The Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation marked its tenth anniversary on October 24, 2016. This past year gives us much to celebrate with several accomplishments that will keep the Foundation moving in a positive direction.

Important achievements include several moves that put the Foundation on sound financial footing and advanced the Foundation’s program in several ways.

Of note is the establishment and approval of the first budget for the Foundation, a new website, online giving capability, creation and implementation of annual giving program, direct mail and email strategies. As a reminder, all of this has been accomplished since March of this year!

Crucial to the success of these programs and initiatives, is the commitment of the volunteer leadership to make the Foundation a priority into their personal philanthropic plans. A wonderful testament to this fact, is the ability to announce with pride that 100% of the current Foundation board has either made a gift or pledge toward the 2016-2017 goals!

The Foundation thanks the two newest members of the Trustee’s Circle – JCI/Frick Corp. and past ARF-Chair Marcos Braz. Mr. Braz’s recent pledge of $50,000, marks his commitment and dedication to the future of the natural refrigeration industry. “I was honored to serve as the chairman of the board of both IIAR and of the Foundation. I support and believe in the mission and future and want to support the development of talent for this industry,” said Braz.

JCI/Frick echos their long history and commitment to the industry with their $50K gift. Thank you!

We Appreciate Your Appreciation

Did you know that you can support any charity or non-profit of your choosing and not impact the way you live day to day? For instance, you can designate the Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation to receive estate assets in the future, or you can make immediate gifts from assets that are “out of sight and out of mind.”

If you find yourself at year end needing more tax deductions, consider giving your appreciated securities to the Foundation. If sold, you pay tax on the difference between the base of the purchase price and the sale price, however, if donated directly to your non-profit of choice, you receive a tax break.

One of your highest tax-liabilities is the deduction from your IRA. For those over 70 ½, the mandatory withdrawal is tax-able, however if immediately designated to your non-profit of choice, that deduction is free from taxation.

We often call these “Gifts Anyone Can Make” because donors can make them now without impacting their current cash flow, lifestyle, or family security. Look for more information about this in future Newsletters and Online, in the meantime please visit: nh3foundation.org/plannedgiving. So yes — We appreciate your appreciation!

The Second Annual William E. Kahlert Memorial Golf Tournament

Join us Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Second Annual William E. Kahlert Memorial Golf Tournament in San Antonio, Texas. This is the day before the IIAR Heavy Equipment Show begins at the Convention Center.

The Lifetime Golf Chairman, Dennis Anderholm, is pulling out all of the stops for this Second Tournament. “We want 100 golfers! If you register now, you have plenty of time to select your winning team!” encouraged Anderholm.

An all-inclusive tournament, it gives those involved the opportunity to build upon the existing camaraderie of our industry and to simply have fun. As always, the proceeds of this event support the education and research initiatives of the Foundation.

The day will begin with transport to the Quarry Golf Club via buses from the IIAR Conference hotel (The Grand Hyatt). Shotgun start will begin at 11:45am.

For additional competitive fun: there will be a putting contest with a chance to win a high-quality putter, as well as Longest Drive, Longest Putt and four Hole in One contests. The event will conclude with a small reception prior to transport back to the hotel.

Because this tournament was created to financially support the Foundation, your participation and sponsorships count toward the new Foundation annual fund giving program and levels. As such, you will be invited to the IIAR VIP Reception where prizes for the winning teams and individuals will be presented.

At the time of publication, the sponsors of the tournament include Innovative Refrigeration, Colmac, The Kahlert Foundation, Evapco, Logic Technologies and Calibration Technologies. Sponsor availability and registration forms can be found on the Foundation website. Please visit: nh3foundation.org and click on “Golf.” Or email golf@Nh3foundation.org

Scholarships

The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration/Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation Scholarship Program so far has committed $6,000 annually. In the 2017 cycle, the plan is to commit $7,000 to three students in the 2017 cycle and to continue that level of financial support annually.

Providing more funds will aid the students in achieving their educational goals, and the program is an important way to promote the natural refrigerant industry and attract outstanding engineering and technical students who seek careers in the profession.

The scholarship includes registration, travel, lodging and meals associated with attendance at the Annual IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition, giving the scholarship recipients an opportunity to learn about the refrigeration industry and meet representatives of many companies who are seeking talented young mechanical engineers with an interest in this industry.

Key dates for this year’s program are:

January 31, 2017- application deadline;

March 1, 2017 – scholarship awards announced at the IIAR conference;

July 1, 2017 – the funds will be available for payment. Thanks to our wonderful IIAR member involvement, this year’s ARF undergraduate engineering scholarship recipients, Andrew Re and Jacob Upton, had a great opportunity to get real hands on experience in the industry!