Those were the words 2001-02 chairman Steve McLeod used to open the annual conference of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), held here recently.

“Even before Sept. 11, the effects of a tough economy were being felt,” he told some 950 attendees. “But the evidence of our strength can be seen in the number of companies you will see represented in our exhibit hall and the number of people who are here in this room this morning. Your presence here demonstrates the strength of our industry and the commitment to ammonia refrigeration technology.”

He said the turnout of exhibitors and attendees was on par with past conferences.

McLeod, who is president of the Canadian company Cimco, cited the growth of IIAR since its founding in 1971. There were 48 members in the beginning and 1,400 today. Members include manufacturers, designers, installers, service contractors, operators, and instructors.

“Because we represent the total cross-section of our industry, IIAR is recognized around the world as the authoritative source of information on ammonia refrigeration,” he said.

The increasing interest worldwide in the use of CO2 as a refrigerant has caused IIAR to create a CO2/NH3 Committee. McLeod said the committee “is charged with developing and disseminating information on the use of ammonia and carbon dioxide.” Included in that project is a willingness “to assist in commercialization of the technology.” (For more information on CO2 at the IIAR meeting, see the article on page 32.)

Among the many aspects of the association’s involvement in government relations are those tied to the food industry, McLeod said.

“Food industry groups rely on IIAR for information about ammonia refrigeration. The Government Relations Committee has developed an advocacy program to increase the pressure and influence of IIAR in the environmental, health, and safety public policy arenas.”

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