SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington Contractors Raise More Than $30,000 for Local Charities 

SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington contractors raised more than $30,000 for local charities at SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington's annual Christmas Gala last Friday. The night's charity campaign was chaired by Steve Jones, President of R&J Metal Fabricators.

 At the event SMACNA contractors, guests and affiliate members raised $30,883 for our community :

 SMACNA Oregon Affiliate Member Johnson Air Products was the night's big giver, with the company and its employees donating $8,290 for Toy and Joy Makers. Because of their generous donation Johnson Air will own SMACNA's "hardest working elf" award for the 2022-2023 season.  Doug Kissler from Johnson Air stated "the best part of giving is helping to support the good work that Toy and Joymakers is doing for children in need in our community, the next best part of giving is being recognized with SMACNA's award and we want to win it again next year." 

Employees and leaders representing Alliant, Arctic, General Sheet Metal, Streimer & R&J were not far behind each making sizable donations to Toy and Joy Makers.  Guests also brought unwrapped presents to be donated to Toy and Joymakers. The presents were collected by Lt. Jeff Tachney and firefighters from Portland Fire Department Engine Company #1.    Pat McMahon from Toy and Joy stated that "for over 100 years, Toy and Joy Makers has promoted the spirit of helping children and their families during the holiday season. Last year the organization provided toys to 7,529 children. The annual toy drive was founded by the Portland Fire & Rescue in 1914 to help local families in need around the holidays. It’s run by volunteers and funded by donations, the donations from SMACNA's contractors represent a significant portion of our budget and we are incredibly thankful for their generosity."

Steve Jones is proud of the impact that SMACNA contractors have had on the community. "Over the past 7 years SMACNA Oregon and it's contractors have raised more than $130,000 for Toy and Joymakers, our members have also given hundreds of unwrapped toys, it's nice to be a part of something good for kids."  

The Chapter continued the spirit of giving by making donations to Oregon Tradeswoman, Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.

March 18, 2022

Meet Chris Schneider SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington’s New Executive Director

SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association) is a non-profit organization that focuses on the advancement of the sheet metal industry. This includes highlighting safety, promoting education, advancing technology, and supporting our contract members. A major element to SMACNA’s success is centered around its quality leadership, and this year SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington is proud to welcome Chris Schneider, the new Executive Director, to the sheet metal family.

Chris was raised in Michigan. After high school, he attended and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in English. Originally, Chris planned on making a positive influence in the world by becoming a high school teacher. Ultimately, he decided to go to law school.

Growing up, Chris’ grandmother was an inspirational figurehead in his life and the community. As a judge, her vocation helped guide the public and influenced Chris to pursue a degree in law. Chris chose to attend law school at Wayne State University with a focus on labor law.

After graduation, Chris worked as a labor attorney representing the Chicago Teamsters labor union – eventually transitioning to the management side of labor relations. Chris moved to Portland, Oregon where he led the labor relations program for PacifiCorp.

Upon Jerry Henderson’s retirement in 2021, Chris was hired as Executive Director at SMACNA Oregon & SW Washington. Moving forward Chris plans to focus on workforce development, promoting the benefits of joining SMACNA, and encouraging trade education.

Chris states, “SMACNA membership provides a tremendous training advantage in recruiting employees into our industry. Our training program is world-class and is absolutely free for those who become apprentices. This training opportunity is a clear path toward a career with significant earning potential on day one.” SMACNA and its member companies are committed to recruiting the next-generation workforce. And are particularly excited to continue career outreach to women, minorities and people of color. Our sheet metal family is welcome to all.

What gets Chris excited for work is the diversity of opportunities that being SMACNA’s Executive Director offers. Currently he is working with the trusts to ensure the health and longevity of those programs, and he is resolving conflicts in the labor unions. He is excited to explore and expand how SMACNA can better represent our members. Chris feels through collaboration and communication difficulties can be resolved in a win-win outcome for all parties.

But Chris isn’t all work and no play! When Chris is away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his family. And as a man who loves nature, you might also catch him hiking, fly fishing, boating, or commuting to work by bike.