A record number of people, close to 700, attended the 2016 AHRI Annual Meeting at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., November 13-15.
During the meeting, attendees heard from Keynote Speaker Charlie Cook, a renowned political analyst specializing in election forecasts and political trends. Cook shared his insights on the 2016 U.S. Election results.
Attendees of the first annual Professional Women’s Networking Breakfast also heard from Nadia Bilchik, President of Greater Impact Communication. Nadia gave a presentation titled, “Own Your Space – Maximize Your Influence,” focusing on personal anecdotes, tips, and techniques to maximize one’s personal and professional relationships.
In addition, AHRI honored its Immediate Past Chairman Doug Young, President and COO of Lennox International Residential Heating and Cooling, at the dinner-dance, and welcomed incoming Chairman Chris Drew, Executive Vice President of Burnham Holdings, Inc.
In his first remarks as chairman, Drew spoke of AHRI's need to improve relationships with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency and tell the industry's story of innovation and energy efficiency.
"We do not seek to gloat (over the presidential election results), but to effect positive change. And when everyone has a stake and everyone's voice is heard, we might be surprised at what we can accomplish," Drew said.
"They need to continue to be made aware of the steady innovation that has brought about the most energy-efficient heating, cooling, water heating and commercial refrigeration products the world has ever known. Our industry continues to develop, promote and manufacturer increasingly higher efficiency equipment. At the same time, we continue to provide consumers a number of coices in equipment types, each positioned to meet the broad array of needs found among today's customers.
"Being successful means working together as one industry, with one voice."
New Directory, Database and Certification Reporting System
During the opening session, there was a demonstration of the new NextGen Enhancement of the AHRI Certification Directory, Statistics Database, and Certification Reporting System (PowerPoint Presentation).
