Snips articles from March 2007

Snips archives from March 2007

Snips has reached a milestone, thanks to all of you.(editor's page)(Editorial)
March 1, 2007... Welcome to our 75th anniversary issue. Not many editors get to write that sentence. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Edward C. Carter started this magazine in 1932, which was among the worst years of the Depression. He aimed it at HVAC and sheet...

Heating up Capitol Hill: experts debate what new Congress means for the HVAC industry.(heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry)
March 1, 2007... On Nov. 7, voters turned control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to Democrats for the first time since 1994. The election also made history as Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) became the first female house speaker. ...

Back to the future: Snips' evolution was always a family affair.
March 1, 2007... You can't write a history of SNIPS magazine without including a lot about the Carter family. A Carter was involved in its publication from 1932 until the day it was sold to BNP Media, then called Business News Publishing Co., in 1997. A...

Doubling down: roofing show to return to Las Vegas for second year in a row.(International Roofing Expo.)
March 1, 2007... It's back to Las Vegas for the International Roofing Expo. After a successful 2006 event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, show organizers have booked this year's March 6-8 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the off-Strip property...

Crowd control: making your trade show exhibit a media magnet.
March 1, 2007... When it comes to promoting, selling or creating awareness of your product or service, there's practically no such thing as receiving too much publicity. So if you happen to land some coveted floor space at a well-attended industry trade show...

Music city to become 'Metal City': Duct cleaners to visit country music capital for 18th convention.(National Air Duct Cleaners Association's convention at Nashville)
March 1, 2007... Nashville, Tenn., has long been known as the worldwide capital of country music, earning the nickname "Music City, USA." But for five days this month, a better name might be "Metal City." ********** The National Air Duct Cleaners...

From plasma cutters to politics: a look at the last 75 years, according to Snips.(Time line)
March 1, 2007... SNIPS has covered a lot of unique subjects and events in the last 75 years. Where else were sheet metal and HVAC contractors going to read about dealer open houses, projects that used miles of ductwork or what happened at the Kansas contractor...

Mental case.(Cartoon)
March 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Use your 'imagination': ACCA takes 39th conference and expo to Disney resort.
March 1, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America is betting its members will get creative at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. That's the location for the ACCA's 39th annual convention, March 6-8. ********** The...

Hard to refuse: Wholesalers soak up the sun of Southern California's desert.(Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International's annual conference)
March 1, 2007... PALM DESERT, Calif. -- It was better-than-normal weather Nov. 4-6, when HARDI held its annual convention. And when you're talking about the Southern California desert, that's saying a lot. ********** It was sunny, warm and dry in Palm...

A page from history: readers send their stories of magazine's first 75 years.(Letters)
March 1, 2007... SNIPS doesn't get as much reader mail as some publications. It could be because readers are too busy to stop and write. Or maybe it's because they love everything we do and have no complaints (that's the editors' favorite theory). When we asked...

Environmental bureau appoints board directors.(association news)
March 1, 2007... Neil Marshall, Patrick Reilly and Michael Wieder were appointed to the 2007 NEBB board of directors for a two-year term. Marshall and Reilly's appointments were made at the National Environmental Balancing Bureau's annual meeting, Nov. 9-11...

Congress extends commercial building tax deduction.(association news)
March 1, 2007... The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute reports that a bill providing tax incentives for energy efficiency has been extended for a year. ARI and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers sought...

Society recognized for sustainability efforts.(association news)
March 1, 2007... The Sustainable Buildings Industry Council is recognizing ASHRAE for its educational efforts related to preserving resources. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers received a Best Sustainable Practice...

PHCC joins small business council.(association news)
March 1, 2007... PHCC Executive Vice President Ike Casey has become a new member of the Small Business Legislative Council board. The Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Association said this position will allow the organization to take a...

Code council policy supports 'green' building.(association news)
March 1, 2007... The International Code Council has issued a policy position on green building and sustainable communities to emphasize its commitment to social responsibility and public safety. "Building safety professionals and others in the construction...

MSCA names new Star contractors.(association news)
March 1, 2007... The Mechanical Service Contractors of America announced five more contractors to qualify for the association's Star status. MSCA Star is a qualifications program that recognizes contractors who meet or exceed operating and training standards...

China, U.S. associations sign property rights agreement.(association news)
March 1, 2007... The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute will work with China's air-conditioning and refrigeration industry to strengthen intellectual property rights. A memorandum of understanding was signed between ARI and China's major air...

ACCA to host Washington Action Days.(association news)
March 1, 2007... Members of the ACCA will have the chance to meet with their elected officials during Washington Action Days. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America will partner with the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association for the...

