FORT WAYNE, Ind. - More than 400 WaterFurnace International Inc. dealers, distributors, and employees from North America gathered in San Antonio, Texas, as the company hosted its 26th annual national sales meeting.

“Our annual sales meetings provide the company with another opportunity to support our dealers and distributors,” said Phil Albertson, WaterFurnace vice president, sales and marketing. “We use this time to exchange ideas and experiences while providing important information about products, software, and marketing tools that will help dealers and distributors more effectively sell, install, and service geothermal systems in the field.”

The first session in the two-day event provided instruction in the company’s Commercial Ground Loop Design software. This versatile software tool assists trained geothermal HVAC designers and consulting engineers to determine the appropriate ground loop required to meet the designed equipment load.

“We also demonstrated software that generates economic analyses designed to help customers understand the financial benefits of installing a geothermal system,” noted Albertson. “Our goal is to support customers in the field with tools like these that provide information critical to the sales and installation processes.” In addition to information about new and existing products, the meeting agenda included a state of the industry report and the presentation of annual sales awards. “WaterFurnace has experienced incredible growth during the past five years,” said Albertson. “These awards recognize the contributions our distributors and dealers have made to that success during the past year.”

Distributor of the Year honors went to Eden Energy Equipment, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Dealer sales awards included Outstanding Sales, presented to Peters Heating & Air Conditioning, Hamilton, Ill., and Top Sales for a single location, presented to J. K. Mechanical Inc., Willow Street, Pa. A complete list of award winners is available on the company’s Website.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize the retirement and honor the accomplishments of former WaterFurnace CEO Bruce Ritchey. The tribute included a video montage that highlighted Ritchey’s service to WaterFurnace and to the geothermal industry.

“During his 10-year tenure at WaterFurnace, Bruce guided the company through a tremendous period of growth,” said Tim Shields, chairman of the board of WaterFurnace. “This success, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of the geothermal industry and his tremendous leadership skills have positioned the company very well for a future of continued growth.”

For more information, visit www.waterfurnace.com.

Publication date: 08/10/2009