Snips articles from October 2008

Snips archives from October 2008

Corrections.(Correction notice)
October 1, 2008... On page 36 of the August Buyers Guide, the last line of the listing for Klein Tools was incorrect. Klein does not manufacture global positioning systems. On page 58 of the September issue, there was a misprint in the Web site address for...

Family traditions: bay area HVAC company celebrates 100 years in business.(Company overview)
October 1, 2008... It's easy to get frustrated with the day-to-day challenges of running a modern heating and air-conditioning company. But step back for a moment and imagine what it would have been like doing business 100 years ago. Try to picture a company...

A HARDI habit to break: wholesalers to return to Phoenix for event.(Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International)
October 1, 2008... The Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International must really like Phoenix and the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. The wholesalers association is returning to the city and hotel for its 2008 convention. It last held the event...

Be prepared: ensure you have a company policy for dealing with harassment.
October 1, 2008... On May 14, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a settlement with a company accused of sexual harassment. The result was typical: The company agreed to pay $375,000 to end the lawsuit. In 2007, the Equal Employment...

A 'two pronged' aproach: simple ways to make a square-to-round Y branch.(Diagram)
October 1, 2008... There are a few simple steps to developing this square-to-round Y branch or what some know as a two-pronged fitting using triangulation. This fitting is symmetrical in shape, as shown in Figure 1. If you have ever developed a square-to-round...

Sheet metal in paradise: SMACNA returning to Hawaii for 65th convention.(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association)
October 1, 2008... "Hawaii, USA; Hawaii, USA. We're flying, coming your way. Aloha, Hawaii, USA. Gee it's great to be in that 50th state; the land of enchanted dreams. What an isle, where it's heaven tropical style..." The opening lyrics to the theme song from...

Wheeling and dealing: tips on selling your company during a recession.
October 1, 2008... Depending on whom you listen to, the United States has either just entered a recession or is on the precipice of one. Its length and depth, however, is unknown at the present time. The second quarter of 2007 saw the end of some of the highest...

Metalcon to put on the 'Charm City' organizers take event to Maryland for first time.
October 1, 2008... The slogan for this year's Metalcon International is "Breaking convention, adding dimension." One way the metal-building show is breaking from the past is taking the 18th annual event to Baltimore, a new host city for it. But there are...

Winning the white house: industry associations discuss their political priorities for the next president.
October 1, 2008... On Nov. 4, will it be the junior senator from Illinois or the senior U.S. senator from Arizona? Will the voters choose to go with "straight talk" or "change (they) can believe in"? For many HVAC and sheet metal associations, it's not so much...

Comparative analysis of conventional and underfloor air distribution system performance using the air diffusion performance index method.
October 1, 2008... Expansion of air jets from supply air diffusers and grilles and corresponding reduction of air velocity due to induction of room air is a fundamental principle of air diffusion that is common for both conventional and underfloor air...

2009 TABB Conference.(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Plans are well underway for the next TABB Conference, to be held May 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. A tentative agenda has been placed on TABB's website and online registration is...

Air cleaning and control: an air purification consortium project of the National Center for Energy Management and Building Technologies.
October 1, 2008... Today it is widely accepted that efficient energy utilization in existing and new buildings is essential to preserving our way of life and to ensuring a sustainable future. Less clear are the linkages between energy efficiency, indoor air...

Bill Carr, US Test & Balance Corporation.(Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau )
October 1, 2008... Bill Carr, President of US Test & Balance Corporation of Hopewell Junction, NY has been active in the testing, adjusting and balancing field for more than 35 years. Under his direction, US Test is a leading on-site provider of testing and...

Southern California sheet metal industry shines.
October 1, 2008... Expand opportunities. Grow ideas. Market to the masses. These are some key phrases currently in use. When you stop to think about it, they not only make sense but they seem simple enough. But where do you start? That was a question posed by...

Building performance & energy efficiency characteristics and trends.
October 1, 2008... * There are 4.7 million commercial and 107 million residential buildings in USA with an average annual building replacement rate of 2-4% over the past 20 years. Federal, state and local Government owns 11% of commercial building stock. *...

TABB goes green!
October 1, 2008... The Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau (TABB) recently launched an exciting program for new contractors at the Construct 2008 (formerly CSI) Show-TABB Goes Green! With a soft introduction at this year's TABB Conference, this program was...

