Strong Partnerships Build
Resilience By / Natalie Bruckner
When COVID hit in 2020, rather than hunker down and go into survival mode, SMACNA contractors and their Locals did what they do best: they looked at ways to strengthen partnerships, keep the industry firmly on the tracks, and give back to those who need it most. Case in point: SMACNA St. Louis introduced a feel-good initiative and worked with its contractors to come up with a rebate promotion that was offered to frontline workercustomers. The promotion, which gained full support from Local 36, offered eligible customers $100 off any service they received, or $400 off a full installation. The St. Louis chapter then reimbursed contractors through surpluses from the existing residential rebate program. It was a win-win, says Kyle Tibbs, executive vice president of SMACNA St. Louis. “With the hours being down, it only felt right for us to spend money on something that had good PR, where we could give 6 » Partners in Progress » www.pinp.org
back, but that would also help us keep hours up and keep some of our local members employed,” he says.
To be able to pull off an initiative of this kind required not only creativity and the ability to pivot during trying times, but also buy-in from everyone involved. This included contractors like Design Aire in Maryland Heights, Welsch Heating & Cooling, and Scott-Lee Heating.
It also required a big heart—something that Local 36 and SMACNA contractors are renowned for and one reason why, when it comes to exemplary partnerships, they are up the top of the list. This isn’t the first time that Local 36 and SMACNA St. Louis contractors have come together to get through difficult times, and it won’t be the last. But COVID proved one thing: you can’t underestimate the power of strong bonds, especially during trying times.
