SMART Local 71

06/19/2026

Today, SMART Local 71 recognizes Juneteenth, a day that marks freedom, reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of equality.

As we honor this important day in American history, we are reminded of the value of unity, respect, and standing together in support of a stronger future for all.

May this day serve as a time to reflect, learn, and continue building communities and workplaces rooted in dignity and fairness!

06/17/2026

Graduate Spotlight: Highest GPA Award

Congratulations to Nick Hoffman and Logan Kline (not pictured), recipients of this year's Highest GPA Award!

Throughout the past five years, Nick and Logan demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their education, consistently working hard and taking every opportunity to expand their sheet metal knowledge and skills. Their dedication in the classroom reflects the same excellence they bring to the trade.

We are proud to recognize their achievement and the effort it took to earn this honor.

Congratulations, Nick and Logan, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to SMART Local 71!

06/16/2026

Graduate Spotlight: Perfect Attendance

Congratulations to Bryant Hudson, recipient of this year’s Perfect Attendance Award!

Our apprentices spend their days on the jobsite or in the shop, working hard from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. For six months out of the year, they then clock out of work and attend training classes at our union hall two nights a week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM as they progress through their five-year apprenticeship.

Bryant showed incredible commitment to his career, training, and future in the sheet metal trade by never missing a class.

Local 71 is grateful to have members who are passionate about training, dedicated to the trade, and willing to put in the time it takes to continue growing their skills.

Congratulations, Bryant, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to SMART Local 71!

06/15/2026

Graduate Spotlight: John R. Cantie Memorial Achievement Award

Congratulations to Paul Holland, this year’s recipient of the John R. Cantie Memorial Achievement Award.

This award is presented to the graduate who has shown overall excellence both on and off the job. Throughout the past five years, Paul has proven himself to be a hard worker who truly cares about this trade, his training, and his fellow members.

By receiving this honor, Paul joins the ranks of the skilled sheet metal workers who have earned this award before him.

Congratulations, Paul, and thank you for your dedication to the trade and to SMART Local 71.

06/12/2026

Congratulations to the Local 71 graduating class of 2026!

After five years of hard work, dedication, training, and commitment to the trade, this class has reached an incredible milestone. We are proud to recognize the time and effort each of you has put in to build your skills and prepare for a successful career in the sheet metal industry.

As you move forward, we wish you a career filled with success, opportunity, and above all, safety.

We would also like to thank the Local 71 instructors for their time, leadership, and dedication to training the next generation of skilled sheet metal workers. Your guidance plays an important role in the future of our trade.

Congratulations again to the class. We are proud of you and excited to see all that you accomplish!

06/11/2026

06/05/2026

Local 71 Summer Outing is almost here! ☀️🍗

Join us Saturday, July 18 at Lamm Manor Grove for a day of food, drinks, fresh clams, co****le, and fun with fellow members.

This year’s outing will also include the 2nd Annual BBQ Smoke Off featuring chicken wings! Think you have what it takes to rule the grill? Register to find out -> https://www.smartlocal71.com/bbq-smoke-off-registration or scan the QR code

Tickets are $5 per member and can be purchased by calling or visiting the hall.

BBQ Smoke Off Details:
Meat Pickup: July 17 at the Hall
Smoking Begins: July 18 at 11 AM at Lamm Manor Grove
Smoking Ends: 3 PM for judging
Sign-Up Deadline: July 10

Questions? Contact Adam Kerr at (716) 912-9007 or Mike Nelson at (716) 698-0549.

05/26/2026

On May 7, SMART Local 71 attended one of our favorite high school events of the year, the 11th Annual Technical Career Day at Alden High School.

We spent the day speaking with students about what a career in sheet metal can look like and giving them the chance to see the trade in action.

Tim Benner led a TIG welding booth where students had the opportunity to weld stainless steel. Mitchell Sievers ran a MIG welding booth where students practiced carbon steel MIG welding. Chelsea DiNardo shared her ductwork expertise by showing students how metal duct fittings are fabricated and giving them a chance to knock tin together for the first time.

Thank you to Alden High School for hosting another great Technical Career Day. We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with students, answer their questions, and introduce them to the possibilities within the sheet metal trade.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, SMART Local 71 pauses to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Today, we honor their memory and reflect on the freedoms made possible through their sacrifice.

From all of us at SMART Local 71, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/21/2026

Earlier this month, 30 of our industry leaders completed two full days of Member Assistance Peer Mentor Training!

This important training equips members with the skills to become SMART Mentors, trusted, compassionate peers who can offer guidance and support to fellow members who may be struggling with substance abuse, su***de, stress, mental health, or overall well-being.

Workers in the construction industry face higher rates of mental health challenges, substance abuse, su***de, and stress. As a union, we want to make sure our members have the education, resources, and support needed to look out for one another when times get tough.

Thank you to SMOHIT for coming to Buffalo and leading this meaningful training. We are proud of the members who stepped up to be part of this effort and help strengthen the support system within SMART Local 71.

Because taking care of our members means taking care of the whole person, on and off the job!