2019 RETA Breeze Sept-Oct

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello RETA Members, As we head into our 110th Annual National Conference, we reflect on a year that has been chock-full of fantastic happenings. We have spent the last year in our new HQ building and have settled in nicely. Our membership is the strongest it’s ever been with over 6,500 members and it continues to grow daily. The Apprenticeship Program and Hiring our Heroes programs have exciting plans in industrial refrigeration program in the world and we continue to maintain our elite ANSI accreditation. I want to give a big “thank you” to our Certification Committee Members for their hard work and continued RETA support. They keep our certification program current, relevant, and up to the regulatory and industry high standards. The Education Committee has been working diligently on RETA’s new CO2 book which was written with the assistance of the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC). This book will be in the RETA store by year’s end. We have other exciting projects in the works and the future is looking bright for RETA education. I would like to thank the Education Committee Members for their expertise and hard work to make our educational material the best they can possibly be. Something exciting at the National Conference this year will be brand new Hands-On training sessions. This training would not be possible if it wasn’t for three of our industries main valve manufacturers. I would like all of you to give a huge thank you to the works. The RETA certification program is still the predominant

Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration, Hansen Technologies Corp, and the Parker Hannifin Corporation Refrigerating Specialties Division for their generous donations of the Hands-On equipment to RETA. I would also like everyone to thank Applied Process Cooling Corporation (APCCO) for the donation of their time and labor to set up this equipment for the Hands-On session attendees . Not only does this take our Hands-On training to the next level, but it also fulfills our mission statement “To enhance the professional development of industrial refrigeration operating and technical engineers.” Hands-On training like this enables the Conference attendees to practice real life situations which can save companies money, time, and labor while supporting the safety of their employees. We are constantly looking for new opportunities to serve our membership, and the industry, through education and training. That being said, RETA HQ and the Board of Directors are working on some pretty special programs that will be discussed at National Conference in Las Vegas. I will keep it a secret until then, as I will let our President spill the beans. Speaking of the Board, the Annual National Conference is a time of transition for the RETA Board of Directors. I want to give a special appreciation to the National Chairman and National Board Members who will be completing their terms at Conference. It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Eric Girven, National Chairman, and Board Members Bill Lape, Peter Lepschat, Richard Veloz, Jr and Troy Baker. The outgoing Board Members have served as advisers, decision makers, problem

RETA Executive Director Jim Barron

solvers, and advocates of RETA for 3 years, while the outgoing Chairman has done so for an astounding 8 years. Although they are leaving the Board, we will definitely be tapping into their knowledge and skills in the years to come. I truly look forward to seeing all of you in Las Vegas. You won’t want to miss the Opening General Session introduction and welcome from Jose and Sandra Mata. You’ll also want to spend time at the informative educational sessions, reuniting with old friends while also meeting new ones, taking advantage of the fantastic Exhibition Hall opportunities to network and discover new equipment, processes, and vendors, and having a little fun at the Pool Party and Awards Banquet. I want to give a special “thank you” to our Sponsors and Exhibitors. We couldn’t do this without you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me anytime. Regards, Jim Barron Executive Director

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