2021 RETA Breeze March-April

2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Vern Sanderson, CIRO, CRST, RAI Wagner-Meinert, LLC PRESIDENT Eric Teale, CARO, CRST Danfoss Industrial Refrigeration EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Keith Harper, CARO Tyson Foods Inc TREASURER Pete Lepschat, CIRO, CRES, CRST Lineage Logistics SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Bengie Branham, CIRO Perdue Farms DIRECTORS Alan Gervais, CARO, CIRO Western Precooling Systems Bill Lape, CARO, CIRO, CRST SCS Engineers David Gulcynski, CIRO Dot Foods Inc. Debbie Koske Calibration Technologies, Inc Edward Johnson, CARO Schwans Global Supply Chain, Inc. Jeremy Murfin AC & R Specialists Jim Kovarik Gamma Graphics Jordan Reece, RAI Lanier Technical College Michael Hawkins Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC Raymond Urban, CARO Lineage Logistics Ricky Jimenez, CIRO Mericle Mechanical Inc William Ellena Coastal Pacific Food Distributors, Inc COMMITTEE CHAIRS Dascha Whitmore, Marketing Dave Gulcynski, CIRO , Education Dot Foods, Inc. Jim Kovarik, National Conference Gamma Graphics Lee Pyle, CARO, Certification SCS Tracer Environmental Matt Hayes, CARO, Publications TJW Industrial Michael Hawkins, Membership Midatlantic Refrigeration, LLC Jim Barron, Executive Director

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

Declaration of Diversity and Inclusion “At RETA, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization is one where all employees, volunteers, and members whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are commit- ted to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and volunteer positions. We respect and welcome all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, veteran status, physical appearance, thought styles, religion, nationality, socioeconomic status, belief systems, sexual orientation or education and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.” President’s Message: Being a part of RETA has been a high- light of my career and a life. I have gained numerous friends and people into my life that I consider family. I have been given numerous opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I have had the opportunity to give back to the RETA Family through service. I want all our members to experience RETA the way I have been fortunate to have.

Eric Teale, RETA National President

RETA is a diverse organization of people and backgrounds but that does not necessarily mean that everyone feels valued, heard, respected, empowered, and that they feel they belong. That is why it is important to say that RETA is diverse and inclusive. Our industry has been facing a shortage shortage is becoming more severe every day. There is a saying, “When you stop growing, you start dying.”We must start bringing more people into our industry, we must start growing RETA internation- ally, we must keep growing and moving forward. Ensuring that people feel they are included is important to retain, attract, and grow our membership and help our industry. of skilled technical and operating engineers for some time and the

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