Our recently completed 17th annual TABB Conference/2018 ICB Conference was our most successful yet. More than 170 members, business agents, JATC instructors and coordinators, SMACNA representatives, contractors, vendors and more came together in Sacramento, California seeking golden opportunities in the golden state. They were not disappointed.
A number of new workshops, such as SMART MAP, Lean Construction, Building Enclosure and ITI Business Development, were a result of collaborations with the other Funds. Each was very well-received by the attendees, with a great deal of participation and active engagement.
We also took a tour of the Local 104 training center in Fairfield, one of the most impressive facilities we’ve seen, and had a chance to hear first-hand from labor and management about all the grass roots efforts that are paying big dividends in their area. The Fund Administrators of ITI, SMOHIT and NEMI-NEMIC provided an overview of the Funds’ successes working together providing education, safety and certified personnel to the sheet metal industry.
Pat Pico, TAB instructor and technician for the Bay Area JATC, became our newest inductee into the TABB Hall of Fame, while the SMART Local 104 training center, SMART Local 20 union, and the SMACCA Milwaukee-Plumbing Mechanical Sheet Metal Contractors’ Alliance all received well-deserved industry honors in their respective categories.
New this year, NEMIC trustees and NEMI directors met with the ICB technical committee members to ensure changes to certifications stayed within the parameters of the original goals set by the trustees and directors. Early buy-in from all participants helps us keep our mission at the forefront while staying ahead of the changing needs of the marketplace.
A main theme of this year’s Conference was camaraderie and collaboration. When we come together in one place, it gives us an opportunity to meet different people and hear different points of view. Sharing ideas and taking them back to our local areas enables us to move our industry forward. And that’s a big win for everyone.
An event of this magnitude doesn’t happen by accident. I would be remiss if I failed to recognize our NEMIC team for their dedication in making this year’s Conference such a big success — professionals such as Duane Smith, Scott Hammond, Charlett Hardaway and Sheila Livingston. Much of their hard work goes on behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly by the time you get there. Thanks for making us all look good!
