The contracting firms that participated in the latest Masters of the Game conference, held Nov. 3-5 at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas, came to learn more about generation succession, how to go about it, the steps necessary to make it happen, and how to handle family-owned business issues.

I am not going to make this long. Reason? I have to watch a turkey in the oven. (If it burns, I am in deep trouble.)

President-elect Barrack Obama’s transition team has already started its work, and in Congress, new leadership will be elected soon. What can we expect from the new administration and a new Congress on an energy efficiency policy?

According to one association executive, the difference between a profitable contractor and a less-than-profitable one is that the former has a passion for both learning and sharing.

Enrollment at the UA Local 447 Apprenticeship program in Sacramento, Calif., has grown over the years, due in part to the reputation of one of its instructors, Pat Myers. Myers loves to teach. Even though he has been teaching the trade for 22 years and has been a part of the industry for 32 years, it is still a thrill for the soft-spoken instructor

Teaching was one of those things Richard Hoke thought he’d just dabble in. “I just thought I’d do it for a few years …” began the maintenance superintendent for the city of Elgin, Ill., before his voice trailed off. Eighteen years later, Hoke is still dabbling. And, enjoying the ride. By day he may be employed by the city, but evenings Hoke is teaching at Elgin Community College.

There isn’t much Floyd “Butch” Azbell will not attempt in the classroom, especially if it means helping one of his high school students understand class material or possibly pursue a career in the HVACR industry. It’s one of many reasons why Azbell is The NEWS’ 2008 Best Instructor of the Year.

Mark Nunnelly will be the first to tell you there are no guarantees to yield a zero mold growth in a health care facility. As the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers’ (ASHRAE’s) HVAC Design Manual for Hospitals and Clinics states, “health care facilities are environments of controlled hazards.”

John McCain certainly put Joe the Plumber in the limelight. Too bad he didn’t single out an HVACR contractor during the debates. Then again, what would he have called him - or her? Joe HVACR?

The economy is going down the toilet. Or, so you hear every time you turn on the radio. Or listen to the TV news. Or read the newspaper.