More than 500 companies were accepted for membership in the organization, a 65-percent increase over the prior year's new enrollments.

"ACCA enters 2005 with a vigorous sense of purpose, as well as pride that the industry has responded to our board of directors' mandate for change," said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA president and CEO.

"ACCA has reshaped itself into a member-driven, technology-driven organization for the 21st century. The contractors we represent demand us to be flexible and responsive, and we promise to continue meeting their needs. We will never ‘settle' but will act to provide our members with the value they need, and the resolve to strengthen the entire HVACR industry."

Key to the association's success in 2004 were a number of new initiatives, including a revamped Web site that acts as an online resource center for members, providing business tools, technical tips, and answers to member questions on everything from legal issues to sales.

"Expect surprises in 2005," stated Kevin Holland, ACCA vice president for communications, membership, and corporate development.

"Contractors will gain new and better tools they can put to use in their business right away to increase their profits, run better businesses, and meet their personal goals. We won't rest until all of the best contractors in the nation are ACCA members. And we look forward to serving even more of them this year."

The association is looking forward to the 37th Annual ACCA Conference & Indoor Air Expo March 9-12 in Austin, Texas. ACCA has planned an intense and exciting learning experience with a jam-packed schedule involving a wide range of topics from technical issues to business management tips.

Also, attendees will learn from some of the most informative and provocative speakers around, including Terrell Jones, the founder of Travelocity.com, and Dr. Lowell Catlett.

ACCA urges contractors to take advantage of the early bird discount by registering before Tuesday, Jan. 25. Call 703-824-8856 or visit www.acca.org for more details.

Publication date: 01/17/2005