In the last TABB TALK we referenced the fact that Chicagoland contractors and technicians who are certified by the Testing and Balancing Institute for Certification (TABIC) had been recognized for certification by TABB. That means that upon application, all current TABIC-certified technicians and contractors will be considered TABB Certified. Since the TABIC curriculum provided the foundation for the TAB curriculum, there is a natural affinity between the organizations.

"We are excited to be a part of the national TABB program. It's a very positive move," said Tony Adolfs, Executive Director of the Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors' Association. According to John Christie, Chief Instructor of the Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors' Industry Fund, "I think the merger of TABIC and TABB will give the whole program enhanced credibility. It also increases the stature and visibility of the standards we uphold."

"I am happy it has gone so well," said Stan Karczynski, Business Manager for Local 73. "I am also pleased both members and contractors can now get accreditation through TABB. Being the largest local in the SMWIA, it is good to have the national recognition."

The State of Illinois test and balance certification known as SMARTA had also requested to be recognized by TABB, and the request was accepted at the ICB meeting in January. Now all current SMARTA-certified technicians and contractors, while retaining the SMARTA name, will come under the TABB umbrella and will be considered TABB Certified.

This is a very positive move for SMARTA, according to George Slater, Business Manager for Local 265. "It will help build our national presence and underscore where we're going with the program." Joe Remes, Director of Training for Local 265 agrees. He explained that SMARTA was "looking for ways to grow and expand beyond Illinois and TABB Certification will give us an opportunity to be certified on a national level. It's a mutually beneficial relationship."

John Brue with Balancing Precision is one of Illinois SMACNA-SMARTA's directors and served on the committee to help develop the materials for the TABB supervisor's program. "As chairman of SMARTA's test and balance committee, I can say we are very happy to be affiliated with the TABB program," he explained. "Though the SMARTA program is well recognized, we feel that for national recognition TABB is the way to go."