TOPS IN ARIZONA
SMACNA Arizona (the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Arizona Chapter) recently honored five skilled craftsmen with its annual Apprenticeship Award.

The award winners are (l-r): first-year apprentice Kenneth Finkle of Bel-Aire Mechanical, second-year apprentice Frank Figarelli of Kinetics, third-year apprentice Pablo Trigueros of Metro Mechanical, Inc., fourth-year apprentice Corey Degenstein of Accu Duct, and fifth-year apprentice Alan Lomayesva of Boyer Metal Company.

Recognizing winners were SMACNA Arizona's board of trustees: Carlos Ramirez of Ramirez Mechanical, John Sapien of Bel-Aire Mechanical, Nick Ganem of Metro Mechanical, Inc., Terry Flood of Q.C. Analytical Services, and Kathy Kingsland of Kinetics and president of SMACNA Arizona's board of trustees.

Apprentices were selected by the Phoenix Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) from nearly 150 current students, based on the input of instructors and evaluations submitted by their worksite foremen. The apprentices were recognized for their leadership, willingness to help others, ability to work through problems and other practical skills. SMACNA Arizona, which supports the JATC, is committed to quality work and ensuring quality workers for the future. SMACNA is an international association of union contractors in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry representing 4,500 contributing contractor firms.

The organization is focused on upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in all facets of the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. To demonstrate that commitment, SMACNA Arizona has contributed more than $2.5 million statewide toward skills training and apprenticeships programs. For more information on SMACNA Arizona, call (602) 734-0214. For more information on the JATC, call (602) 275-6511.