ARLINGTON, Va. - A record number of companies joined the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) in 2004, the association has announced. Over 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."

According to ACCA, 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.

"Our board of directors has asked ACCA to stay on the cutting edge and keep working with members to develop new programs they can use," Stalknecht said. "We will continue to reach out to contractors in every community and every state, and show them that ACCA membership will help them meet their personal goals - and enrich our entire industry."

"Expect surprises in 2005," added Kevin Holland, ACCA vice president for Communications, Membership & 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."

Publication date: 01/10/2005