40th Annual Sheet Metal Competition awards brightest in industry

Missouri, Wisconsin, Washington turn out multiple winners in five categories; Oklahoma detailer earns first prize, drives away with new Harley-Davidson

More than 250 sheet metal apprentices traveled to Las Vegas to compete in the 40th Annual International Sheet Metal Competition hosted by the International Training Institute (ITI) for the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.

LAS VEGAS – More than 250 sheet metal apprentices and their families from the United States and Canada ventured to Las Vegas March 5-9 for the 40th Annual International Sheet Metal Competition hosted by the International Training Institute (ITI) for the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.

Five apprentices from Sheet Metal Local Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers around the United States took top honors in the five sheet metal disciplines open to apprentices only: HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), industrial/welding, service, architectural and TAB (Testing, Adjusting and Balancing in heating and air conditioning).

Detailing, the sixth category, was open to journeymen and apprentices. On Jan. 11, the 12 finalists who would be allowed to compete in the category at the competition – 11 journeymen and one apprentice – were announced.

The detailing category, now in its second year, was added as a result of a shift in the industry. Detailing skills – which allow sheet metal workers to generate and manage building data on the computer using building information modeling software – are becoming increasingly in-demand in the industry.

To encourage sheet metal workers to get certified in ITI’s Benchmark BIM training software, ITI awarded the winner of the detailing category with a brand new Fat Boy Lo Harley-Davidson motorcycle from Henderson Harley-Davidson.

“This was the second year for the detailing category, and the competition was fierce,” said James Shoulders, executive administrator for ITI. “To earn a spot as one of the top 12 detailers in the country at this competition is a feat in and of itself.”

The first place winners, announced at the banquet the evening of March 9, include:

Industrial: Josh Lohman, 28, Kennewick, Wash.
Architectural: James Alsteen, 25, Milwaukee, Wisc.
HVAC: Aaron VanRheen, 27, Portland, Ore.
Service: Thomas Sorensen, 38, Fairfax, Calif.
Testing Adjusting Balancing (TAB): William Kerner, 32, Stafford, Va.

Joey Hovarter, 36, of Moore, Okla. – employed by Matherly Mechanical Contractors LLC in Midwest City, Okla. – received first place in the detailing category and drove away with the big prize – the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“This is really the seed of our future. These students train and work diligently all year, and we get to showcase that,” said Shoulders, who had competed in the contest himself years before when he was an apprentice. “We have contractors here tonight from all facets. Those contractors need good, young people to make their businesses successful and ultimately make this industry successful. So, the industry benefits greatly by the training they receive throughout the year … This is the best of the best here.”

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in the United States and Canada. The International Training Institute (best known as ITI) is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

For more information about ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

Henderson Chamber chairman honored for efforts to improve local education

Rick Smith and wife, Geri Smith, honored by St. Viator’s March 24

HENDERSON, Nev. – St. Viator’s Catholic School honored Rick Smith, chairman of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, and his wife, Geri, for their endless efforts to maintain quality in education for all at their 24th Annual Dinner Auction Saturday, March 24, at the South Point Hotel & Casino.

“Rick and Geri are heavily involved in the community in a number of ways,” said Scott Muelrath, executive director for the Henderson Chamber. “Business and education go hand in hand, and the Smiths have dedicated themselves to improving both in Southern Nevada. It’s wonderful to see them honored by St. Viator’s for their work.”

Rick Smith serves as president and CEO of RDS Associates, a Southern Nevada commercial real estate firm specializing in investment, development, marketing and brokerage services in the Southwest. Geri Smith is a marriage and family therapist. Their daughters have attended St. Viator’s since they were both in pre-kindergarten.

The event also honored Kate and Harold Puterman and Kitty and Dale Parantala.

 The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, voluntary organization committed to promoting and supporting member businesses.

 For more information on the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, call 702-565-8951 or visit www.hendersonchamber.com.

Gene Kennedy inducted into ICB/TABB Hall of Fame

Chicago retiree awarded during ceremony at conference, 48-year career honored

John Hamilton, Howard Stein, ICB co-chair and Gene Kennedy, 2011 ICB/TABB Hall of Fame inductee.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Gene Kennedy, 2011’s inductee into the International Certification Bureau (ICB)/Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB) Hall of Fame, set out to be an electrical or mechanical engineer when he entered college, but just as many things in his life, he took a chance and it changed his path.

