Industry News

Shedeur Sanders has won the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®, presented annually by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and A. O. Smith Corporation to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement. Sanders is the first University of Colorado Buffalo to win this celebrated award. Throughout his Read more

Shedeur Sanders has won the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award®, presented annually by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and A. O. Smith Corporation to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement. Sanders is the first University of Colorado Buffalo to win this celebrated award.

Throughout his college career, the Texas native has completed 1,217-of-1,744 passes (69.8%) for 13,707 yards with 127 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. At Colorado in 22 games, he has completed 601-of-843 passes for 6,718 yards with 57 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In two years at CU, he ranks fifth in Buffalo history for completions, seventh for attempts, sixth for passing yards, and fourth for passing touchdowns.  He has thrown a touchdown pass in 47 straight games, the longest streak in NCAA D1 (FBS and FCS) history, second longest streak in NCAA history and it would be tied for the fourth longest streak in NFL history with Johnny Unitas. In his 2024 season alone, through 11 games, he has completed 303-of-413 passes (73.4%) for 3,488 yards with 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Sanders journey not only highlights his athletic talents, but also underscores his dedication to carrying forward his family’s football legacy.

Sanders’ achievements will be honored on Friday, December 6, in Baltimore, MD. This year the Golden Arm Educational Foundation alongside presenting partner A. O. Smith are honored to welcome former Golden Arm Award winner, Gino Torretta, as their keynote speaker. Torretta also won the Heisman Award, the Maxwell Trophy and the Davey O’Brien national quarterback award. The 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award presentation celebrating Sanders will be livestreamed on the Golden Arm Award YouTube channel.

The candidates are selected by the distinguished Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, and former players. The award annually recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class. Candidates are chosen based on player performance on-and-off the field.

Giving life to the commitment to give back, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and presenting sponsor A. O. Smith continue to promote football on all levels by providing financial aid to deserving young scholar athletes.

Sharing a tradition of innovation with Johnny Unitas, who invented football’s two-minute drill, A. O. Smith has been an innovator in its industry for 150 years. What began as a small machine shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1874, has evolved into a leading global water technology company committed to improving the lives of its customers by ensuring access to clean, safe, hot water.

For more information on the Golden Arm Award, please visit: Golden Arm Award. Additionally, follow the conversation throughout the college football season on X, @GoldenArmAward, and use the hashtags #GoldenArmAward and #InnovationLeaders.

Sponsors of the Golden Arm Award Presented by A. O. Smith Corporation include: MedStar Sports Medicine, The Babe Ruth Museum, Comcast, Dunbar Security Solutions, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, Haddock Investments, Silver Star Properties, HMS Insurance Associates, Inc., Milwaukee Tool, Encore, TRAY, AE2 Creative, Wolf Professional Security, Jostens, and Extraordinar Luxury Transportation.

Leading field service software empowers businesses with AI dispatcher Jessica Workiz, the leading field service management platform with over 120,000 customers, has announced the launch of its latest innovative AI service, Genius Answering. Genius Answering is the latest innovation in the Workiz Genius suite aimed at redefining after-hours field service operations. Jessica is the smart Read more

Leading field service software empowers businesses with AI dispatcher Jessica

Workiz, the leading field service management platform with over 120,000 customers, has announced the launch of its latest innovative AI service, Genius Answering.

Genius Answering is the latest innovation in the Workiz Genius suite aimed at redefining after-hours field service operations. Jessica is the smart AI dispatcher behind the revolutionary solution. It is the only AI answering service built directly into your FSM (Field Service Management platform).

Jessica handles calls effortlessly. With the unique ability to know everything about your business and your customers, it keeps your business thriving by booking jobs 24/7.

“Imagine never missing a call again, capturing every job opportunity and effortlessly boosting your revenue – even after hours – simply by flipping on the switch to Genius Answering,” said Didi Azaria, CEO of Workiz. “Genius Answering is a game-changer for field service businesses. As a cornerstone of the Workiz Genius suite, it ensures no call goes unanswered, every opportunity is seized, and all tasks integrate effortlessly with your existing processes.”

“Most field service business owners are unaware of the hidden cost of missed calls. An analysis of 150,000 service business calls shows that, on average, 40% of inbound calls go unanswered, and half of those clients have already booked with a competitor by the time they are called back. Now, Genius Answering steps in to help businesses recover this loss, increasing top line revenues by up to 30% simply by implementing Genius Answering inside their Workiz system.”

Offered within the communication suite, Genius Answering goes beyond basic automation by offering continuous availability, industry-specific expertise, personalized customer engagement and comprehensive office support. Jessica seamlessly streamlines operations enhancing overall efficiency by automating up to 80% of call management tasks, from customer support to appointment booking to help capture revenue 24/7.

