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Congratulations are in order for Charles “Chuck” White, vice president of technical and code services for PHCC and president of Repairs Inc. NATE awarded White the seventh annual Golden Toolbox Award.

“This award is a tremendous honor, and I take great pride in receiving this recognition from NATE,” said White. “My goal is to use my experience to help maintain the integrity of this industry, and I support NATE certification because it provides an ideal platform for verifying the knowledge and expertise of HVAC/R technicians.”
Presented at Mechanical Systems Week in Schaumburg, Ill., the award recognizes an industry professional who demonstrates outstanding service, support, and advocacy for technician certification.

White, who began his career as a technician in 1978, has extensive industry experience. He is NATE-certified in three service categories and three installation categories, and he has been an active member of NATE’s Technical Committee since 2002.

“We’re thrilled to present Chuck White with this year’s Golden Toolbox Award,” said Don Frendberg, chairman of the NATE board of directors. “He has demonstrated his dedication to the NATE mission of promoting industry excellence through his own certification achievements and his work to uphold the high standards of NATE testing as part of the Technical Committee.”

For more information about NATE certification, visit www.natex.org.

NATE honored three technicians at this year’s Mechanical Systems Week in Schaumburg, Ill. The featured technicians were selected based on their commitment to excellence through NATE certification.

The following technicians were spotlighted at the NATE booth during the show:

Jevaris Pettis of Midwest Technical Institute is certified in six NATE specialties. As an HVAC/Major Appliance Repair lead instructor, he shares his extensive industry experience with his students and inspires them to strive for NATE certification. He also owns and operates J.L.P.’s Heating and Cooling and Major Appliance Repair Services.

Phil Parker of Hawthorn Heating and Air Conditioning is a senior service technician who has been NATE-certified for nine years. He holds two certifications and values the opportunity to showcase his skills and knowledge through NATE certification.

Terry Maney of Tradewinds Heating and Air Conditioning is a field service supervisor with NATE certification in two specialties. He maintains his certification to prove that he is up-to-date on the latest industry advancements and competent in offering his customers the highest level of service.

In addition to being honored by NATE, these three industry professionals also received an anodized aluminum manifold with hoses from CPS Products, a manufacturer of tools and test equipment used in the HVACR industry.

G.W. Berkheimer, which partnered with NATE to offer testing during Mechanical Systems Week, also had representation at the NATE booth. Troy Rybicki, who is manager of technical training and NATE-certified in multiple specialties, and Robert Turman, branch manager of the McHenry, Illinois, location, both helped to represent NATE at the show.

“It was an honor to recognize these three outstanding technicians,” said Dana Anaman, manager of Marketing and Communications for NATE. “Each and every one of them has clearly demonstrated their understanding of the importance of elevating the industry through NATE certification, and we sincerely appreciate their commitment to excellence.”

Are you working your way through NATE resources and information? We’ve made it easier for you to quickly access just the information you need.

• Training Locations helps you find the closest training location available for both the United States and Canada.
• NATE Study Materials help you get ready for test day.
• HVACR Resources give you quick access to trade publications and news and events that affect your profession.
• NATE Forms and Documents provide all official applications and handbooks to take or administer testing and training, including information on Veteran’s Assistances and Americans with Disabilities, as well as the NATE Logo request form.

At the 2012 Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) Annual Conference, four NATE awards were given to HARDI members, recognizing the outstanding efforts of HARDI distributors in promoting technician certification and the advancement of the HVACR industry.

The 2012 Top Certifier of NATE technicians went to Mingledorff’s Inc. and was accepted by Mingledorff’s President, Bud Mingledorff. The company was honored with this award for being the HARDI distributor who certified the most technicians since last year’s HARDI conference.

“In the past, the awards recognized our partners’ efforts by the number of exams given by the respective organizations. This year it was changed to reflect the number of technicians actually certified, which is more realistic since many technicians hold multiple certifications,” said Don Frendberg, NATE chairman.

HARDI’s 2012 Single Location Top Certifier of NATE technicians went to Johnstone Supply in Denver, for being the member location certifying the most technicians, with 138 people certified. The award was accepted by Johnstone Supply President, Rick Hull.
Virginia Air Distributors, with 57 technicians certified, received the award for being the HARDI distributor with the most improvement in the number of technician certifications in the past year.

