June 2026 
Contents
- Contents - a list of highlights in this newsletter! * NEW *
- Section Links - quick links to go to a section of interest! * NEW *
- Greetings - Welcome to MN ASHRAE June 2026 Newsletter. Highlights in this newsletter.
- Chapter Announcement - ASHRAE CRC Awards
- Upcoming Events - U1)June 30, 2026 - MN PE Renewals Due. U2)June 27 - July 1, 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference Austin
- Committee Spotlight - Golf Committee - Historical Committee
- Recent Events - 1)May 7-9, 2026 - ASHRAE Region VI Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) in St. Louis 2) May 13, 2026 Dr. Jun Li, ASHRAE Research New Investigator Award Winner Lecture & Lab Tour 3) May 19, 2026 Eng. Ethics for PEs, Roseville Skating Center 4)May 19, 2026 Rochester Mayo Civic Center Mech tour 5)May 20-22, 2026 IBPSA SIMBUILD 2026 - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 5)May 21, 2026 - MN ASHRAE Chapter Installation of Officers 6)May 21, 2026 - St. Paul Saints Game - YEA 7)May 28, 2026 - Volunteer Event - 2nd Harvest Heartland 8)June 2, 2026 Rochester: Engineering Ethics for PE's by David Schultz, Hamline University 9)Jun 3, 2026 -2026 MN ASHRAE Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake
- Job Board - Advertise Your Internships and Entry-Level Positions for Free on MNASHRAE.org!
- 2025-2026 MN ASHRAE Board of Directors - Listing of Board of Directors and Committee Chairs
- This Month in HVAC History - Lou Flagg
- Newsletter Submission Deadline - Due the first Wednesday of each month!
Greetings
Chapter Announcements
The Golf outing was a tremendous success. Thank you to Golf committee chairs: Nick Davis & Eric Nachbar. Special thanks to Golf committee Promotion & Marketing team :Allie Johnson and Emily Huddleston! Financial and organizational leadership: Travis DeWeese and Jacob Sevelius. Golf Event Registration & organization management: Ian Stratmoen, Tom McCarty, Jacob Sevelius, Travis DeWeese. MN ASHRAE hole participants: Rolf Bloom, Mike Pouchak, Mark Jirak.
The Minnesota Chapter of ASHRAE held its 2026 59th Annual Minnesota ASHRAE Golf Event, on Wednesday, June 3, at Majestic Oaks Golf Club. The annual outing continues to be the chapter’s leading networking and social events, bringing together professionals from across the HVAC industry for a day of golf, camaraderie, and connection. Golfers teed off with at 10:00 a.m. shotgun start and enjoyed a full day on the course alongside industry partners, contractors, engineers, manufacturers, and suppliers. The event featured food, prizes, sponsorship opportunities, and plenty of chances to connect with others in the Minnesota HVAC community. This event had an outstanding turnout and is a long-standing ASHRAE tradition that has brought the industry together for nearly six decades.
Funds received from the Golfing event are used to support Minnesota ASHRAE College scholarships, ASHRAE Research, MN ASHRAE Student Chapter Support and other MN ASHRAE chapter programs.
For photos of the event, see below under "recent events" and online under the MN ASHRAE web page gallery under 2025-2026 photos: https://mnashrae.org/gallery.php
Don't forget your 2026 PE license renewal is due by June 30, 2026! There is no grace period with license/certificate expiration! See information below under "upcoming events"!
Upcoming Events
U1. June 30, 2026 - MN PE Renewals Due.
U2. June 27 - July 1, 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference Austin
U1) MN PE Renewals Due by June 30, 2026!
The renewal window for licenses and certificates is now open. ALL licenses and certificates expire on June 30, 2026, regardless of the date issued. You must complete the required professional development hours (PDH) before you renew.
