Articles by Barbara A. Checket-Hanks

Big business succumbs to class action lawsuit.

People for the Week:

Many contractors say that character comes first when hiring new technicians, as long as the candidate has a mechanical aptitude.

Bad airflow design leads to poor operation and an early death.

In what has become almost a seasonal tradition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel-burning appliances, including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, gas water heaters, and space heaters.

Sears may turn to this new program for certifying its subcontractors’ techs.

In this day and age, it’s hard to believe that some contractors hesitate to train their technicians.

This union set up a creative use for its training fund.

If your contracting company is doing the right things — maintaining personal contact with customers, providing prompt, accurate service, following up to make sure customers are satisfied, and generally listening to their needs — then your company is strong, and will survive most any competitive wind that blows your way.

In all the national news broadcasts, newspaper reports, Net news, and even on “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” gene mapping has been discussed in terms of scientific breakthroughs, medical miracles, sexuality, job discrimination, and designer babies.