IIAR

By Joe Mandato

IIAR is a group of professionals representing End-users, Engineers, Contractors, Manufacturers and Educational Institutions who are dedicated to the advancement of the safe use of natural refrigerants in the refrigeration industry. I am pleased to report that this dedication is paying off more than ever as IIAR has been able to complete many important projects, form successful advocacy initiatives and grow because of the increased involvement by our members. As a result, IIAR is recognized as the preeminent source of technical standards and educational tools developed and distributed to improve the safety and efficiency of refrigeration systems using ammonia and other natural refrigerants throughout the world.

An example of this was the 2012 Industrial Refrigeration Conference which saw one of the best turnouts in IIAR’s history, following several years of increasing attendance levels. The organization’s influence and reputation is growing rapidly around the world thanks to a renewed focus on global outreach.

I am pleased to report the advocacy efforts of the organization will be strengthening in the near future as a result of the Board of Director’s approval in June to establish a Government Relations Committee. I want to thank Mark Stencel for volunteering to serve as Chairman of this new committee, whose purpose will be to support the work of Lowell Randel, IIAR Government Relations Director, and inform IIAR members of changes and trends in government activities.

IIAR’s success in recent years is due in large part to the hard work of the volunteer members who serve on the many working Committees and Task Forces, the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and our current President, Bruce Badger.

During the IIAR Board of Directors meeting in June, Bruce announced his plans to retire as President at the end of this fiscal year, June 30, 2013.

Since he became IIAR’s President in December, 2007, Bruce has worked diligently to improve the financial stability of the organization while building and managing a professional headquarters staff focused on serving our members. He has also been instrumental in the growth of IIAR’s global outreach program.

Bruce has worked closely with Paul Bishop–Chairman of the International Committee and the active committee members to improve the global presence of the organization. Together, with IIAR Board Members, they have traveled to developing countries like Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Macedonia, South Africa, Brazil and many other Latin American countries. He has also been instrumental in building strong relationships with industry related associations in both China and India, establishing partnerships that will support the expansion of the IIAR mission in those two countries for years to come.

To continue the success initiated by these meetings, Bruce worked with the International Committee to implement a new membership outreach program to meet the needs of potential members in Article V (developing) countries and the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China).

Under his leadership, our organization has successfully delivered the message that IIAR is an effective advocate for the use of natural refrigerants in industrial refrigeration applications, and is the most comprehensive source of technical information on the topic, both in the U.S. and around the world.

While international outreach and a focus on meeting IIAR’s government advocacy and code development goals have long been a central part of Bruce’s tenure, he has also worked to position the organization to grow from an operational level. In a difficult global economy, that has contributed to dwindling membership numbers and uncertain financial futures for many associations, the IIAR was able to purchase the new Headquarters Office in Alexandria, Virginia and increase membership to record levels.

Bruce will leave this organization in a great position when he retires next June. However, for now it is “business as usual” for him, the Executive Committee, Board of Director, Committees and Headquarters Staff as we work to execute the important projects and activities to meet the goals outlined the Strategic Plan and Budget for the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year.

As Board Chairman, I would like to thank all of the members currently volunteering your time and expertise to serve the IIAR and encourage all of you to consider volunteering in the future.

Finally, I challenge all IIAR members to get involved in the search for our next President. Bruce’s announcement means the IIAR is now actively seeking a new President willing to continue to advance the organization’s mission and leadership throughout the global industrial refrigeration industry and address the future needs of our members.

The IIAR Executive Committee believes the ideal candidate should be an individual with an industrial refrigeration background, management and leadership skills, and a willingness to inspire the IIAR membership to find innovative solutions to the many challenges this industry faces in North America, Europe and the entire International community. This individual will be in the unique position of managing the activities of a fast-moving technical organization with many exciting initiatives in place to fulfill its mission globally, provide essential member benefits and poised for future growth.

Whether you are considering the position yourself, or you would like to recommend a potential successor, please send any communication directly to me via email at jmandato@ evapco.com or contact me at (410) 756-2600.