An estimated 250 Capitol Hill staffers attended the first “HVACR reception on the Hill,” an event held by five industry associations.

Attendees said it gave association members a chance to meet with key Washington, D.C., legislative staff members and discuss issues of mutual concern. The Aug. 3 meeting was sponsored by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America; North American Technician Excellence; Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors; Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute; and the Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International.

“This event provided our industry a large forum to explain who our industry is and what type of economic contribution the HVACR industry makes to our nation," said HARDI’s executive vice president and chief executive officer, Talbot Gee. "Attendees were particularly interested in hearing suggestions on what HARDI members would like to see done to spur growth."

HARDI’s manager of government affairs, Jon Melchi, said the association was well-represented.

"Part of the success of this event comes from the fact that there is a HARDI member company or branch in nearly every congressional district in the country,” he said. ‘Our membership touched the offices of every attendee at the reception."

The reception featured a 250-pound heating and cooling-themed cake made by a well-known Washington bakery.

Pictures and a video of the event will be posted on HARDI’s website soon, officials said.