Members of Ice Air’s leadership team including CEO Ric Nadel met with Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard focusing on the city’s ongoing development efforts, potential partnership opportunities, and Ice Air’s interest in supporting the mayor’s local revitalization projects.
Mayor’s Vision and State Investments
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard has pointed out that the state investments in Mount Vernon’s infrastructure – like a $150 million investment, along with additional funding for programs like the Healthy Homes Pilot Program and the Lead Service Line Replacement Program – represent a transformative partnership and are crucial for repairing aging infrastructure, planning for lead pipe replacement, and building a healthier and more resilient city.
“One of my guiding principles is, ‘Mount Vernon’s time is now,’” she emphasizes, “And frankly, I couldn’t think of better company other than fellow resident Ice Air to meet with now. Because what I have in mind goes beyond infrastructure.”
That meeting took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in the mayor’s conference room. Mayor Patterson-Howard was joined by Robin Mack, the director of Mount Vernon’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA). On the Ice Air side, Ric Nadel, CEO and Founder, led his team comprised of Tom Glass, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Sales Coordinator Alexi Miller. The two-hour discussion explored how Ice Air’s HVAC technologies could align with Mount Vernon’s long-term development goals.
Ice Air’s Role in Sustainability
Ice Air is a noted innovator of a wide range of All Climate Comfort systems that deliver energy efficient heating and cooling. Ric Nadel, President and CEO of Ice Air echoed the group’s focus on sustainability by pointing out that they just opened up their Spartanburg, SC operation to add to their capacity to meet the demand.
“It was a great pleasure hearing the mayor’s plans for our city, and we’re just glad to be a part of it,” Nadel said. Ice Air has been in Mount Vernon for over 20 years.
For example, regarding the Third Street Sewer Project, the mayor noted it is a collaborative effort to replace aging sewer infrastructure, address capacity issues, and mitigate environmental concerns, ultimately enhancing public health and safety. Mayor Patterson-Howard said it was just that kind of collaboration she was seeking with companies like Ice Air – Mount Vernon-based companies who offer real-world solutions to the vibrant community of Mount Vernon.
Industry Leadership in Energy Efficiency
“Multifamily buildings in the US account for 17% of total residential energy consumption according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and 14% of residential CO2 emissions,” Tom Glass offered in the discussion. “Ice Air’s commitment to controlling this use is unmatched in the industry, since we led the way in electrification of HVAC with our innovative heat pump technologies.”
“We would like to see existing Mount Vernon businesses play a key role in supplying and supporting the city’s new developments and revitalization efforts. “We look forward to Ice Air’s contributions to the much-needed HVAC solutions to upcoming projects.”
“And that’s also while supporting workforce development and community engagement,” Mack added. “The city’s goals toward sustainability are clear, and we know Ice Air can help drive that along based on what we see them doing.”
While the current Mount Vernon Sustainability Action Plan is aimed at sewers, the group realized sustainability is not limited to this type of infrastructure.
“The meeting gave us a chance to introduce our company to the mayor and her team, and to position us as her plans develop and take root,” Nadel added. “Ice Air has likely contributed more HVAC equipment to new and replacement projects in New York than most other companies combined. We want to continue that tradition, and we’ve developed new technologies to do just that.”
