Nov. 26, 2007 ― ARI, GAMA Boards Propose Jan. 1 Merger

The boards of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have approved the merger and sent the proposal to the respective memberships for a vote that will be tallied on Dec. 15.

The end result would be the Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), a larger, combined group of manufacturers that would collectively wield greater leverage on Capitol Hill, and enhance domestic HVAC positions in the global economy.

On Nov. 12 and 13, the respective boards voted unanimously to move forward, and are encouraging the support of the respective memberships. The memberships began receiving voting materials on Nov. 15. With membership approvals, the combined organization could become official on Jan. 1, 2008, and would be incorporated under Virginia law.