March 2022

AMCA Members-Only Newsletter

April 4, 2022

Who Is Kevin Faltin, New Executive Director of AMCA International?

Credit: foto_vladimir/Bigstock

As announced by 2021-2022 President Jim Meats, PE, via member alert on April 1, AMCA International has a new executive director: Kevin Faltin.

Faltin is a global business leader with more than two decades of experience in the construction and buildings industry. He comes to AMCA after more than 21 years with UL, the Northbrook, Ill.-based provider of testing, inspection and certification, advisory, and risk-management services; decision-making tools; training; and business intelligence. Most recently, he served UL as vice president of operations, a role in which he was responsible for profit-and-loss management of a $200-million-plus engineering-services business with more than 525 employees in 15 countries serving the fire and life-safety industries. Prior to that, he held the titles of director of engineering operations, business-development director, business-development manager, sales manager, and account executive.

Prior to UL, Faltin worked as district general manager for Stericycle Inc., the Bannockburn, Ill.-based provider of medical-and-pharmaceutical-waste management, compliance training and consulting, and specialty services, for two years and in operations and sales management for Waste Management Inc. (WM), the Houston-based provider of waste-management environmental services, for nearly a decade.

Faltin holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Bradley University and has completed the Yale School of Management’s Executive Leadership Program and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management’s Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy course.

A native of Chicago, Faltin enjoys traveling, working on projects around the house, and spending time with his family: wife Susan and daughters Erin, Alyssa, and Maggie. Erin graduated college and lives and works in Chicago, while Alyssa is a junior in college, and Maggie is a junior in high school. Recently, he and Susan started a supper club with friends that frequents local restaurants with international cuisine.

“I am looking forward to joining such a well-regarded team and contributing to the continued success of AMCA,” Faltin said. “As we look to the future, we will face challenges and opportunities. Our success will rely on our teamwork, trust in each other, and willingness to adapt. I thank you in advance for your support.”

DEVELOPING: California Publishes Draft Fan-Efficiency Regulation

Credit: World Image/Bigstock

In one of the most monumental developments the U.S. fan industry has experienced in decades, the California Energy Commission (CEC) on Feb. 24 published a draft efficiency regulation for commercial and industrial fans and blowers. The draft comes more than five years after the rulemaking started in January 2017.

The CEC regulation, which includes a test procedure, a minimum-efficiency requirement, and compliance-filing and product-marking provisions, applies to commercial and industrial fans rated with at least 1 hp fan shaft power or at least 1 kW electrical power and no more than 150 air horsepower. Exceptions include air-curtain units, ceiling and circulating fans, fans embedded in equipment performing duties other than air movement, safety fans (meeting a specified definition), crossflow fans, and induced-flow fans. Fan energy index (FEI) is used as the efficiency metric, while ANSI/AMCA Standard 214-21, Test Procedure for Calculating Fan Energy Index (FEI) for Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers, defines calculation and measurement methods.

All fans in the scope of the regulation must meet California requirements regardless of where they are manufactured.

“The direction the CEC is taking on its regulation indicates AMCA’s advocacy efforts have been largely successful, including the development of AMCA 214; coordinating with the CEC, AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute), and efficiency advocacy organizations; and establishing precedence in state energy codes, including California’s,” AMCA Senior Director, Global Affairs Michael Ivanovich said. “The work AMCA and other industry stakeholders have invested in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) rulemaking since 2011 is bearing fruit in the CEC regulation, but the DOE rulemaking is re-energizing, and we expect a draft federal test procedure later this year.”

The CEC is accepting comments on the regulation from the public until April 29 (AMCA, along with other stakeholder groups, such as AHRI and California utility companies, secured an extension of the comment deadline from April 11 to allow stakeholders more time to review the draft regulatory language) and will hold a public hearing on April 12. On June 8, the CEC will hold a business meeting, during which the regulatory language could be approved for final publication, becoming effective in June or July of 2023.

The AMCA North America Region Air Movement Advocacy Committee is engaged in the process, with its Energy Efficiency Subcommittee leading review and commenting efforts. In the meantime, AMCA members that could be impacted by the regulation are urged to conduct in-company analyses. Documents published by the CEC for this rulemaking are posted here. Key documents at this phase are “Regulatory Language” and “Notice of Proposed Action.”

