Owners of sheet metal and HVAC companies are charitable people. That is something I have learned over the past 10 years working for BNP Media, parent company to Snips magazine.

Before joining the Snips team, I was the education and training editor for The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News. In my decade of reporting on the HVAC and sheet metal industry, it has become more and more apparent that people in this industry are constantly looking for ways to help their local communities.

In one day, I came across two great news stories. The first story came from the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, which reported on Paul Curci, owner of City Welding & Sheet Metal Fabrication Inc. in Worcester, Mass. According to the publication, Curci has been a long time supporter of the Mercy Center, which serves to help children with special needs. He has contributed money and support to help the children that the center serves. He has also supported local youth charities and the local fire department by participating in fundraisers. But he does more than just pull out a checkbook. Curci is currently working to sign up participants for an upcoming Shriners golf tournament.

I also read recently about Air Tight Mechanical in Charlotte, N.C. The company recently lent a hand to help out with Yorkie Fest 2010. The event raises money for Rescue North Carolina Yorkies, an organization that provides medical care and adoption services to dogs in need.

The charities that these contractors are involved with benefit all kinds of organizations. But the one common thread is that they are all local. It’s inspiring to see a local business come out to support a local charity. Not only does it create a great team spirit within a company, it also gets your name out in the community. Customers are more apt to trust your business when they see that you care more about just profit. Besides, if you don’t have a local community to invest in, the community won’t invest in you.