I’m writing my second CEO column while on a long-haul flight across the Pacific Ocean to visit my family. I have to admit, I haven’t seen them since COVID-19 started, so this should be an exciting moment. However, I can’t shake the feeling that travelling is tiring and not so great for the environment.
How does this matter to you, you might ask. My point is that we are living in a fast-moving world marked by uncertainty, protectionism, and isolation. As our industry navigates the turbulent waters of technological advancements, economic shifts, and societal transformations, the role of professional associations has never been more critical.
We need to position ourselves as conduits, bringing people together to collectively support and shape the industry landscape. We cannot just keep pace with these changes; we need to take a proactive approach to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among members.
The value of a strong, connected community cannot be overstated. However, it has been challenging to grow and retain engagement. Creating spaces for members to exchange ideas, share experiences, and develop collective strategies is essential.
These platforms must also be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that members from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations can participate actively. We are inviting you to share your stories with us and one another. The AIRAH Board and I are dedicated to increasing engagement with members at a local level from the second half of 2024.
“The message is clear to me – listen, act and make an impact”
We also have a responsibility to provide continuous education and professional development opportunities. As our industry evolves, so too must the skills and knowledge of our workforce. We play a crucial role by offering training programs, webinars, and workshops that address emerging trends and technologies.
We are working to equip our members with the tools needed to stay relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing market. To expedite this effort, AIRAH is excited to welcome Abraham Corona, M.AIRAH, a passionate HVAC engineer, to join us and help lead our education development.
Advocacy is another vital aspect. Regulatory and legislative challenges can impede growth and innovation. We must act as the collective voice of our members, engaging with policymakers and stakeholders. Your voice is our strength. Together, we can influence regulations and policies that support the industry’s future. This requires a strategic and united approach, drawing on collective expertise and insights from collaborations beyond our industry.
AIRAH represented the panel discussion at both the EEC Conference and ARBS education seminars. The message is clear to me – listen, act and make an impact.
To harness the power of community, foster continuous learning, and advocate for the industry’s needs, we must strive for innovation. Innovation is not only about the tools we use but more importantly, about the way we think.
More AIRAH updates will follow, but until the next column, feel free to contact me at ceo@airah.org.au. Until next time, best wishes to all members.
