An HVAC construction wholesalers group says its 2016 lobbying event was a success.

The Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International says its May 24-25 “congressional fly-in” brought a record number of representatives from member companies to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers and discuss industry issues.

“The Congressional Fly-In is one of the most direct ways we can influence change,” said Jon Melchi, HARDI’s vice president of government affairs and business development. “Few things are as effective as getting face-to-face with our country’s leaders and shedding light on how certain policies will affect many businesses and their employees. The fly-in ensures that our industry is heard on these key issues.”

Issues discussed by members included overtime regulations, online sales taxes, geothermal green HVAC tax credits and accounting practices.

The association presented two representatives with HARDI’s Small Business Champion Award: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.).