Halco Wins National Recognition

Halco has been recognized as the best HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) employer in the northeast. The recognition was bestowed on the Phelps-based company by Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, a prominent national trade publication.

The ACHR News wrote of Halco, "At Halco Heating and Air Conditioning, Phelps, N.Y., employees can advance quickly thanks to ample education." The article goes on to note that each employee has a career path, and it details all of the training opportunities Halco offers its employees. For many, this training has led to one or more NATE certifications. NATE certification is the HVAC industry’s sign of excellence. Employees have also received building performance training and certification from the Building Performance Institute (BPI), as well as National Comfort Institute (NCI) training and certification in air flow and combustion problem diagnostics.

The article cites Halco's extensive in-house training program, noting that the 115 employees have had an average of 41 hours of training over the last 12 months. It also discusses the New York State apprenticeship program for Halco employees and the company’s training center for displaced and under employed workers. That program is conducted in partnership with Monroe Community College.

Reporters for the News spoke to several employees, including two who joined Halco while still in high school and now hold management positions. Each interviewees credited owners Hal and Tammy Smith with creating a "family" atmosphere among employees.

This is not the first time Halco has been honored for its training program. ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) bestowed its 2008 excellence in training award on Halco.

Halco serves commercial and residential customers in an area stretching from Rochester to Utica and from the Pennsylvania to the Canadian border. Services include complete home/building performance assessments, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, insulation and renewable energy design, installation and maintenance.