The venerable I=B=R Schools offered by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA for more than 50 years will now be managed by Business News Publishing (BNP) and co-sponsored byPMEand its sister publication,Plumbing & Mechanical, starting this fall. The new structure will blend the resources of both groups, to the benefit of I=B=R class attendees.
"BNP is an excellent partner for promoting and managing the I=B=R Schools," said Hydronics Institute Educational Chairman Joe Coppola. "BNP's publications are well-known for their in-depth coverage of hydronics and related heating technologies. We are very excited about reaching thousands of heating professionals with our schools."
"BNP is honored to manage the I=B=R Schools and assist the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA in its mission to educate the industry," said BNP Co-CEO Taggart Henderson. "We look forward to using our complete resources to promote these classes and invigorate the learning opportunities for the contractors, facility managers, engineers, technicians and other pros who read our publications."
"I=B=R classes have been offered since the 1950s. While equipment and technology have matured, the basic fundamentals of hydronic heating remain constant," Coppola said. "The classes explain how technological advances and fundamentals work together to provide what many consider the ideal heating system."
"I=B=R classes have undergone a big transformation over the last few years," Coppola added. "A major enhancement has been the use of a new hands-on training manual, Residential Hydronic Heating Design/Installation. The 400-page book features more than 300 full-color illustrations with instruction and commentary."
Three expert instructors will be teaching the classes: Jim Roche, past I=B=R instructor and retired technical staff member for a boiler manufacturer; Jim Goins, author, engineer and former training instructor for boiler manufacturers; and Dan Almeida, a boiler installer and teacher with more than 20 years of industry experience.
"I'm so pleased to see the rebirth of the I=B=R schools, especially because they are using the terrific new text, Residential Hydronic Heating," said Dan Holohan, PME columnist and leading hydronics author, speaker and consultant. "That book makes the science of hot water and steam heating jump to life. It's to the point, down-to-earth and the illustrations are the best I've ever seen. It's a book I wish I had written."
"The course instructors-Jim Roche, Jim Goins and Dan Almeida-are seasoned pros. Here are guys who speak the language of the people in the field. They'll share their love and enthusiasm for hydronic heating with the students who are lucky enough to attend the new school. Whether you're just starting out, or have many years in the trade, you'll learn from these men. I sure have," Holohan added.
I=B=R classes are held over two days and will be offered in several locations beginning in November. Anticipated locations include New Haven, CT; Boston/Marlboro, MA; Saddlebrook and New Brunswick, NJ; and Rochester and Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. The course fee of $395 includes the illustrated training manual, lunches and a certificate of completion. To view the upcoming schedule of I=B=R classes, visit www.bnp.com/conferences, or contact Keri Wrobel at (248) 362-3700.
