Change is weird, but it is good. We’ve had some changes around here in the last few months. An editor left. Another one is retiring. I am at a point in my life where I’ve seen enough people move on (or moved on myself), but there’s something about small business transitions that tugs on the heartstrings a little bit. Coworkers are, after all, family. We have a new family member. Her name is Ruth, and she has a lot of experience in the wholesaler arena. I’m excited to know her. Drop her line and say hi. Have any wholesaler story ideas? Send to ruth@tmbpublishing.com. Give her a warm welcome.

Shifting gears: while I was putting together the preview for ACCA’s show, I saw a topic that caught my attention. Economist Connor Lokar will discuss how the industry can adapt to the many rapid changes the HVAC industry is currently witnessing, as “multinational Internet companies are competing for space in this industry.”

This is a topic I think would be worth tuning into. Every week, I receive emails from folks interested in sharing ways to bridge the communication gaps between the home services, changing up everything from inventory to customer service. We’ve heard this before, I’m sure, “move with the times, or get left behind.” Small businesses in the trades are at an advantage right now as companies compete to get them connected online. It’s best that we start doing our homework and using this leverage to see what works best for us.

HVAC is changing in other ways, too. This month we are covering a topic we don’t traditionally cover. We received a submission on HVAC Load Reduction (HLR) Technology, which cleans and recycles a building’s air, reducing energy usage. The article puts together a basic understanding of technology that’s gaining traction in commercial buildings across the country. I’d be happy to hear your thoughts on this piece and what it means to you.

Our cover this month is in honor of the AHR show coming to Chicago. Be sure to tune into all our show previews and coverage. This issue has quite a few of them.

Thoughts? Story ideas? Suggestions? Cute dog pictures? Email me at sarah@tmbpublishing.com.