Trevor-Martin, Doucette merge business units.(supplier news)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Trevor-Martin Corp., a producer of residential heat-recovery units, has merged its heat recovery business with Doucette Industries Inc. Doucette is a manufacturer of heat exchangers and desuperheater product lines. John Borzoni, the...

GEA FlatPlate increases material surcharge.(supplier news)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Due to an increase in raw material costs, GEA FlatPlate Inc. announced it would raise base prices between 4 percent and 7 percent on orders. The increase took effect Jan. 22. New price sheets from the brazed-plate heat exchanger...

Bradford White donates to PHCC.(supplier news)
March 1, 2007... Bradford White recently donated $15,000 to the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Association. This year, $7,500 went to the organization's apprenticeship program and another $7,500 was earmarked for the National Auxiliary...

Klein Tools selects 'race' winners.(supplier news)
March 1, 2007... Carl Smith of Ozark, Mo., was the grand-prize winner of Klein Tools' 2006 "Race and Win" promotion. Smith received four tickets to any 2007 IndyCar race and a $1,000 American Express gift card. The Klein Tools contest was tied into the...

Danfoss acquires Aztec Energy Partners.(supplier news)
March 1, 2007... Control and components manufacturer Danfoss has purchased Aztec Energy Partners, an energy management services business for the food retail industry. The acquisition was completed Dec. 18. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Aztec...

SNIPS' parent company forms research division.(supplier news)(BNP Media forms Clear Seas Research)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... BNP Media, parent company of SNIPS magazine, has created Clear Seas Research, a business-to-business marketing research group. "Today BNP Media takes the next step in providing information that helps businesses succeed. Clear Seas Research...

Ridge Tool awards plasma TV.(supplier news)
March 1, 2007... Ridge Tool Co. gave Todd Dies a 50-inch widescreen plasma television. Dies, a purchasing agent at Griffen Plumbing and Heating in Elkhart, Ind., won it after entering the Ridgid ProPress XL-C promotion The contest was held from May...

W.A. Whitney announces open house dates for 100th celebration.(meetings & conventions)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Plate technology manufacturer W.A. Whitney will celebrate its centennial anniversary during an open house April 25-26 in Rockford, Ill. For the past two years, Whitney has been a member of the MegaFab family, which also includes Piranha...

SpacePak offers engineer, contractor training.(meetings & conventions)
March 1, 2007... SpacePak has scheduled three full-day training sessions for contractors and engineers who have never installed SpacePak system or for those needing a refresher course. SpacePak is a manufacturer of high-velocity air-conditioning systems....

NAOHSM schedules Oil Heat Retreat.(meetings & conventions)
March 1, 2007... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will hold its second annual Oil Heat Retreat Sept. 13-16 at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley. The association says it has planned this as...

ICP launches latest 'Victory Tour'.(meetings & conventions)(International Comfort Products )(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... International Comfort Products began its third Victory Tour on Jan. 8 in Nashville, Tenn. The tour introduces higher-efficiency, high-end systems from Heil, Tempstar, Comfortmaker, and Arcoaire to thousands of dealers in 39 cities across...

Contractor group schedules 'Money Masters' training.(meetings & conventions)
March 1, 2007... Training and development organization Nexstar will invite members to a contractor's business to learn how to run a successful service company. The program is called Money Masters and provides attendees with a seminar on the fundamentals of...

Thomas C. Wilson Co. appoints new president.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... Stephen Hanley was named president and CEO of Thomas C. Wilson Co., a manufacturer of boilers, condensers and heat exchangers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hanley will lead the company's expansion into new markets, continuing work he began...

Thomas C. Wilson.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... "We are looking forward to Mr. Hanley continuing his valued service to the company and building on his already-impressive record," said Thomas C. Wilson chairwoman, Jane Hanley Wilson. "He has been instrumental in our successful expansion in...

Tomkins PLC.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... Tomkins PLC announced that Terry O'Halloran, president of the Air Systems Components Division, would assume the additional responsibility of managing both the Lasco Bathware and Philips Products business units. O'Halloran currently manages...

Bradford White.(promotion of Mark A. Taylor)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Mark A. Taylor has been promoted to director of commercial and technical sales for Bradford White. Taylor will be responsible for developing and executing Bradford White's commercial sales plan. He will work with manufacturer's representatives...

Trumpf Inc.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... Tim Morris is the new general manager for Trumpf Inc.'s Laser Technology Center in Plymouth, Mich. Morris will report to Holger Schlueter, Ph.D., Trumpf vice president of laser technology. Morris has been with Trumpf since May 2001 as a...

