John Murphy, formerly of J.E. Murphy Heating and Cooling in Windsor, Ontario, received the award in appreciation of his longstanding dedication to HRAI’s Contractors Division and the HVACR industry. Murphy became a member of the HRAI Contractors Division Board of Directors in 1999, moving through the executive ranks to become division chair in 2001 and served in that role until 2004 when he moved on to take on the role of chair of the HRAI board of directors until 2006. He was a longstanding volunteer and founding member with the Essex-Kent-Lambton Chapter and served as its president from 1990-2000. In recognition of his dedicated work at both the chapter and national levels, he was awarded the Gearld Inch Award for Chapter Leadership in 2007 and the HRAI Merit Award in 2008.

The Gerald Inch Award

This award recognizes the special efforts of volunteers who have been instrumental in keeping HRAI affiliated chapters and local/regional groups viable and meaningful to members.

Jim Wood of McKeown and Wood Fuels Ltd. in Napanee, Ontario, was the recipient of the 2011 Award. Wood has been the Loyalist chapter president since the chapter was formed. He has led a continuing effort to provide local HRAI members with current information on all trade and business related issues.

He actively participates in attracting youth to the HVACR trade by presenting at career days and job fairs and will continue to do so as an HRAI Career Connections Ambassador. He is a dedicated volunteer on the HRAI SKILLS Canada - Ontario Committee that annually operates the heating system technician competition, serving as a judge and donating his time to the elementary school showcase booth where he promotes the HVACR trade. In addition, he has been an active member on HRAI’s Ontario Regional Council, as well as representing HRAI on the CSA B139 Technical Committee.

Publication date: 09/26/2011