By / Kristine Hammond, SMACNA SoCal Executive Director
Hello and happy summertime!
SMACNA SoCal has a few new items for your attention:
The third seminar in our three-part series on SMACNA Standards: Exterior Components, Casings, Large Duct, and Type I Kitchen Grease Ducts was held on June 24. It, along with Seminars #1 and #2, can be seen at SMACNA-SoCal.org> Events > Webinar Recordings.
Save the date: An in-person education program on Contracts and Artificial Intelligence is scheduled for September 9 from 8–11:30 am at the Anaheim Westin. Lunch will be included. Check the SMACNA-SoCal.org website for details and registration.
Join the SMACNA SoCal Community: Our website is now integrated with SMACNA National, providing members with easier access to resources, programs, and networking opportunities. If you already have a SMACNA.org login, visit SMACNA Connect and join the SoCal Community. Members can connect with fellow SoCal contractors and employees, take part in discussions, and receive notifications about upcoming programs and events.
If you do not yet have a log-in and are an employee of a SMACNA SoCal contractor, creating one gives you access to SMACNA’s technical standards, business resources, educational programs, and other valuable member benefits. Instructions for creating a login and profile can be found in the downloadable presentation titled “Accessing SMACNA Resources” found on the Standards Seminar #2 webinar recording page at SMACNA-SoCal.org > Events > Webinar Recordings. Account approval is not immediate since employer verification is required using your work email address, so please allow a couple business days for the process to be completed.
Past Events
The CAL SMACNA 2026 Convention held April 8–11 on Kauai, Hawaii, was especially exciting for SMACNA SoCal. Chapter board member Mike Hilgert of Superior Duct Fabrication completed his term as CAL SMACNA president; our current chapter president, Gina Medel of Penn Air, was installed as the 2026-2027 CAL SMACNA President-Elect; and our current chapter vice president, Michael Dean of AireMasters Air Conditioning, was installed as the CAL SMACNA Secretary. Thank you all for your commitment to the industry and congratulations to Mike for a very successful year!
April 22 was the 2026 Semi-Annual Luncheon at the San Antonio Winery where 118 chapter members heard an update on state legislation effecting the industry from CAL SMACNA Executive Vice President, Chris Walker, and candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Josh Newman, who spoke about initiatives to connect high school students directly with the trades and apprenticeship programs.
May 2 was our Angel Game Pre-Party where over 300 Local 105 sheet metal workers and their families joined SMACNA SoCal members for buffet lunch and beverages prior to the Angels victory or the New York Mets. A huge thank you to all that donated the fantastic raffle prizes! The event would not be the same without your generous contributions:
AirFlow Mechanical, AireMasters Air Conditioning, Applied, Air Conditioning, Certified Air Balance, Flat Out Rides, PennAir Control, Precision Air Balance, R&R Ductwork, SMART Local 105, Superior Duct Fabrication, and Thermalair.
Gina Medel and I attended the Council of Chapter Representatives May 31–June 2 in Quebec City. Among the many insights shared during the conference, I gained a better understanding of how project labor agreements are strategically structured, how artificial intelligence is being applied to both jobsites and workforce development, and the key construction industry trends expected to shape market demand. It was also great to connect with other chapter execs and learn about their recent successes.
June 15 was our Friends of the Industry Golf tournament. In typical fashion, this event sold out quickly. One-hundred forty-four golfers came out to enjoy excellent golf and camaraderie in the sunshine of a spectacular day! Congratulations to the winners:
1st Place: Precision Air Balance (Karen Fox, Steven Miller, Danny Maley, and Mike Wood)
2nd Place: LMCT (David Barberio, Don Gallagher, Alex Wong, and Donny Sappington)
3rd Place: AireMasters A/C (Bruce Middleton, Phillip Demman, Paul Irvig, and Matt Crowley)
Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support:
ACCO Engineered Systems, ACH Mechanical, AireMasters Air Conditioning, Air Treatment, Allison Mechanical, American Business Bank, Applied Air Conditioning, Bay Insulation of L.A., Certified Air Balance Co., Circulating Air, Inc., Climatec, Critchfield Mechanical, Dawson Company, Desert Mechanical, DMG Corporation, EMCOR Services, Mesa Energy, Farwest Insulation Contracting, Graycon, Inc., HW LLP Certified Accountants, Johns Manville, Key Air Conditioning Contractors, Inc., Murray Company, MW Sausse, Next Level, Norman S. Wright/Airelink Mechanical Equipment, Owens Corning, Pan-Pacific Mechanical, P&E Insulation, Penn Air Control, Precision Air Balance, RBC Wealth Management, SMART Local Union #105, Southern California Sheet Metal Industry LMCT, Southern California Sheet Metal JATC, Southland Industries, Superior Air Fabrication, Toro Aire, Total Environmental Management, Inc., University Mechanical & Engineering Contractors, Vibrex, Western Allied Corporation, and Xcel Mechanical.
All past 2026 local event photos can be viewed and downloaded here.
Stay cool! ▪
