Women in HVACR Honors Industry Leaders at Indianapolis Conference

Women in HVACR President Jane Sidebottom emphasized the collaborative spirit of the event, noting that the gathering allows professionals to exchange technical knowledge and invest in mutual growth. The conference program featured keynotes from Christine Cashen and Rebecca Heiss alongside workshops covering AI implementation, personal branding, and workforce retention strategies.

Three industry leaders received Pillar Awards for their contributions to the organization's core missions. Lori Tschohl of Eagle Pipe Heating & Air was honored with the Mentor Pillar Award, citing her 35 years of business leadership. The Education Pillar Award went to Crystal Naegle of UA Local 525 for her extensive work in academic and technical training, while Becky Hoelscher of Arkema earned the Network Pillar Award for her two decades of service across multiple industry trade associations.

Additional accolades included the 2026 Leadership Awards, which recognized excellence in specific professional sectors. Recipients included Sonya Fryer for advocacy, Rosa Leal for manufacturer strategy, Treasure Boston for office and operations management, and Teri Rogers for vendor and distribution technology. The event concluded with a series of networking engagements, including a reception at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and a "Grease"-themed gala, reinforcing the group's ongoing efforts to expand the professional footprint of women in trade services.