Atlanta - The 5th Women in HVACR Conference was held Sept. 9-10, in Atlanta. Both men and women attendees participated in educational seminars about women having careers in the trades, energy and climate issues, cross-generational communication and customer service.

WHVACR President and Advanced Leadership Institute graduate Karen Riffice introduced Contracting Business magazine's 2008 Woman of the Year, Renee Fiorelli, president of Peterson Service Company Inc., who presented Transitioning from the First Generation.

The conference covered issues such as:

• Energy and climate issues affecting the HVAC and building industry: How pursuing green projects can benefit businesses.

• Cross-generational gaps: How to overcome generational gaps in workforce communication.

• Career paths: How flexibility and a willingness to learn can lead women down a successful career path.

• Career exploration: Why women should explore and have careers in the trades.

• Customer service: How customer service can deteriorate and technology can improve focus, follow-up, caring, attention to detail and attitude.

• Shaping WHVACR: The future of WHVACR.