New HVAC fire life safety certification.
October 1, 2008... The management of fire and smoke has been an important part of building codes in the United States for over 100 years. Nearly all buildings intended for human occupancy are required by today's building codes to be designed with an assurance...

Nemi/TABB schedule.
October 1, 2008... TABB Supervisor Class Location Las Vegas NV Sep 22-24, 2008 Minneapolis MN Oct 13-15, 2008 Chicago, IL Mar 9-11, 2009 Philadelphia, PA May 17-19, 2009 Atlanta, GA Oct 12-14,...

Safety program elements for press brake operators.(tech tips)
October 1, 2008... The following is taken from the Press Brake Safety Compliance Kit Employers Reference Manual, published by the Sheet Metal and Air-conditioning Contractors' National Association. What is a safe distance? For the purpose of the...

Applications in the field.
October 1, 2008... Indianapolis stadium gets supersized ductwork The new Lucas Oil Stadium is not only the home of the Indianapolis Colts' football team, it is also home to a retractable roof with massive spiral ductwork suspended overhead. The...

Midwest metal products.(Cartoon)
October 1, 2008... SMACNA MAul, HAWAII METALCON BALTIMORE FABTECH LAS VEGAS HARDI PHOENIX AHR CHICAGO ... WE CAN BE IN TWO PLACES AT THE SAME TIME! MAYBE IF WE HUSTLE ENOUGH... WE'RE RUNNING TO ALL THE...

Groups challenge city rules in court.(association news)
October 1, 2008... A group of HVAC equipment makers, contractors and distributors is challenging an attempt by Albuquerque, N.M., to impose its own equipment efficiency standards. The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, the Heating,...

FMA honored for summer youth camps.(association news)
October 1, 2008... The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association is being recognized for its summer manufacturing camps. FMA was one of 11 organizations nationally to receive an Award of Excellence in the third round of the 2008 Associations Advance America...

AHRI moves to new headquarters.(association news)(mergers between Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute moved Sept. 8 to a new headquarters that will accommodate the increased staff resulting from mergers earlier this year. When the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute and the...

Oil heat group awards charitable chapters.(association news)
October 1, 2008... National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers recognized three member chapters for their charitable work. The New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York City chapters were presented with the 2008 Oil Heat Cares Cup during the NAOHSM 2008...

Ashrae joins consortium on energy issues.(association news)
October 1, 2008... ASHRAE is partnering with the Green Grid to cooperate on publications and share technical information on energy efficiency. The Green Grid is a global consortium dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in data centers. With such...

ICC creates green building committee.(association news)
October 1, 2008... The International Code Council has approved the creation of a Sustainable Building Technology Committee to support its ongoing efforts in green, sustainable and safe construction. "I am proud that the board continues to be proactive on...

Hart & Cooley employees complete welding program.(supplier news)
October 1, 2008... Thirteen employees at Hart & Cooley's Commercial Products Group complex in Bensenville, III., were awarded certificates for successfully completing a welding training program. The training programs were conducted over three months at the...

Lochinvar recognized for commitment to U.S. troops.(supplier news)
October 1, 2008... For its support of U.S. soldiers stationed overseas, Lochinvar Corp. was named one of the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipients. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by...

Danfoss marks 75 years in business.(supplier news)
October 1, 2008... Danfoss will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year with a series of employee celebrations in North America and around the world. "We're extremely proud of our heritage and excited about the company's future," said Robert Wilkins,...

Shurtape products help earn LEED points.(Supplier news)
October 1, 2008... Seven HVAC tapes manufactured by Shurtape Technologies can now help earn points under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification program. Shurtape says it is the first HVAC tape producer to...

Mitsubishi training approved for credits.(supplier news)
October 1, 2008... The training department of the Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division has been accredited as an authorized provider of continuing-education units. The authorization comes from the International Association of Continuing...

Ridgid names online video winner.(supplier news)
October 1, 2008... Darren Jones of Brandenburg, Ky., grabbed his video camera and won $2,500 in tools courtesy of Ridgid Tools. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The TeamRidgid member was named the grand-prize winner in an online video contest called "How I Build...

AAF joins U.S. Green Building Council.(supplier news)
October 1, 2008... Air filter manufacturer AAF International has become a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. The USGBC is the organization responsible for developing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. "As a member of the...

