Washington, D.C. -- The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) recently announced several high-profile retirements and promotions within its executive leadership team. The organization, which has over a half-million members, also reaffirmed its commitment to key INSTALL initiatives and programs that play a critical role in training and certifying labor across 26 regional and district councils in the U.S. and Canada.

UBC General Vice President Douglas J. Banes and General Secretary-Treasurer Andris J. Silins announced their retirements earlier this year. Throughout their careers, Banes and Silins facilitated significant contributions within the UBC and throughout the floorcovering industry.

Banes was a longtime proponent of the development of training for UBC membership. His efforts paved the way for innovative industry training taught at the Carpenters International Training Center. Silins served as the Labor Chair for INSTALL and with the Interior Systems Labor-Management Committee. In addition to his responsibilities and commitment with the UBC, he served as chairman and trustee for a number of UBC-related pension funds.

In April, Second General Vice President Frank Spencer assumed the office of general vice president, Midwest District Vice President David Tharp moved up to second general vice president, succeeded by Mark McGriff. Of special note, Eastern District Vice President Mike Capelli stepped into a new role serving as general secretary-treasurer of the UBC and INSTALL Labor Chair. Capelli is a 3rd generation carpenter who has been a member of the UBC since 1986. Bill Waterkotte succeeded Capelli as Eastern District Vice President.

Capelli will play a critical role in overseeing the future of INSTALL. His support and direction alongside the INSTALL Labor-Management Committee will only strengthen and bolster the organization, and he seeks to uphold key initiatives and programs already underway, including: the INSTALL Expansion Partnership Program; Concrete Polishing Training and Certification development; educating the A&D community, along with other floorcovering specifiers, on the importance of specifying trained and certified labor.

As the floorcovering industry’s most endorsed and specified training program, INSTALL continues to push the envelope when it comes to training and installation excellence. As a united team, Capelli and the INSTALL Committee will work together to ensure a bright future defined by industry-changing initiatives and a dedication to quality that is unmatched by other organizations.

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