SMACNA & SMART: Celebrating 75 Years as Partners

Anniversaries are significant milestones. They provide us with the opportunity to look back and reflect on the beginning and evolution of a relationship. The year 2021 has certainly presented significant challenges to all, given the on-going global pandemic, but if we want some positive news, this year also marks the 75th anniversary of the first partnership efforts between SMACNA and SMART. Seventy-Five year anniversaries are commonly referred to as “Diamond” anniversaries because, like diamonds, relationships of that length are strong and valuable, descriptors that certainly describe the SMART and SMACNA partnership.

In fact, author Jeffrey Fry once noted that, “Diamonds are lumps of coal that stuck to their job no matter how much heat or pressure they faced.” Long-term relationships are seldom perfect and that includes labor-management partnerships. But those based on trust and mutual respect, like SMART and SMACNA’s can likewise withstand heat and pressure and overcome any challenges to work to promote the best interests of the industry and their members.

“Building a Partnership from the Ground Up,” beginning on page 4, explains why 1946 was such a landmark year for SMACNA and SMART. That year marked the first ever meeting of the national associations to discuss industry challenges and to explore whether joint cooperation might lead to the best solutions. This article is the first in a three part series for Partners in Progress that will examine the reasons that influenced the two national associations to approach important industry issues collaboratively, their efforts to promote joint problem solving at the local level, and the programs and services developed for those labor, contractor, and chapter leaders in our industry who recognize the value of partnering at all levels.

Last month’s “My Journey” featured Jud Martell, Training Coordinator for SMART Local 280. At the time he spoke to our writer, Jud proudly noted that he was one week away from his eldest child turning out as a journeyman sheet metal worker. We thought it would be a great follow-up to hear from one of Local 280’s newest journeyman, Troy Martell (page 7). Troy describes what drew him to the trade and provides advice for new apprentices that includes, “Listen to your journeyperson, always carrying a tape measure, and work safely.”

There are events in homeowners’ everyday lives that can trigger the need to purchase a home service, such as HVAC service, and while some of those are planned, a great many are not. The Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force developed the HVAC Expertise program several years ago to give SMACNA contractors and their skilled labor force an easy to recognize brand that ensures their expertise is top of mind when homeowners need help from HVAC professionals. See page 8 for “In the Moment”, a look at how to leverage the HVAC Expertise brand and its marketing materials.

Early on in their long lasting partnership, SMART and SMACNA learned that lining up across the table from each other only when there are divisive matters like contract negotiations or a grievance creates an “us versus them” culture for labor and management. On page 10, Trust Practice Leader Randy Conley explains how all successful intertwined relationships must be built on a foundation of trust and how developing an atmosphere of sitting on the same side of the table serves to establish that trust.

Looking for optimism in 2021? Who isn’t? might be a better question. “Eye on 2021” (page 12) explains how the best companies do not allow externalities like the pandemic to define them. Rather, they rely on their grounded vision and agile operations to migrate to new markets, niches, and geographies, while protecting their most profitable work from growing competition. Learn how to be among the innovative companies and unions who convey a “We’ve got this” attitude to retain existing and attract new customers.

What markets and niches offer contractor and union partners the best opportunities in 2021? Check out “Trending Ahead” on page 14 and make plans to capture the projected onslaught of energy efficiency, smart building technology, air treatment, filtration and ventilation work that owners will be investing in to assure the health and safety of their facilities.

The Partners in Progress editors, writers and staff congratulate SMART and SMACNA on the 75th Anniversary of their partnership and look forward to their future accomplishments.▪

« SMACNA-SMART Partnership Turns 75 in 2021 »

SMACNA and SMART have been Partners in Progress for 75 years, and it is time to celebrate. Tell us about your partnership success story, share your organization’s partnership initiatives, or send in photos—recent or historical—that show off your labor-management partnership to editor@pinpmagazine.org