In 1961 at age 20, Kennedy left college to get married and took a summer job that eventually led him to the sheet metal industry. The right answer to the right person at the right time led him to the fabrication department at Haines Company, and he stayed on the bench for the next seven years.

“In those days, you had to make everything,” Kennedy said. “There was no buying fittings and such.”

As the industry evolved, items such as fittings were being manufactured and no longer needed creating in the shop. Kennedy didn’t feel challenged, and being the layout man became boring. Again, chance stepped in, and one day, he performed a repair on a whim, using what he knew of electrical components, and landed in the service department.

During this time, he completed a refrigeration course and started to recognize problems between refrigeration and airflow in the field. Around the same time, he ran into John Christie, the TABB Hall of Fame’s first inductee in 2003, who suggested he take the second testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB) course ever offered inChicago. From then, he was hooked.

“Every day my feet hit the floor I couldn’t wait to get to work. I know that sounds geeky or corny, but that’s the way it was,” Kennedy said. “You had to understand so much stuff.”

He went to work for Aero Testing and Balancing in 1992, and stayed there until he retired in 2008. In all, Kennedy worked three places during his career, including the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI).

“I don’t care how good you are, if you don’t have good people working for you, forget it,” Kennedy said.

Officially retired, Kennedy spends his time shuttling between grandchildren and teaching TAB classes at the training center at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #73 inChicago.

Receiving the ICB/TABB Hall of Fame award, “took my breath,” he said. “There are so many people who are knowledgeable in TABB, I’ve always felt I was at the tail end of these people. I’ve been driven by some of those names already in the hall of fame.”

His legacy? ICB/TABB, Kennedy said, is the future of the sheet metal industry as it is responsible for the health of the buildings. With “green” being a buzz word today, he suspects energy conservation will create more work for those interested in a career in testing, adjusting and balancing.

The ICB/TABB Hall of Fame began awarding inductions in 2003 with John M. Christie of Chicago and continued with Jack R. Webster of Westerville, Ohio in 2004; Thomas Wilton of Bayonne, NJ in 2005; Timothy Perry of Los Gatos, Calif. in 2006; Erik S. Emblem of Sacramento in 2007; Richard Wing of Branford, Conn. in 2008; Vincent A. Del Vacchio of Media, Pa. in 2009; and Mary Coffey of New Jersey in 2010.

ICB/TABB is the first program to gain ANSI (American National Standards Institute) accreditation for certification in the testing, adjusting and balancing industry. Certification is a statement that the technician, supervisor and contractor demonstrate the highest level of professional expertise.

For more information, call 703-739-7100 or visit www.icbcertified.org or www.tabbcertified.org.

Students earn top awards at annual Skills USA Conference

Partnership with sheet metal union raised awareness of industry education

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Skills USA’s 47th annual National Leadership and Skills Conference came to Kansas City, Mo. June 19-24 to shine the light on the nation’s best and brightest in trades from beauty technician to sheet metal work. The International Training Institute (ITI), the education arm of the unionized sheet metal and air conditioning industry, partnered with Skills USA to raise awareness of the ITI, with 3,000 students competing in the building trade categories on the high school and college levels.

Olivia Keech, 16, won gold in the high school sheet metal category – the second gold award for Delcastle Technical High School in Newport, Del. For the competition, the high school junior completed a written test and constructed a fitting.

“They said because I’m a junior I shouldn’t expect anything,” Olivia said. “You’re supposed to go get the experience (at the competition), go back as a senior and win. But I won, so I can come back next year and try to do it all again.”

As the only girl in her sheet metal class at school, Olivia was aware she was a minority in the competition. Only two females competed in the nationwide sheet metal competition. Olivia credits her teacher, John Fitzgerald, for helping her succeed.

“I figured out how special it was when people got excited (when I won),” she added. “I hope more girls come into the sheet metal trade.”

Barbara Keech sees how far the impact of her daughter’s win can reach in the community and the industry. Watching her 5-foot-6-inch blonde daughter stand next to large bearded men in the competition was a proud visual, she said.

“I am so excited for her,” Barbara Keech added. “She’s always liked to help my dad in his workshop, so it was right up her ally. I totally supported her. I’m so glad she found something she loves doing. It helps if you like what you do.”

This year marked the first time ITI co-sponsored the welding competition in order to educate students about secondary education and career training ITI can provide. The partnership between Skills USA and ITI allows for the exchange of information, so schools with Skills USA programs can reach out to the professional community for mentorship, expertise and guidance, while ITI can recruit from a talent pool that already understands and practices leadership skills. ITI has contacts at each of the students’ respective schools. The partnership also will eventually allow Skills USA to track their graduates through the sheet metal industry and check on their progress.

