Gas prices across the nation have been on a steep upward trend, and the end of price hikes is not yet in sight. From mid-February to the first week in March, national average gas prices rose $0.33. By the middle of March, AAA reported that the national average price for a gallon of regular gas was approximately $3.553 and diesel was $3.93.
March Madness college basketball showdowns start this week. Fat Tuesday has passed. An hour was lost to Daylight Savings Time. St. Patrick’s Day is on the horizon. And, the Dealer Design Awards program has begun. It is open season on one of the HVAC industry’s more sought-after prizes, the DD.
Step aside green and make room for sustainable. Although arguably much the same, these two terms are jockeying for a prominent place in the HVACR contractor’s approach to the design, installation, and repair of HVAC systems as a whole. The resulting terminology war is launching another term into the green theater - high performance.
Changing
the way people do business can be like trying to shave a lion’s mane with a
disposable razor. It’s difficult, messy, and someone is going to get hurt. The
image is a little extreme, but it seems that this is how many contractors view
adding new technology to their businesses. Apple’s latest technology - the iPad
- is no exception.
Criminal behavior and running from the law are likely the furthest things from the mind of the everyday HVACR contractor or technician. It is important, however, that these individuals understand the responsibilities inherent to those who work with what is classed as hazardous materials and greenhouse gases.
Committed. Caring. Trustworthy. Family. These are the words that Donley Service Center employees use to describe the company. Taking that trust and respect to the next level of uncompromising integrity, however, sets the firm apart as The NEWS’ 2010 Best Contractor to Work For winner in the Western region.
From the government to the Disney Channel, an overall message of energy efficiency is being pounded through the airwaves and television sets of the standard American consumer. It has reached a level that echoes the greenwashing epidemic from which Americans have yet to recover.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is predicting continued recovery for 2011. So is Ben Bernanke, chairman of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System, and so are many of the contractors with whom The NEWS discussed 2011 predictions late last year. These contractors offer economic and industry predictions, as well as business tips for first quarter 2011.
Forget resolutions, behavior changes, and the
things you stress about on a consistent basis. It is time to relax and refocus.
I am not talking about lazing on a beach with a self-help book and an umbrella
drink.
“We thought of the name and the message to the public before we ever started the organization.” These are the words of 2010 NEWSmaker Jim Abrams, CEO of Clockwork Home Services®. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Abrams has stood steady at the helm of Clockwork through 2010’s game-changing achievements.
