FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Rheem Air Conditioning Division played host to some key Rheem and Ruud distributors and about 156 professional golfers as the Nationwide Tour stopped in Ft. Smith for the “Rheem Classic,” held April 23-27. The first place check of $85,500 went to Zach Johnson of Orlando, Fla. Johnson was tied with Steve Haskins of El Paso, Texas, after 72 holes at 8 under par. Johnson proceeded to par No. 18 on the first playoff hole to claim the victory.

Rheem kicked off the tournament week with a special distributor meeting on April 22, followed by a pro/am golf tournament at Hardscrabble Country Club on April 23.

Rheem Division President J.R. Jones said the Rheem Classic was a prime example of a new presence for Rheem in the marketplace and in the community. Jones told the distributor group, “The No. 1 objective is to grow market share, and our success is dependent on our level of partnership.”

Dan Canclini, vice president, research and development, described the company’s new direction in product development, saying, “Where do we go from here? Products, products, and more products.” He outlined five major product line changes, including two-stage 90-plus furnaces (due in fall 2003), residential air conditioning units (winter 2003), 10- and 12-SEER products (spring 2004), residential packaged products (summer 2004), and direct-vent 80-plus furnaces (fall 2004).