2020 RETA Breeze Jan-Feb

Thankful As I sit writing this it is not 70°F out and sunny in Northern Minnesota. Last I looked it was -11°F with a wind chill of -30°F. We have a foot of snow on the ground, and I have a broken snow blower. But I still am thankful for not hitting any deer since the last writing. Still sitting at 49. It is the time of the year to sit back and reflect on what we have and if our needs are taken care of. Yes, I am one happy person. I have had the fortune of being around people that are kind, considerate, honest, hardworking, and the list goes on. Of course, there are the people that get under my skin but in an hour or so, I am back trying to find the good in them. When is the last time you thanked your boss for your job, your pay, your amount of vacation, and the training that the company has provided? When was the last time you thanked them for what contribution they give you to attend or participate in your RETA Chapter? When was the last time you thanked your co-workers for just being themselves and putting up with your idiosyncrasies? When is the last time you just called a family member to talk and thank them for being part of your family? When is the last time you thanked your family and friends that are directly affected for allowing you to participate in your RETA Chapter whether it be monthly or just and occasional visit? I would also challenge employers to look around and see how fortunate you are to have loyal employees that want to take time from their busy schedule and partake in their/your RETA Chapter. When was the last time you walked your facility and looked at signage in your facility? Is the exit still an exit or should it have a sign that says, “to an exit”, due to the expansion that was done a couple of years ago? How about signage for proper signatures? Some could have been there for a couple years and the person that signed it no longer works for the company. When is that last time you looked at the employee locker rooms, rest rooms, lunchrooms? Is there improvement that could be made to make them more current to the times we are living in? Could there be minor improvements done for little cost that would go a long way to improve the moral of the employees? When is the last time you did something for them just because it was Tuesday? I’m not sure why, but some sort of Danish or ice cream can go a long way. You don’t need to have an accomplishment to treat them with respect and dignity! When is the last time you looked at the benefit package to make sure it is line with the industry standard?

Other organizations may create their exams in whatever fashion they choose, but the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association develop their exams utilizing the ANSI process. The exams are designed by industry professionals utilizing a process that is second to none. Surveys of refrigeration operators have determined what knowledge is vitally important and what knowledge may be less important. Every question is reviewed to assure they are fair and unbiased. RETA exams are true tests of industry knowledge. Tough but fair. Credentials that are earned not purchased. Passable not laughable. There is power in the patch. I hope to see all of you wearing your new patches at Conference! Thank you for allowing me to serve as president! Vern

Tim Kohrs President Northern Plains Chapter of RETA

RETA.com 5