Say goodbye to the challenges of traditional offshore call centers—like language barriers and cultural disconnects. Jessica, the smart AI dispatcher, delivers flawless, tailored communication designed specifically for the field service industry. With Jessica, you can uphold top-notch service standards, delight your customers and boost revenue—all without the drawbacks of outsourcing.

Genius Answering also helps prevent costly rescheduling by ensuring techs are dispatched efficiently and that customers are available. Its ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and drive additional revenue through upselling makes it an asset for field service teams.

“Powered by Jessica, Genius Answering embodies the future of intelligent support, empowering field service teams to capture greater market share and elevate customer experiences with personalized, smart assistance around the clock, ” Azaria said. “At Workiz, our mission is to automate everything but the wrench. Jessica is a major milestone in this journey to revolutionize the way service businesses operate.”

Nick Tellie, owner of We Love Junk in Philadelphia, shares his excitement about how Genius Answering has helped his business turn missed calls into positive revenue.

“Genius Answering with Jessica has been a game-changer for our team,” Tellie said. “In just over a month, Jessica has already booked tens of thousands of dollars in sales. Gone are the days of missed calls slipping into voicemail. Jessica answers instantly, securing jobs that would have otherwise been lost. Her impact on our business has been nothing short of phenomenal.”

For more information on Genius Answering and the Workiz Genius suite, please visit www.workiz.com.

When it comes to solving workforce issues, solutions muststart early. That’s why Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is taking a fresh, innovative approach to inspiring interest in the trades at a young age. ACCA is proud to announce its unique sponsorship with author Ryan Kiscaden  on his upcoming fictional children’s book, “The Air Came Read more

When it comes to solving workforce issues, solutions muststart early. That’s why Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is taking a fresh, innovative approach to inspiring interest in the trades at a young age.

ACCA is proud to announce its unique sponsorship with author Ryan Kiscaden  on his upcoming fictional children’s book, “The Air Came to a Stop.” Released November 12, this book is the second installment in the Next UP Trades Series, following “The Water Came to a Stop.”

The book is designed to help combat workforce challenges by sparking curiosity in trade careers early on.

“The Air Came to a Stop,” designed for children ages 4-10, follows a child named Kay, who is feeling unusually warm during school. When Kay tries to help her classmates, she inadvertently causes an air conditioning problem. When contracting company Next Up Trades and their HVACR technicians, Gomer Gopher and Drafty Giraffe, come and save the day, the students learn about teamwork, HVACR technology, and develop a deeper appreciation for the skilled trades.

Kiscaden, a marketer in the HVACR and plumbing industries, created the Next UP Trades Series to inspire the next generation of trade professionals and to change the perception of skilled technicians to better highlight the necessity and appreciation of these professions.

“The main reason this book was written was to educate youth about the HVACR industry and our everyday heroes of comfort,” said Kiscaden. “Introducing children to the industry’s vocabulary and how technicians help others opens eyes to exciting career opportunities in a stable, technology-driven field.”

Barton James, president and CEO of ACCA, emphasized the importance of this
initiative.

“Our country’s youth truly are the future of this amazing industry; this book is a vital new tool in the tool bag to address the critical shortage of skilled technicians in our industry,” said James. “By engaging children at a young age, we’re planting the seeds for future careers in HVACR. This aligns perfectly with ACCA’s mission to promote and advance the HVACR industry.”

The Air Came to a Stop,” paperback and eBook versions, is available on Amazon and through ACCA’s online store with discounts available for ACCA members. In addition to the English version of the book, a Spanish version is also available in all formats and distribution channels.

For more information about ACCA, please visit acca.org.

Navien, Inc., the leader in condensing technology, is proud to announce that its innovative NPF Hydro-furnace has been selected as a feature finalist for the prestigious IDEA Design Awards. The NPF Hydro-Furnace, among five standout products by Navien, was recognized for its groundbreaking design, which harmonizes cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental sustainability and Read more

Navien, Inc., the leader in condensing technology, is proud to announce that its innovative NPF Hydro-furnace has been selected as a feature finalist for the prestigious IDEA Design Awards. The NPF Hydro-Furnace, among five standout products by Navien, was recognized for its groundbreaking design, which harmonizes cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental sustainability and user comfort.

The IDEA Design Awards (Industrial Designers Society of America) are recognized globally as one of the top three design accolades, alongside Germany’s iF Design Award and the Red Dot Design Award. These awards honor exceptional design innovation, user experience, and the broader social and environmental impact of the products. The NPF Hydro-furnace stood out in the highly competitive field, earning a place in the spotlight for its unique contributions to heating systems in North America.

