At the 68th annual meeting of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA), president Evan Gaddis (right) noted in his opening speech that the association is financially sound and vibrant. The event, held on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, drew hundreds of members for three days of division and group meetings, along with some golfing and tennis in between. Two of the featured speakers included General Kevin P. Byrnes, commanding general for the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Harold D. Stratton Jr., chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Earning 2003 Meritorious Service Awards were Brett Austin, chairman of the Direct Heating Division; Robert Ramistella, chairman of the Hydronics Institute Division; and James T. VerShaw, chairman of the Furnace Division. For building lasting relations with elected officials, Lennox, Nordyne, and ECR International Inc., Utica Division each received a 2003 Political Achievement Award.

Publication date: 07/14/2003