By Bruce Widener

The 2019 CAAG Annual Conference was held at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront Hotel, Savannah, Georgia. Everyone enjoyed Savannah and the newly renovated facility.

Thanks to the following who made the conference so successful and fun! Without these members, there would be no CAAG or Conference. I would like to especially thank Marsha and Don Vansant for donating the great artwork. Michael Willis, Mercedes Benz of Buckhead for donating the Falcons Tickets, Commerical Truck & Van for donating the Braves Tickets and Ray Holmes, Southway Cranes, for filling in at the last minute.

During the conference new officers were elected and awards presented. Ed Newsome, Albany Air Conditioning & Heating, Albany, Georgia, was elected President. Ed has served as Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President Elect of CAAG prior to being elected President. Also Alan Ferguson, Ferguson Heating & A/C Co., Inc., East Point, Georgia, was elected State Secretary.

New board members elected were:

• At Large: Gene Dudley, Pro-Tech Services, Byron.
• West Metro: Robert Ashby, Christian Bros. Mechanical, Douglasville.
• Utility Rep: Joe Bailey, Atlanta Gas Light.
• Supplier Rep: Richard Glover, Trane.
• At Large: Lynn Wilson, Wilson A/C Service, Powder Springs.
• At Large: Pat Rogers, United Maintenance, Atlanta.

Awards presented at the conference were:

• Contractor of the Year: Elaine Powers, Powers Heating and Air, Peachtree City.
• Chapter of the Year: West Metro, Robert Ashby President.
• Supplier of the Year: Mingledorff’s, Bud Mingledorff.
• Inspector of the Year: Johnny Lyons, Gwinnett County.
• Legislator of the Year: Senator Marty Harbin, Michael Harbin accepting on behalf of Sen. Harbin.
• Special Recognition: Margaret Young, Certified Electric, Brunswick, Emory Young, Jr. accepting.

If you did not attend the conference, you missed a really good time and great seminars. Below are some of the comments we have received about the conference.

“The speakers were the best we have had in a few years. Really informative. I really enjoyed them.” ~ Don Vansant, Snellville Heating, Air & Plumbing, Snellville.

“I wanted to send this email to tell you how much I enjoyed the Great Conference that we had in Savannah. You and Ashley never cease to amaze me with the programs you come up with. I learned a lot in the classes and conversation with other HVAC Contractors. I know that it takes a lot of planning and hard work to put on such a Conference as we just had. I love the location we have in Savannah. I feel the cost of the Conference to the Membership was well worth everything that it included. I want you to know I really appreciate everything that both of you do for CAAG. Thanks again.” ~ Lamar Pendley, Pendley Htg. & AC, Cartersville.

“I wanted to let you know I really enjoyed the event this year. I thought the subjects/classes were excellent and I really enjoyed the State of the Industry speech (this was the best in years IMO).” ~ Daniel Jape, Reliable Heating & Air.

“Cindy and I had a great time at the conference and are looking forward to the next one.” ~ Randy Conley, Conley Sheet Metal Works, Inc.

“Great job this weekend, Bruce.” ~ Brian Spencer, Spencer Heating & A/C.

“We had a blast with you guys.” ~ Jeremy Collinsworth, Southern Pipe & Supply.

“Thank you very much for your e-mail. I’m not sure if you appreciate us as much as we appreciate the job you do and the opportunities you offer. I think it would be a toss up. We had a great time and met a bunch of great people. Thank you.” ~ Tim Confer, Commercial Truck and Van Equipment Inc.

“I wanted to let you know that the CAAG Conference was the best ever. The speakers were extraordinary. The options were excellent. The program was outstanding. Kuddos to the CAAG team that worked so tirelessly to make this happen.” ~ R. Pat Rogers, United Maintenance.

“Thanks for hosting an outstanding CAAG Conference in Savannah. The quality of the contractors, vendors, and speakers at the breakout sessions was unparalleled. I believe it was the best conference yet and anybody who missed it certainly missed a lot. CAAG is an invaluable asset to all in the HVAC industry.” ~ Alan Ferguson, Ferguson Heating and Air.

“Thanks for another great conference!” ~ Steve Nail, Nail Heating and Air.

“Thank you for awesome conference. Thank you for your hard work in making it successful. As a first time participate and exhibitor I had some great conversations. I will make sure that next year Aprilaire is a larger part of sponsorship.” ~ Chris Howells, Aprilair.

“After attending the CAAG conference for roughly three years, I can honestly say that this conference was the best one yet. The speakers were fantastic. What a brilliant idea to offer options for various sessions. The entertainment (The Tams) was fabulous as always. Thanks for all of your hard work in making this event a success.” ~ Monica Jackson, Jackson EMC, Gainesville.

“The meeting was good for us.” ~ Lynn Wilson, Wilson Air Conditioning Service.

Be sure to attend next year!

Additional photos of this event are available here.