2009 ASHRAE NAC President's Address
Welcome to the 2009-2010 season for the ASHRAE Northern Alberta Chapter. I am delighted to be your chapter President this year.
As the local chapter President, it is incumbent upon me to promote the values and focus of our cociety President at the local level. In his biographical sketch, our current Society President, Gord Holeness states:
"If we are to have a material impact on overall energy use, it is through renovation of existing building stock. While existing buildings present great challenges, they offer us a greater opportunity to significantly impact our overall national energy demand, reduce our dependence upon imported oil and gas and minimize our carbon footprint. If ASHRAE is looking to build a sustainable future, we can see the foundations of that right now."
Through our programs, speakers, and tours this year, we will attempt to demonstrate the importance of Mr. Holeness' vision at a local level.
Following on the heels of a very successful 2008-2009 season, this year also promises to be exciting for ASHRAE NAC. After attending last year's Chapter Regional Conference, your Board of Governors returned with some fabulous ideas to enhance the dinner meeting and event experience for the chapter.
I would also like to reiterate some information addressed by last year's chapter President, Shanon Warner regarding membership in ASHRAE-both locally and at the society level. There are many benefits to becoming a member in ASHRAE. Here is a short list of some favorites:
- Handbook Series – Included in the membership are the bibles of the industry, the four handbooks: HVAC Applications; Refrigeration; Fundamentals; and HVAC Systems and Equipment.
- Bookstore Discounts – Why pay full price?
- Networking – Meet your peers, discover career opportunities, get involved in groups or committees in your area of interest. The creation of YEA – Young Engineers of ASHRAE – has developed a forum for ASHRAE members 35 years of age or younger to interact with each other, and to network with the rest of the society.
- Knowledge – Keep up to date with technology and trends with the ASHRAE Journal, Professional Development Series and Home study courses. Development of soft skills and public speaking.
- Members Only Website – Access bookstore, manage your membership, Student Branch support, Abstracts centre (8,000 abstract), Chapter Support, Honours and Awards.
- Friends – Develop friendships with people that you would not have otherwise. These friendships can enhance both your personal and my professional lives.
- Change - Through its influence as an organization, ASHRAE is changing the world and we can be a part of that, and help to affect that change too.
- Fun/Travel – Attending the Chapters Regional Conferences and the ASHRAE Conferences had allowed me to see many parts of North America, and to see them with my ASHRAE friends.
Once again, I'm looking forward to being your President for this year. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions for this ASHRAE Northern Alberta Chapter season.
Sincerely,
Kent A. Signorini
President 2009-2010
ASHRAE Northern Alberta Chapter
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