The Fluke Corp. recently welcomed 80 individuals, including trade press editors from six countries, to its Everett, Wash., headquarters for its 2012 press summit. What did attendees see and learn during their visit?

Weldon Long was once a poverty-stricken drug addict caged behind bars with no hope. Today, just seven years removed from his last prison term, Long, 48, is a successful HVAC contractor, motivational speaker, author, and sales trainer. He built his empire on personal responsibility and proven sales tactics.

Starting Sept. 1, 2012, all residential boilers must be manufactured to meet new minimum federal efficiency standards. Residential gas hot water boilers must meet 82 percent AFUE; gas steam boilers, 80 percent; oil hot water boilers, 84 percent; and oil steam boilers, 82 percent.

A number of the industry’s certification and accrediting organizations are busy crafting training programs that will define the industry’s next generation. Many are quick to acknowledge that technology is, and will continue to be, the leading factor guiding present and future development.

According to HVAC Excellence, 65.6 percent of service technicians in the HVACR industry will not be in the industry in eight years. The next generation is now in the classroom learning skills to match the demands of the market, and there is a growing sense of the need to recruit those who will serve as the technicians of the future.

Should a state-endorsed apprenticeship council be allowed to limit the number of training programs, and their locations, within a certain state? Is this power unconstitutional? That question will soon come before a judge in the state of California.

Numerous associations, institutions, and organizations offer accreditation and certification across the many sectors of the HVACR industry. For technicians, certification classifies a worker as a top performer. The same holds true for accredited HVACR associations, schools, and training programs.

The staff at MM Comfort Systems has been providing heating and cooling solutions in the greater Seattle area for more than 35 years. What is it about this company that sets them apart from other contractors?

More than a year since its introduction, could Congress finally be ready to vote on S. 1000, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (ESICA) of 2011?