Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2019

State can attend without spending an entire day in travel and meeting. 5. The territories will be re-shaped based on demonstrated need. 6. The goal is to implement online license renewal in 2020. Now lest you blow these things off as unimaginative and something that should have been done long ago--- You Are Right. They should have been done long ago. The HURRAY is that it only took the new Department three months to accomplish or put it into motion. Much of this credit can go to Lindsay Moore, the new Section Manager. (That’s right, our program is no longer a department but a Section. Not sure why but who cares as long as they keep moving the program toward a better job of serving Arkansans by serving the HVACR industry.) and demonstrated a commitment to the “Section” that gives the Board more than hope. Not to put words in their mouths, but it seems that there is an optimism for the future. Frankly, that is all because of Mr. Moore’s openness and specific actions that are making the program more effective. Obviously, there is still much to do but I do want to applaud Cabinet Secretary, Daryl Basset; Director, Ralph Hudson; Section Manager Lindsay Moore; and Staff Attorney, Denise Oxley. These four will guide our future and are working Lindsay has voiced

for the benefit of the program and Arkansans.

Of course, I want more and would make these suggestions:

1. Broadcast the Board Meetings so the public can “tune in.” 2. Apply for a pay upgrade for our inspectors. 3. Replace the field inspector that retired in July. 4. Consider replacing at least one other inspector position that was retired in past years. 5. Budget for our inspectors to attend ICC training meetings. 6. Work with the Association to Develop annual code update workshops for licensees in regions of the state, at least 11. 7. Allow and encourage inspectors to speak at civic groups, training programs, and Association Chapter meetings. 8. Require email addresses on renewals so a communication data base can be established. Our industry needs a comprehensive way to communicate code changes as well as updates. 9. Develop open communication and partnership with the Arkansas Energy Office as they work to update the Energy Code. 10. Begin the process of updating the Arkansas Mechanical Code. Implementation of these suggestions will earn respect from the industry and better serve Arkansans. We trust they will be taken seriously.