We know everybody is getting lots of emails about COVID-19 related updates and how it is affecting every aspect of our daily lives.  The Minnesota Chapter of ASHRAE wants to let you know what we are doing and how you can stay involved even if we can't leave our homes.

The MN Chapter of ASHRAE will continue to serve it's members during this challenging time. We are exploring ways to bring content to you where you are and working with Region VI to compile a database of chapter events from around the region that could be "attended" or viewed to earn Professional Development Hours.

The larger national society of ASHRAE has assembled resources and guidance pertaining to HVAC and COVID-19 which can be found here.

Thank you for your continued participation in the chapter, and as alway we welcome your thoughts and feedback as to how we can best serve our members during this time. Please direct your comments to [email protected]

It is that time of the year where we select the Chapter Board of Governors for teh upcoming year.  Per the by-Laws of the MNASHRAE Chpater, this year's President Elect, Eric Johansen will become President for the 2020-2021 ASHRAE year.  

For all other positions each member can vote using the ballot below.

 2020/2021 Election Ballot (click here to access)

April is Member Appreciation Month! 

Society has dedicated the entire month of April to showing appreciation to our ASHRAE members. As volunteer leaders we invite you to not only participate but also to encourage your members to participate. Here's how:

• Visit ashrae.org/thanks throughout the month of April to see how we are saying 'THANK YOU' for supporting ASHRAE.
• Share a #MemberCrush video or quick social post to say thank you/show appreciation for a member you know (use #membercrush and #myashrae). We'll use these to posts to randomly select a winner for the Friday ASHRAE Merch give-away! 
• Take advantage of the extra 10% off bookstore discount (combined with your member discount this is a 30% savings!).
• Consider giving away a coupon for a free meeting, or a year of free membership dues to a member in your area.

Many upcoming events have been postponed due to the current impacts of COVID-19 and executive orders from state officials. Decisions to postpone or proceed are being handled on a case-by-case basis. Please visit the website often for the latest information as things are changing rapidly.

The Spring Education Seminar that typically is held in April has been post-poned and online webinar options are being considered.  We will send out more information as the planning continues.

The Regional CRC in Peoria IL that was scheudled for May 7th-9th is postponed.  The CRC Planning team is working to find a new date in the fall.

The Installation of Officers that is typically held in May will be exploring a video conferencing option.

The golf outing is still planned for June but is subject to change in the coming weeks and months.  To view the registration and sposorship options click here.  (The website is not compatible with Internet Explorer so please open using Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Google Chrome)

The MN Energy Expo planning committee would like your feedback to maximize the value to you, and better direct planning activities. 

Click here to complete a survey asking for your opinions about the next MN Energy Expo.  It should only take a minute to complete and would help the committee understand what the membership as a whole would prefer.

ASHRAE Tech Hour

ASHRAE Tech Hour brings you the latest technical content presented by some of ASHRAE's brightest minds. Tech Hour videos are just one hour, worth one PDH , and conveniently available through the ASHRAE 365 app. Download ASHRAE 365 on the App Store or Google Play. A new Tech Hour will be released every 3 to 4 months, building a library of technical content that can be viewed any time. 

Typically PDH credit is only awarded if the video is viewed within the first 30 days of initial release, but due to the cancellation of many in-person ASHRAE Chapter meetings and the DL program, the PDH period for Tech Hours has been extended through June 30, 2020.

Current Tech Hour videos include:

Tech Hour #2: Where Have All The Ethics Gone?  
Presented by Richard H. Rooley, FREng, Rooley Consultants, Released February 25, 2020 (still offering one PDH to viewers)

Each individual has a different approach to ethics, colored by their education, training, culture, trade, profession and nationality. Learn about the commercial and cross-discipline drivers which have a great effect on ethics and evaluate scenarios that challenge you to determine what's ethically right and what contravenes good ethical practice.

Tech Hour #1: Optimize Occupant Health, Building Energy Performance and Revenue through Indoor-Air Hydration 
Presented by Stephanie Taylor, M.D., M. Arch., Taylor Healthcare Inc., CEO, Released November 19, 2019

Understanding the powerful influence of indoor-air on humans is not just theoretically interesting; it has become an urgent topic in the context of the global COVID-19 outbreak. Get ready to be totally amazed by the power of proper humidification and learn actionable steps to improve your own health, productivity and learning.

For more information about the growing ASHRAE Tech Hour catalog visit: ashrae.org/professional-development/tech-hour-videos