February 2026 Newsletter
February Chapter Meeting: ASHRAE 2026 Winter Conference Highlights & Engagement Session
Join us for an overview of recent ASHRAE activities and initiatives.
This session will share key insights, opportunities for emerging professionals, and ways to get involved at both local and broader organizational levels. We will also highlight leadership focused programs and provide general guidance on ASHRAE’s structure, professional development pathways, and networking opportunities.
What to Expect
• Highlights from the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference
• Insights into ASHRAE organizational structure
• Networking and professional development guidance
Wisconsin Day on the Hill Government Outreach Event (GOE)
The 2026 Wisconsin legislative session has begun!
(January 13 to March 19).
Planning is underway for a collective visit to Madison for our annual Government Outreach Event at the State Capitol, commonly known as “Day on the Hill". In the past two years Chapters members from Wisconsin have been able to meet with +30 legislators, including both representatives and senators. With participation from all Wisconsin chapters and some advance planning, we can expand our impact even further this year.
This event is slated to take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. If you are interested in participating, please contact the La Crosse Area Chapter Government Affairs Chair, Andrew Wiegand at agw@michaelsenergy.com or if you are planning to attend, please add your name to the list here.
e-Week: coming in HOT!
Engineer’s Week (aka “E-Week”) 2026 is fast approaching
For those that aren’t familiar, E-Week is an annual event to:
1) Celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world
2) Educate about the need for engineers, technicians, and technologists, and
3) Engage students in Engineering
(More info about E-Week can be found here).
In conjunction Trane, the La Crosse ASHRAE Chapter annually hosts middle school students from around the area for an introduction to Engineering, a lab tour, and an engineering competition! This year we will be hosting approximately 250 students from 5 area schools! These activities will take place Feb 23-27.
Each year we ask for volunteers to give an introduction to Engineering ~ or ~ lead a lab tour ~ or ~ serve as a “robot” and mentor for the engineering competition. No previous knowledge or experience is required – you will be given simple and straightforward instructions. The only thing you need to bring is your enthusiasm for introducing the next generation to STEM.
This is an incredible opportunity to engage with local middle school students and to volunteer (And you may even learn some new things yourself!) Bonus! We will provide pizza for all students and volunteers each day at lunch!
Typical daily schedule is:
• 8:30am - arrival
• 8:40-9am – introduction
• 9-11:30am – lab tour/race car build
• 11:30-noon – pizza!
• 12:10pm – departure
To sign up to help, send an email to Aziz Bhetasiwala (azizy.bhetasiwala@trane.com) with your preferred date. We are still working on scheduling the time shifts, but more details to follow.
Call for Committee Chairs
Looking for a way to get more involved in our Chapter?
Become a committee chair! Currently, we have two positions open - one for Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) Chair and one for Scholarship Chair.
Young Engineers in ASHRAE Chair
Coordinate YEA specific events such as monthly trivia nights, the annual picnic, annual La Crosse Loggers game outing and other events
Work with other chairs to increase involvement of Young Engineers in ASHRAE at Chapter events
Scholarship Committee Chair
Organize committee that works towards scholarship awards
Head selection committee
Work with other chairs and Golf Outing Committee to plan and execute the annual Golf Outing, proceeds funding the Lee Burgett Memorial Scholarship
If interested, please contact michelle.hull@tranetechnologies.com.
ASHRAE Society Snapshot
The 2024-2025 Society Snapshot is now available. The report highlights ASHRAE’s successful initiatives including conferences, publications, educational offerings, research and development. View the Final Snapshot
Welcome New Member!
Our chapter is growing! Please welcome new members!
Nate Strasburg
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!