“We were impressed with the sheer amount of talent displayed at this year’s competition, especially in the sheet metal, HVAC and welding categories,” said Larry Lawrence, instructional development specialist with ITI. “With this caliber of young talent, and the partnership between Skills USA and ITI, the future of our industry is a bright one.”

In the high school sheet metal category, aside from Olivia’s gold win, Hunter Crook of Monroe, NC earned the silver and Alec Higgins of Jefferson, Iowa took home the bronze. In the college/post-secondary group, John Halwix of Elgin, Ill. received the gold award; Allen Travelstead of Fitzgerald, Ga. earned the silver; and Derek Daufeldt of Bettendorf, Iowa took the bronze.

In the HVAC high school category, Jeffrey Nelson of Palmer,Mass.earned the gold award; Christopher Kuhn of Oberlin, Ohio took the silver; and Bradley Higdon of Hollywood, Ala. won the bronze. In the college/post-secondary group, Connor Stidham of Henderson, Nev. earned the gold award; Robert Scott of Elizabethtown, Ky. won the silver; and Andrew Beckman of Norfolk, Neb. took the bronze.

In the high school team welding fabrication category, Jared Martinez, Brennan Clelland and Joshua Ellrod of Farmington, NM earned the gold award; Skeeter Judd, Aaron Jamerman and Joe Lake of Douglas, Wy. took the silver; and Kyle Alexander, Mason Hart and John Stratz of Cottonwood, Ariz. earned the bronze. In the college/post-secondary group, Austin Welch, Mike Montoya and Joseph Fournier of Price, Utah earned the gold award; Boaz Millar, Stephen Millar and Ricky Lovell of Sallisaw, Okla. took the silver; and Ryan Dauel, Brandon Versnon and Lucas Boshart of Lincoln, Neb. won the bronze.

In the high school welding category, Tim Saxton ofCambridge,Minn.earned the gold award; Kaleb Parsch of Attica, Mich. won the silver; and Evan Vogler of Petersburg, Ind. took the bronze. In the college/post-secondary group, Spartak Matvyeyenko ofSacramento,Calif.earned the gold award; Blake Parks of Torrington, Wy. took the silver; and Micah Hoover of Williamsport, Pa. received the bronze.

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in theUnited StatesandCanada. The ITI is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout theUnited StatesandCanada. Located inAlexandria,Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

For more information about ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

For additional information about Skills USA, visit the website at www.skillsusa.org.

Galleria at Sunset honored by International Council of Shopping Centers with three of industry’s top awards

Locally, Heather Valera and Scott Muelrath of Galleria at Sunset honored

HENDERSON, Nev. – Heather Valera and Scott Muelrath of the Galleria at Sunset were awarded with three of the industry’s highest marketing honors – one gold and two silver U.S. MAXI Awards – at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ annual MAXI Awards ceremony in Hollywood March 31.

Muelrath is the mall’s general manager and Valera serves as marketing director.

The 2011 ICSC U.S. MAXI Awards honor and recognize the premier marketing, community outreach, sales promotions and visual merchandizing programs undertaken solely with the U.S by U.S.-based retail real estate professionals and companies. These awards not only enhance and compliment the other industry regional award programs offered by ICSC but provide information and insight to the entire retail real estate industry on what it takes to achieve the highest level of recognition in marketing and specialty leasing within the United States.

“A lot of effort went into establishing and implementing these programs,” Valera said. “We are honored to have been recognized for the hard work that went into these programs. The MAXI Awards are huge in our industry, and we’re thrilled to have taken three home.”

For a complete listing of all winners, visit www.icsc.org/maxiawards.

The Galleria at Sunset won its gold award in the Digital Media category, which recognizes and honors strategic programs and plans that include websites, social media campaigns, mobile marketing, video, podcasts, e-mail marketing, blogs, online advertising, pay per click, contests or games to achieve brand and marketing communication goals for a shopping center or company for its joint center effort, “Project: Style.” The Galleria at Sunset was one of 12 centers participating in the campaign, which created an innovative online fashion competition, Project: Style, to highlight their fashion retailers and remind customers that shopping is fun. By harnessing the strength of social media engagement and resources, The Galleria at Sunset brought fashion-minded customers’ dreams to life through a virtual runway.

