On July 29, 2025, we launched the R-TRADE Supporters program, offering organizations a new way of supporting critical workforce solutions delivered under R-TRADE.
“Technicians are the backbone of the commercial refrigeration industry, but they need our support if we want a sustainable technician workforce,” said Danielle Wright, NASRC Executive Director. “The R-TRADE Supporters program gives organizations a meaningful way to invest in the workforce and ensure they have the resources they need to be successful now and into the future.”
R-TRADE, our nationwide workforce development program, aims to address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: a nationwide shortage of trained refrigeration technicians. The program provides low-to-no-cost, hands-on training and career-building resources to help technicians thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
R-TRADE Supporters: A New Way to Give
R-TRADE Supporters offers organizations a tax-deductible* way to directly fund proven solutions to improve recruitment, training, and retention for refrigeration technicians at scale. Contributions from Supporters enable NASRC to host free in-person, expert-led training events while supporting workforce recruitment through resources like school career fairs and faculty training. Supporter levels start as low as $5,000 a year.
In return for their support, organizations receive promotional benefits, recognition and opportunities to engage directly with refrigeration technicians at NASRC training events.
“Without our Supporters, these training opportunities simply wouldn’t be available to the technicians who need them most,” said Morgan Vanzo, NASRC Senior Director. “This program is about opening doors, and we’re inviting the industry to help us do that.”
Supporters will join R-TRADE Founding Partners Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Kroger and Albertsons, who provided seed funding to help launch the program in 2024 and make it accessible at scale.
To learn more or become a Supporter, visit nasrc.org/r-trade-supporters or email info@nasrc.org.
* Tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.