- your PDH hours;
- your license or certificate number;
- the last four digits of your ID number (for US citizens that's the last four of your social security number; for non US citizens, it's the last four of your ITIN); and
- your credit card information;
U2) June 27 - July 1, 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conf. Austin TX
Registration for the 2026 Annual Conference is open!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO JOIN THE REGION 5 & 6 JOINT REGIONAL DINNER ON SUNDAY JUNE 28 FROM 6-8 PM IN AUSTIN TX!!!
June 27 – July 1, 2026 – Annual Meeting – Austin, TX
Attending the 2026 ASHRAE Annual Conference is your opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in HVAC&R and building science while gaining insights you can immediately apply to your work.
Attendees include engineers, architects, designers, researchers, manufacturers, contractors, and emerging professionals from around the world.
Register today to deepen your expertise, grow your career, and expand your professional network.
ashrae.org/2026annual
Committee Spotlight
GOLF Committee
Committee Co-Chairs: Nick Davis, Eric Nachbar
The Golf Committee organizes the chapter's annual golf outing, a key fundraising event that supports chapter activities and scholarships. This committee manages all aspects of the event, from securing sponsorships to coordinating logistics, ensuring a fun and successful experience for participants.
Email Contact: [email protected]
Historical Committee
Recent Events
- May 7-9, 2026 - ASHRAE Region VI Chapters Regional Conference (CRC) in St. Louis - Early Bird Rates End April 3!
- May 13, 2026 Dr. Jun Li, ASHRAE Research New Investigator Award Winner Lecture & Lab Tour
- May 19, 2026 Eng. Ethics for PEs, Roseville Skating Center
- May 19, 2026 Rochester Mayo Civic Center Mech Tour
- May 20-22, 2026 IBPSA SIMBUILD 2026 - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
- May 21, 2026 - MN ASHRAE Chapter Installation of Officers
- May 21, 2026 - St. Paul Saints Game - YEA
- May 28, 2026 - Volunteer Event - 2nd Harvest Heartland
- June 2, 2026 Rochester: Engineering Ethics for PE's by David Schultz, Hamline University
- Jun 3, 2026 -2026 MN ASHRAE Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake
1) May 7-9, 2026 ASHRAE Region VI Chapters regional conference (CRC) in St. Louis
Official Visitors: ASHRAE President Elect Sarah Maston and ASHRAE VP Devon Abellon , ASHRAE Staff: Stephanie Reiniche
ASHRAE CRC (Chapters Regional Conference) is an annual, in-person gathering of ASHRAE members, chapter leaders, and regional officers. It focuses on networking, training, technical sessions, and regional business, often culminating in the awarding of the "Golden Gavel" to the top chapter. Key aspects of an ASHRAE CRC include: Networking & Socializing: Provides a platform for members to connect and share experiences across different chapters.Workshops & Education: Offers technical sessions, tours, and training for chapter officers. Regional Business: Includes meetings for chapter delegates and alternates, featuring a nominating caucus for leadership positions.Awards: Recognizes outstanding contributions from chapters and individuals in the region.Leadership Presence: Features addresses from ASHRAE society officers and staff. Each year, a different chapter within the specific region acts as the host for the event. Technical presentations: Automatic Control Valves, Chilled Water Plants, Next Gen Chiller Plants: AI Driven Optimization & Decarbonization, Legionella risk management, Smart Steam Plants: IoT & predictive maintenance for Boilers, Grid Impacts from increasing electricity demand, Data Center Updates, Steam 101 - Steam System Basics, Heat Pump Applications - Types of Heat Pump Equipment - From Ducted to Chillers, Modern Motor Technology, Adiabatic Fluid Coolers, The Power of Hybrid Solutions: Benefits of Supplementing Heat Pumps with Boilers, Maximizing Airside Efficiency Through Optimized Water Flow, Decarbonizing Existing Buildings w/ Air to Water Heat Pump Chillers, Pam Duffy DL : Ethical Dilemmas in our Modern World, How to Prioritize When "Everything is Important", Generations in the Workplace and What We Know about Gen Z (so far!); Interpersonal Communications, Coaching Capabilities.