Galleria at Sunset also won its first silver award in the Sales Promotion and Events category, which recognizes and honors programs or events intended to directly impact retail sales and customer traffic, for its “Christmas Criers” promotion. To draw traffic to the center’s Santa photo concession, the Galleria at Sunset partnered with Sepia Photo on a promotion for the best photo of crying children sitting on Santa’s lap. The promotion ran throughout the holiday season and each week the photo entries were put on display near the Santa set with the top five vote-getters invited to compete for the chance of having their winning photo placed on 100,000 bottles of Jones Soda.

The Galleria at Sunset also won a silver award in the Inter-Disciplinary Campaigns category, which recognizes and honors collaborative programs featuring contributions by two or more of the following areas: leasing, management, specialty leasing, design, development, operations and/or finance in conjunction with marketing, for its “Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins” program. When one of the Galleria at Sunset’s largest tenant spaces was abruptly vacated the center quickly turned to its community relationships and partnered with the Henderson Space and Science Center Board and several sponsors to fill the space with a traveling museum exhibit, Ends of the Earth: From Polar Bears to Penguins. Through an intergrative effort between operations, leasing and marketing the exhibit went from conception to opening in only two months. Over the four months the exhibit was open, it attracted more than 25,000 visitors to the center.

The Galleria at Sunset is owned and managed by Forest City Enterprises.

The awards ceremony took place at the end of ICSC’s annual Fusion Conference March 29-31. The 2011 ICSC U.S. MAXI Awards were open to U.S. shopping centers and shopping center companies as well as specialty retailers, specialty leasing managers, marketing directors and/or general managers. All award winning programs were implemented between Nov. 1, 2009 and Oct. 31, 2010.

In addition, the Galleria at Sunset is eligible to win ICSC’s Best-of-the-Best VIVA (Vision, Innovation, Value, Achievement) Award. The ICSC Best-of-the-Best VIVA Awards recognize the shopping center industry’s most cutting-edge properties, innovative solutions and creative responses to market trends, throughout the world. These awards will be presented during RECon, ICSC’s annual convention, on Monday, May 23, in Las Vegas.

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 55,000 members in over 90 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials. As the global industry trade association, ICSC links with more than 25 national and regional shopping center councils throughout the world. For more information, visit www.icsc.org.

The Galleria at Sunset opened in 1996 and is anchored by Macy’s, JCPenney, Dillard’s, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. It features premiere retailers such as Coach, bebe, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Gymboree, Buckle, Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria’s Secret, Brookstone and more and is also home to the Galleria Library. Owned and operated by Forest City Enterprises, the 1,051,000-square-foot complex is the only enclosed mall in Henderson. In addition to retail, the Galleria at Sunset boasts two full service and 12 fast food restaurants.

For more information on the Galleria at Sunset visit www.galleriaatsunset.com or contact the mall’s information center at 702-434-0202.

New Jersey resident only woman to place at the Annual International Sheet Metal Competition in Las Vegas

Apprentice from Philadelphia training center places third in competition

LAS VEGAS – As winners in six categories gathered for a group photo at the International Sheet Metal Competition in Las Vegas March 9, Jennifer Lohr from New Jersey stood out. It wasn’t her red dress or the fact she placed third in the Testing and Balancing category. Out of everyone, Lohr was the only woman to place in the apprentice competition.

Lohr, 30, a former pre-school teacher, followed her family tradition into the labor trades – her father is a steam fitter and her sister recently became a journeyman in the sheet metal industry. Last year, she placed fifth in her category and finished her final year this year in the apprentice competition a satisfying third. More studying and experience made the difference, she said.

“Now, you go back to work, you work harder for more certifications and you keep pushing forward in the industry,” Lohr added.

More than 275 sheet metal apprentices and their families from the United States and Canada ventured to Las Vegas March 6-10 for the Annual International Sheet Metal Competition hosted by the International Training Institute (ITI) for the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.

Video of the contest can be found here.

Five apprentices from Sheet Metal Local Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers around the United States took top honors in the five sheet metal disciplines open to apprentices only: HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), industrial/welding, service, architectural and TAB (Test Adjust Balance in heating and air conditioning). A journeyman from Wisconsin won first place in the detailing category, the only category open to apprentices and journeymen.

Aside from detailing, each category consisted of a written test, sketching projects, a shop project and a blueprint reading test.

