PRESIDENT
Neil Poissant
Adams Companies
704-426-9119
president@spashrae.com

Welcome to the 2010-2011 edition of ASHRAE Southern Piedmont. I hope that everyone has had a safe and enjoyable summer vacation. Several Officers, Committee Chairs, and BOG members returned a few weeks ago from the Chapter's Regional Conference (CRC) held in Greensboro. It was a fun, interesting, and very productive conference. We were able to spend time with our new Director and Regional Chair (DRC), Randy Jones. Randy brings with him a level of enthusiasm that is contagious and plans to visit our chapter.

While at the CRC, Southern Piedmont was awarded the highest honor in Region IV, the Rudy Ferguson Award. This was due to the leadership of Jerry McAuliffe, hard work and a true team effort by the officers, committee chairs, and BOG members. Along with a remarkable effort lead by last year's Research Promotion Chair Billy Austin, who's phenomenal effort lead the way for Southern Piedmont in breaking it past RP goal and raised over $50,000. Thanks to all that helped and a special thanks to all of our donors.

As mentioned above, the Rudy Ferguson Trophy is awarded to the best chapter in Region IV. Region IV consists of the following chapters: Atlanta, Charleston, Greenville, North Piedmont, South Carolina, Southern Piedmont, and the Triangle; arguably one of the best regions in ASHRAE. Rudy Ferguson was a former Southern Piedmont President as well as a partner in Sullivan-Ferguson a local rep firm. Rudy was also a former U.S. Marine. After serving his country Rudy was a dedicated business man giving his time and efforts to the HVAC industry and ASHRAE. After his untimely death, the Rudy Ferguson Award was created. It is an honor for Southern Piedmont to bring the Trophy back home!

I hope that you all will mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month. This year's Program Chair David McDaniel is working hard on putting together informative programs. Along with our monthly meeting we will also have our yearly Christmas party and two golf outings. Please come out and support ASHRAE Southern Piedmont.

I'd also like to take a moment to mention newest ASHRAE President, Lynn Bellenger is the first female president in ASHRAE history. The theme this year is "Modeling a Sustainable World", and is the fifth year in a row that the theme is focused on sustainability. It is truly an exciting time to be involved in ASHRAE.

Our first meeting is Thursday September 2nd at Byron's South End. Make your reservations early!