A look back and a look forward is how Trane is celebrating a century in the HVAC business this year. In addition to multiple employee-celebration events across the country, Trane invited members of the trade press to tour its facilities in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently.

The different sectors of the HVAC industry oftentimes are criticized for not working together. And while that may be true in some cases, close to 30 HVAC leaders team up each year in Arlington, Va., to identify solutions for some of the industry’s biggest problems.

I tend to pull for the little guy. And if you get that little guy fighting the government, well I am as excited as Lindsay Lohan at an open bar. However, eventually Dr. Drew needs to step in and put an end to the madness.

My last few weeks have been spent working on white papers with some of the biggest mechanical contractors in the country in preparation for the Mechanical Xchange, which happens each September.

Chillers are complex pieces of equipment and a lot of training and education is needed to keep contractors on the top of their games when dealing with this equipment. 

Based on our economic situation and the tough business world it might be a long shot for a company to last 10 years or 10 months. Sure, you might be at the top of your game and market this year, but where will you be in five, 10, or 40 years? 

The event included speakers, new product launches, and a well-attended tradeshow. 

More than 2,500 HVAC professionals traveled to the 2013 Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Conference and Indoor Air Expo in Florida to learn about new technology, business management tips, and industry trends.