A preliminary AMCA staff report detailing the scope and timeline of the CEC regulation and other regulatory specifics can be found here.

The regulation and its potential impacts on member companies were discussed by AMCA staff in a members-only webinar on March 23. To view a recording of the webinar and to download the presentation slides, click here.

For more information, contact Ivanovich at [email protected] or AMCA Senior Manager, Advocacy Aaron Gunzner at [email protected].

Message From President Jim Meats, PE ...

In-Person AMCA Meetings Are Back!

The opening-night reception of the 2022 AMCA Idea Exchange at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

In early March, AMCA held a series of face-to-face meetings at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.: the 2022 AMCA Idea Exchange, the 2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting, and meetings of the North America Region Steering Committee and the AMCA Board of Directors. These were the first in-person meetings to be conducted by AMCA since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was clear, judging by the many vigorous handshakes and hugs shared by those who hadn’t seen each other in two years, they were much-anticipated. Having the ability to sit with others and catch up on all that has happened was so refreshing. Before, during, and after every event, people were congregating to engage one another with joy and enthusiasm, even more than is typically seen at these gatherings. There is just no substitute for live, person-to-person interaction.

AMCA is committed to having physical meetings—when and where it makes sense—going forward. We believe there is a higher level of interaction and relationship-building that makes in-person meetings invaluable. They are good for AMCA, and they are good for us. We encourage you to look for upcoming opportunities to join in.

One significant opportunity is the 2022 AMCA Annual Meeting, which, I am pleased to announce, will be held Oct. 7-9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe in Truckee, Calif. The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe is a fantastic facility in a gorgeous setting. The lake is crystal-clear, and the mountains are majestic. October is the best time of the year to be there, I was told. Check out the 2-minute promotional video here, and you will see why we chose a theme of “Reboot. Rekindle. Reunite.” Registration will open in July. In the meantime, mark your calendars, and stay tuned for further announcements, as we have several exciting activity offerings in store.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe.

Four Meetings in Four Days: AMCA Resumes In-Person Events

2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting attendees take in the Harmonious nighttime spectacular at Disney’s EPCOT theme park on March 3.

Following a nearly two-year COVID-19-forced hiatus, in-person meetings returned to AMCA’s membership offerings in a big way in March, with four events held back-to-back—the 2022 AMCA Idea Exchange March 2-3, the 2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting March 3-4, and meetings of the North America Region Steering Committee and the AMCA Board of Directors March 4 and 5, respectively—at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Designed especially for sales-and-marketing, human-resources (HR), and manufacturing professionals from AMCA member companies, AMCA Idea Exchange is a forum to share thoughts on, and work toward solutions to, common issues and challenges and learn from acclaimed speakers. This year:

Andy Core, MS, an expert on work-life balance, productivity, and well-being, presented “Tips and Tactics to Motivate Stressed People.”
Jack Shaw, an innovation and change-management strategist, presented “The Digital Transformation of HVAC Manufacturing, Sales, Marketing, and HR.”

Additionally, Daniella Canada, director of implementation for association-management-solution provider Impexium, discussed how AMCA’s new association-management system, which will launch in April, will make member interactions, information sharing, and activities easier and more robust.

The morning of March 3, the 2022 AMCA Idea Exchange concluded, and the 2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting began, with keynote sessions on leadership excellence and employee engagement presented by Ricard Vidal of Disney Institute, the professional-development and external-training arm of The Walt Disney Co.

The 2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting continued with gatherings of the AMCA Marketing, Education, North America Region Air Movement Advocacy, and North America Region Air Control Advocacy committees and business sessions including a state-of-the-association address, an update on development of AMCA’s 2021-2024 strategic plan, and a financial report. Lastly, Ashley Armstrong, senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, gave a virtual presentation on DOE fan regulations, pending standards on air-over motors, and more.

