AHR Expo Innovation Awards Competition To Support Chicago Area Shelter

Over $8,000 in entry fees from the 2009 AHR Expo Innovation Awards Competition is being given to HomeAid Chicago to help rebuild the HVAC system in a domestic violence shelter.

This donation is part of charitable support contributed annually by AHR Expo to local communities where the world’s largest HVAC/R trade show is being held. Total contributions have exceeded $50,000 during the seven years the program has been in existence. In years past, the Innovation Awards entrance fee has gone to technical schools for use in their HVAC/R scholarship funds.

Working with HomeAid Chicago, and WINGS Program, Inc., the show’s donation will be used to assist in providing a complete climate control system reworking for a 1960s single family home in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The WINGS Program will be rebuilding the second floor to create five private bedrooms, as well as one shared bathroom, and upgrading the HVAC system to accommodate the new rooms. The result will be a safe, comfortable, and modern living environment where women and their dependent children can live. Once renovations are complete, up to 20 individuals may reside in the house at one time, depending on family size, and it will provide between 4,000 to 7,000 nights of shelter per year.

Natalie R. Ashton, executive director, HomeAid Chicago, thanked AHR Expo saying, “Support from AHR Expo is imperative right now, as we see the need grow every day for dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.”

Since 1985, WINGS has provided housing and supportive services for families who are homeless or are fleeing the devastating effects of domestic violence—the main cause of homelessness among women and children.

“We are happy to assist with such a great cause,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the show. “We enjoy giving back to the communities that host the AHR Expo by providing them with contributions from our Innovation Award entry fees.”

Now in its seventh year, the AHR Expo Innovation Awards Competition represents the best submissions from the thousands of products on display at the 2009 show and is sponsored by ASHRAE, AHRI, and the International Exposition Co. Honorees span the industrial marketplace in a total of nine product categories ranging from the latest developments in green technology to the newest building automation tools.

The 2009 AHR Expo will be held January 26-28 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The world’s largest HVAC/R trade show will offer attendees the chance to see new products and technologies for the first time. The industry’s trade associations will also have over 70 educational sessions and workshops available to attendees. The topic will range from achieving sustainability and energy efficiency to best practices and the latest trends and techniques in the HVAC/R industry.