SMACNA Greater Chicago

10/09/2026

What a successful day at Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)”s Technical University (Tech U) - HVAC Edition!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this deep dive into the standards that shape our industry. A lot of ground was covered.

Huge thank you to our National Team of experts, Eli Howard, Billy Farrell and Shawn O'Hara who spent the day sharpening skills with us!

10/02/2026

Big thank you to Travis Voss, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association Director of Innovative Technology and Fabrication, for sharing his expertise with us yesterday and providing valuable insights on the practical use of AI in construction.

Thank you, Travis, for helping us better understand what’s working today and what’s ahead!

10/01/2026

We’re proud to shine a light on our member, Cleats Manufacturing, as SMACNA National’s latest Contractor Spotlight!

With a rich history rooted right here in Chicagoland, Cleats has built a reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and strong partnerships across our industry.

Now, with an exciting expansion into a new facility, they’re building on that legacy and heading toward a very bright future.

Please join us in congratulating the team at Cleats Manufacturing!

Learn more about their history, partnerships, and what’s next in their story—watch the full video below.

Learn more about this Chicago-based contractor’s history and how they are heading towards a bright tomorrow thanks to a recent expansion.

09/23/2026

Founded in 2006 by Tom Sullivan Sr., Synergy Mechanical Solutions serves as a full-service link between HVAC equipment manufacturers and the contractors, engineers and building owners who need them. The company has built its reputation on deep product expertise and a commitment to transparency, and is looking ahead to continued growth.

Read the full article 👉 https://loom.ly/Y2TpQJg

09/16/2026

EMCOR Services Team Mechanical brings the resources of a Fortune 500 specialty contractor to the Chicago market through a 150-person team built for the full project lifecycle — from design-build and prefabrication to emergency response and energy optimization. Vice President of Construction Patrick O’Brien says the company’s edge is its ability to operate with national scale while staying rooted in the local relationships and union partnerships that define quality work in the region.

Read the full article 👉 https://loom.ly/zSNA7PA

09/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us this week with Congressman Mike Quigley, candidate for Mayor of Chicago. It was wonderful to see everyone! Thank you, Congressman Quigley, for sharing his perspective on the issues facing Chicago and what's ahead for the city as we look toward the 2027 mayoral election. We hope to see everyone next week at SMACNAPALOOZA: https://www.smacnagreaterchicago.org/smacnapalooza

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we celebrate the hardworking men and women who build, install and maintain the systems that keep our communities running. Thank you to our members and everyone across our industry for your skill, dedication and craftsmanship. Enjoy a well-deserved holiday!

08/26/2026

SMACNA Greater Chicago member R.J. O'Neil Inc recently celebrated 100 years in business. Since 1926, the Montgomery-based firm has delivered HVACR, plumbing, pipefitting and maintenance services across healthcare, commercial industrial and institutional sectors. Congrats!

Read more 👉 https://loom.ly/-zQj9jY

08/25/2026

It was great to welcome Eli Howard, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA)’s Executive Director of Technical Services and newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, to Cleats Manufacturing Co’s new shop.

Eli had the opportunity to tour the new facility, visit with the Cleats team, and get a firsthand look at their operation and capabilities.

We appreciate Eli taking the time to visit one of our SMACNA Greater Chicago member contractors, and we thank Cleats Manufacturing Co. for hosting us and showing off their impressive new facility.

Congratulations to Eli on his new role as COO!

08/19/2026

At our May Membership Meeting, labor and employment attorney Christina Wernick of Laner Muchin broke down the critical changes to the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act that took effect July 1, 2026 — and what contractors need to do right now to get compliant.

Read the full article 👉 https://loom.ly/s380OEY