Change is inevitable. Embracing change is a choice. As the global marketplace restructures to compensate for new laws, natural resource shortages, and financial challenges, each industry finds itself faced with a choice to broaden its horizons or continue with business as usual. Unfortunately, business as usual is no longer a viable plan for success and business leaders are compelled to find creative ways to remain profitable and relevant.

In a final salute to 2008, The NEWS has selected seven high-profile industry leaders who have committed themselves and their businesses to embracing change. The stories in this issue highlight a group of individuals who spent this past year leading the charge of industry evolution at both the local and national levels.

All of them have one thing in common — they are looking forward. Despite the uncertainty of 2009, each Newsmaker stands to be, “A voice of calm, a voice of reason, and a voice of strategy…” in the year to come.

For the full story on our Top Newsmakers of 2008 — Stephen Yurek, president of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); Jack Klimp, CEO of the AHRI; Ray Isaac, president of Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning; JR Jones, president and CEO of Rheem Manufacturing Co; Thomas Bettcher, chairman of Emerson Climate Technologies; Edgar Purvis Jr., executive vice president of Emerson Climate Technologies; and John B. (“Jack”) Wilhelmi, president of Waldinger Corp. — see the following feature articles in this issue:

• Leaders Unite Their Two Associations

• Ray Isaac Caps a Whirlwind Year

• Leadership Marks Dynamic Changes

• Duo Leads Emerson Climate Technologies

• Enthusiastic About Education

Sidebar: Find Out the Top Stories of 2008

The year 2008 has been an exciting one for the HVAC industry. Now that you know who the Top Newsmakers of 2008 are, find out the Top Stories of 2008. The NEWS poured over the 2008 issues to establish the top six stories of the year. Everything from green and sustainable building to new legislation enacted. To see the Top Stories of 2008, click here.

Publication date: 12/22/2008