We need trades professionals with the skills and knowledge to perform and meet the growing demands in building the infrastructure in this country and to create the spin-offs that come with a growing, thriving economy.

The 51 participants — 50 male and one female — advanced to the national competition by successfully competing in regional and state SkillsUSA events.

The need to provide training is something which, as contractors, we need to continually remind ourselves about.

HVACR contractors looking for plentiful job opportunities, high salaries, available training, and an abundance of service calls should head for the Golden Coast or the Buckeye State, according to a list of top states to work in HVACR, compiled by Emerson Climate Technologies, a business segment of Emerson.