The venerable I=B=R Schools offered by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA (Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association) for more than 50 years will be managed by Business News Publishing (BNP) starting this fall. BNP is the parent company of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES. The new structure provides an ideal blend of resources that ultimately will reward I=B=R class attendees, according to both groups.

"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, Coppola said. "While equipment and technology have matured, the basic fundamentals of hydronic heating remain constant. The classes explain how technological advances and fundamentals work together to provide what many consider the ideal heating system," he noted.

"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, a 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 (NJ), New Brunswick (NJ), Rochester (MN), and Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN). The course fee of $395 includes the illustrated training manual, lunches, and certificate of completion. To view the upcoming schedule of I=B=R classes, visit www.bnp.com/conferences or contact Keri Wrobel at 248-244-6463.

Founded in 1926, Business News Publishing is a fourth-generation, family-owned company with 40 publications and 350 employees headquartered in Troy, Michigan. BNP publishes Plumbing & Mechanical, SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, PM Engineer, Reeves Journal, Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, Engineered Systems, Environmental Design + Construction, Energy User News and SNIPS, reaching nearly 300,000 contractors, engineers, architects, wholesalers, and facility managers involved in the design, installation or maintenance of hydronic heating and related systems. For more information, visit www.bnp.com.

GAMA is a non-profit industry association with more than 220 members. The Hydronics Institute Division is comprised of more than 60 manufacturers of hydronic heating equipment. Founded in 1915 as the National Boilers and Radiation Manufacturers Association, its name was changed in 1929 to the Institute of Boilers and Radiation and in 1970 to the Hydronics Institute. In 1995, HI became a division of GAMA. For more information, visit www.gamanet.org.