I hope everyone had an enjoyable April 2010.  We definitely had some great weather but we had some not so great weather as well.  At least we fortunately did not get the level of rain in East Tennessee that fell recently in Memphis and Nashville!   Our thoughts and prayers are with all those in both cites and other parts of Middle and West Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and elsewhere as they work to put things back together.  As usual April was a busy month for ASHRAE with not only our regular monthly meeting but the annual Society Chapter Technology Transfer Committee broadcast.  This year's topic involved commissioning.  I hope our members took to opportunity to listen and hear what was said.  If not, the Chapter will obtain a DVD and make arrangements to have a group showing or allow it to be checked out by individuals to view.  Our friends at Trane kindly tried to do a group showing but technical difficulties prevented it from working properly. For that I thank them.  We did not push having a meeting at Trane as in the past because of our plan to have our monthly meeting at the TAPHCC Convention and Trade Show at the Knoxville Expo Center.  

I would like to extend my thanks to Mr. Hank Jackson, our speaker for April and an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer for agreeing to the change in date and venue for his presentation on "Overcoming Objections to Energy Efficient Investments".   This presentation was developed from what is a day long seminar that Mr Jackson presents on behalf of Utility Companies.  The Board felt this to be an appropriate topic given our current economic climate and the push by companies, large and small, to reduce expenses and improve their operations.  As a result, all those who attended the presentation should have gained some additional ammunition in in their pocket to help convince clients of benefits to be gained by investing in increasing the efficiency of current operations.  Whether renovating existing or building new not only build efficient but build smart and look at the long term implications of proper maintenance and operation versus just the bottom line dollars.  What's best in the long run is not usually cheapest option on the front end.  

In addition to our chapter meeting, being at he Knoxville Expo Center gave attendees the opportunity to visit the TAPHCC Trade Show as well.  The TAPHCC was grateful for our participation in their event. 

Our May meeting on the 19th features a topic on Refrigeration looking at trends in supermarket industry and types of commercial refrigeration systems.   May is also ASHRAE Research Promotion Month and time to elect our Chapter Officers for the coming Society Year.   As previously announced I will be continuing as Chapter President for another year,  Chuck Biggs is our President Elect, Jade Culbertson has agreed to replace Chuck as our CTTC and Programs Chair, Jack Hopkins has agreed to continue as our Student Activities Chair, Nancy McBee will continue as our Chapter Treasurer; Mr John Yust has consented to try his hand as Board Secretary and possibly Chapter Newsletter Editor and Past President Alan Hasemeyer has agreed to be Chapter Historian.   Our man of many hats Victor Mills is once again back in East Tennessee and would very much like to pass the reins as Membership Chair and Chapter Webmaster.   Additional announcements to come.  The Chapter and the Board are always looking for volunteers.  There is always something that needs doing.  If you are interested in doing more than just coming to meetings please let me or any board member know.  We'd love to have you get more involved.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the May meeting. Make a contribution to ASHRAE Research and this months lunch just might be free.

Jonathan Driskill
Chapter President