About

In October of 2019, during the RETA Conference in Las Vegas, the RETA-Training Institute (RETA‐TI) was announced during the opening business session. This new 501(c)(3) was created by the Board of RETA to address the critical issues of workforce development and education that surround the industrial refrigeration industry.

Drawing from existing resources and concepts, the President of the RETA Training Institute Board of Directors is current RETA National Board of Directors President Aer Teale, of Lineage Logistics.  Jim Barron is acting as Executive Director.  As the small Board came together, it was important to recognize and draw from specific areas thus there is a cross section of volunteers.  Keith Harper of Tyson Foods, Werner Paulus of Refrigeration Design and Service, Inc. and an USMC Veteran, Melissa Cassell of General Refrigeration Company, and Lee Pyle and Eric Girven of SCS Tracer Environmental compose the remainder of the Board.  Together, the group has met to create and support the initial structure, programs, goals, mission and vision. A great deal has been accomplished in a short time, and there is so much more to be done going forward.

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The RETA‐Training Institute currently has three primary programs aimed at focusing on veterans, transitioning service members, college students, high school students, women, and others to safely engage, train, and contribute to the industrial refrigeration industry. The RETA‐TI will create educational opportunities to certify program participants and assist with placement into the industry. RETA‐TI will ensure that our program participants develop the skills and sound knowledge of industrial refrigeration and the core competencies essential for success and leadership in the growing workforce. RETA‐TI program participants will also generate practical and theoretical knowledge to better understand the growing and changing world of industrial refrigeration.

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RETA-TI is beginning with three programs, REDWHITEandCOOL, Women in Natural Refrigeration (WiNR) and Youth and Young Adults (YAYA).  RETA-TI hopes to expand programmatically, as things gain traction, results and funding.