The 2012 Rising Star Award was given to S. G. Torrice Co., the HARDI distributor with the greatest improvement in technician certifications in the past year.

“The awards are presented in the form of banners, which the recipients can hang in their businesses and won’t only be for recognizing their accomplishments, the banners further drive interest of their customers in technician certification,” said Frendberg.

The 15th anniversary party is still rocking and there is still time to celebrate and get 15 percent off of all NATE merchandise including apparel, hats, chevrons, patches, decals, and accessories through Dec. 31, 2012.

“Over the past 15 years, NATE has been committed to elevating the industry by certifying technician excellence,” said Don Frendberg, chairman of the NATE board of directors. “NATE is the only certification organization developed and supported by the entire HVACR industry, and our ongoing efforts will ensure continual quality service and installation.”

To purchase discounted NATE merchandise, visit the NATE Store and use the promo code “15ANN.”

NATE Tip #1: Track Your Progress

NATE would like to help you assess your certification progress and get you complete and up-to-date. Take the survey and then let NATE know what they can do to help.
For more information, contact DAnaman@natex.org.

NATE Tip #2: Brag About Your Success

You’ve done the hard work to become NATE certified and now it is time to let your customers know. Head to www.natex.org and click on the “Partners & Testing” tab at the top. Move down the list and click on “Resource Center.” There you will find nine resources and a downloadable video to help you professionally brag on the NATE certifications that set you apart from the competition. New marketing materials will be added. Be sure to check back often!

NATE Tip #3: Keep in Touch

It is important to keep all of your personal information current with NATE including your email, home address, and employer information. If you don’t update your employer information when you switch jobs, you can’t be approved for the consumer contractor technician listing.
To update your information, log on to www.natetesting.com, click “Candidates” and use your NATE ID and PIN or log in with your MyNATE username and password.

Technicians
To find a NATE testing organization
 
To find NATE training resources
 
Information on NATE recertification
 
Contractors
To sign up for the free NATE contractor locator as featured on
www.hvacradvice.com click here
 
To update your listing (recommended at least twice a year) click here
 
To visit the NATE consumer web site http://www.hvacradvice.com

We hope you’re enjoying your subscription to The NEWS. Visit us online at www.achrnews.com for daily news updates and the latest product information.

North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2012 by offering 15 percent off of all NATE merchandise including apparel, hats, chevrons, patches, decals, and accessories through Dec. 31, 2012.

As the nation’s largest industry-endorsed, non-profit certification organization for HVACR technicians, NATE reports an ever-increasing number of industry professionals recognizing the value of its certification. Currently, nearly 30,000 technicians hold an active NATE certification, with 20 percent of these technicians holding multiple certifications. According to the certification organization, NATE was created by the HVACR industry and has thrived as a result of ongoing support from all areas of the industry including manufacturers, distributors, contractors, technicians, educators, and utilities.

“Over the past 15 years, NATE has been committed to elevating the industry by certifying technician excellence,” said Don Frendberg, chairman of the NATE Board of Trustees. “NATE is the only certification organization developed and supported by the entire HVACR industry, and our ongoing efforts will ensure continual quality service and installation.”

To purchase discounted NATE merchandise, visit the NATE Store and use the promo code “15ANN.”

NATE would like your feedback on certification and recertification. Take the survey and then let NATE know what they can do to help.

For more information, contact DAnaman@natex.org.

Looking for a new way to advertise your NATE certification to the consumer? With a little help from NBC, consumer awareness of NATE certification continues to grow. A “Today” Show segment contributed to the ever-increasing numbers of homeowners who understand the importance of working with NATE-certified technicians.

The feature, which aired in July, focused on the competency and honesty of a/c technicians. Using a hidden camera to monitor the servicing of an a/c unit at a New Jersey residence, Jeff Rossen of NBC’s Rossen Reports assessed several area companies. Although the a/c system was fully functional with the exception of a simple broken wire, all six companies that inspected the unit attempted to charge the homeowner for unnecessary repairs.

While the findings of the hidden camera test are disturbing for the HVACR industry, the segment and corresponding article encouraged homeowners to hire one of the country’s countless trustworthy a/c companies. One of the key suggestions for finding a trained and competent professional was to use the contractor locator on NATE’s consumer website.

