During my time as president, I’ve made it a priority to stay active in every part of our association. Getting involved in politics is a powerful way to make a real difference for your business and our industry. I know politics can feel tiring these days but connecting with lawmakers from any party really does help us make progress on the issues that matter.
During my time with SMACNA, I’ve made it a point to get to know our members of Congress and help their staff understand our issues and how they can support the skilled trades. I’ve met with legislators, including Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Congressman Dave Joyce and Congresswoman Emelia Sykes, at events ranging from golf tournaments to tours of our training centers and shop floors. These experiences have been key in helping our allies in Congress see what’s happening in our industry. We’ve discussed important topics, such as registered apprenticeships and how our field offers a path to a debt-free, well-paying career. I also highlight our commitment to workforce development and to creating a welcoming environment where everyone’s skills are valued. Our industry offers both men and women opportunities to grow, advance into management and even become owners. Regardless of your political views, I believe we can all support these goals. But achieving them depends on us. We are the experts, and our legislators rely on us for the information they need to make good decisions for our future. I encourage everyone to reach out to Stan and our legislative affairs team to learn about opportunities for getting involved.
As my term as president ends, I hope I’ve made a positive difference for our association. By the end of my term, I’ll have spent over 150 days traveling. It’s been amazing to visit new places and take part in so many great events. I’ve met contractors and chapter leaders from across the country, all of whom are dedicated to supporting SMACNA and our industry. Along the way, I’ve made new friends, listened, offered support and helped tackle challenges when needed. I’ve enjoyed presenting and joining local meetings, and it’s been an honor to keep everyone informed about what’s ahead. Thank you for your trust this past year. It truly has been a remarkable experience.
Tom Martin
SMACNA President
