Stan Kolbe, the Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs at the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA), has been recognized as one of 2024's Top Association Lobbyists by The Hill, marking his third straight year receiving this prestigious honor.
The Hill's annual list celebrates "some of the best in the business and have been go-to advocates during a year defined by unprecedented political events, legislative logjams, federal spending cut crusades and big rulemaking swings by the outgoing Biden administration."
With over four decades of service at SMACNA, Kolbe has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions across multiple industry-critical issues throughout 2024. His advocacy portfolio included championing the Department of Labor's reform of the Registered Apprenticeship Program and advocating for appropriate implementation of construction project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal construction contracts. He also played a key role in advancing legislation such as the ADVANCE Act, Tax Relief for America's Families and Workers Act, and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
"The sheet metal and HVAC industry is lucky to have such a dedicated, connected, and experienced individual at the helm of our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and around the nation," said SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger. "His insights and relationships make a difference to all of us."
Kolbe's approach often involves collaborative efforts with other industry groups, focusing on educating legislators and regulators about issues vital to the sheet metal and construction sectors. ACHR NEWS named him a 2023 NEWSmaker for similar accomplishments.
Why ACHR NEWS Named Stanley Kolbe a 2023 NEWSmaker
In a year marked by unprecedented infrastructure implementation challenges, Stanley E. Kolbe Jr.'s leadership in navigating the complex landscape of HVAC legislation and regulation earned him recognition as one of ACHR NEWS' 2023 NEWSmakers.
As SMACNA's Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs, Kolbe played a pivotal role in shaping the implementation of several landmark pieces of legislation: the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. His team contributed more than a thousand pages of public comments that influenced the final regulatory frameworks.
The recognition highlighted Kolbe's strategic pivot toward a more localized approach to governance. "We're entering a new Great Works era with these laws, and our members are looking around and asking, 'where will we find and how can we train all the skilled workers we need?'" Kolbe noted, addressing the surge in both federal projects and federally leveraged private investments.
His advocacy extended to crucial reforms in the Davis-Bacon Act and support for strengthening registered apprenticeship programs.
"Passing these bills is only half the battle. We've got to see them through implementation, we've got to recruit and then educate more skilled workers in registered apprenticeship programs," Kolbe concluded.
