Many have come to the defense of the nation since 9/11, but when they return from military service, they can have difficulty finding employment. The president has announced new initiatives to help returning military veterans find jobs.

Most small business owners around the country do not plan to hire due to the uncertain economic outlook. Parts of the HVAC industry seem to be trending in the opposite direction, however, as many contractors say they are planning to hire over the next 12 months.

Greensboro, N.C.-based Brady, a company that provides energy systems for commercial and industrial facilities across North Carolina, has made a number of announcements concerning new hires.

Contractors point at high school guidance counselors, ill-informed parents, and the lack of positive industry PR as obstacles they face in hiring top-notch talent. Instead of complaining about things you really have no control over, contractors need to roll up their sleeves and overcome those obstacles.

Greensboro, N.C.-based Brady has announced a number of personnel appointments.

These comments all concern applicants disqualifying themselves by not following simple instructions.

Recognizing the depth of consumer concern and its potential impact on their business, many service contractors have initiated employee screening processes to avoid hiring staff who may be convicted felons or registered sex offenders. These are generally described within the HVAC industry as safe hiring programs.

FMI, provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, announced the release of its 2012 first quarter Nonresidential Construction Index (NRCI) report. The NRCI gained 7.8 points over last quarter to 58.1 this quarter.

Jasper Air, a division of Jasper Contractors Inc, has announced new openings in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, bringing 50 jobs to the state of Louisiana. In early 2011, the heating and cooling division launched in Phoenix and eventually plans to expand throughout the United States.

Bitzer hires regional sales manager; Mitsubishi names commercial area manager; Xylem announces Standard Xchange will be name of its industrial heat transfer brand.