Awards Celebration for 2026 Region VI CRC held May 8, 2026 in St. Louis
Congratulations to 2026 Region VI CRC Award Winners from MN Chapter!
Chapter Service Awards
Adam Niederloh - Minnesota - Chapter President 2019-2020
Craig Johnson - Minnesota - Chapter President 2001-2002
Curtis Ratajczak - Minnesota - Chapter President 2006-2007
ASHRAE 2026 Region VI Technology Award Winners
David Vig - CMTA, Inc. (1st Place) in category II: Educational Facilities (New) Fort Totten Alternative CTE High School , Minnesota Chapter
Research Promotion 2024-2025 Campaign Awards
Treasury Ribbons: Gold Ribbon for $10,000 or larger chapter investment– Minnesota
Full Circle Patch/Chevron – all officers donated to achieve Full Circle. Minnesota: Russell Landry
PAOE
- Star Award Special Citation -Presidential Award of Excellence - Presented to: Minnesota Chapter Jane Opoien, President - 2024-2025 The Star Award is a prestigious milestone earned when a chapter meets or exceeds the designated "par" point value in all core PAOE categories
Regional Awards
- Regional Award of Merit Awarded to: Daniel Chudecke In grateful recognition for devoted and outstanding Service to ASHRAE REGION VI and the MINNESOTA CHAPTER. May 2026
Regional Appreciation
- Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to Eric Johansen , RVC - Chapter Technology Transfer, Region VI, 2023-2026
- Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to Mayra R. Reyes Elizondo, RVC - Research Promotion Committee, VI, 2024-2026
Silver Gavel Award to Minnesota
CRC 2026-2027 - Madison, WI Best Western Premier Park Hotel, 22 S Carol Street, Madison, WI
additional photos https://mnashrae.org/gallery.php
2) May 13, 2026 Dr. Jun Li ashrae research new investigator award winner lecture and lab tour, university of Minnesota me lab
University Of Minnesota ME Building --Room ME125, 111 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
The lecture, lunch, and lab tour of Dr. Jun Li's Engineering Lab at the University of Minnesota was a big success! Prof. Jun Li is the 2026–2027 recipient of the ASHRAE New Investigator Award. The ASHRAE New Investigator Award (NIA) assists new university faculty members to develop research capabilities in HVAC&R related fields. The award comes with a base grant of $50k per year for two years. Jun Li's research aims to reduce energy consumption and assist in the decarbonization for the society. This event was sponsored by the Student Activities Committee, Research Promotion Committee and Historical Committee.
additional photos https://mnashrae.org/gallery.php
3) May 19, 2026 Engineering Ethics for Professional Engineers - Roseville Skating center
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=428Roseville, MN 55113
This was a FREE event sponsored by the ASHRAE DEI Committee: Engineering Ethics!The presentation topic wasEngineering Ethics by David Schultz, Hamline University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, University of Minnesota Professor of Law. this event qualified for 2 PDH credits towards Ethics requirement.
4) May 19, 2026 Rochester Mayo Civic Center Mechanical Tour
Zack Wood is the Manager of Facilities and Property for the City of Rochester, Minnesota. He has over two decades of experience in building automation and public sector facility management, focused on optimizing building systems and supporting reliable, high-performing public facilities. In his role, he oversees a diverse portfolio of municipal properties and leads efforts to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and long-term asset stewardship. The tour included the Mayo Civic Center mechanical renovations. After the tour there was a happy hour at Lucky's Bar & Grill.
additional photos https://mnashrae.org/gallery.php
5) May 20-22, 2026 IBPSA SIMBUILD 2026 - Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
What Is SimBuild? From Models to Reality: Bridging Simulation and Operational Performance
SimBuild: May 20—22, 2026, hackSimBuild: May 18—19, 2026, Workshops and Tours: May 19, 2026
6) May 21, 2026 Installation of Officers 12-2PM BrookView Golf Course, Golden Valley
The Installation of Officers event is a standing tradition within our chapter. Every year past presidents of the chapter and current leadership get together to take part in the installation ceremony. This event is also a place where members are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the chapter and to ASHRAE.
