ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) is inviting its member companies to Washington, D.C., on April 5-6, 2005, to participate in the Second Annual ARI Cool Connections Public Policy Symposium.

According to ARI, the symposium is intended to strengthen understanding of the critical issues facing the HVACR industry while facilitating the development of personal relationships with elected officials.

The symposium is an opportunity to discuss issues of importance with key decision makers and will culminate with private meetings for members to express their views directly to lawmakers.

The symposium is scheduled to begin with an afternoon briefing on Tuesday, April 5, on some of the HVACR industry's most important issues. During an evening reception, Congressman Ralph Hall (R-Texas), Chairman of House Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, and the senior most member of the full committee, has been invited to speak to ARI members.

On Wednesday, April 6, Sens. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), and Barack Obama (D-Ill.) have been invited to discuss the challenges facing the 109th Congress. Later that morning, ARI members will be visiting their own senators and representatives to discuss industry issues.

For a complete schedule of events, contact Deborah E. Miller, ARI's vice president of Government and International Affairs, at demiller@ari.org or visit the ARI Web site at www.ari.org.

Publication date: 02/07/2005