Beckwood Press.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... Beckwood Press announced the addition of Darrell B. Harrelson as lead application and sales engineer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A certified fluid-power specialist, Harrelson has 12 years of experience in industrial manufacturing....

EZ Trap Inc.(appointment of Louis Laroche)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... EZ Trap Inc. has appointed Louis "Lou" Laroche as the company's national sales manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "This is a new position for EZ Trap," said Gerry Spanger, company president. "The addition of Lou to our team will help us...

Lux Products Corp.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... James M. Keefer is the new Western sales manager for Lux Products Corp. Keefer will oversee the sales of LuxPro thermostats throughout the U.S. Mountain and Pacific Time zones. He will also lead a team of independent sales representatives. ...

Bassett Mechanical.(people in the news)
March 1, 2007... Jim Lippold has joined Wisconsin-based Bassett Mechanical as an HVAC project manager. In this position, Lippold will oversee construction projects to ensure they're accomplished on time and on budget. "Jim's extensive experience in project...

Mel Manishen.(Obituary)
March 1, 2007... Mel Manishen, founder of Empire Machinery & Tools Ltd., died Nov. 10, 2006, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 81. Mr. Manishen owned and operated Empire Sheet Metal Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Winnipeg for...

Entrepreneurs are different from everybody else.(contractor cents)
March 1, 2007... Why are business owners entrepreneurs? In a word: passion. They have passion for what we do. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are many other reasons. The overriding factor is they love what we do. Education level doesn't matter. Money...

Prohibition and private labels have more in common than you might think.(mind your business)
March 1, 2007... America's great social experiment, Prohibition, quickly led to speakeasies. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These outlaw saloons hid in plain sight everywhere as folks gained entry with passwords spread among friends. Illegal booze joints...

Protect the environment and your company's profits.(sales & marketing)
March 1, 2007... As HVAC contractors, we owe it to the world and ourselves to do what we can to help protect our environment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I have a way you can do that and make lots of money. Let me ask you two simple questions: Do...

Baltimore conference to discuss 'sustainable' buildings.(indoor air quality)
March 1, 2007... What exactly defines a healthy and "sustainable" building? That will be the topic of IAQ 2007: Healthy and Sustainable Buildings Conference Oct. 15-17 in Baltimore. The conference, developed by the American Society of Heating,...

Enhanced airflow helps student recreation center.(indoor air quality)
March 1, 2007... The new $27 million Student Recreation Center natatorium at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., is offering students "dive-in" movies. The 24,000-square-foot natatorium's 50-meter pool has been used as a floating movie theater....

Ventilation boosts student performance, says study.(indoor air quality)
March 1, 2007... Ventilation is a fundamental necessity for pupils, according to research from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The research, which was funded by ASHRAE and conducted in Denmark, shows that...

HARDI to launch hydronics, radiant heating council.(wholesaler news)(Heating, Airconditioning, Refrigeration Distributors' International )(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... With the growing importance on hydronic products for distributors, HARDI announced it would create a new hydronics and radiant heat council. This new council will join the HVAC Systems and Equipment Council, the Refrigeration Council and...

Machine tool distribution continues growth.(wholesaler news)
March 1, 2007... U.S. manufacturing technology consumption in November totaled $335 million, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association for Manufacturing Technology said. This total was down 12.3 percent from October, but up...

AC, heat pump shipments down, says ARI.(wholesaler news)
March 1, 2007... Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for November totaled 336,027, down 47 percent compared with shipments from the same month last year, according to ARI. The Air-Conditioning and...

Emerson Climate named Embraco distributor.(wholesaler news)
March 1, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies Inc. has been appointed as the North American distributor for Embraco, a manufacturer of hermetic compressors. Embraco's main offices are in Brazil, with factories in Italy, Slovakia and China. "I am...

OfficeMax.(ALABAMA)
March 1, 2007... The OfficeMax distribution center in McCalla, Ala., cooled its warehouse by installing eight fans from the Big Ass Fans Co. The warehouse needed to cool 320 employees who were sweltering during the state's summers. The...

Colorado Roofing Association.(COLORADO)
March 1, 2007... The Colorado Roofing Association held a trade show Jan. 25 at the Ramada Plaza & Convention Center in Northglenn, Colo. The association expected over 400 contractors, estimators, project managers and engineers to attend the event. It was...

Engage Machinery.(GEORGIA)(Brief article)
March 1, 2007... Engage Machinery has moved to a new 12,000 square-foot facility in Fairburn, Ga. The company says that the new space provides plenty of room for the staff as well as room for growth projections. "It has been an incredible year," said Larry...