“Although the subject matter of this segment is alarming, this issue is the background for why NATE exists – to verify the competency and conduct of NATE-certified technicians and consequently the air conditioning contractors who employ them,” explained Don Frendberg, chairman of the NATE Board of Trustees. “As we continue our consumer awareness efforts, which are designed to help elevate the industry, we hope to educate as many homeowners as we can about the importance of working with qualified contractors who employ NATE-certified technicians.”

Watch the segment here.

You’ve done the hard work to become NATE certified and now it is time to let your customers know. Head to www.natex.org and click on the “Resource Center” tab at the top. Move down the list and click on “Marketing Materials.” There you will find eight resources and a downloadable video to help you professionally brag on the NATE certifications that set you apart from the competition. New marketing materials will be added in the coming months as well. Be sure to check back often!

Denny Smith, Ph.D., is the new director of certification at NATE. Selected by the board of trustees and a selection committee, Smith will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of NATE testing and certification. His primary responsibility will be leading the evaluation, development, and modification of NATE exams, ensuring they are always valid, reliable, and up-to-date as the industry evolves and technology changes. As part of this role, Smith will be NATE’s staff liaison on the NATE technical committee, which is comprised of more than 20 appointed industry professionals and over 70 subject matter experts who volunteer their time to collaborate on the exam development process.

Prior to joining the NATE team, Smith served as president and CEO of Certified Fund Raising Executives International, an organization dedicated to the certification of international fundraising executives. He also held previous roles at Pearson, the largest testing and assessment provider in the United States; the Financial Planning Standards Board, an association focused on certification of financial planners worldwide; and Project Management Institute, which offers global certification for project managers. Throughout his career, Smith has gained extensive expertise in ANSI/ISO/IEC assessment practices, exam development, psychometric analysis, volunteer engagement, and certification from a global perspective.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Denny as our new director of certification,” said the NATE Board of Trustees. “His experience makes him an ideal candidate for this position, and we’re confident that he will be a valuable addition to the NATE team.”

For more information, visit www.natex.org.

It is important to keep all of your personal information current with NATE including your email, home address, and employer information. This is how we stay in contact, and inform you of new information pertaining to NATE. If you don’t update your employer information when you switch jobs, you can’t be approved for the consumer contractor technician listing. The NATE certification belongs to you, so make sure you update your information to take full advantage of it.

To update your information, log on to www.natetesting.com, click “Candidates” and use your NATE ID and PIN or log in with your MyNATE username and password.

It’s important to keep your NATE certification up to date and to continue working towards new certifications. To help, NATE recently offered "Testing Center" and "Training Center" decals to all of its partners. The organization is encouraging contractors and technicians to keep an eye out for the NATE decals to find testing and training organizations in their areas.

"Our goal is to help connect interested contractors and technicians with NATE-affiliated organizations," said NATE.

Make sure you look for an organization displaying the decal today!

Technicians
To find a NATE testing organization
 
To find NATE training resources
 
Information on NATE recertification
 
Contractors
To sign up for the free NATE contractor locator as featured on
www.hvacradvice.com click here
 
To update your listing (recommended at least twice a year) click here
 
To visit the NATE consumer web site http://www.hvacradvice.com

We hope you’re enjoying your subscription to The NEWS. Visit us online at www.achrnews.com for daily news updates and the latest product information.

NATE is continuing its efforts to educate homeowners about the importance of selecting contractors who hire NATE-certified technicians. Initially launched in 2011, this consumer awareness campaign primarily focuses on educating consumers about NATE through national network radio advertisements, which are currently underway on a mix of news, sports, and entertainment programs. In addition to these radio spots, NATE is also partnering with industry manufacturers who are including NATE in their own ads to help spread the word about the quality assurance offered by NATE certification.

The ad campaign continues in 2012 as ads are strategically scheduled to air during the spring and fall, reaching homeowners when they are beginning to think about preparing their air conditioning and heating systems, respectively. The message of the radio spots explains that NATE certification offers consumer protection and peace-of-mind, driving listeners to the NATE consumer website (www.hvacradvice.com) to find a qualified contractor in their area.

What’s in it for YOU?

