Snips articles from December 2007

Snips archives from December 2007

The guessing game: experts predict where markets will head in 2008; Each year, running a successful company can seem like a big game. You roll the dice and see where you land. Will you lose a turn--or money? Will you be forced to go back three spaces--or close some operations? Or will you successfully make it to the end--and profit?(Cover story)
December 1, 2007... While some business factors are truly out of your control, you can prepare your business by paying attention to signs within the HVAC and sheet metal industries. To find out where the industry is going next year. SNIPS asked to some of the...

A click away: now is the time to go online to find employees.
December 1, 2007... In real estate, success depends on those three infamous characteristics: location, location and location. HVAC business owners rely on a different top three for success: people, people and people. ********** Home sellers are easily...

Tune in: targeted campaigns can make TV advertising affordable.
December 1, 2007... For decades, television has reached people in their living rooms, and the powerful medium is only growing in popularity. Nielsen Media Research, which tracks the nation's viewing habits, says the average American watches 4.5 hours of television...

Mo. office building earns LEED-platinum status.(applications in the field)
December 1, 2007... The Lewis and Clark State Office Building in Jefferson City, Mo., has charted new territory: The facility is one of only a handful of buildings in the nation--and the first state office building nationwide--to receive a platinum certification...

Energy savings.(applications in the field)
December 1, 2007... Lesniewski said the Lewis and Clark Building design team aimed for gold-level certification. "The fact that we achieved platinum reflects the incredible team effort by the owner group and the entire design and construction team," she said....

Under-floor air.(applications in the field)(McQuay Inc.'s air handlers)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... One of the design team's key decisions was to choose an under-floor air distribution system. It delivers air through floor-mounted diffusers in a plenum formed by a floor raised above the concrete slab. This produces a floor-to-ceiling...

Indoor environments.(applications in the field)
December 1, 2007... The Lewis and Clark building received additional LEED points in the indoor environmental quality category. One of these was for its overall indoor air-quality plan, a key factor of which is the use of minimum efficiency reporting value-13...

Tool helps contractor move forward.(applications in the field)
December 1, 2007... Nagy Service Co. is a family business that has been in operation for more than 60 years. In that time, Nagy has seen any number of changes in its plumbing, heating and cooling service company, but it is its recent shift in services--from a...

Study measures building performance, efficiency.(association news)
December 1, 2007... To ensure that buildings are designed and operating at peak efficiency, ASHRAE is developing tools related to performance measurement. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has teamed up with the...

NAHB to launch green building program.(association news)
December 1, 2007... Homeowners are willing to pay more for "green" products, according to the National Association of Home Builders. With this in mind, the association says it will introduce its green-building program Feb. 14 at the 2008 NAHB International...

ASHRAE expands certification testing.(association news)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... ASHRAE's first certification program is now available in testing centers in 22 countries. The certification, health care facility design professional, is a computer-based examination. "An indoor environment that is safe, comfortable...

Lennox receives homebuilder award.(supplier news)
December 1, 2007... Lennox announced that it has received the Partners of Choice Award from David Weekley Homes, the nation's third-largest privately held home construction company. Lennox received an "A" in service from the homebuilder. "Lennox has...

Carrier, Indianapolis Colts help New Orleans Fire Dept.(supplier news)
December 1, 2007... Carrier Corp. and the Indianapolis Colts are working together to help with the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort. Carrier and the NFL football team donated a commercial air conditioner and an automatic standby power generator to the New...

Onset partners with mold inspectors group.(supplier news)
December 1, 2007... Onset Computer Corp. has formed a partnership with the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors. Under the agreement, NORMI members, including mold inspectors, remediators and technicians, will use Onset's Hobo data loggers...

Truck giveaway highlights Klein Tools anniversary.(supplier news)
December 1, 2007... Klein Tools will award a 2008 Dodge Ram pickup truck as part of its 150th anniversary celebration. The Great Klein Truck Giveaway will randomly select individuals to win a variety of prizes. Contest participants can enter to win by...

