Rooftop units and conventional metal ductwork are construction norms. However, an architect and engineer creatively used an alternative HVAC system that not only cut installation and construction costs, but also reduced future maintenance expenditures.

Forensic Analytical Specialties Inc., Hayward, Calif., has announced the hiring of Dr. Gustavo Delgado as laboratory director of its Laboratory Services Division.

Christine Sharer has a warm spot in her heart for Luxaire. The local Luxaire distributor and dealer are donating both products and services to A Wishing Place, the new home for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.

NorthWestern Energy, provider of electricity and natural gas serving customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska, plans to build a 7-mile natural gas transmission loop to provide additional capacity to customers in the Flathead Valley.

Dan Walters, a syndicated political columnist for the Sacramento Bee, will be the keynote speaker at California SMACNA's 38th annual convention, to be held in Indian Wells, Calif., at the Hyatt Grand Champions April 14-17.

George Rusher has always been known as a pioneer. In the days of his youth, he helped his small Montana high school football team win their first state championship. In 1935, he rode his 1929 Harley Davidson motorcycle from Montana to Southern California. Today, the owner of a heating and air conditioning business for over 57 years, Rusher continues his pioneering spirit by becoming one of the first to use an advanced technology to cool and heat local homes.

The city of Las Vegas has announced its adoption of NFPA 1, "Uniform Fire Code" (NFPA 1, UFC), 2003 edition, as the model code for the city's fire code.

Joe Nichter of Tri-City Mechanical was recently elected president of the Arizona chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA-Arizona).

The Arizona Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA Arizona) will hold its spring golf tournament on April 30 at Starfire at Scottsdale Country Club.

The American Honda Motor Company's Northwest Regional Facility has won widespread recognition for its advanced environmental design. Most notable has been its Gold rating under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDâ„¢) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.