In the Eastern Atlantic region, contractors partnering with the Carpenters Union are discovering more than a skilled workforce. They’re gaining a strategic partner. With a focus on jobsite readiness, safety, and collaboration, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC) helps companies meet tight deadlines, control costs, and build smarter.
“Our prime focus is ensuring positive returns with the goal of creating temporary and permanent well-paying jobs, creating ratables, stimulating local economies and businesses and governments they serve,” states EASRCC.
That mission plays out not just in training centers and union halls, but on tradeshow floors, convention sites, and event venues where precision, speed, and professionalism are essential.
Skilled, Safe, and Ready to Work
Guy Langlais, Vice President of Labor Relations at GES, has worked with union carpenters for over two decades. “I’ve worked with about 25 different Carpenters Union locals across the U.S. and Canada,” he says. “Skilled labor is number one. That’s why we partner with the union, because they know what they’re doing.”
In the fast-paced world of live events, there’s no room for delay. “We often have short periods of time to get shows set up, sometimes only a couple of days. We need people who can get it done safely and efficiently. Union carpenters meet that challenge,” Langlais says.
The safety factor is just as critical. “Their apprenticeship program prepares them for the job site. When we hire from the union, we know they’re trained and professional. That’s invaluable.”
Dennis Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Operations at Freeman, agrees. “As a company specializing in live events, from building large-scale exhibits to intricate stage sets, we rely on having access to a skilled union workforce,” he says. “The top benefits are the reliability and consistency they bring to every project.”
Training That Pays Off
Union partnerships bring more than bodies to the jobsite. They bring results. Through structured apprenticeship programs, the union ensures that workers show up ready to work, with OSHA certifications and trade-specific training already in place.
“The union’s apprenticeship and training programs ensure that every worker meets a minimum standard of performance,” Sullivan says. “Which is essential in our fast-paced industry where timelines are non-negotiable.”
That preparation is key to project success and contractor peace of mind. A trained workforce lowers the risk of injury, reduces turnover, and increases productivity. These are critical metrics when labor costs are tight, and deadlines are even tighter.
In addition to classroom instruction, many union apprentices participate in real-world simulations and jobsite shadowing before they take on major roles. The result is a workforce that not only knows the trade but understands the pressures and expectations of high-profile event production.
A Real Relationship
Contractors who partner with the Carpenters Union aren’t just staffing up. They’re entering a collaborative relationship.
“When I reach out to Carpenters leadership, they’re responsive, they listen, and we solve problems together,” Langlais says. “It’s a real partnership, not adversarial.”
That responsiveness helps contractors stay agile. Whether it’s adapting to last-minute changes or navigating complex logistics, union representatives work alongside contractors. “You get immediate access to qualified labor and a union you can negotiate with. If they’re not in business, we’re not in business.”
Sullivan echoes that point. “Our relationship with union leadership is fantastic. It’s built on open communication and mutual respect,” he says. “Even when we face challenges, we work through them together. A strong partnership is key to our shared success and the continued growth of our business.”
An Economic Engine
Union labor isn’t just good for business. It’s good for communities. The Carpenters Union investments in workforce development, training facilities, and outreach help create a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Carpenter Contractor Trust (CCT), a partner of the Carpenters Union, provides a Small Business Center which helps develop minority-, women-, and veteran-owned contractors, offering one-on-one guidance, access to financial planners, and networking support.
This dual investment—in workers and contractors—helps ensure fair competition on prevailing wage projects and builds long-term capacity in local markets. It also creates opportunities for new entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have access to industry knowledge, capital, or mentoring.
By supporting local employment, expanding contractor opportunities, and working closely with employers to meet demand, the Carpenters Union contributes to regional economic stability and resilience.
For contractors, that kind of reliability is worth its weight in gold. “It’s a skilled workforce, and that makes a huge difference,” Langlais says. “They get the job done.”
This story originally appeared in the Q3 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 68. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/exhibit_city_news_-_jul_aug_sept_2025/68.