“Producing one meeting is difficult enough; producing four simultaneously requires Herculean effort,” AMCA Director of Marketing, Membership, and Education Robb Clawson said. “The job done by outgoing Meeting Manager Janet Blanchfield in her final AMCA event was stellar, and the introduction to the association of new Event and Meeting Manager Christine Rogers was equally impressive. The teamwork and planning was outstanding, and the results of the week speak for themselves. We are all excited to rekindle the relationships of face-to-face meetings.”

2022 AMCA Idea Exchange and 2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting attendees listen as Ricard Vidal of Disney Institute presents one of two keynote sessions the morning of March 3.

(Counterclockwise from top) Shruti Kohli-Bhargava, manager, publications and standards, AMCA; Dane Carey, director of engineering, T. A. Morrison & Co. (TAMCO) Inc.; Brett Vake, vice president of customer experience, Twin City Fan Cos.; and Kent Maune, life-safety-product manager, Ruskin, take part in a small-group discussion during one of the keynote sessions the morning of March 3.

New AMCA Event and Meeting Manager Christine Rogers (left) and former AMCA Meeting Manager Janet Blanchfield staff the registration desk for the 2022 AMCA Idea Exchange and the 2022 AMCA North America Region Meeting at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

(From left) 2021-2022 AMCA President Jim Meats, PE; Rebecca Ray; and Rachelle Meats enjoy refreshments between the Disney Institute-presented keynote sessions on leadership excellence and employee engagement the morning of March 3.

Nathan Redman, vice president of sales, Kinetics Noise Control Inc., (left) and Andy Bosscher, regional sales manager, Twin City Fan & Blower, take part in a small-group discussion during one of the keynote sessions the morning of March 3.

Christian Peshek Promoted to AMCA Laboratory Manager

Credit: PCH.Vector/Bigstock

The AMCA International laboratory in Arlington Heights, Ill., is under new management.

On March 14, Christian Peshek, who joined the staff of AMCA as fan test technician in February 2018, was promoted to the position of AMCA laboratory manager. He succeeds Tim Reilly, whose transition to the new role of AMCA engagement manager was announced in January.

As laboratory manager, Peshek’s primary responsibilities are supervision of the laboratory staff, management of laboratory operations, administration of the test database, provision of testing support for the Certified Ratings Program, and serving as the primary communication channel with laboratory customers.

In addition to his talents as a laboratory technician, “Christian has shown great communication skills in interacting with members during witness tests and clarifying test results,” AMCA Laboratory Director Tim Mathson said. “He is eager to take on a leadership role within the lab and plans to implement cross-training and other tools to increase the efficiency of our operations.”

To congratulate Peshek on his promotion, contact him at [email protected].

ICYMI: 2021 Edition of AMCA inmotion Receives Two PRNEWS Nonprofit Honors

Awards AMCA inmotion has received on display at AMCA headquarters.

The 2021 edition of AMCA inmotion magazine is the winner of the award for External Publication or Report and the recipient of an honorable mention in the category of Annual Publication or Brochure in PRNEWS’ 2022 Nonprofit Awards program.

In business for more than 75 years, PRNEWS is a “daily intellectual hub” focused on honing and growing public-relations (PR) and marketing professionals’ skills in social media, crisis management, media relations, digital PR, measurement, internal and external communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and diversity, equity, and inclusion through its flagship newsletter, online content, events, awards programs, and webinars. Its Nonprofit Awards program is “dedicated to honoring the most talented communicators and teams in the nonprofit sector.”

Edited by AMCA Manager of Industry Content Scott Arnold and art-directed by Chicago-based freelance designer, illustrator, and photographer Bonnie James, the 2021 edition of AMCA inmotion consists of the following articles:

