ARI and GAMA to Merge

Dec. 18, 2007
A merger has been agreed upon between two Arlington, VA-based associations: the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and GAMA: An Association of Appliance & Equipment Manufacturers. The ARI and GAMA boards of directors voted unanimously in mid November to approve the merger.

Both organizations are seeking the approval of their respective memberships. If the memberships approve, ARI and GAMA would be dissolved and replaced by a new, combined association incorporated in Virginia. The new association would be named the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). With more than 370 members representing more than $27 billion in sales, AHRI would be in the top 15 percent of trade associations in the United States.

"I, personally, am very excited about the possibilities that this merger could bring," says C. David Myers, ARI chairman. "There has never been a more important time for us to interact with policymakers here and abroad, and with a larger association, we can have the lobbying clout commensurate with our manufacturing prowess."

Myers, vice president at Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls Inc. and president of its building efficiency unit, would serve as the first chairman of AHRI. Current GAMA president Jack Klimp would serve as CEO of AHRI during a 2-year transition period. Current ARI president Stephen Yurek would serve as president of the new association.

ARI is the trade association representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of the air-conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment installed in North America. An internationally recognized leader in developing standards for and certifying the performance of these products, ARI is also a major advocate for the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) industry both domestically and abroad.

GAMA is a national trade association of manufacturers of residential, commercial, and industrial appliances and equipment, components, and related products. GAMA's members account for over 90 percent of U.S. sales of gas and oil-fired space heating equipment and gas, oil, and electric water heaters. GAMA's membership reaches beyond the United States with members in Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Australia, and South America.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...