Seven HVACR industry leaders were recognized with special awards at the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute's (AHRI's) Annual Meeting, Nov. 16-18 in Carlsbad, CA. The three awards, presented by AHRI Chairman C. David Myers, recognized the recipients' unique, individual contributions.

Five industry leaders received the 2008 Richard C. Schulze Distinguished Service Award for their outstanding service to the industry:

- Paul Doppel, director, factory liaison and government affairs, Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA, Suwanee, GA

- Drake Erbe, vice president for business development, AirXchange, Inc., Rockland, MA

- Michael Garrabrant, American Water Heaters

- Bruce Maike, vice president of engineering, Allied Air Enterprises, West Columbia, SC

- Robert Yost, laboratory director, National Refrigerants, Inc., Bridgeton, NJ.

Doppel was recognized for his outstanding leadership during his three years serving as chairman of the AHRI Ductless Equipment Engineering Committee.

Erbe was recognized for his outstanding service to the HVACR industry for his participation on several industry committees.

Garrabrant was recognized for his leadership as chairman of the Water Heater Test Harmonization Working Group.

Yost has served on the ARI Standard 700 Committee for nearly 20 years and is currently serving his sixth year as chairman.

A Public Service Award was presented to Daryl Hosler, manager for Wilson Environmental, received AHRI's Public Service Award for providing valuable, expert guidance on many gas appliance technical issues and standards.

David Huntley, president of CES Group, received AHRI's Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the association. It recognizes individuals who throughout their career have been industry leaders and made significant contributions to its advancement. Huntley has served the HVACR industry for more than 40 years.