Indie Energy Systems Co. LLC announced that it has been awarded funding by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the continued development of the company’s smart geothermal technologies for commercial and public buildings.

ICOR International Inc. has announced the launch of a new blog site called HVAC Country (www.hvaccountry.com). The site allows users to discuss topics related to the HVACR industry, including climate change legislation and the HFC phaseout.

Richard Northrup, executive vice president of the Michigan Chapter–Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) in Haslett, Mich., received the Petersen-Dunn Award for Chapter Executive of the Year at SMACNA’s 66th annual convention.

Tencarva Machinery Co. moved up to 57th from 59th in Business North Carolina’s 2009 “North Carolina 100” ranking of the largest privately owned companies headquartered in the state.

Wilo USA announced that it has hired two new district sales managers to keep pace with the demand for its pump technology, including the “Smart Pumps” Stratos and Stratos-ECO circulators.

Tom Homan, president of Allied Supply Co., has announced the opening of a new downtown Cincinnati location at 707 Carr St. The new HVACR wholesale distribution facility is set to begin operating on Oct. 12, with a grand opening event set for Oct. 29.

DTE Energy has announced that it will hold a series of free energy efficiency seminars around the Detroit metro area to help small and medium-size businesses learn practical ways to reduce their energy costs.

The Fredericktown R-I School District in Fredericktown, Mo., is implementing $3.4 million in facility enhancements designed to improve operations, comfort, and efficiency in its high school building. The work will be completed as a performance contract and it is estimated it will reduce utility costs by $30,000 annually.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which provides independent product safety certifications for manufacturers worldwide, has conducted a Data Acceptance Program (DAP) audit at Regal Beloit’s Fort Wayne, Ind., Development Lab facility and has granted the laboratory Client Test Data Program (CTDP) certification.

In response to significant growth in the Illinois market, mechanical contractor Murphy Company announced that it has opened a new office in Fairview Heights, Ill. Tom Hegger, vice president of the Quick Response Group, heads the new office.