President's Message
Finding a Path Together
By Scott Lynch
Wow, last night will definitely go down as a historic Presidential election. Obviously, the pollsters got it wrong and the electoral map has changed.
There will be time for postmortem and I am sure that Fred will have some interesting insights next month.
I woke up this morning and reflected on the big question ahead of us as a nation is: How do we pick up the pieces from this election season and effectively govern moving forward? Trumps victory speech had the right tone but will that continue. Will the Democrats put aside their disappointment and differences and try to work together?
We no longer seem to understand the value of compromise or have the ability to "work across the aisle" (as they say in DC) to advance the interests of ALL Americans. Come January, there will be a significant transition at the White House and a few different representatives at the Federal, State, and Local level; but if the rhetoric from the weeks leading up to election day remain, change will bring about the same gridlock in Washington.
Prior to the election, I signed ABMA on to the letter below that was drafted by NAM CEO Jay Timmons. I have my doubts about how much impact the letter can have but know it is so important to share this message as much as we can.
I realize these are lofty goals but encourage you to read the letter and reflect on what we can do as U.S. citizens to push our elected officials to bring civility back to our political system.
Until next time,
Scott
Letter to President-Elect Expressing Desire to Work Together
November 9, 2016
To the President-Elect:
We believe in an exceptional America. We believe we are stronger as a nation when we are united. And, we believe we, as business leaders, all have a unique responsibility to bring our country back together again—a responsibility we wholeheartedly embrace.
We write today not only to offer our congratulations but also to express our commitment in reuniting our country and our people after this particularly difficult election. It is our shared belief that we, representing companies large and small, have an urgent need to restore faith in our vital economic and government institutions and to bolster the promise of America—to lift everyone up and leave no one behind. American families, businesses and our communities cannot truly prosper and reach their full potential in a country that is divided and distrustful.
We will look for areas upon which we agree and can work productively with your new administration. To be sure, we are aware that there will be times when we disagree on the specifics of important policies, and we will respectfully make our voices heard when we do. We do believe, however, that we can be constructive—both when we agree and when we do not—if we can all approach challenging situations in good faith, guided by an unwavering commitment to a greater purpose.
The days after a hard-fought presidential election have traditionally been a time to mend the divisions in our country, with political parties and nominees moving beyond the harshness of the campaign season and putting our nation, and our democratic system, first before all else.
You can count on us to help lead the way in bringing about that healing and reconciliation.
Check Your Mailbox for Today's Boiler
 Last week, ABMA released the Fall 2016 issue of Today's Boiler and members should receive their copies this week.
ABMA would like to thank John Zink Hamworthy, Cleaver-Brooks, ITR Economics, NTFB Combustion, Victory Energy, Nationwide Boiler and Rentech Boiler Systems for their editorial participation.
A special thank you Jack Rentz for being the inaugural Q&A with an Industry Leader. In the issue, Jack talks about his successful career in the boiler industry, and offers insights on trends and the outlook for our sector.
You can download an electronic version of the issue here.
ABMA Impacts DOE Final Test Procedure Rule for Commercial Packaged Boilers
 On Friday October 21, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a prepublication version of its final rule pertaining to the test procedures for commercial packaged boilers (CPB).
The final rule contains numerous ABMA recommendations, including the adoption of AHRI-1500 as the basis for the test procedure, and allows for some flexibility with the testing process and requirements for larger CBPs.
ABMA appreciates DOE’s effort to ensure that any test procedure for CPBs incorporates the latest industry standards and the test procedure is workable for all parts of this varied sector.
A big thank you to the companies in ABMA’s Commercial Product Group for their support and guidance throughout the process.
Read ABMA's full analysis
Download the final rule
Download AHR-1500
Register Now for 2017 Annual Meeting
 We are just 66 days away from the 2017 ABMA Annual Meeting and we have put together a great program of timely topics, thought provoking speakers, and memorable events.
Of course, Alan Beaulieu from ITR Economics will be joining us and his participation is one major reasons many of you attend.
Retired Navy Captain David Marquet and author of NY Times Bestseller "Turn the Ship Around" and Ned Monroe from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) will also be presenting during our General Session.
Register Now!