Two new labs demonstrate York technology.(supplier news)
December 1, 2007... Johnson Controls has opened two new laboratories to conduct research, training and demonstrations on York air-distribution technology. The laboratories are located in York, Pa., and Kansas City, Kan. Engineers, contractors and customers...

Dwyer Group ranked on fastest-growing company list.(contractor news)(Dwyer Group Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The Dwyer Group has been named one of the nation's fastest-growing private companies on Inc. Magazine's "Inc. 5000" list. The company was recognized for 254.9 percent revenue growth from 2003 to 2006, placing it No. 76 among all retail...

Kirk & Blum tops contractor list.(contractor news)
December 1, 2007... Cincinnati-based Kirk & Blum ranks first in sales among North American sheet metal contractors, the Engineering News-Record reported. The rankings are based on 2006 sales. Part of Ceco Environmental, Kirk & Blum moved up from third to...

HVAC Excellence expands options to veterans.(contractor news)
December 1, 2007... HVAC Excellence has expanded the number of certification options available for U.S. military veterans seeking certification. Qualified veterans may be eligible for all or part of more than 40 different HVAC Excellence certifications, with...

SMACNA elects new officers.(contractor news)
December 1, 2007... Ronald J. Palmerick of Aabco Sheet Metal Co. in Ridgewood, N.Y., has been named president of the SMACNA board of directors. The Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors National Association also named John Ilten of Ilten's Inc. in Cedar...

WaterFurnace seeks 'master dealers'.(contractor news)(WaterFurnace Industries Inc. planning for the contractor's recruting)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... WaterFurnace reports that is looking for contractors interested in becoming a WaterFurnace GeoPro Master Dealer. The company says the program offers extensive installation and service training and commitment to a local marketing program,...

Promoting associations; Dairy land contractors; meeting tips; and praising tin men.(Turning back the pages)
December 1, 2007... As part of our continuing celebration of SNIPS' 75th anniversary, we have a "new" department, Turning Back the Pages. Longtime readers may remember an occasional department with the same name when Edward Carter published the magazine. It's a...

Honeywell releases cost calculator.(internet news)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Honeywell has released a comparison cost calculator on the Honeywell Analytics Web site to help visitors evaluate cost of ownership differences between a Honeywell Analytics fixed and wireless gas detection system for parking structures. ...

Service Roundtable offering marketing Web site.(internet news)(Website overview)
December 1, 2007... The Service Roundtable announced the creation of NetMarketing, a Web site hosting service for HVAC and plumbing contractors. "The Internet is replacing the Yellow Pages," said Service Roundtable CEO Matt Michel. "For a growing number of...

Jackson Systems launches 'Zone Blog'.(internet news)
December 1, 2007... Jackson Systems LLC has created the Zone Control Blog to provide tips for HVAC contractors. The blog, at www.zonecontrolblog.com, also provides information on topics ranging from growing your business using zone controls to new products....

Esab receives Google award.(internet news)(ESAB Welding and Cutting Products (Florence, South Carolina))(Google Enterprise Superstar Award)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Esab Welding and Cutting Products was the recipient of the Google Enterprise Superstar Award for its use of the Google Mini Search Appliance. The award highlights people and companies using Google products in innovative ways to improve...

Emerson Webinar features supermarket refrigeration.(internet news)
December 1, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies has made the re-play of its recent supermarket industry Webinar available on its Web site. "The Overview of Refrigerants and Refrigerant Regulations in the Supermarket Industry" is the first Webinar in Emerson...

Danfoss symposium stresses energy education.(meetings & conventions)
December 1, 2007... The latest Danfoss EnVisioneering Symposium urged attendees to be better educated on energy issues and share their knowledge with others. "Breaking Through: Creating an Informed Energy Efficiency Technology Marketplace," was the name of...