Congratulations to MN Chapter Award Winners from the May 21, 2026 Officers Installation Ceremony.:
- ASHRAE MN Chapter Presidents Award 2025-2026 to Eric Johansen
- ASHRAE Chapter Service Award Brian Jennissen
- ASHRAE MN Chapter Certificate of Appreciation to Mike Pouchak
- ASHRAE Regional VI Silver Gavel to MN Chapter, Rolf Blom President
- ASHRAE MN Chapter recognition of dedication to MN chapter as President, President Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, and member of the Board of Governers to Rolf Blom President
- Recognition of Past Chapter Presidents:
- | 2025-2026 | Rolf Blom
- | 2024-2025 | Jane Opoien
- | 2023-2024 | Roxanne Cortinas
- | 2022-2023 | Brian Jennissen
- | 2020-2021 | Eric Johansen
- | 2017-2018 | Rob Warnke
- | 2012-2013 | Tim Manz
- | 2004-2005 | Richard Hermans
- | 1999-2000 | John Rieke
- | 1998-1999 | Steven Tredinnick
- | 1995-1996 | James L. Porath
- | 1981-1982 | Ramji Gada
- | 1974-1975 | Larry J Hink
additional photos https://mnashrae.org/gallery.php
7) May 21, 2026 St. Paul Saint Game - YEA - St. Paul, MN
YEA hosted a St. Paul Saints game at CHS Field on May 21st! The event was located on "The Balcony" which includes a pregame buffet.
8) Volunteer Opportunity : 2nd Harvest Heartland
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
A good turn at the event with sorting, labeling, weighing and packing various food items to meet immediate needs and help feed our hungry neighbors!
9) June 2 Rochester: Engineering Ethics for Pe's by David Schultz, Hamline University
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=412
ASHRAE Minnesota Chapter - Rochester Section , Engineering Ethics for PEs
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 1 pm – 3 pm , Speaker: David Schultz, Hamline University Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, University of Minnesota Professor of Law. David spoke on Engeineering eithics.:Rochester Public Utilities , Community Room , 4000 East River Rd NE , Rochester, MN 55906
10) Jun 3'26 -2026 MN ASHRAE Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks Golf Club in Ham Lake
https://mnashrae.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=419
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Job Board
Advertise Your Internships and Entry-Level Positions for Free on MNASHRAE.org!
Are you looking to bring fresh talent into your company? MNASHRAE is committed to helping students and young professionals kick-start their careers in the HVAC&R industry. We are offering free advertising for internships and entry-level positions on our website, MNASHRAE.org. This is a great opportunity for companies to connect with eager students and recent graduates who are passionate about HVAC&R and ready to contribute to the industry. To post a position or learn more, please submit an ad on the website, https://mnashrae.org/jobs, or contact Rolf directly at [email protected] Let’s work together to build the next generation of HVAC&R professionals!
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Committee Chairs
[email protected]
Rochester Section President
Student Activities Co-Chair
[email protected]
Nathan Kegel
Sustainability Chair
[email protected]
Allison Peterson
Volunteer Outreach Chair
[email protected]
Anthony James Hughes
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Co-Chair
[email protected]
Jake Strawhecker
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Co-Chair
[email protected]
Ryan Traeger
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Co-Chair
[email protected]
This Month in History
HISTORY OF A PERSON; Lou Flagg
Lou Flagg began his life in Augusta, Maine on April 12, 1914. His schooling from kindergarten through the 12th grade was in Washington DC where his family moved to when he was four years old. Lou had a difficult childhood, starting in preschool with severe pneumonia. He was overweight and sickly through High School. A kid headed for trouble, the Boy Scouts turned him around and he gained valuable life skills. You could say that his principals and whole life skills were formed in scouting. He developed a talent for leadership and more importantly he realized that helping people was most rewarding. Lou became an Eagle Scout and spent five years as a Scoutmaster.
