With deep roots in New Hampshire and an entrepreneurial mind, John Salizzoni has a lifelong propensity to give back and help others in his local community. As the president of Manchester-based Accurate Air, a commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and refrigeration services company, he launched the Accurate Air Scholarship Fund at Manchester Community College (MCC). The focus of the fund is to provide need-based scholarship support to students enrolled in MCC’s HVAC program.
John comes from a family with a long tradition of generously supporting educational institutions. He is a huge proponent of giving opportunity, the core theme behind the mission of The Foundation for New Hampshire Community Colleges. He shares this vision to provide greater access to educational opportunities and prepare students for in-demand, skilled jobs in HVAC and has committed resources to make it a reality for more students.
“My family has a tradition of giving back,” said John. “It was an obvious choice for us to give locally and support students at MCC through The Foundation.”
Since 2021, the Accurate Air Scholarship Fund has awarded over $42,000 in scholarships to 40 students. This scholarship is positioned to create pathways for the next generation of HVAC workers, an industry like many in New Hampshire that has felt the challenges related to workforce development. MCC offers students multiple opportunities to find a well-paying career in a stable industry.
“As a local business owner who struggles with finding talented employees, it is important for us to ensure MCC has the resources it needs to encourage students to get an education and choose a career in HVAC,” said John.
Impressed by the HVAC degree and certificate program and state-of-the-art training facility at MCC, John supports the college in more ways than funding the scholarship program. He has spent time as a guest lecturer for the college’s Small Business Management program, encouraging students by sharing his story, the lessons he learned, and the mentorship opportunities that helped his business succeed.
In 1999, he purchased Accurate Air, a six-person HVAC company in Manchester. His entrepreneurial spirit and the mentorship he had received led him to a 24-year journey of business growth. Accurate Air now has 50 employees and serves New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He feels fortunate for the opportunities he has had along the way and encourages others to follow suit.
“It is very important to give back to the community if you are able,” said John.
With this scholarship, he hopes to inspire future students of any age to join the workforce and have a rewarding career. For more information on opportunities to support community college students across New Hampshire, please contact Tim Allison at tallison@ccsnh.edu.
