The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The organization received the 2024 National Safety Council's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Safety Champion Award for its BE4ALL Safety Sponsorship Program.
The program was created by SMACNA's Safety and Health Committee in partnership with the BE4ALL initiative. Its goal is to promote a safe, inclusive and equitable work culture in the sheet metal industry and attract and retain a diverse, highly skilled and unionized workforce. The program also emphasizes professional development, education, and networking.
SMACNA's Chief Executive Officer, Aaron Hilger, said the organization is "incredibly honored" to receive the award.
"We are proud of the meaningful change the program is driving across the sheet metal industry and have seen remarkable progress where every individual is valued and empowered," Hilger said.
The BE4ALL initiative was launched in December 2021 as a joint effort by SMACNA, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), and the International Training Institute (iTi). The initiative aims to positively impact the industry's work culture so that contractors can attract and retain the best and most skilled workforce possible, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or nationality.
SMACNA is an international trade association representing 3,500 contributing contractor firms. It is a leader in promoting quality and excellence in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.