We also are pleased to announce that our International Market Group, led by Rocky Bahramzad, Cleaver-Brooks & Arvo Eilau, and Pentair, has put together a phenomenal industry roundtable on "International Boiler Projects," which will be held during the International Group meeting on Saturday, January 14. Participants include:
- Randy Voyles - Florida Power & Lights
- Yogesh Patel - Tampa Electric
- Jose Benitez - SoEnergy
- Tom White - Sargent & Lundy.
Click Here for the Full Schedule of Events
Finally, we truly appreciate the following ABMA members for their sponsorship support. We could not continue to provide the level of experience and caliber of speakers that you have come to expect without their continued support. If you have never been a sponsor, now is the time to take advantage of this cost-effective promotion opportunity. Please reach out to Cheryl for sponsorship opportunities at [email protected].
- Cleaver-Brooks
- Nooter/Eriksen
- Robinson Fans
- Victory Energy
- Sellers Manufacturing
- Peerless-Aarding
- E-Tech
- Honeywell
- Warren Environment
- Cust-O-Bend
- Clarage
- Vapor Power International
- Chanute Manufacturing
- Clark Reliance Corporation
- NIUPLE
- Vector Systems
- Webster Combustion Technology
- Superior Boiler Works
- WARE
- Sterling Deaerator Company
- ValvTechnologies
- The National Board of Pressure Vessel Inspectors
- NTFB Combustion
- Groupe Simoneau
- Power Flame
Student Engagement to be Featured at 2017 Manufacturers Conference
 ABMA is excited to announce the participation of local area students at the 2017 Manufacturers Conference, April 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Galleria in Houston, TX.
Workforce development is one of ABMA’s strategic pillars, which includes engaging and educating the next generation about career opportunities in the boiler industry.
ABMA has received positive responses and interest from Lone Star Community College, Houston Community College, Rice University, and University of Houston.
The students (and other school representatives) will participate in the first full day of the conference, kicking off with a specially developed "Boiler 101 Seminar," created in partnership with WARE, to provide boiler industry insights. Following lunch, seminar participants will join conference attendees for two ABMA member company tours -- ValvTechnologies and Quest-Tec Solutions -- to see the boiler component manufacturing process firsthand. Students also will have the opportunity to talk to young professionals in their desired career paths.
As an added opportunity, students may submit their resume when registering for the event. All resumes will be shared with ABMA member companies prior the event for individual outreach.
The 2017 Manufacturers Conference will also feature a Trade Fair and other sponsorship opportunities. Look in early December for an exhibitor prospectus detailing available opportunities to promote your company.
Industry News
DOE Releases Data on Efficiency Standards for Industrial Fans, Blowers
The Hill (10/31, Devaney) reports the Energy Department “is releasing data” in support of “possible energy conservation standards for industrial fans and blowers.” The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at DOE signaled “the provisional data analysis could support future rulemaking.”
The DOE wrote, “At this time, DOE is not proposing any energy conservation standard for fans... However, it is publishing this analysis so stakeholders can review the analysis results and the underlining assumptions and calculations that might ultimately support a proposed standard.”
The public will have the chance to comment for the next 30 days.
GE’s Oil, Gas Business to Merge with Baker Hughes
General Electric recently stated it would combine its oil and gas business with Baker Hughes. GE referred to the new company as the “new” Baker Hughes and it would be “one of the world’s largest providers of equipment, technology and services to the oil and gas industry.”
The AP (10/31) reports the new combined company will be “a powerful player in an energy sector buffeted by years of weak prices.” Reuters (10/31, Scheyder, Hirsch) reports says the GE-Baker Hughes deal is “the clearest signal yet that consolidation is picking up in the energy sector as companies face long-term lower oil prices.” GE CEO Jeff Immelt said on a call with investors that “The transaction assumes a slow recovery (in oil prices), really $45 to $60 per barrel through 2019, and this seems reasonable.” The size of the GE-Baker Hughes merger and the timing “amid a recent spate of deals have led advisers and industry analysts to think companies have readjusted to lower oil prices in their strategies and the tide is turning.”
