2025 Board Retreat: CONNECTING, PLANNING AND SHAPING THE FUTURE
The 2025 Board Retreat drew a strong turnout with 20 board members and special guests Chris Walker (CAL SMACNA), Mike Hilgert (CAL SMACNA President) and Tom Martin (National SMACNA President) in attendance. The event provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect and refocus on the mission and future direction of our association. Discussions centered on current challenges, long-term goals and strategies to strengthen our collective impact, while reinforcing relationships and our shared commitment to a thriving industry.
NATIONAL SMACNA UPDATE
Tom Martin
• 1,600 registered for the upcoming Annual Convention, with many bringing VPs or successors.
• Website improvements include new podcasts and webinars.
• Opportunities in the TAB and AI committees. Contact National for details.
• Expanding the associate member program to add value for members.
• Over 40 educational programs available, including virtual options.
• Eli Howard completed the seismic manual with tutorial videos online and is developing a California-specific version.
• Plans to expand JATC training with virtual reality. Grants are available for upgrades.
• Aiming for stronger collaboration with MCA, as 30-35% of our contractors are MCA members.
CAL SMACNA UPDATE
Mike Hilgert and Chris Walker
• Building relationships with lawmakers remains critical, and this year’s efforts have made an impact.
• Save the date: 2026 Day at the Capitol — January 26-27.
• 2026 marks CAL SMACNA’s 60th anniversary. The 60th Convention will be held April 8-11 in Kauai (registration now open), and Brian Pyle will take over as Chapter President.
• Membership surveys were emailed to update the database — please respond.
• “Hit the Pause Button” campaign refresh coming in 2026.
• CAL SMACNA is now on LinkedIn and Instagram — follow and like.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
SB 440: Change order reform for private works; awaiting the governor’s approval. We should know by the beginning of October.
SB 597: Addresses trust fund collection issues.
SB 1331: Defeated bill; limited workplace surveillance tools.
SB 682: Defeated bill; A2L refrigerant/HVAC equipment component restrictions.
BAY AREA SMACNA UPDATE
• BAS is trending upward financially, according to Mark Napier’s report.
• Sean O’Donoghue shared general updates.
• Nominations are open for the Lonnie Michael Award and the Bay Area SMACNA 2026 Secretary position.
• Paul Irwin and Sheri Learmonth will be representing Bay Area SMACNA at the Upcoming Western States Convention.
• Local 104 provided Duct Cleaning and Multi-Family
• Project updates