PLSystems.(MAINE)
March 1, 2007... PLSystems of Brunswick, Maine, has signed an agreement with Esab Welding and Cutting Products allowing Esab to integrate the company's patented closed-loop control system into its mechanized laser welding systems. The agreement is the...

North/East Roofing Contractors Association.(MASSACHUSETTS)
March 1, 2007... The North/East Roofing Contractors Association was scheduled to hold its 81st convention and trade show Feb. 14 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. The NERCA was expecting over 200 booths displaying products and information for the...

National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers.(MASSACHUSETTS)
March 1, 2007... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers is teaming up with Taco Inc. to give members a look at the mechanical room at Gillette Stadium. Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., is the home of the New England Patriots...

Mini-split brochure.(books, software & lit)
March 1, 2007... This company has released a new brochure, "The Building Comfort Solution," to highlight the features and benefits of its City Multi line of ductless mini splits. Complete with updated application photography and illustrations, the new brochure...

Insulation brochure.(books, software & lit)
March 1, 2007... The latest brochure from Thermo Manufacturing features the company's new Thermo Reflect insulation. The publication lists sizing and specifications for the insulation, along with installation accessories such as tape, foams, sealants and...

Monitoring catalog.(books, software & lit)
March 1, 2007... Onset Computer Corp. has introduced its 2007 indoor monitoring product catalog. The catalog offers product descriptions, specifications and prices for the company's full line of PC- and Mac-based Hobo data loggers for indoor monitoring...

Pest control catalog.(books, software & lit)
March 1, 2007... This catalog addresses the importance of bird control for air-conditioning ducts on rooftops. Company officials say birds often go to the HVAC vents on the rooftops. When dried bird droppings turn into dust and get sucked into the HVAC system,...

Accounting software.(books, software & lit)
March 1, 2007... SAM Pro Enterprise version 7.0 is the latest update to this company's accounting and service management software suite. One of the new features of SAM Pro Enterprise is its Escalation Manager technology. This technology automates the service...

Leak detection scope.(new products)
March 1, 2007... The Cobra-6 is a multipurpose bore scope featuring interchangeable blue and white light LED flashlights. The 6-millimeter shaft slides easily into previously inaccessible areas and enables technicians to inspect and leak check hard-to-see...

Protective eyewear.(new products)
March 1, 2007... Klein Tools has expanded its line of protective eyewear with the introduction of three new lens colors--dark gray, amber and Spectrum Control Technology gray. The eyewear meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. They...

Variable speed furnace.(new products)
March 1, 2007... International Comfort Products has introduced a new family of Tempstar brand variable-speed gas furnaces with 80 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency. The furnaces support any of the Tempstar condensing equipment, including all Tempstar...

Airflow-monitoring station.(new products)
March 1, 2007... The Sure-Aire airflow monitoring station is ideal for HVAC applications where flow verification is required for proper system balancing, improving air quality and controlling industrial processes. The Sure-Aire system uses multiple pressure...

Cordless work light.(new products)
March 1, 2007... The DCO22 is a cordless or corded fluorescent work light and charger. It includes an area light, dual port battery charger and three power outlets for the jobsite. The product is ideal for mechanical contractors and installers, and can be used...

Condensing unit.(new products)
March 1, 2007... The Value-Add SystemPro condensing unit is the newest addition to this company's fractional horsepower condensing unit product line. The product is available in 26 condensing unit models, ranging from one-quarter to 1/2 horsepower. The units...

Duct liner.(new products)
March 1, 2007... K-Flex Gray Duct Liner is a new closed-cell elastomeric insulation product from this company. According to company officials, the duct liner was improved by increasing its flexibility and by making it more user-friendly for sheet metal...

Hole saw.(new products)
March 1, 2007... The new Ironman line of hole saws are designed to help professional contractors tackle various cutting jobs from machinable metal and nail-embedded wood to plastic pipe and fiberboard. The product is available in 52 sizes ranging in diameter...

Pressure Transducer.(new products)
March 1, 2007... The Model 201 Pressure Transducer offers a wide operating temperature range and a 45-psi overpressure capability. This makes the product ideal for applications including vapor recovery systems, exhaust gas control systems and industrial...

Insulation tape.(new products)
March 1, 2007... Venture Tape has introduced Venture Tape 1507, a black line set tape specifically designed for use on foam pipe insulation. Venture Tape 1507 is marketed as an alternative to cloth duct tape. It is a polypropylene film that is waterproof,...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
March 1, 2007... MARCH 4-8 The National Air Duct Cleaners will hold its 18th annual convention and trade show at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Improving customer service is the theme of the event. Seminars and certification tests are...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
March 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...