Regional Metalform show comes to Alabama.(meetings & conventions)(Metal-Form Inc.)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The metal stamping and fabricating event known as Metalform will hold its regional exposition April 1-3 in Birmingham, Ala. Regional Metalform shows, which occur in even-numbered years, made their debut in Louisville, Ky., in 2004. The...

MSCA official to address HVAC Excellence conference.(meetings & conventions)(Conference news)
December 1, 2007... Barbara Dolim, executive director of the Mechanical Service Contractors Association will discuss a new program where students can receive advanced job placement with top industry employers. Dolim will discuss the opportunity during the 2008...

HARDI offers hydronics workshop.(meetings & conventions)(Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International)
December 1, 2007... The Heating, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International will hold a training workshop exclusively for hydronics wholesalers. The workshop will be offered May 19 in Hartford, Conn., before the start of the National...

Conference coming to Houston.(meetings & conventions)(Cooling Technology Institute )(Conference news)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The Cooling Technology Institute is getting ready to bring its annual conference to Houston, Feb. 3-7 at the Westin Galleria. Each year the conference focuses on the design, operation and maintenance of cooling towers and other evaporative...

Kaliburn names new senior account manager.(people in the news)(John Tutino)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Plasma cutting systems manufacturer Kaliburn has added John Tutino to its sales team as senior account manager. Tutino is responsible for increasing sales of the company's plasma cutters by identifying new business opportunities,...

Lennox International.(people in the news)
December 1, 2007... Lennox International appointed John Hurst to the position of vice president of residential product management. He reports directly to Doug Young, president and COO of Lennox's residential heating and cooling division. He will be based in...

Knipex Tools.(people in the news)
December 1, 2007... Knipex Tools, a manufacturer of professional-grade pliers, announced that Leo F. DiMaio is the company's Eastern regional sales manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Previously an award-winning district manager with Klein Tools, Leo is...

Victor.(people in the news)
December 1, 2007... Victor, a supplier of gas apparatus and pressure control products, appointed Randy Niederer to marketing manager for Americas Gas Equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Niederer brings 13 years of sales and marketing experience to his new...

Suwanee, Ga.-based Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division.(people in the news)
December 1, 2007... Suwanee, Ga.-based Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division added five new managers to its sales department. Mike Cundiff joins the company as the Northwest area sales manager. Cundiff works to promote the company's systems and...

Carbon Monoxide Safety Association.(people in the news)
December 1, 2007... The Carbon Monoxide Safety Association has appointed Bob Dwyer as its director of training. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dwyer became the COSA director of training in September after spending 13 years as director of training for Bacharach....

The real cost of call-backs may be more than you think.(business management)
December 1, 2007... While a number of evaluations can tell you what call-backs cost, the first step is to track them. Some companies set up a job account and code all call-back expenses to it to determine what they spend on them. Others just charge the...

The miracles of marketing by postcard and e-mail.(contractor cents)
December 1, 2007... For those of you who like to save money on mailing costs, postcards are the cheapest items to mail. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] However, there is a much more important reason to use a postcard rather than a letter. Your message gets seen by...

A group gripe session leads to some surprising truths.(mind your business)(Socratic method)
December 1, 2007... The Greek philosopher Socrates devised a method of philosophical inquiry that has come to be known as the "Socratic method." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It involves seeking answers to life's mysteries by constantly asking questions. An...

HARDI joins U.S. Green Building Council.(wholesaler news)
December 1, 2007... The Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International has become among the first trade associations entirely dedicated to wholesale distribution to join the U.S. Green Building Council. The USGBC started the Leadership...

ProTech hosts 'Learn and Earn' seminar.(wholesaler news)
December 1, 2007... ProTech Systems offered an educational seminar called "Learn and Earn" for its national sales representatives Sept. 6-7. Discussions on the venting industry and sales and marketing techniques were covered. ProTech Systems hosted the...

