SMART UnionAhead 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.
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.”
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.”
Each year, the organization Fishing For Freedom hosts a no-entry-fee buddy fishing tournament in Truman Lake, Missouri, as a way of giving back to United States military veterans.
“Volunteer boaters share a wonderful day of camaraderie on a beautiful lake with America’s real-life heroes in an attempt to show them how much we appreciate the sacrifices they make that allow us to enjoy the freedoms of the greatest country in the world,” the Fishing For Freedom website reads.
The event is facilitated by donations from sponsors and by volunteers. And in 2025, organized labor stepped up to help make the event happen, with members of the SMART Army working the grill.
“I was blessed to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon with my SMART union brothers from Local 2 and Local 36, feeding hungry veterans at this year’s Fishing For Freedom,” said Local 2 sister Pamela Blackmore.
SMART Local 105 (Southern California) members demonstrated the meaning of union family on September 21, 2025, taking a fishing trip to Catalina Island. As reported by Local 105 member Albert Orosco, “plenty of fish were caught.”
Courtesy of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance.
SMART sisters and allies joined nearly 250 fellow union tradeswomen in southeast Chicago for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) Tradeswomen’s Fishing Event, held in conjunction with the 15th Annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference.
The USA’s women’s fishing event has quickly become a TWBN tradition, with participation quadrupling since it began in 2022. The event offers union sisters the chance to step away from the conference, try something new and celebrate solidarity in the great outdoors. It also has a deeper impact for participants: In 2023, USA’s TWBN excursion inspired Local 85 (Atlanta, Ga.) apprentice Dee Lee to organize a cross-trades USA event in her area, a “Unions Unite” community service project.
For Gretchen Keen, a member of SMART Local 20 (Indianapolis, Ind.) who began her trade career as an ironworker, the day was about recreation and building relationships.
“I’m an avid angler, so starting off the conference fishing was a highlight,” Keen said. “I even met another ironworker, and when she works in my area, we’re going to hang out. The camaraderie and support are awesome.”
With the help of the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the event took place at William Powers State Recreation Area on Chicago’s far southeast side, a neighborhood often overlooked for outdoor recreation. The site is home to an ongoing USA Work Boots on the Ground conservation project, which includes construction of a fishing dock and kayak launch to expand public access to the outdoors.
Joseph Sellers, Jr., SMART general president emeritus, attended to show his support and check out the access project.
“The fishing event was great. It was gratifying to see so many women dropping a line in a lake right in the city,” Sellers said. “Seeing their excitement come alive and knowing the USA is bridging the gap by making fishing accessible to everyone was inspiring. The new kayak ramp and fishing pier are great examples of the USA opening the outdoors to more people.”
“We are thrilled with how the USA’s tradeswomen event continues to grow, bringing together women from more trades and locals every year,” added USA Director of Conservation Sam Phipps. “We are extremely grateful to the United Association, NABTU, United Healthcare, ICF, Illinois DNR, and the volunteers from Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 and Painters District Council 30 for making the event possible.”