Two HVAC industry manufacturers are doing much to support their employees who serve in the military.

Lochinvar Corp., Lebanon, TN, has received the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, for its support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.

Rotobrush International LLC, Grapevine, TX, received the Patriotic Employer Award by the National Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

William M. Jacobs, a Lochinvar employee serving as a National Guard platoon sergeant, nominated the company for its generosity and support for employees who serve in the military.

Robert Yates, a specialist in the Texas Army National Guard, and a Rotobrush technical support representative, nominated Rotobrush. “They’re very understanding about me having to leave for weekend drills. They support the troops, even those that are with the company and are no longer in the service,” Yates says.

Bill Vallett, Jr., president, Lochinvar Corp., accepted the Freedom Award on behalf of the Lochinvar team.

“Receiving the Freedom Award is a tremendous honor, and all of us at Lochnivar pledge to continue to support our troops to the best of our ability,” Vallett says.

 Leon Tribble, an ESGR ambassador, presented Rotobrush CEO and President Steven Bock with the Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation and a Patriot lapel pin for the company’s award.

“We’re honored to receive this award, and feel as a company that we have a responsibility to give back and support those who sacrifice so much for our country,” Bock says.

Lochinvar management had organized a holiday collection for two of its employees’ children who are serving in Iraq, to share with each of their infantry units. The contributions included food, holiday decorations, DVDs, books, magazines, board games, and stationery. Lochinar also received the Patriot Award, the Concord Minute Man Trophy for outstanding Support of the National Guard, and the Above and Beyond Award.

In other news, Lochinvar Corp. announced that its annual VIP Contractor Program will offer more incentives for contractors. In addition to the VIP Installation Showcase, Lochinvar is adding technical training, new awards, and a VIP Extreme Event. The 2009 program includes incentives for installations of Lochinvar Knight®, Efficiency +® and Solution® heating boilers.

lochinvar.com; rotobrush.com