FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2005
For more information, contact:
Dennis M. Bradshaw
Executive Director
Tel: (703) 222-9001
E-Mail: dbradshaw@newhorizonsfoundation.org

CHICAGOLAND SHEET METAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
INVESTS $100,000 IN FOUNDATION PROJECTS

Chantilly, Virginia.....The New Horizons Foundation - An HVAC and Sheet Metal Industry Initiative has announced that Chicagoland is the most recent SMACNA Chapter to join the Foundation’s prestigious Summit Challenge Council at the $100,000 Regent Level. “Our Chicago area sheet metal and HVAC contractors decided to get involved with the Foundation’s Summit Challenge Council precisely because of our shared commitment to develop solid business managers and owners for our industry,” noted John Delano (William J. Perkinson Company, Inc., Chicago), President of the Chicagoland Chapter.

“We want to support the Foundation and to take an active role in shaping its research and education agenda. In our view, this is a sound business strategy and we intend to become fully engaged in support of the Foundation’s work,” added Tony Adolfs, Executive Director of the Chicagoland group.

The New Horizons Foundation, organized in 2001, has received industry commitments totaling close to $5 million towards an initial goal of $8 million. The Foundation’s Summit Challenge Campaign enlists support from sheet metal and HVAC contractors, SMACNA Chapters, and industry partners. In announcing the Chicagoland grant, Foundation Chairman Butch Welsch (Welsch Heating and Cooling Company, St. Louis) noted, “New Horizons involves executive leaders from every size company and Chapter. They have one thing in common – they recognize the critical role the entire industry must play in supporting the Foundation‘s vision for our industry’s future.”

Chicagoland has named its Secretary-Treasurer, Jack Baer, (Amber Mechanical Contractors, Inc., Alsip, IL) to serve as its representative to the Summit Challenge Council. Baer added, “Chicago is a major force in the sheet metal and HVAC industry. We really believe in the Foundation and we hope our members will take full advantage of its research and educational programs.“

The New Horizons Foundation has completed eight comprehensive studies of considerable value to the sheet metal and HVAC industry. These reports on topics including Schedule Compression, Lean Production, Tools and Materials, Change Orders, and Procurement Chain Management will be issued over the next four to six months. As appropriate, each study will be presented in a seminar format at various Chapter and industry events throughout the country. An additional six research projects are also in progress.

For additional information about the Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors Association, contact Executive Director Tony Adolfs (708-544-7007). For information about the New Horizons Foundation and its Summit Challenge Council, contact Dennis Bradshaw, Executive Director (703-222-9001).