March 2026 Newsletter
March Chapter Meeting: YEA Connect & Network Lunch
Join the ASHRAE La Crosse Area Chapter YEA Committee for the YEA Connect & Network Lunch on Wednesday, March 19.
This event offers early career professionals an opportunity to expand their network, exchange ideas, and build meaningful industry connections in a structured and professional environment.
Whether you are new to ASHRAE, early in your career, or looking to broaden your peer network within the HVAC and building systems community, this session provides a valuable platform for collaboration and conversation over lunch. EVERYONE is welcome to attend, but please register in advance so we have a headcount for lunch!
What to Expect
• A professional, early career focused environment
• A brief open networking session at the end
• Opportunities to meet peers across companies, disciplines, and experience levels.
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Trane Technologies Building 12
2313 20th Street South
Reuben Trane Conference Room
Cost: FREE!
But please register by March 16,2026 for catering purposes
Food & Beverage: Light snacks and sandwiches provided
SAVE THE DATE! La Crosse Area Chapter of ASHRAE Anniversary Celebration
Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come! Since our chapter was founded in 1972, our members have built a strong community of professionals, innovators, and friends. We hope you’ll join us for a relaxed after-work gathering to mark this milestone together.
We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring more than five decades of chapter history. More details to come!
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: La Crosse Distillery Co.
Research Promotion (RP) Update
The ASHRAE RP Campaign is an annual fundraising campaign benefiting the funding of numerous ASHRAE Programs. These programs include:
ASHRAE Research
ASHRAE Scholarships for undergraduate students
ASHRAE Learning Institute (ALI) development of new courses & materials
Graduate Research Projects (Grants-in-Aid)
Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Leadership Training
Permanently endowed support to all the above programs
The RP Campaign raises over $2.7 million a year from over 6,000 donors. These donors are made up of ASHRAE Members, industry associations, and industry organizations.
ASHRAE Research
Since 1960, ASHRAE has sponsored research studies at universities and research firms. The results of these studies have been used to prepare chapters in the ASHRAE Handbook series; as foundational material in special publications; in the formulation of standards; to train university students as they prepare for service in the HVAC&R industry; and to spread the knowledge gained through presentation at Society Conferences and publication in ASHRAE Transactions or conference proceedings.
ASHRAE currently has 42 active research projects.
The total value of all active projects is $7,548,281.
Average cost: $179,721.
Since 1959, ASHRAE has sponsored 964 projects with a combined value of $83.2 million.
2025-2026 RP La Crosse Area Chapter Campaign
Total Raised: $3,370
Employer Matching Funds TBD
Grand Total $3,370
Goal $11,232
We would like to offer a sincere thank you to our Honor Roll Donors list below!
Michelle Hull
• Sarah Hilden
• Halie Headrick
• Erin Smith
• Gabe Korinek
• Mick Schwedler
• Alex Schmig
• Ken Schultz
• Steve Kujak
*Many donated through the golf event which are not captured here
Show your support for ASHRAE by contributing to ASHRAE RP and please donate today. There are many ways you can donate. Through the ASHRAE website at https://www.ashrae.org/about/invest-in-the-rp-campaign or when you participate at local La Crosse Area Chapter events.
Some local companies offer matching funds so your donation doubles your contribution and impact to ASHRAE RP! Be sure to ask your employer if they participate in this program.
Applications for the Lee Burgett Memorial Scholarship are due soon!
Know a student interested in our industry?
Applications for the Lee Burgett Memorial Scholarship are due May 1. An award of $1500 will be made to a full-time student enrolled in a college program leading to a professional degree in fields related to HVAC/R. Technical school or university bound students are encouraged to apply!
New Scholarship for ASHRAE Members: 35% off HVAC Design Training Course
Farr and Setty Family Foundation funds scholarships for
ALI, AGT and eLearning Registrants
ASHRAE Members can now get 35% off one ALI, AGT, or eLearning course—thanks to the Richard and Mary Farr, the Setty Family Foundation, and Jim and Nancy Fields funds.
Apply at least 3 weeks before your course date.
Funds are limited, so don’t wait!
Welcome New Members!
Our chapter is growing! Please welcome new members!
Chris Collins
Abhishek Singhvi
2026 YEA Leadership Weekend 2.0
Dates: May 29 - 31, 2026
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Registration NOW OPEN until April 24, 2026
YEA Leadership Weekend 2.0 (YLW 2.0) is designed to provide additional, more advanced resources to YLW alumni. For this continuation of YLW, we bring back Ralph Kison to facilitate and expand on the skills he taught at the existing YLW event. As YLW alumni, you’ve had the opportunity to use the resources and connections you gained at YLW to not only grow your professional careers, but develop your participation within ASHRAE. The purpose of YLW 2.0 is to continue that growth and development, and hopefully inspire even further leadership skills and aspirations!
Find more details using the link below, or contact YEA with questions at youngengineers@ashrae.org or 678.539.1178.
YEA Developing Leader Award
• Nominations accepted until May 1st, 2026
• Click here to learn more and apply
WIA Leadership Symposium
Registration is now open for the 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium April 13-14, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA!
After a sold-out debut, the Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium returns bigger, bolder, and more empowering than ever!
Join us for TWO FULL days of connection, inspiration, and leadership growth with women from across the HVACR industry, from students and early-career professionals to seasoned veterans. This isn’t just for engineers. It’s for every woman making an impact on the built environment.
Whether you’re here to build your network, develop your leadership skills, or cheer on the next generation through the Young Women in ASHRAE EmpowerHERment Award competition, YOU BELONG HERE!
Empower, Elevate, Lead. Belong!
