As I wind up my year as chairman of our International Association of Industrial Refrigeration, I look back and see all the wonderful accomplishments that you – our members and committees have achieved – setting the stage for even more in the year ahead.

First on my list is the newly formed IIAR AIM Act Task Force.

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) Act is expected to increase the long-term use of natural refrigerants and bring significant new opportunities to the natural refrigerant industry.

To ensure that those in the industry are aware of the changes and opportunities the AIM Act will bring, we formed the AIM Act Task Force, which I see as one of the best vehicles for influencing everything from the regulatory environment to the refrigeration marketplace.

The AIM Act represents an important opportunity to highlight the role that natural refrigerants can play in addressing climate challenges by developing plans to increase awareness about the AIM Act, related regulations, and how companies can utilize natural refrigerants as they transition from high global warming potential refrigerants.

The task force has already met numerous times to develop resources and materials for the implementation of the AIM Act with several goals.

The first is to inform everybody about the AIM Act and keep people up to date on the rule-making while making sure that IIAR is well-positioned to present natural refrigerants as a logical response to the AIM Act.

Change is hard and often resisted. It won’t be any different for those who haven’t already – to make the move from HFCs to natural refrigerants.

And it’s not just about embracing change as IIAR members. Our advocacy around the AIM Act is about influencing and encouraging change. We may be a small voice, but we are the experts, and we’re embracing the challenge.

IIAR members are IIAR’s greatest asset. I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time and committed themselves to participate this past year – your effort is starting to pay off.

Being on the board for the last nine years, including this past year as chair, is a humbling experience. If I had not been fortunate enough to become an IIAR Chairman, I wouldn’t have realized and been able to appreciate how much time, energy, and effort is put in by the board, the committee chairs, staff, and members, to make IIAR what it is.

I have been a part of a couple of other trade associations but none have volunteers with this level of commitment. The relationships that have been created are special and treasured. It is amazing.

IIAR members are IIAR’s greatest asset. I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time and committed themselves to participate this past year – your effort is starting to pay off.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to call for your renewed membership, for your increased participation and leadership in IIAR’s committees, and development of conference technical papers. Whether you get involved as a committee member or as a tech paper author, or in some other way, your involvement is what makes IIAR a great organization.

Our publications address new trends and introduce new technologies, and you, as an IIAR member have the opportunity to contribute to them directly.

You have an unparalleled opportunity to influence the policies, codes, and standards that shape our industry. Our committees span all of these areas and beyond, and they all depend on your help and support.

This year’s Natural Refrigeration Conference and Expo will feature new technologies, technical papers, and workshops. The conference in Long Beach is a great place for members to start getting involved in what is a group effort. We invite and look forward to everyone’s participation. Thank you all for a wonderful year!