TUCSON, Ariz. - A customized program in which both contractors and wholesalers can increase profits was one of the initiatives highlighted by the leadership of the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society during RSES’ 73rd Annual Conference and HVACR Technology Expo.

The program, called RSES Contractor Development, contains classes in four main tracks - profit management, sales, installation, and service - “to create a durable and sustainable competitive advantage,” RSES Executive Vice President Mark Lowry told delegates at the society’s annual business meeting.

He said the intention is to allow participants to “develop a loyal customer base, increase referrals, reduce advertising expenses, develop an integrated company culture, ensure managed growth, and improve cash flow.”

SEMINARS AND COURSES

Another aspect of increasing services to the HVACR industry noted at the conference was a step up in seminars being offered to members and non-members. RSES Educational and Examining Board Chairman Roger Hensley said 2010 seminars included energy conservation, airflow, commercial packaged HVAC, electrical troubleshooting, residential HVAC system design, residential heat pump systems, and building automation, some offered several times. “Planning is currently underway for the spring 2011 schedule,” Hensley said.

He also noted a range of RSES training courses encompassing various levels of RAC, electricity, heating, and controls that have been going on for many years with plans to now allow for more online testing. “Development is underway, processes are being set up, and online testing should be available in early 2011,” he said.

Yet another focus is development of what Hensley called “green courseware.” He said, “We are in the process of negotiations for the development of three titles: Electronically Commutated Motors, Energy Conservation, and Geothermal Systems.” The goal, he said, is to have the three ready by September 2011.

E-BOOKS

In his address to delegates, Lowry noted an effort to put all RSES publications online for ordering either in print form or “to be downloaded immediately.” He also noted growing relationships with other associations including:

• National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) in creating a mutual speakers bureau;

• The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) to partner with for seminars and related activities;

• Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) which includes a contractor development partnership and sustaining membership for RSES.

• The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) with the HVACR and Plumbing Instructors Workshop;

• Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) in which its Quality Standards information is available to RSES members free online;

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE) with RSES training program for the taking of NATE exams.

PROCEDURES

In an effort to be more effective in serving members and the industry - under a theme of Rebuilding RSES - delegates approved a number of bylaw changes that allow for a reduction in the number of regional directors and for more telephone and e-mail decision making.

“We are looking forward to seeing the results from the steps we are taking. I believe things look very promising,” Lowry said.

PERSONNEL

In the election of officers, Robert Sherman of Riverside, Calif., was elected international president. He is retired from a career in facilities maintenance in Riverside and has been active in RSES since 1972.

Member of the Year honors went to Paul Getejanc of Washington, Mich., who works for the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Mich. His membership in RSES goes back to 1994.

Sidebar: RSES Honors Announced

TUCSON, Ariz. - At the 73rd Refrigeration Service Engineers Society Annual Conference in Tucson, Ariz., the Distinguished Service Member of the Year Award went to Paul M. Getejanc of the Greater Detroit Chapter, with the award sponsored by Superior Refrigeration Products, Sherwood Valve/Harsco Corp. Getejanc was recognized “for outstanding contributions to RSES and the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry in areas of education, public relations, safety and society growth,” according to a statement from RSES.

The Walter B. Stopera Speaker of the Year Award is given to an individual who has been recognized by the RSES membership as having provided outstanding educational presentations. Paul Friemel, P.E., of Cooper Bussmann Inc., was the 2010 winner of the award, which was sponsored by the RSES Garden State Chapter, Newark, N.J.

The Most Educational Exhibit Award recognizes the exhibitor whose booth/table provides the best learning experience to its viewers. Each exhibit is judged on overall appearance of booth/table, educational value, and exhibitor responsiveness to attendees. The 2010 award was presented to Genteq, a division of Regal-Beloit Corp., during the HVACR Technology Expo.

Publication date: 12/20/2010