The employees of Fresh Aire, Inc., a proud TABB Contractor, seek to ensure that the principles and standards of the Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau (TABB) are upheld throughout their business practices and take special pride in their work. Balancing a wide range of buildings including schools, hospitals, high rises, gun ranges, and restaurants, no job is too small or too big for this Lemont, Illinois-based company.

The company's operations are headed by V.P. William L. Niehoff. Niehoff, who began his career in the sheet metal industry in 1980 working for various contractors, was first introduced to testing and balancing in the late 1980s. Niehoff honed his air balancing skills and became an expert through a combination of experience and training.

Niehoff is now an associate member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and was appointed to TABB's International Certification Board (ICB), TABB's governing body, in October 2000. He accepted this position with the specific goal of promoting the TABB certification.

"It was important to me to get TABB recognized by the whole country," stated Niehoff. "We represent a complete package when it comes to a certified technician." Niehoff added that he hopes to promote TABB internationally as well.

Niehoff also stressed the importance of a joint labor/management ICB. His reasons?

"First, so that the two parties are aware of the overall impression of the TABB program and can work together to promote union certified technicians. Second, so both parties understand the importance of education in order to provide a professional work force," he said.

Niehoff will continue to work toward promoting TABB and hopes that in five years it will be the most recognized certification in the testing and balancing industry.

And in the shorter term, he doesn't expect the hometown Chicago Bears to make it to the playoffs, but he did say, "Go NOTRE DAME!"

Apparently, Mr. Niehoff prefers the Fighting Irish. For more information about Fresh Aire, Inc. call (630) 257-1624.