Contractor stays current with technology.(contractor news)
October 1, 2008... R. H. Lapp & Sons Inc. in Cumberland, Md., an 80-year-old, third-generation mechanical contractor, saw a need to update its equipment. The contractor said it is an old company that is defined by "doing work in their region and doing it...

Rotobrush introduces new customer program.(contractor news)
October 1, 2008... Rotobrush International LLC has unveiled a new customer program that will offer special discounts and training. The new preferred customer program will offer customers special discounts, additional training and marketing support tools. The...

Msca announces new GreenStar companies.(contractor news)
October 1, 2008... Hurst Mechanical of Belmont, Mich., and T.H. Eifert Mechanical Contractors of Lansing, Mich., are the latest contractors to be awarded the MSCA GreenStar designation. The Mechanical Service Contractors of America announced that the...

ACCA honors members for safety record.(contractor news)
October 1, 2008... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America announced the winners and members of its 2008 Safety Masters Club. The program recognizes contractors who are dedicated to a safe workplace. The Safety Award of Merit is awarded to ACCA...

Harris buys Superior Air Handling.(contractor news)(Company overview)
October 1, 2008... Superior Air Handling Corp., an employee-owned sheet metal contractor in Clearfield, Utah, has been purchased by the Harris Cos. Terms were not disclosed. Based in St. Paul, Minn., Harris is a large mechanical contractor specializing in...

Online job site to help younger workers.(internet news)
October 1, 2008... MEP Jobs announced a new careers Web site to help students and entry-level workers enter the mechanical, HVAC, electrical and plumbing industries. "Start Your MEP Career," at http://start.mepjobs.com, provides articles, search tools and...

Coleman adds learning system to Web page.(internet news)
October 1, 2008... Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning recently added the ProficienTech online learning system to its Liberties program. The site provides participating Coleman dealers with continuous access to a variety of learning tools. Each session...

Beckwood launches hydraulic Web site.(internet news)
October 1, 2008... Beckwood Press Co. introduced a new hydraulic press Web site located at www.beckwoodpress.com. The site includes new sections dedicated to hydraulic press technology and information on specific applications. The "Find a Hydraulic Press"...

PHCC offers online business training.(internet news)
October 1, 2008... The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association and the PHCC Educational Foundation have begun offering an online business management training series. The first session, "Recession-Proofing Your Business," was held Sept.10....

Hypertherm designs online classroom.(internet news)(Hypertherm Inc.)(www.HyperthermCuttingInstitute.com)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Hypertherm has launched the Hypertherm Cutting Institute, a new online classroom designed to help people learn more about its plasma products and plasma cutting in general. The institute, found at www.HyperthermCuttingInstitute.com, has two...

Web site offers recession tips to contractors.(internet news)(Website overview)
October 1, 2008... Warm Thoughts Communications Inc. created a new Web site to help HVAC contractors meet the growing challenges of slowing markets. 'Smart contractors know that in a recessionary market it becomes survival of the fittest," says Blaine Fox, a...

ACCA announces changes for 2009 conference.(meetings & conventions)(Conference news)
October 1, 2008... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America says that it has big changes in store for its 41st annual conference. Registration is already open for the Feb. 24-26 event at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas. "If there's one thing...

Danfoss symposium discusses energy, climate concerns.(meetings & conventions)
October 1, 2008... The latest EnVisioneering Symposium from Danfoss discussed growing concerns over energy and climate change in the building industry. The symposium hosted city leaders, building owners, engineers, builders, managers and other stakeholders...

Metalform Mexico plans fifth annual conference.(meetings & conventions)(Conference news)
October 1, 2008... Mexico's only exposition and educational conference for tool and die, metal stamping, forming, fabricating and assembly will host its fifth edition Nov. 11-13 in Mexico City. Nearly 125 equipment manufacturers and service providers will...

Associations plan joint show.(meetings & conventions)
October 1, 2008... Fabtech International and the American Welding Society, along with Metalform, will partner with the Association for Manufacturing Technology to produce an annual event. AMT joins the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Fabricators &...

HVACR industry alliance holds first summit.(meetings & conventions)
October 1, 2008... Eleven HVACR and plumbing industry associations were represented at the first HVACR Industry Alliance Education and Training Staff Summit June 12 in Washington, D.C. The summit was conceived and sponsored by the alliance, an organization...