Noland opens branch in Tennessee.(wholesaler news)
December 1, 2007... HVAC and plumbing distributor Noland Co. has opened the doors on a new branch in Cleveland, Tenn. The branch will serve HVAC contractors in a six-county area in the southeastern part of the state. The new branch includes a warehouse,...

Carrier brings distribution network to Southern California.(wholesaler news)
December 1, 2007... Carrier Corp.'s sales and distribution division has launched its newest network in Southern California, offering Carrier, Bryant, Payne and Totaline products for residential and commercial HVACR companies. This represents a major expansion...

New roof revives National Historic Landmark.(roofing news)(Landmark overview)
December 1, 2007... Bethany College's 200-year-old Alexander Campbell Mansion was originally built in 1790 and was considered an elaborate residence for what was then a frontier community. Now a National Historic Landmark in Bethany, W.Va., the structure...

Archie Manning to speak at expo.(roofing news)
December 1, 2007... NFL quarterback Archie Manning will deliver the keynote address during the 2008 International Roofing Expo, Feb. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Held immediately prior to the opening of the show, the keynote address, "Principles...

Air National Guard hangar installs panels.(roofing news)(Galaxy aircraft)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The Air National Guard Base in Martinsburg, W.Va., is preparing for the arrival of 11 C-5 Galaxy aircraft, which will be housed at the base. The C-5 is one of the largest aircraft in the world. To accommodate the aircraft, more than $190...

The Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division.(CALIFORNIA)
December 1, 2007... The Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division has opened its Western zone sales office in Irvine, Calif. The company said that the new office would increase Mitsubishi Electric HVAC's presence on the West Coast and house the...

Jackson Systems LLC.(INDIANA)
December 1, 2007... Indianapolis-based Jackson Systems LLC was selected as the 15th fastest growing company in central Indiana by the Indianapolis Business Journal. "This is an exciting honor for us," said Tom Jackson, CEO of Jackson Systems "We have come a...

Grainger joined forces to help the New Orleans Fire Department.(LOUISIANA)
December 1, 2007... The International Facility Management Association Foundation and facilities maintenance distributor Grainger joined forces to help the New Orleans Fire Department. Hurricane Katrina rendered more than 20 of New Orleans' 33 fire stations...

St. Cloud Refrigeration celebrated its 50th anniversary Aug. 9 with an open house and dinner at its headquarters in St. Cloud, Minn.(MINNESOTA)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... St. Cloud Refrigeration celebrated its 50th anniversary Aug. 9 with an open house and dinner at its headquarters in St. Cloud, Minn. Past and present employees were invited to join vendors and others for the event. Founded in 1957, St....

The YMCA of Huntington, N.Y., received energy-saving control equipment from Intellidyne Inc., of Glen Cove, N.Y.(NEW YORK)
December 1, 2007... The YMCA of Huntington, N.Y., received energy-saving control equipment from Intellidyne Inc., of Glen Cove, N.Y. All that the YMCA was asked to do was to pay for the installation, which Intellidyne would provide. The equipment was free. ...

Knauf Insulation.(OHIO)
December 1, 2007... Knauf Insulation named Ohio Air Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, as a Knauf KoolDuct system fabricator serving Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

Oil Heat Cares Foundation.(PENNSYLVANIA)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The Oil Heat Cares Foundation raised $5,000 during its Oct. 17 fundraising seminar in Philadelphia. Oil Heat Cares is a not-for-profit foundation that assists needy persons and organizations with the replacement of their oil-heating...

Vacuum system book.(books, software & lit)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... The Heat Exchange Institute released the sixth edition of Standards for Steam Jet Vacuum Systems. The new edition includes minor corrections to the fifth edition, augmented by updated information resulting from revisions to other referenced...

Construction guidebook.(books, software & lit)
December 1, 2007... ConsensusDocs has released the first edition of its guidebook, which provides an overview of the main construction contracts and forms, as well as individual highlights and possible project-specific considerations for modification. The...