University Launches $1.6M Study to Determine Feasibility of Turning Coal into Carbon Fiber
The AP (10/31) reports the University of Utah is investing $1.6 million to study “the feasibility of turning coal into carbon fiber, a material used in manufacturing of skis, cars and planes.” University Chemical Engineering Professor Eric Eddings announced the effort, “saying finding a new way to use coal would be a boon for the environment and the economy.” Eddings added the process is “more carbon friendly than just burning coal in a power plant.” Carbon County Commissioner Jae Potter said Utah’s coal-rich counties “are working to diversify their economy and find new outlets for coal.”
Manufacturing USA
Secretary Pritzker delivered the keynote address at the International Manufacturing Technology Show where she announced that "Manufacturing USA" is the new brand name for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. Manufacturing USA embodies a vision for a geographically unified and competitive American manufacturing sector – in which the brightest minds and the most innovative companies come together to develop the most cutting-edge technology in the world. Learn more.
Upcoming Industry Opportunities
Upcoming Free Webinar: Exhibiting at HANNOVER MESSE 2017
Discover the benefits of exhibiting at HANNOVER MESSE 2017, the world's largest industrial technology trade fair. HANNOVER MESSE offers unmatched international exposure for U.S. firms, organizations, and economic development organizations looking to expand their international footprint.
Join the free webinar Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern to learn from past HANNOVER MESSE exhibitors, show organizers, and experts from the U.S. Commercial Service who will explain how you can take advantage of HANNOVER MESSE 2017.
Opportunities in Central America: Trade Mission and Business Development Conference
Central American markets are seeking quality American-made products, and our upcoming Trade Americas Business Opportunities in Central America Conference can connect your company to promising opportunities.
Join the U.S. Commercial Service on this mission to Central America, including business-to-business matchmaking in Costa Rica and one other market March 26-31, 2017 to:
- Gain market insights
- Make industry contacts
- Solidify business strategies
- Advance specific projects, and identify potential partners
Our Webinar Series can help you prepare for this mission, determine if it is a good step for your company, and explain the market opportunities available. Next Webinars: Nov. 3rd, 16th and 30th. Countries: Honduras, Guatemala, Belize.
US-Africa Infrastructure Conference
Infrastructure is the most significant factor affecting the economic growth and development of Africa’s emerging markets. By 2030, the African continent will be home to nearly two billion people, with 175 million living in urban centers of 5 million inhabitants. High growth sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, fast moving consumer goods, ICT, and tourism are driving a new demand for better infrastructure. As African countries compete in the global market, governments and the private sector will need to explore new sources of funding, engage new partners and adopt innovative business models, and technology.
Join Corporate Council on Africa and 400+ business executives and government representatives from the United States and Africa for Conference on December 4-6, 2016, in New Orleans, LA.
For more information or to register please go here.
See You Soon at 2016 POWER-GEN - Dec 13-15
ABMA and many of our member companies will be participating at 2016 POWER-GEN International, taking place December 13-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in the North and South Halls, in Orlando, FL. This event is your opportunity to network with leaders in this sector.
When you attend, visit ABMA at booth 3573. Click to receive a free pass!
Again this year, ABMA will distribute its Passport Book of all exhibiting member companies. In addition, we would like to thank the compnaies below companies below for placing an advertisement in the Passport Book:
- Rentech Boilers
- Clark-Reliance Corp.
- Cleaver-Brooks
- Halgo Power
- HSB Global Standards
- SCR Strategic Contract Resources
- Victory Energy
- WARE
Register Now for World’s Largest HVACR Marketplace
 The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo), which began more than 85 years ago as a heating and ventilation show, has grown to become the world’s largest HVACR event. The 2017 event will be held January 30 - February 1 in Las Vegas, NV.
Held annually in key markets and major cities across the U.S., the Show hosts more than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world and attracts crowds of 60,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 150 countries. Providing a unique forum for the HVACR community to come together and share new products, technologies, and ideas, the event is co-sponsored by ASHRAE and AHRI, and is held concurrently with ASHRAE’s Winter Conference.
For more information and to register, visit www.ahrexpo.com
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As an ABMA member, you qualify for exclusive savings on a wide range of UPS Freight less-than-truckload freight services, including LTL freight, cross-border shipments to and from Canada and Mexico, and Trade Show Services.
Sign up today at ltl.upsfreight.com/Enroll/ABMA or reach out to the dedicated team of customer service representatives who are ready to answer your questions every step of the way. For more information, call UPS at 866-443-9303 or email [email protected].
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