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in the United States and Canada. The International Training Institute (best known as ITI) is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

For more information about ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

International competition adds category, grand prize for detailers

Sheet metal professionals compete for bragging rights, new truck in March

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – For the first time, the International Training Institute (ITI) will include a category for certified detailers in its annual International Competition, which will be held March 6-10 in Las Vegas. The detailer category will be open to apprentices and journeymen – another first for the annual competition, which is normally open only to apprentices. Considering entrants need to be an ITI-Certified Detailer utilizing the modules of the most recent version of ITI’s BIM training software, competition between the apprentices and journeymen in this category is considered an “even playing field.”

With the new category comes the largest grand prize for a category in the institute’s history – a new pickup for the apprentice or journeyman who takes top honors in the detailer category.

Deadline for competition registration is Friday, Dec. 17. Those who are not yet certified have three more chances to earn their certifications prior to the registration deadline by attending one of ITI’s BIM Academies, which will take place Nov. 8-12 in Detroit; Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in Albuquerque, N.M.; or Dec. 13-17 in Los Angeles. To register, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org/catalog/default.asp.

“We chose to ‘up the ante’ this year with such a large grand prize to encourage our professionals to become ITI-certified detailers,” said James Shoulders, executive administrator for ITI. “BIM is the wave of the future, and the sooner professionals become certified in it, the more opportunities they will be able to take advantage of.”

Hosted by ITI, the preliminary competition will take place online Jan. 8 and preliminary winners will compete for the grand prize at the International Competition in March at Sheet Metal Local #88’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Center – located in Las Vegas at 2540 Marco St., just off North Nellis Boulevard and East Carey Avenue.

The contest hosts competitors in five sheet metal disciplines which, in addition to detailing, includes HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), industrial/welding service, architectural and TAB (Test Adjust Balance in heating and air conditioning). Each competition, no matter the discipline, consists of a written test, sketching projects, a shop project and a blueprint reading test.

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in the United States and Canada. The International Training Institute (best known as ITI) is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI offers apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

To register for the contest, or for additional information on the competition or ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

Annual International Sheet Metal Apprentice Competition comes to Las Vegas March 6-10

Contest to include more than 325 participants from U.S., Canada

LAS VEGAS – More than 325 sheet metal apprentices and their families will come to Las Vegas March 6-10 to take part in the Annual International Sheet Metal Competition, which allows apprentices from throughout the United States and Canada to demonstrate their skills.

This year, the competition adds a detailing category where certified apprentices and journeymen can compete for a new pickup truck. This is the first year journeymen are allowed to compete in the annual competition; the detailer category is the only category journeymen will be allowed to take part in.

The competition will take place at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino – located at 3700 W. Flamingo Road – as well as at the Sheet Metal Local #88’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Center – located in Las Vegas at 2540 Marco Street, just off North Nellis Boulevard and East Carey Avenue.

In addition to the detailing category, contestants will compete in five sheet metal disciplines including HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), industrial/welding, service, architectural and TAB (Test Adjust Balance in heating and air conditioning). Each competition, no matter the discipline, consists of a written test, sketching projects, a shop project and a blueprint reading test.

“With the addition of the detailing category, we hope to continue to shine a light on the future of sheet metal work,” said James Shoulders, executive administrator for ITI. “The competition also is a fun way to bring talented people together and showcase the true skills members can gain at JATCs throughout the United States and Canada.”

Hosted by the International Training Institute (ITI), the contest will take place Monday and Tuesday, March 7 and 8, with the awards banquet Wednesday, March 9.

More than 15,000 apprentices are registered at training facilities in the United States and Canada. The International Training Institute (best known as ITI) is jointly sponsored by Sheet Metal Worker’s International Association (SMWIA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). ITI offers apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Alexandria, Va., ITI produces a standardized sheet metal curriculum supported by a wide variety of training materials free of charge to sheet metal apprentices and journeymen.

For more information about the contest or ITI, visit www.sheetmetal-iti.org or call 703-739-7200.

Las Vegas architect receives prestigious award

Craig Galati earns highest honor for Nevadans in his industry

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas architect Craig Galati, co-owner of Lucchesi Galati, received the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Nevada Distinguished Service Awards Silver Medal, the highest honor AIA awards any Nevada architect, during an awards program on Oct. 15 in Reno.  

