LAS VEGAS, NV — The Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau (TABB) recently held its first annual conference at the Caesar’s Palace Hotel and Casino here. Attendees, including representatives of the labor, management, and engineering/architectural communities, spent Oct. 18-19 attending a reception, seminars, and participating in discussions about the TABB certification.

According to TABB organizers, the first conference was “a huge success.”

“I’m not surprised, but certainly pleased, the first TABB conference was so successful,” said Eric Emblem, administrator of TABB. “Because of the integrity of our certification, and the quality and dedication of our professionals participating in this program, there is a great deal of excitement about this certification and it will play an important role in assuring quality control for the HVAC industry.”

The purpose of the conference was to inform TABB certified contractors, supervisors, and technicians about developments within the certification program and emerging industry trends, as well as to obtain feedback from attendees.

“The flow of information from the International Certification Board (ICB) of TABB to its certified professionals is extremely important to the success of this certification,” said Emblem. “We want them to understand decisions and want those decisions to be reflective of industry needs.”

The conference began on the evening of Oct. 18 with a reception featuring Ed Lowe, humorist and Newsday columnist. The next day began as ICB co-chairs Bill Freese, president of International Testing & Balancing Ltd., and Roy Ringwood, business manager of Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA) Local 105, reported on the ICB and offered a perspective on TABB.

Joy Bowman of FMI and Associates followed with recent studies commissioned by the National Energy Management Institute (NEMI) to investigate new markets for the organization’s sponsors, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and SMWIA. According to NEMI, the study says that building commissioning and indoor air quality (IAQ) are areas that can provide excellent growth opportunities for both organizations.

Another highlight of the event included an address by Michael J. Sullivan, general president of SMWIA.

“Most of you do not know how much thought and time has gone into the TABB certification. This was just a thought a few years ago and to be standing here today gives me a lot of pride,” Sullivan said, praising the labor and management representatives who make up the ICB.

For more information on TABB certification, visit www.tabbcertified.org (website).

Publication date: 10/28/2002