[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 36 (Thursday, March 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRANE COMPANY'S APPLIED GLOBAL SYSTEMS GROUP E.P.A'S 1998 ENERGY STAR 
                  BUILDINGS ALLY OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 1998

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate the La Crosse-
based Trane Company's Applied Global Systems Group for being recognized 
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a recipient of the 1998 
Energy Star Buildings Ally of the Year Award. This award is given to 
businesses that promote the use of energy-efficient products and 
contribute to air pollution prevention. The E.P.A's Energy Star 
Buildings Ally Program proves that business and government can not only 
coexist, but can actually achieve mutually beneficial goals, energy 
efficient cost-savings and lower emissions.
  This award symbolizes a great success for Trane Company and 
demonstrates how far the company has come since the late 1980's and 
early 1990's when they faced a steadily declining sales and workforce 
reductions. It was feared this employer, a cornerstone of employment in 
the region, would leave the community.
  Fortunately, a commitment was made by both management and the 
employees of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace 
Workers Union Locals 21 and 1115 to cultivate a team concept and to 
foster a partnership for a friendly work environment that promotes 
pride, encourages a new level of trust and embraces new negotiation 
tactics in labor relations. Today, the employees and management view 
each other as allies rather than adversaries, and they work to achieve 
goals that are fair and productive to the employees and the company. 
That is part of the reason why the La Crosse Business Unit of Trane 
Co., responsible for the design, marketing and manufacture of 
centrifugal water chillers, absorption cold generators and scroll 
compressors for commercial air conditioning products, was named the 
1996 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year.
  Currently, Trane Company employs more than 3,000 employees in La 
Crosse. They offer industry leading products to an international 
market. The drive to succeed and dominate in the heating, ventilating, 
air conditioning and building management industries has enabled them to 
successfully identify the need for energy efficient and environmentally 
friendly products. The confidence Trane Co. has in their employees' 
ability to offer bold, new products to their customers ensures that the 
company will continue to dominate the market for years to come.
  I take this opportunity to congratulate Trane Company and its 
employees on a well-deserved award and wish them continued success in 
what promises to be a bright and prosperous future as they enter the 
21st Century.

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