While Lou was at the University of Maryland he became an ROTC Reserve officer. Lou spent 5 years in the army, entering as Reserve officer in the 39th Infantry at Fort Bragg in April of 1940. Beginning as a communications officer ranked at First Lieutenant, Lou was assigned to the Company Commanders Headquarters and became a Captain. He participated in the Invasion of North Africa at Algiers in 1942. Lou gained the rank of Major after transferring to the Signal Corps at Iran. Lou later transferred to the CO Signal Light Construction Battalion of the 5th Army stationed in Italy. Lou retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after spending three of his five years overseas.
Lou Flagg was employed right out of collage by Construction & Service Inc, a Honeywell Distributor in the Washington DC area. In his five years as Assistant Supervisor, Lou oversaw many big projects, including Bethesda Navel Hospital, where he got a great education and became a systems expert. After World War Two, Lou became a Sales Engineer at Honeywell DC for two years in the Residential and Commercial division, then moved to the New York area as a regional Sales and Installation Manager handling thirteen branches from Maine to Virginia. His next move brought him to Minneapolis as a National Training Director for Honeywell Commercial Division. Lou had many responsibilities throughout his Honeywell career including Application Engineering, Technical Publication, Customer Service, Traffic and Administration as well as setting up and managing seven Distribution Centers around the United States. Lou did not retire until he was 70 after nearly a half century in the business.
Lou contributed to the original and two revisions to the IEEE Gray Book (an IEEE standard) and also the UA (pipe fitters) Pneumatic Controls Book. He also taught for thirty years as a UA Teacher, Training one week annually at Purdue University.
On a path to the presidency Lou participated in several committees including the Guide and Data Book, Journal, Publishing, Finance, Program and R&T. After being Director at Large he was on the Technology Counsel then the Executive Committee at age 71, a year after retiring from Honeywell, when some of the Nominating Committee's members expressed concern because of Lou's age, the Minnesota delegate pointed out the many activities and accomplishments Lou performed and his robust energetic attitude, there was no doubt who deserved the nomination, and he was unanimously nominated. At a youthful 74 years old, after forty years of ASHRAE service, Lou went on to be a great Society President. In a speech at Kansas State University he uttered the slogan “If it can happen to me, it can happen to you.". His great vision for the future of the Society and his wonderful sense of humor gave the Society terrific leadership at it time when it was most needed. His main presidential theme was “Communication, the Formula for Success”.
As president, Lou made forty trips on behalf of ASHRAE including four to Europe. The year before becoming president he began planning for his presidential theme (Back to the Basics) Lou instituted a ‘Let the process Work’ plan that allowed the Councils and Committees to do their jobs and make positive pr ogress. He forged strong ties to the refrigeration Industry and their Sister Societies and the CFC conference no 2. He negotiated much better contract for the ASHRAE/ARI Exposition. Lou saw the completion of Standards 62(IAQ) and 90.1 (Energy Conservation during his term. During the open committee meetings Lou recalled the pressure exerted by special interest groups to tone down the effects that these standards would impose on those interests. Through the process the committees resisted the outside influences and “did the right thing for the industry and the world in general.”
During Lou’s career he was involved in many key projects, solving serious problems and discovering important control strategies. These helped him to advance and grow within his company and this industry. From his long association within ASHRAE he taught us that “If it can happen to me, it can happen to you”. Lou gained much from those around him at Honeywell and ASHRAE. One philosophy Lou had was all you have to do is let people know you are interested and pretty soon you will get involved. Lou interfaced very well with many people and invited them to get involved. By enabling and involving committees he energized ASHRAE to move forward into the information age.
Newsletter Submissions Deadline
July: Incoming President
