Columns - Articles - Page 6

Dave Gauthier, Business Manager at SMART Local 206

Video: SMART’s Childcare Benefit Shows Early Promise in Local Implementation

The program is evolving to address specific industry needs

March 7, 2025

SMART Local 206 served as an early adopter and model for national expansion for the first childcare benefit offered in the unionized building trades.

New Research Shows HVAC Cleaning Could Be Key to Building Decarbonization

Coil and duct cleaning play a critical role in positioning HVAC systems to run optimally, with less energy consumption

Austin Keating

February 24, 2025

Larger ductwork systems showed greater improvements in airflow after duct cleaning, while smaller systems benefited more from coil cleaning due to enhanced heat exchange efficiency.

Linx Ductwork System Chosen for Dark Horse Stages Expansion

Studio's new duct system designed with speed of installation in mind

Caitlin Painter

February 21, 2025

North Carolina's Dark Horse Stages film studios gets a timely and smooth install of 34,000 pounds of new ductwork with Odyssey Mechanical installation.

The Power of the Plan-Design Niche in HVAC Business Plans

To pursue the mechanical infrastructure niche, a business plan is needed to establish the vision

Howard McKew, P.E., C.P.E.

February 13, 2025

For sheet metal contractors and HVAC contractors, establishing a feasibility plan to create another profit center, that can be recession-proof, should be the first step in creating an infrastructure niche business.

A Guide to Developing a Practical Perspective on Building Decarbonization

The urgency of addressing human-made emissions is clear, but the long-term climate record suggests that natural variability can also play a significant role

Al LaPera

February 12, 2025

This article is not meant to side with or condemn any one position but to encourage readers to do their research, review both sides, and develop an informed position.

SMART Union Leader Condemns Dismissal of Key NLRB Officials

According to SMART, it is an 'unprecedented move that makes it impossible for the NLRB to perform its core duties'

Austin Keating

February 3, 2025

SMART criticizes the recent dismissals of National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and Board Member Gwynne Wilcox by President Donald Trump.

Sheet Metal Workers Union Pioneers Childcare Benefits Program, First Among Building Trades

Partnership will begin benefiting members on Feb. 1, when the program activates for participating sheet metal local unions.

Austin Keating

January 20, 2025

Those with eligible locals will receive email instructions on how to claim their benefit, and a dedicated concierge team is available at (866) 943-5449.

DOL Pick Reaches Across the Aisle

Lori Chavez-DeRemer will likely strive to be a Secretary of Labor for all HVAC professionals

Chris Lewis

January 20, 2025

Shortly after his victory on Election Night 2024, President Donald Trump announced a key nominee for his next administration: Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon.

Illinois Lobbies to Protect Federal Loans for EV Manufacturing

After automaker Rivian paused construction in Georgia, the Biden Admin stepped in to offer a federal loan, which is now a target for the incoming administration

Austin Keating

January 9, 2025

The Department of Government Efficiency under Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are scrutinizing subsidies in the EV sector.