How do you respond when you get knocked down in life? If you need some inspiration, let me tell you about Joe Groh.

Energy, efficiency, and economics were the key topics at the 13th Danfoss EnVisioneering Symposium held in Washington, D.C., recently at the Russell Senate Office Building. It was appropriate that Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) keynoted the event as he is the Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

I know a guy named Joe and I was planning to write a classified ad for him. However, before I do, I have to tell you about a small company in West Texas.

Ccontractors should seize the day and reposition their companies to recruit young people, and to appeal to highly skilled workers. We need to tell the working world (and school counselors) that we are a stable, recession-proof industry with lots of new technology products and lots of opportunity.

Representatives from 50 member companies attended the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., to receive updates on energy and jobs legislation moving through Congress, and to make personal visits to members of the Senate and House.

WaterFurnace dealers and distributors were treated to new products, new programs, and predictions of a great sales year at the company’s annual sales meeting in Phoenix. President and CEO Tom Huntington predicted a “mixed bag” for the overall economy but said “2010 will be a great year” for WaterFurnace dealers and distributors.

When I was walking the aisles of the International Builders Show in Las Vegas I noticed two things. First, I toured the show in a lot less time than in past years. Secondly, there was one exhibitor product category that was on the rise.

I’ve been in this industry longer than most. How long? I started reading The NEWS in 1970 when I joined Rheem in Chicago as the sales promotion manager for the Air Conditioning Division. I left for a couple of stretches to see if the grass was greener, but somehow I always came back. Why? A lot had to do with the people.

I always thought that air conditioning was good for the economy and good for America. Now along comes someone who blames air conditioning for REPUBLICANS!