Click here to download or view a PDF of the complete issue.

Sheet Metal Institute Receives Much-needed Upgrade
SMACNA Oregon & Southwest Washington contractors to complete essential scopes of work on the 10,000-square-foot expansion.

The Right Track
SMI instructor Paul Culp grew up in the drag racing scene—a lifestyle that led him to sheet metal work and helping apprentices secure a brighter future.

Chamber Clears Up Tariff Refunds and More at SMACNA Conference
The average effective United States tariff has risen fivefold in the past year

Departments

• Executive Director’s Report: Strengthening Our Industry Through Connection and Learning
• News:
  • The SMACNA Oregon & SW WA Networking Committee Invite you on a Clackamas River Rafting Adventure
  • 2026 Oregon Bonding & Capital Construction Overview
  • AI Training Attended by 25 Contractors
  • Project Managers Institute: September 27-30 in Denver, Colorado
  • Two Foursomes Available for the B.U.L.L. Session Golf Tournament September 28, 2026
  • Wage Increases and Changes to WDA Coming July 1, 2026
  • Supervisor Guides Available: Wildfire Smoke Rules for Oregon and Washington
• News and Updates: Legislative Action from SMACNA Government Affairs

By Chris Schneider, Executive Director, SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington

As we approach the halfway point of 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of collaboration that drives the success of SMACNA Oregon & Southwest Washington. When our members come together to share knowledge, build relationships, and support one another, our entire industry is elevated.

Over the past several months, our chapter has focused heavily on creating environments where you can make new connections, dive into relevant industry topics, and walk away with practical benefits for your businesses. From technical training to casual outdoor networking, our recent calendar highlights the incredible value of active participation.

Reflecting on Recent Successes

We recently gathered for a technical joint session with our partners at ASHRAE Oregon for The Process of Commissioning Conversation. This event brought together a group of design professionals, architects, building owners, and commissioning experts to tackle recurring project roadblocks. SMACNA member firms presented real-world scenarios demonstrating how early partnerships and proactive communication significantly reduce headaches during building commissioning. By addressing common drafting and installation issues before they reach the field, our members showed the broader design community exactly how mechanical and sheet metal contractors deliver tangible value early in the lifecycle of a project.

We also recently hosted an intensive, hands-on workshop, Unlock the Power of AI: Master the Art of Prompting, at the Sheet Metal Institute. Guided by industry expert Hugh Seaton, attendees explored how artificial intelligence is actively shifting how contracting businesses operate. From learning prompting structures for high-quality results to building custom workflows for everyday management tasks, our members walked away with practical strategies to turn AI into an effective workplace tool.

Typical events like our Open Board Meeting held in June provide an excellent opportunity to find out exactly what is happening behind the scenes in our industry, chat with your peers, and enjoy refreshments and appetizers. 

Looking Ahead

As we look to the summer and fall, we are keeping the momentum going with a mix of local networking and educational programs designed to support every level of your organization.

I am looking forward to the SMACNA Invitational Golf Tournament at Langdon Farms Golf Club. Sponsored by DeWalt, this sold-out event will bring together over 140 golfers for a day of camaraderie and friendly competition on the green.  We’re hoping for good weather so peers, competitors, and affiliates can catch up, share stories, and strengthen the professional bonds that keep our industry resilient. Events like this remind us that some of our most productive business conversations happen outside the office.

There are more exciting social events coming. I encourage you to join our Networking Committee on July 24 for a Clackamas River White Water Rafting Adventure.  Last year’s event sold out, and attendees had a great time out on the water. 

If you missed this year’s golf tournament or just want to get back on the course, the chapter will be offering two free foursomes to chapter members in support of the annual B.U.L.L. Session Golf Tournament on Monday, September 28, at Langdon Farms Golf Club. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a premier course while supporting an incredibly worthy cause.

Project Managers Institute will be an excellent opportunity for local project managers looking to build upon existing field and office skills, focusing on project planning, financial management, change orders, and leading integrated teams. SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington will cover the registration fees for a limited number of local project managers (ideal for those with two to five years of experience).

The Power of Being Involved

Every single one of these events is planned with a specific purpose: to give you and your team the tools, connections, and insights needed to thrive. Whether you are sending a rising project manager to Denver, bringing your leadership team to the river, or joining me for a glass of wine at Amaterra, your involvement is what makes our association vibrant.

Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence, safety, and collaboration. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming gatherings. ■

On Friday, July 24 at beginning at 2:00 pm SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington Members are invited to raft the Clackamas River guided by eNRG Kayaking. This event is absolutely free and space is limited (no-shows will be charged). Duration is about two hours, and no experience is necessary. Target audience is current leaders and up and coming members of your company for an adventurous day on the upper Clackamas river. A fun Friday afternoon and still be home in time for dinner. Register now by contacting JoLonna. ■ 

During the 2026 Short Session, the Legislature approved a package of bonding and capital construction measures primarily through SB 1585, SB 5701, SB 5702, and SB 5703.

These bills authorize and modify the issuance of state general obligation bonds, lottery revenue bonds, and other financing mechanisms used to support capital construction and infrastructure investments across Oregon.

The purpose of distributing this report is to make you aware of State investment in local capital projects some of which may present opportunities for our industry. Based on past years’ results we know that this report can be an invaluable tool for contractors to get a leg up as they assess upcoming bidding opportunities and workforce needs around the state.

Learn more and view the following document, and reach out if you have any questions: mcusercontent.com/51341853c4ec552ed5a3be428/files/8bd8110e-16a8-9ce4-b2c3-8fbdf9d21c91/Bonding_Report_Final_2026.pdf

AI is no longer a “future” technology—it is here, and it is changing how the construction contracting industry operates. Are you ready to lead the charge? Twenty-five SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors attended this intensive, hands-on workshop designed to turn AI into a valuable coworker. 

Attendees left this free training having learned the specific structures needed to get high-quality, accurate results from AI every time; how to use AI for everyday tasks, from project budgeting to creating professional infographics; and how to build their own “custom GPT” tailored to individual business needs. Instructor Hugh Seaton facilitated the training, breaking down the capabilities and real-world limits of current AI tools.

Learn more about Hugh Seaton, advisor to construction leadership on AI, risk, and decision governance, and develop your path from AI plans to production at linkedin.com/in/hughseaton ■