SMACNA Arizona, the Arizona Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, has recognized Carlos Ramirez of Ramirez Mechanical Systems, Inc. with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ramirez, who recently retired from the SMACNA Arizona board of trustees after serving for more than 20 years on various committees and boards, was recognized for his contributions to the industry spanning the last 45 years. He founded Ramirez Mechanical Systems in 1985. The company was lauded as the 1997 Minority Contractor of the Year for Minority Enterprise Development week (MED week). In 1998 Ramirez was named Small Business Person of the Year for the Arizona District by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and in 2002 he was named Minority Subcontractor of the Year by the Associated Minority Contractors of America (Arizona Chapter). SMACNA Arizona contractors are leaders in the HVAC industry. The organization is committed to quality work and ensuring quality workers for the future. SMACNA is an international association of union contractors in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry representing 4,500 contributing contractor firms. The organization is focused on upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in all facets of the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. To demonstrate that commitment, SMACNA Arizona has contributed more than $2.5 million statewide toward skills training and apprenticeships programs. For more information on SMACNA Arizona, visit www.smacna-az.org or call (602) 734-0214.