“Occasionally we have the opportunity to recognize a person for significant service to the profession in a capacity of community involvement with enormous influence. Craig Galati is one of those individuals,” said Chris Green, AIA chair of the Distinguished Service jury stated during the program. “I found it refreshing to see an architect on the cover of a Nevada business magazine as a most respected CEO. This gives AIA architects street credibility that is important as we move our collective agendas forward. Craig exhibits excellent and significant firm and community leadership with a strong design portfolio and it is this we recognize with this award.”

Galati’s career began in 1983, and throughout the years, he has worked to increase the standard architectural practice to encompass community, people, environments and business. In his career, Galati has held many titles including AIA Las Vegas president, AIA Nevada president, Nevada Society of Architects president, chairman of the Las Vegas Planning Commission and president of H.E.L.P. Las Vegas Housing corporation.

For Galati, the award means being inducted into a small group of past award winners he admires. This year’s judging was done by architecture professionals from Colorado, California and Washington.

“I’m honored to be included in that group of tremendous people,” he said. “It was also recognition from beyond our neck of the woods. Knowing that professionals from outside Las Vegas – outside Nevada – recognize my work was a different kind of validation for me.”

Established in 1986, Lucchesi Galati is a cross-disciplinary, client-centered consulting firm that brings together the disciplines of architecture, sociology and sustainability using a collaborative, participatory and community-based process. Best known for its work on the LEED-certified Springs Preserve master plan and one of only a handful of Platinum LEED-certified buildings in the world, the Desert Living Center at the Springs Preserve, Lucchesi Galati has been a longtime advocate of green design and green living.

For more information on Lucchesi Galati, call 702-263-7111 or visit www.lgainc.com.

Training center coordinators receive top safety honors

Houston, Detroit and Pittsburgh centers earn awards for programming

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – This fall, three coordinators from training centers across the United States were honored with Safety Awards from the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT). Annual recognition was awarded to Bill Yester, from JATC #12 in Pittsburgh; Stephen Murzen, from JATC #80 in Detroit and Richard Stanfield, from JATC #54 in Houston. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in expanding health and safety programs for sheet metal workers across the country.

“Nominees are selected from submissions from contractors, regional coordinators or their peers through the e-mail process or letter of recommendation,” said Gary Batykefer, administrative director of SMOHIT. “They are selected on their merit annually for exemplary training initiatives, outstanding program implementation or any safety initiative that requires recognition on a national level. These programs represent some of the best in the business.”

Yester, honored with the Fire Protection Award, brought his training center up to code for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for electrical work, shared the information with other regional training centers and created classes to teach sheet metal workers safety when working around and with electrical panels. JATC #12 was one of the first to comply with NFPS 70E, which addresses electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces. The classes are now a part of the center’s apprenticeship, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and journeymen training programs.

“It’s a win-win for everybody involved,” Yester said. “It lets the membership know what injuries can happen when working with electricity. It also shows them how to protect themselves, how to calculate the risk. The better trained our workers are when contractors hire them, the safer they’re going to be. When all is said and done, if the contractor gets benefits – and they do – that’s good, but the workers certainly do, because they’re saving their own skin.”

Murzen and Stanfield were awarded the OSHA Training Award for innovative teaching of the OSHA guidelines for safety on the job site.

Murzen took training classes in Detroit one step further by offering accelerated courses which allowed sheet metal workers to attend at their convenience. For instance, classes have been offered at the rate of one night per week for 12 weeks; two nights a week for six weeks; and, for the unemployed, one solid week of instruction.

The classes were scheduled to allow all members to take advantage of opportunities, Murzen said.  “A lot of our members see the opportunity in the day class, night classes. We try to get as many of our members through to make them as marketable as we can.”

Stanfield changed with the OSHA requirements this year and offered OSHA30 (where OSHA10 was previously required). In Houston, journeymen receive 10 continuing education classes per year and apprentices finish their first year with OSHA10 training and American Red Cross CPR certification.

“We’re open arms to anyone who wants to get more training,” said Stanfield, whose training center # 54 has received the OSHA Training Award twice. “Safety is such a big issue these days; there is so much safety covered in each class. We always emphasize training in our shop and welding classes.”

The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) was founded in 1986 to address the impact of decades-long asbestos exposure on those working in the sheet metal industry. To date, more than 45,000 sheet metal workers have been screened as part of its ongoing Asbestos Screening Program.

SMOHIT has since expanded its mission to include health and safety training products, health and safety training curriculum, and health and safety services. SMOHIT works directly with the International Training Institute (ITI) to offer the training programs.

For more information on SMOHIT visit www.smohit.org or call 703-739-7130.