In addition to its increased consumer awareness efforts, NATE is also implementing a variety of other marketing initiatives in 2012. For example, NATE is introducing an expanded offering of marketing materials for contractors and other partners to help them promote their affiliation with NATE. From a brochure about the benefits of working with NATE-certified technicians that contractors can leave with prospective customers, to radio ads and online materials that qualified contractors can utilize to highlight their NATE-certified technicians, NATE is providing a wealth of new tools and resources for its contractor partners. In addition, NATE is also offering new marketing materials for its testing and training facilities. The development of new advertisements for use in industry publications will also help to increase awareness and interest in NATE certification among HVACR professionals.

For more information and updates on the availability of these materials, visit www.natex.org.

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is now accepting NATE certification as one of its eligibility options for accreditation of HVAC contractors. NATE is one of two independent certifications included in the eligibility criteria for HVAC contractors pursuing BPI Accredited Contractor status. In addition to NATE certification in either Oil or Gas specialties, BPI also recognizes independent certification through the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).

As the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for HVACR practices, NATE certification was further elevated in 2011 upon being recognized with the prestigious ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation. Also setting it apart from other industry organizations, NATE certification applies only to HVACR technicians, with nearly 30,000 technicians nationwide holding an active NATE certification today. BPI’s accreditation of HVAC contractors requires that they employ at least one technician with either NATE or NORA certification, as well as BPI Building Analyst certification.

According to Ray Isaac, president of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning in Rochester, New York, “This update to BPI’s accreditation program ensures that all accredited contractors have technicians on staff who are trained to get the job done right. NATE certification is one clear way to demonstrate a technician’s ability to perform at the industry’s highest standards.”

For more information, visit www.natex.org.

Women in HVACR will host their ninth annual conference – “Navigating Change” – in Schaumburg, Ill., at the Schaumburg Convention Center, Sept. 18-19 in conjunction with Comfortech & Mechanical Systems Week 2012.

The conference kicks off with a luau reception featuring Polynesian musicians and hula dancers on Tuesday night, Sept. 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. The reception is followed on Wednesday, Sept. 19, by a full day of workshops and educational sessions presented by industry leaders.

Some featured speakers include Polly Craighill, first woman Sr. Legislative Counselor, U.S. Senate; Blaine Fox, vice president of business development for Warm Thoughts Communications; and financier Sandy Bluestine. They will discuss the topics of navigating changes in the marketplace, how to take five positive steps to change, and Bluestine will share tips for how to, “Get your cheeseburger in paradise.”

More speakers and topics are being added to the agenda.

Join Women in HVACR for this exciting event as you reconnect with old friends and network with other women leaders in the industry.

Registration is open online at www.womeninhvacr.org.

It’s time to take inventory of your NATE certification. Have you just started the process, are in you in need of recertification? NATE would like to help you assess your progress and get you complete and up-to-date. Take the survey and then let NATE know what they can do to help.

Contact us at DAnaman@natex.org and let us know what we can do to help. We will answer your questions about initial certification, recertification, and anything else that might have you considering NATE certification.

Here’s a hot tip to help you find exactly what you are looking for on www.natex.org. Check out the search box in the upper right hand corner. Type in the topic you want to know more about and click “Submit.”

You will be directly linked to a page of information on the topic of your choice. If you don’t find it the first time, try using a broader search term.

How important is it to keep up to date with NATE? Very! It is important to keep all of your personal information current with NATE including your email, home address, and employer information. This is how we stay in contact and inform you of new information pertaining to NATE such as test results, renewal notifications, and e-newsletters like the NATE Advantage. If your email isn’t up to date, how will you receive this information?

And, if you don’t update your employer information when you switch jobs, we can’t approve you for the consumer contractor technician listing. The NATE certification belongs to you, so make sure you update your information to take full advantage of it.

To update your information, log on to www.natetesting.com, click “Candidates” and use your NATE ID and PIN or log in with your MyNATE username and password.

Technicians
To find a NATE testing organization
 
To find NATE training resources
 
Information on NATE recertification
 
Contractors
To sign up for the free NATE contractor locator as featured on
www.hvacradvice.com click here
 
To update your listing (recommended at least twice a year) click here
 
To visit the NATE consumer web site http://www.hvacradvice.com