MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release – 8 APR 05 MEIER SUPPLY SPEARHEADS INITIATIVE TO CERTIFY HVACR TECHNICIANS Local HVACR Wholesaler is Regional NATE Certification Test Site Johnson City, NY (8 APR 05) – Long known as a center for technical innovation, Greater Binghamton is now becoming known in the HVAC/R industry as a center for technical excellence – thanks, in part, to the dedication of Meier Supply Co, Inc., headquartered in Johnson City, NY. Meier Supply is a coalition partner of NATE, North American Technician Excellence, Inc., an independent, third-part certification source for HVAC/R technicians.  As a coalition partner and a strong supporter of the industry initiative to certify HVAC/R technicians, Meier Supply has begun offering the test locally.  The company also acts as a conduit for HVAC/R training. "NATE certification is a win-win for everyone involved throughout the service chain.   Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, contractors, technicians and customers all benefit from having heating and cooling equipment that is professionally installed and serviced.  That's why we're behind NATE's certification program," said Frank A. Meier, Jr., President of Meier Supply Co., Inc. and immediate past president of HARDI (Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Distributors International). Rex Boynton, president of NATE, views Meier's commitment to the program as a valuable asset in spreading the word about the benefits of technical certification.   "Frank Meier's experience and depth of knowledge in the wholesale distributor market, coupled with his tenure in the HVAC/R industry provide expertise and leadership that will help provide better trained and more knowledgeable technicians in the area," said Boynton. While professional certification is not currently required for HVAC/R technicians in our region, some local governments do require the NATE certification before technicians can be licensed.  The city of Terre Haute, Indiana, is one such area.  Federally, the U.S. Department of Energy endorses NATE for its dedication in raising quality standards for installation and maintenance of HVAC/R equipment and contributing to increased energy efficiency.  The EPA encourages consumers to seek out NATE-certified technicians to professionally install and service heating and cooling systems. Consumers, increasingly discerning in their selection of contracting professionals, understand the value of proficiency standards and industry-wide certification testing.   According to NATE, 87% of consumers, when asked, wanted knowledgeable technicians who installed their home comfort units correctly the first time.  "No one has time for callbacks, and certification provides a degree of consumer assurance.  That's the value of certification," explains Boynton. "Better trained technicians benefit everyone in the area," Meier commented.   "If homeowners buy an expensive piece of equipment, they expect it to be properly installed.   The best way to insure proper installation procedures is to certify technicians.  NATE advocates pride, proficiency, and professionalism, and we at Meier Supply feel that a well-trained, knowledgeable technician is a contractor's best tool." Meier Supply Company, Inc. is a wholesale distributor of heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration products employing 92 full-time and 15 part-time associates.   The company operates 13 branch locations in New York and Pennsylvania as well as a 36,000 square foot distribution center located on Brown Street in Johnson City, NY. Information about NATE certification and upcoming NATE testing is available by contacting George Story at Meier Supply, (607) 724-2451. -###-