ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has embarked on a bipartisan program with the launch of a new Web site designed to encourage members of the HVACR industry to participate in the upcoming 2004 elections.

According to ARI, the new online resource (www.voteforbusiness.com/portal/ari/asp) will provide ARI members and guests with the ability to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and educate themselves on state and federal candidates.

"This program will allow our industry to be heard on key industry issues on state and federal levels," said David Pannier, ARI board of directors chairman. "Voting is a sacred right that many of us take for granted. So many people throughout the world cannot cast a meaningful ballot ... but we can and should."

ARI also believes that statistics compiled by the Chamber of Commerce shows that ARI members and their employees can have an impact on this year's elections. A year 2000 poll showed that over 19 million white-collar workers did not vote. Additionally, all employees are beginning to recognize that their futures are tied to governmental policies that affect their companies.

"This year we also are encouraging our membership to contact their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., to ask for their support on two key issues - continued federal funding for our industry's 21st Century Research program and for technical education under the Perkins Education Act," said Pannier.

Publication date: 04/26/2004