Coatings brochure.(books, software & lit)
December 1, 2007... Centria Coating Services has published a new brochure that outlines the services, specialties and capabilities of the company. With plants located in Ambridge, Pa., and Cambridge, Ohio, Centria Coating Services offers special coating systems,...

Roofing report.(books, software & lit)
December 1, 2007... The Metal Construction Association recently enlisted Ducker Worldwide to conduct an updated metal roofing market study. The initial Ducker study was done in 2002. The full report estimates the growth of metal roofing in all regions and includes...

Combustion analysis book.(books, software & lit)
December 1, 2007... This new publication, Combustion Analysis & Fuel Efficiency, covers draft and venting of fuel-fired appliances to heat transfer and what effects combustion has on efficiency. The book also addresses carbon dioxide formation and release, carbon...

Fabrication software.(books, software & lit)
December 1, 2007... This company has released the newest version of its TruTops software. Trumpf reports that improvements to the software include a new modern user interface, increased productivity through product data management, a more efficient nesting...

Video inspection tool.(new products)
December 1, 2007... The Roto-Vision video-inspection system is designed for video-assisted air-duct cleaning. The 1.125-inch digital, lighted, color camera now features a 10.4-inch color LCD screen. The system includes a tripod and can be mounted to the Rotobrush...

Rivet-nut setter.(new products)
December 1, 2007... This company has introduced its new Lobster Tools cordless rivet nut setter. The tool allows HVAC installers and general contractors the ability to set rivet nuts anywhere compressed air is not available, from off-line production applications...

Grease duct.(new products)
December 1, 2007... Metal-Fab Inc. has introducted its new G Value factory-built grease-duct system. The company reports that the system was designed to reduce the cost of grease duct installations, while providing an enhanced level of protection where life and...

Panel profile.(new products)
December 1, 2007... This company has added a new panel profile to its product offerings. The new panel, Corra-Lok, is a 16 5/8-inch wide by 7/8-inch deep, concealed fastener, corrugated panel with 2 3/4-inch wide corrugations. The company says the corrugated look...

Terminal repair kit.(new products)
December 1, 2007... Mainstream Engineering has introduced the QwikLug, a compressor terminal repair kit for all compressor brands, sizes and configurations used in industrial, HVACR, appliance, electrical, military, and testing and monitoring applications. Unlike...

Welding helmet.(new products)
December 1, 2007... The new Digital Elite Series auto-darkening welding helmets offer the flexibility of using one helmet for welding, cutting and grinding. Building on the features of Miller's Elite series helmet, the Digital Elite series also allows the user to...

Gas-Sampling System.(new products)
December 1, 2007... The MSA MultiGard Gas Sampling System uses a common set of analyzers for up to 32 locations. This low-maintenance fixed system detects carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, oxygen and refrigerant gases, and delivers the sample to up to four sensors or...

Soldering Tool.(new products)
December 1, 2007... This company has introduced a heavy-duty resistance soldering system for soldering tasks such as large military pin connectors where the solder joint quality must be exceptional. American Beauty Ultra High Heat Plier-Style Resistance Soldering...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2007... JANUARY 2008 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 22-24 The international AHR Expo will come to the Javits Convention Center in New York City. The 60th edition of the expo will feature new product technology theaters, a building automation and...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
December 1, 2007... The following is a paid directory of distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers representatives, listed by state. To have your company included in this list, please call Sally Fraser at 248-244-6240. We urge our readers to contact these...

2007 was a year of looking back, going forward for SNIPS.(editor's page)
December 1, 2007... I hope the end of 2007 finds your companies busy and profitable. End-of-the-year issues are often challenging to compile--and their accompanying editorials to write--because so many companies are already focused on the next year. ...

Lawmakers make it hard to hire.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
December 1, 2007... I just finished reading your article about teaching sheet metal in prisons ("Education and incarceration," October 2007 SNIPS). You mentioned that there is a program here in Texas. I have personally worked with a technician that came out of the...