Dear Colleagues,

The end of the year offers a time of reflection and an opportunity to give back to the programs, organizations and people that have supported us throughout the year. I am excited to tell you about all your foundation has accomplished in 2018 . . . and issue a challenge to you to get involved by giving to the programs which create opportunities to sustain the future of our industry.

The Ammonia Refrigeration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) education and research organization, which means all donations are fully tax deductible. Whether you choose a large corporate gift, participate in our individual giving program, set up a planned gift, or participate in this year’s annual William E. Kahlert Memorial Golf Tournament in Phoenix, it’s never been easier to give back to your industry. The return on that investment has never been more important.

We have witnessed a significant increase in the number of students participating in our scholarship programs in 2018, with several of them accepting new jobs with IIAR member companies. The Foundation also continues its partnership with RETA to fund education for veterans and assist in their transition into the many job opportunities offered in this industry. Attracting new engineering and technician talent is a vital pursuit for the future of our industry and requires sustained activity and financial support.

In addition, three of our Foundation research projects – which will provide significant benefits to our members moving forward — are nearing completion as 2018 draws to a close.

An insulation study will soon yield best practices and procedures for the installation of insulation in our systems, a data correlation study will be used to update the IIAR Piping Handbook and ensure more accurate piping selections in our system designs, and an ammonia CFD analysis will produce scientific analytics that will support recommendations to place ammonia detectors in a refrigerated space.

This research, a growing scholarship program and the many other programs the Foundation supports are making your industry a better, safer and more rewarding place for all of us to work.

I hope you are as excited as I am to see our Foundation giving back so much to the industry we have all devoted our professional careers to serve. Please join me in contributing your time and financial support to sustain these important Foundation programs. (www.NH3Foundation.org)

As an industry pioneering natural refrigerants at a time of immense technological and environmental change, your support will help us define what the future looks like for years to come.

Sincerely,

David L. Rule

President, IIAR