Unlike traditional furnaces, the NPF uses Navien’s industry-proven stainless steel heat exchangers to heat water in an isolated compartment out of the airstream which provides sound-reduction and energy efficiency. The heated water is circulated through a hydronic coil which transfers the heat into the airstream for the ultimate in quiet forced-air heating comfort. The sealed combustion design allows the NPF to deliver comfortable heat without significantly impacting humidity levels at one of the quietest sound levels of any furnace on the market.

Incorporating a visually appealing, human-centered design, the NPF Hydro-furnace features a distinctive 36.5° diagonal line, a direct inspiration drawn from the human body’s natural temperature, conveying warmth and comfort. The design team at KyungDong Navien seamlessly integrated this technical concept with aesthetics, ensuring that the furnace blends naturally into various living spaces, further enhancing its appeal to homeowners and designers alike.

“We are thrilled to have the NPF Hydro-furnace recognized at the IDEA Design Awards,” said Yongbum Kim, Head of Sales and Marketing at KyungDong Navien. “This acknowledgment validates our commitment to developing products that not only address technical challenges but also create harmony between technology and living spaces. As we continue to innovate, we will focus on delivering designs that bring comfort, health, and energy efficiency to our customers’ daily lives.”

The NPF is one of five products submitted by KyungDong Navien that was selected as a feature finalist for the IDEA Awards for their outstanding functionality and design.

The IDEA Design Awards ceremony will take place later this year, and the NPF Hydro-furnace’s selection as a finalist is a significant milestone in Navien’s ongoing mission to revolutionize home heating solutions with sustainable, user-centric designs.

For more information about the Navien NPF Hydro-furnace and other award-winning products, visit navieninc.com.

Carrier, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is addressing hunger and food waste globally by supporting food banks in the communities in which we live, work and operate. As we enter the giving season, it’s important to remember that more than 700 million people face hunger1, highlighting the urgent need for collective action Read more

Carrier, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, is addressing hunger and food waste globally by supporting food banks in the communities in which we live, work and operate. As we enter the giving season, it’s important to remember that more than 700 million people face hunger1, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.

“We are deeply committed to playing an active role in the movement to end hunger and food loss and waste, knowing our efforts can contribute to a world where no one has to go to bed hungry and where resources are used responsibly,” said Edward Dryden, President, Carrier Refrigeration. “Over the years, Carrier has contributed financial support, donated refrigerated truck and trailer products, and dedicated countless employee volunteer hours to local food banks to meet the global challenge head-on and support the delivery of fresh, nutritious food to those in need.”

Edward Dryden, President, Carrier Refrigeration (center) and members of his leadership team volunteered by sorting and packing food at a local food bank.

Carrier provided nearly $300,000 to hunger relief organizations around the world, with an additional $60,000 donation from Carrier-affiliated dealers and distributors for use throughout 2024 to make a significant impact to the following organizations:

Feeding America

  • Carrier provided $200,000 in grants to food banks affiliated with Feeding America® near Carrier facilities, spanning nine U.S. states. Feeding America is part of a nationwide network of over 200 food banks and 60,000 meal programs. With the donation, local partner food banks directed resources toward expanding their capacity for rescuing more perishable food, such as utilizing temperature-controlled storage to preserve fresh, nutritious food for people in need.
  • Bryant, a Carrier Residential HVAC (RHVAC) business, celebrated its 120th anniversary with a campaign to raise awareness of food loss and waste. Carrier kicked the campaign off with a $50,000 donation to Feeding America and then RHVAC worked directly with local dealers and distributors to raise an additional $60,000. Employees and customers spent many hours volunteering at their local food banks to support the initiative. This funding supported Feeding America’s national food insecurity programs.

European Food Banks Federation (FEBA)

  • Carrier donated $35,000 to the European Food Banks Federation (FEBA), a non-profit organization that supports and unites a network of over 30 national Food Banks across Europe in the fight against food insecurity and waste. Funds went toward further expanding imperative online data collection, development of a knowledge-sharing portal and facilitating skill-sharing sessions across the network to build capacity.

Beverly Bootstraps

  • Carrier also donated $10,000 to Beverly Bootstraps, a food pantry with extended social services located in Massachusetts near the headquarters of Sensitech, a Carrier Refrigeration business. The organization provides immediate hunger relief and educational resources and programs to empower people to be self-sufficient.

Bryant employees in Atlanta and Indianapolis volunteered at their local Feeding America affiliates.

In addition to financial contributions, Carrier employees around the world volunteered their time and talent at food banks in their local communities, helping inspect, sort and pack donated food in preparation for distribution. To learn more about Carrier’s efforts to make a positive impact in our communities around the world, visit https://www.corporate.carrier.com/corporate-responsibility/social-impact/our-communities/.

1World Health Organization