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We’re Better Together


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Our association is the Air Conditioning CONTRACTORS of America (ACCA). Make sense, because ACCA represents us, the contractors. They are looking out for our best interest, advocating for bills, regulations, and programs that help us, and are creating training tools that help us be the best in our markets.

But, this industry does not succeed on contractors alone. We are just one vital piece of the big puzzle that allows us to provide comfort, safety, and security to the millions of families and businesses we serve each day. The truth is without the other pieces of the puzzle; the manufacturers, the suppliers, and the distributors; our industry just wouldn’t work. That is why I think we are better together.

Over the years, ACCA has worked with the various organizations that represent the sectors of our industry on the national level, such as the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), the North American Technician Excellence (NATE), to ensure our industry was growing and thriving. And we’ve worked on the state level with contractor organizations, despite the defederation in 2015, to ensure that ACCA is supporting the industry at every level. Those state organizations are: AACP (Maryland, Virginia, DC); ACCO (Ohio); ARHVACR (Arkansas); CAAG (Georgia); FRACCA (Florida); GATEWAY (Missouri); IHACI (California); MEPO (Oklahoma); MIACCA (Michigan); NJACCA (New Jersey); ORACCA (Oregon); PAACCA (Pennsylvania); SCAHACC (South Carolina); SNARSCA (Nevada); TACCA (Texas); and WAACCA (Washington).

We’ve all heard the old adage, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” That is why ACCA collaborates with our partners throughout the industry. We want everyone to improve, so that everyone continues to succeed.

So, in 2019 ACCA is putting a major focus on collaborating and partnering even more with these groups. We want the spirit of this industry to be that we are all important to its success and together we can come up with the best solutions to the toughest
problems we are all facing. Together, we can overcome the workforce shortages, fight against unnecessary burdens placed on business by regulations, and build programs to promote proper installation of systems, which in turn lead to better efficiency from equipment, more comfort for the end-users, and better satisfaction. I think everyone can agree these are good things for our industry.

And while partnerships and collaboration are important, we also need to remember that we will not always agree on every program or regulation. Amicably disagreeing is part of strong relationships. We will be open to hearing to all sides’ opinions
and hopefully we can find a middle ground where we can all improve and benefit.

So, in 2019 expect to see ACCA more. The members of the Board of Directors and ACCA staff are filling our calendars with events to attend to support our industry. We are meeting one-on-one with our partners, as well to share how they can support us and learning how we can support them.

My ask of you is this: If you know of an event that we need to be at, tell us. You can email membership@acca.org or call 703-575-4477. Or, if you want to represent ACCA at an event, we will be happy to arm you with whatever resources you need. As an ACCA member, you are our best representative. Again, just email or call ACCA and we will get you all set up.

As we go forward, I want to wish you all a successful and prosperous 2019. Embrace the sense of unity and help us collaborate with all our partners, so we all reach our goals.

Steve Schmidt
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Posted In: Opinion

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