Emerson addresses Clean Technology event.(meetings & conventions)
October 1, 2008... Warren Beeton, vice president of engineering for Emerson Climate Technologies, participated in Clean Technology 2008. Beeton was among a panel of industry experts addressing environmental and energy concerns. His first presentation covered...

AHRI names vice president of public policy.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute hired David B. Calabrese to fill the newly created position of vice president of public policy. In the role, Calabrese will oversee and provide overall direction for the...

Stephen Yurek.(people in the news)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... "We are extremely pleased that someone with Dave's experience and knowledge will be joining us to help us meet our public policy goals," said AHRI President Stephen Yurek. "Part of the impetus for the merger of ARI (Air-Conditioning and...

Bill Shockley.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... Emerson Climate Technologies announced changes in key sales positions within its White-Rodgers and flow controls divisions. Bill Shockley was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing for Emerson Climate Technologies in the flow...

Matt Keithly.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... Matt Keithly has been promoted to vice president of OEM sales for Emerson Climate Technologies in the White-Rodgers division and will now have overall responsibility for water heater, HVAC and appliance OEM sales. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Mark Bulanda.(people in the news)(Emerson Climate Technologies)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... These changes were recently announced by Mark Bulanda, president of Emerson Climate Technologies' White-Rodgers division. "We are fortunate to have industry-seasoned people like Bill and Matt within our organizations," said Bulanda. "They...

Lisa Fischer.(people in the news)(MeTecno USA has appointed Lisa Fischer)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Lisa Fischer was hired as the marketing coordinator for MeTecno USA, a manufacturer of metal panels. In her new role, Fischer's responsibilities will include coordinating MeTecno USA's trade shows, an average of 13 exhibitions annually....

Ed Brink.(people in the news)(Meier Supply Co.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Meier Supply Co. welcomed Ed Brink as the company's technical trainer. Brink will be responsible for providing technical support and training for Meier Supply's HVACR business. He will be based out of the company's headquarters in Johnson City,...

J. Stuart Phoenix.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... Most recently, Brink served as an instructor in Binghamton, N.Y. where he instructed secondary and postsecondary students in HVAC and electrical controls. FMI Corp., management consultants and investment bankers for the building and...

David G. Olson.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... David G. Olson will serve Nexstar as a finance coach. He has served in senior management, finance and accounting roles in construction, insurance, and wholesale distribution industries. He previously owned his own consulting company. ...

Jodi Peter.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... Jodi Peter has over 25 years of experience in the plumbing and HVAC industry. She will join Nexstar as business coach. Most recently, she was the general manager for an air-conditioning and plumbing service company. Peter has advanced through...

Susan Long.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... Susan Long comes to Nexstar as a marketing coach and has over 25 years of marketing and advertisingexperience. She worked in a senior position with a direct response-marketing corporation and served in management with major retailers. Prior to...

Frank Landwehr.(people in the news)(Emerson Climate Technologies has appointed Frank Landwehr)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Frank Landwehr was appointed to the position of vice president of marketing for the Emerson Climate Technologies' air-conditioning division. He was also named general manager of CR Compressors LLC. In this position, Landwehr will provide...

Ed Purvis.(people in the news)
October 1, 2008... "Frank has been a crucial part of the success of our Copeland Scroll compressor product line over the years because of his keen knowledge of our market and attention to detail," said Ed Purvis, a business leader with Emerson Climate...

Obituary.(people in the news)(Iris Walshin)(Martin Walshin Inc.)(Obituary)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Iris Walshin, co-founder of the heating controls business Martin Walshin Inc., died Sept. 6, 2008, following a long illness. She was 72. In 1960, Mrs. Walshin co-founded the Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.-based company that bears her husband's...

20 questions to ask that energize your safety procedures.(business management)
October 1, 2008... Did you ever play the game "20 Questions" as a kid? Maybe your mom liked to ask you questions such as: "Where were you?" "Whom were you with?" "Do you know what time it is?" Most of us don't like to be hammered with...

Focus is everything when it comes to customers.(sales & marketing)
October 1, 2008... Do your customers leave your store and think, "Wow. It is so nice to buy from this business"? Is your business famous for great customer service? Do your customers tell others about you? If not, you do not have renowned customer service. ...

