2023 Nov-Dec RETA Breeze

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello RETA Family, I am writing this column after an extremely successful RETA National Conference. Our goal was to connect, educate, and entertain attendees from across all levels in the refrigeration industry. This commitment was born from the thoughts and recommenda tions of the Conference Manager, RETA staff, and the Conference Committee. We wanted to create a Conference that would be more than an event – it would be a reconnection of family, a meeting of minds, and an experience intended to carry beyond 2023. Though the weather was less than ideal, we were still able to enjoy all of the sessions, events, and a full exhibit hall. We were inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and collaboration we saw at the Conference. We came together and grew as an Association. The collec- tive drive we witnessed holds us stead- fast in our mission to enhance the pro- fessional development of industrial refrigeration operating and technical engineers. Over 1,100 participants took advantage of the jam-packed events over four days. The week kicked off at the Auto bahn Indoor Raceway where we had the thrill of racing an open-air kart, throwing an axe, and playing video games. Renowned keynote speaker Jim Knight taught everyone how to attain their own “rock star” status in the opening session. The Jacksonville Icemen hockey game on Wednesday was a first for some attendees and

everyone had an amazing time, espe cially those who were able to ride on the Zamboni! Everyone who attended this year also took part in an amazing and historic event. The vote to approve the merger of RETA and RSES. We are truly two sides of the same coin, and we will only strengthen each other and the industry through this merge. RETA’s values, mission, rates, and commitment to supporting and educating the industry will remain consistent. Please stay tuned for further information on this merger in the upcoming months. Though we had some great events, our sessions, technical presentation, work- shops, and hot points were also top- notch. We’re eager to build off the foundation that was laid at this year’s Conference and keep the momentum going. That’s why we’ve already begun planning the 2024 National Conference which will be held October 22-24 in Grapevine, Texas. If you attended RETA 2023 and didn’t receive a link to the post-conference survey please contact RETA HQ. Please take the time to fill out the survey so we can continue to offer a relevant and worthwhile conference. It helps us im- prove every year. Please include any and all suggestions you have. If there is a workshop you would like to see, or if you have an idea for a hands-on train- ing that would help your operators and technicians, please let us know in the survey.

I want to take this time to thank our members, sponsors, exhibitors, certificants, committee members, Chapter Leaders, RETA Staff, and Board of Directors. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be the great Association we

are today. God Bless, Jim Barron

Jim Barron RETA Executive Director

6 RETA.com