and air systems, roofing, siding and more. The kids then get hands-on experience making metal roses, with stems made from 3/8-inch all-thread, and petals and leaves cut from 24-gauge galvanized steel. They texture and shape the metal with ball-peen hammers, assemble their roses using nuts and washers, and add more depth by bending the petals with pliers to the shape they like.”
By giving local kids hands-on experience with the sheet metal trade — literally — Local 66 volunteers hope to change the lives of Boys and Girls Club attendees and benefit our union.
“The kids, ranging in age from 5 to 18, have shown incredible excitement and pride in their work. It’s been inspiring to see how much they enjoy learning about the trade and creating something they can take home,” Hobbs explained.
“None of this would be possible without the generous support of MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, who have provided all of the materials for every class,” she added. “I’m also deeply grateful to our Local 66 volunteers who continue to show up, give their time and go above and beyond for these events.”