Don't fall out of these marketing habits this autumn.(contractor cents)
October 1, 2008... Those of you with large numbers of service agreements should have a great fall season. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You have the opportunity to be face-to-face with your customers. Educate them. Let them make good decisions about their home...

Taking a long view on the effects of inflation.(mind your business)
October 1, 2008... There have been plenty of articles in the media lately on inflation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of this industry's dirty little secrets is that distributors tend to benefit from escalating prices. The recent spurt in metal prices...

Noland Co. sends contractor to the Bahamas.(wholesaler news)
October 1, 2008... Cudd Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. of Chester, S.C., was the grand prize winner of a Bahamas cruise following a recent promotion by Noland Co. and NuTone Heating and Cooling Products. Noland Co. is a distributor of plumbing supplies,...

Schmidt's Wholesale employee marks 50 years.(wholesaler news)
October 1, 2008... Schmidt's Wholesale worker Patty Prezioso recently celebrated her 50th year of employment for the Monticello, N.Y., company. Having started in 1958 after her graduation from Delaware Valley Central High School in Callacoon, N.Y., Prezioso...

Cee Kay Supply honored by Thermadyne.(wholesaler news)
October 1, 2008... Thermadyne Industries recently honored St Louis-based Cee Kay Supply, one of the company's largest distributors, on its 60th anniversary. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thermadyne officials said that Cee Kay is the largest, independent...

HARDI develops quarterly economic reports.(wholesaler news)(Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International )(Financial report)
October 1, 2008... The Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International has launched a new series of quarterly economic forecasting reports specific and exclusive to the HVACR industry. "Targeted and Regional Economic News for...

Products certified by Metal Construction Association.(roofing news)
October 1, 2008... The Metal Construction Association has approved three roofing products made by McElroy Metal Inc. for its metal roofing certification program. Products certified in this program meet or exceed standards published in the MCA's Guide...

Virginia welcome center gets new metal roof.(roofing news)
October 1, 2008... The $4.8 million welcome center in Williamstown, W.Va., is prominently located on Interstate 77 at the first exit inside the West Virginia border. It prominently displays a metal roof from Follansbee. Follansbee TCS II terne-coated...

Cool Roof Council celebrates 10 years.(roofing news)
October 1, 2008... This past summer marked the 10-year anniversary of the Cool Roof Rating Council. The council was established in 1998 for the purpose of creating a fair, accurate and credible rating system for the radiative properties of roofing products....

Arizona.(regional news)
October 1, 2008... The Arizona chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association once again sent employees of its member companies to the movies as part of the organization's Labor Day celebration. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Florida.(regional news)
October 1, 2008... Tampa, Fla.-based Ierna's Heating & Cooling recently made a donation to the city's Lowry Park Zoo and its African penguin exhibit. The Bryant dealer contributed $10,000 to help the warm-weather animals. This was the second year in a row the...

Louisiana.(regional news)
October 1, 2008... The HVACR program at the Louisiana Technical College in Bogalusa, La., has received accreditation from HVAC Excellence. Executive members of HVAC Excellence reviewed the program's self study and selected a group of industry veterans to...

Massachusetts.(regional news)
October 1, 2008... A regional contractor and high school students from the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, Mass., installed a new steam boiler to a retired homeowner as a part of Oil Heat Cares. The nonprofit Oil Heat Cares assists needy...

Michigan.(regional news)(Safety King )(Report)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... The Detroit News reported Aug. 21 that Utica, Mich.-based Safety King is looking to expand in Michigan and throughout the United States. Company President Michael S. Palazzolo said new franchises will be known as DuctPro International and...

Minnesota.(regional news)(Uponor )
October 1, 2008... Radiant heating and cooling equipment manufacturer Uponor broke ground Aug. 12 on a 285,000-square-foot distribution center located in Lakeville, Minn. The new building, which will house Uponor's primary North American distribution...

Missouri.(regional news)
October 1, 2008... Atlas Sales & Rentals Inc., a distributor of portable air-conditioning equipment for the non-residential market, has added a new full-service office in Kansas City, Mo. Products offered include the complete line of MovinCool spot coolers...

Nevada.(regional news)
October 1, 2008... A 36-year-old sheet metal worker was hospitalized after a piece of metal fell on his neck and shoulder, according to an Aug. 20 article in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The worker was installing a metal enclosure on a first-floor...