“AMCA COVID-19 Guidance for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans” by Michael Ivanovich, Aaron Gunzner, and Scott Arnold, AMCA International—Over a 12-month period, AMCA, in collaboration with an international team of scientists, engineers, and researchers, executed a series of numerical simulations to investigate the impact of large-diameter ceiling fans on COVID-19 exposure in a warehouse. This article provides a high-level summary of the project’s findings and resultant guidance.
“Introducing Ceiling Fan Energy Index (CFEI)” by the AMCA International North America Region Air Movement Advocacy Committee—In a highly unusual development, a law was passed in 2020 to change the metric used to rate the efficiency of large-diameter ceiling fans made for sale in the United States and Canada from cubic feet per minute per Watt (cfm/W) to ceiling fan energy index (CFEI). This article, adapted from the AMCA white paper “Introducing Ceiling Fan Energy Index (CFEI) and Changes to the U.S. Regulation for Large-Diameter Ceiling Fans,” describes cfm/W and explains why a change in metric was needed.
“Control Dampers in Ventilation Strategies for Data Centers” by Michael J. Bulzomi, AMCA North America Region Air Control Advocacy Committee—The mission-critical nature of information-technology equipment demands precise control of temperature, humidity, and airflow inside data centers to prevent costly and potentially catastrophic failures. This article provides a foundational understanding of the various types of control dampers available for use in data-center ventilation and presents recommendations for specific performance requirements.
“Design of Parking-Garage Ventilation for Pollutant and Smoke Control” by Geoff Sheard, DSc, U.S. Technical Advisory Group to International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 117, Fans—This article provides guidance on the use of computational methods for the design of unducted parking-garage ventilation systems that minimize both first and operating costs, dynamically manage the removal of pollutants, and, critically, are optimized for a range of fire scenarios.
“Your Questions About Severe-Duty Louvers Answered” by Doug Petty; Michael J. Bulzomi; Anthony E. Jackson Sr., CSI, CDT, LEED GA; and Eric Sposito, CDT, AMCA Louver Marketing Subcommittee—As building codes and architectural-product requirements for hurricane-prone Florida gain wider adoption, the international authority on air-system components clarifies some of the confusion surrounding louver design and application.
“Inside the AMCA Laboratory and Certified Ratings Program” by Scott Arnold, AMCA International—This article explains the workings of the AMCA Certified Ratings Program and illuminates why products that undergo the rigorous certification process deserve to be specified ahead of products that do not. Additionally, it highlights the capabilities and services of the AMCA International laboratory in Arlington Heights, Ill.

The 2021 edition of AMCA inmotion was distributed in November, the print edition polybagged with the November 2021 issue of ASHRAE Journal and mailed to approximately 47,000 subscribers in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East and the digital edition e-mailed to all 115,000-plus ASHRAE Journal and High Performing Buildings subscribers.

AMCA wishes to thank the following advertisers for their support of the 2021 edition of AMCA inmotion: AAON, Aire Technologies Inc., American Ultraviolet, Berner International, Big Ass Fans, ebm-papst, Greenheck Fan Corp., Hunter Industrial Fan, Loren Cook Co., Mars Air Systems, Nailor Industries Inc., The New York Blower Co., Pottorff, Ruskin, and Systemair/Fantech.

The two 2022 PRNEWS Nonprofit Awards honors bring the total number of honors AMCA inmotion has received the last three years to 11. For a list of the honors, as well as an index of articles and links to the digital editions of all back issues, see the updated AMCA inmotion page on the AMCA website.

Scott Arnold is accepting article proposals for the 2022 edition of AMCA inmotion, which will be published in November. Contact him at [email protected] or +1 847-704-6335.

Retired AMCA Director of Engineering Paul Saxon Dies

Credit: Doom63Rus/Bigstock

Retired AMCA Director of Engineering Paul Saxon died March 20 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was 83.

Saxon worked for AMCA from 1990 until his retirement in the early 2000s. Responsible for AMCA’s standards and publications, he is remembered for his keen eye for detail and for being a “stickler” for precise and proper language.

Additionally, “Paul put together all of the Tech Spec engineering newsletters and wrote most, if not all, of the articles,” AMCA Director of Publications and Standards Joe Brooks, PE, recalled.

“Paul was a great engineer, ready to offer advice on many conundrums, welcoming to all the members, and truly represented AMCA superbly,” Tom Edwards, president of TRE Consulting, who served as AMCA president in 2003-2004, said.

A native of Pittsburgh, Saxon served in the U.S. Air Force. He held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Western Michigan University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, respectively.

Saxon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol; four children; three grandchildren; and his sister. The family has requested memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (click here to donate).

To read Saxon’s obituary, click here.