Congratulations to the GAOI “Class of 2011.”

Congratulations to the GAOI “Class of 2011,” the first of the geothermal professionals to pass the GAOI accreditation exams. GAOI accreditation is available for installers, service technicians, loop installers, and designers. The exams were given at the Peoria conference March 1-2.

A total of 45 geo professionals have passed the exams so far.

21 pros have passed the service technician/installer technician exam. One comprehensive exam covers both service and installation.They are:

Marc Bailey, Yeomans, Peoria

Mike Toennies, Toennies Service Co., Damiensville

Jeff Hovln, Hoveln Geothermal, Thomasboro

Ed Snell, Snell Heating and Cooling, Virden

Todd Neuhaus, Neuhaus Heating and Cooling, Litchfield

Scott Muehlschlegel, Earth Smart Energy, South Elgin

Justin Kopaskey, Bratcher Heating and Cooling, Bloomington

Eric Pyle, L&H Service Co, Beecher

Alan Duden, Duden and Silver, Gifford

Terry Nagle, Williams Heating and AC, Percy

Adam Patrick, Pro-Air HVAC, Bloomington

William Swan, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Dave Weidner, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Michael Weidner, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Nick Nagel, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Chris Talkington, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Jon Hays, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Mike Price, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Jamie Roach, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Jeff Painter, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Gary Otken, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Eight passed the Installation Technician exam. They are:

Dirk Dypold, Advanced Geothermal, Elgin

Brad Neuhaus, Neuhaus Heating and Cooling, Litchfield

Larry Speakman, Aire Serve, Jacksonville

Mike Hameister, L&H Service, Beecher

Jason Bernus, Bratcher Heating and Cooling, Bloomington

Don Rogers, Bratcher Heating and Cooling, Bloomington

Jeff Painter, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Michael Strader, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

15 passed the loop installation exam. They include:

Dan Crowe, The Hole Deal, Congerville

Ross Hohulin, Tri County Irrigation, Goodfield

Dave Brooks, Tri-County Irrigation, Goodfield

Arin Rader, The Geo Connection, Hudson

Bruce Soukup, Quad Cities Geothermal, Milan

Joe Soukup, Quad Cities Geothermal, Milan

Bruce J. Soukup, Quad Cities Geothermal, Milan

Scott Muehlschlegel, Earth Smart Energy, South Elgin

Ed Snell, Snell Heating and Cooling, Virden

Brad Neuhaus, Neuhaus Heating and Air Conditioning

Rich Schmitz, Tri-State Trenching and Drilling, Delavan

Alvin Sharp, Tri-State Trenching and Drilling, Delavan

Chad Mayes, Pro-Air HVAC, Bloomington

Ryan Kerry, Great Lakes Geothermal, South Chicago

William Swan, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

One passed the Geothermal Designer Exam:

Jeff Painter, Weidner Refrigeration, Pawnee

Congratulations to everyone for demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the geothermal heat pump field!

In additional to individual recognition, companies will be recognized as accredited in the various areas, based upon their staff members’ participation in the program. The exams, along with GAOI training, will take place in late summer/early fall at various locations around the state.