During a recent government meeting, John Hurst addressed concerns regarding sound and emissions related to a new engineering research and design center, which is also being branded as an innovation center. Hurst emphasized the facility's role in testing equipment to meet efficiency standards set by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, highlighting its importance in a heavily regulated industry.

The center will feature specialized test chambers designed to simulate extreme conditions, akin to the walk-in coolers found in fast-food restaurants, but tailored for air conditioning equipment. Hurst noted that the facility aims to provide customers with hands-on demonstrations of their products, enhancing marketing efforts while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Acknowledging community concerns, Hurst expressed a commitment to being a good neighbor and improving the facility's aesthetic appeal, distancing it from the typical image of a warehouse. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to engage with the community while advancing technological innovation in the HVAC sector.