"As we learned last year, contractors have embraced the Internet as a marketing tool and are mining it to not only reach new customers, but to keep the customers they have through better relations," said Paul T. Stalknecht, president and CEO of ACCA. "We were surprised last year by both the quantity and quality of entrants in the competition, and expect an even greater surprise this year!"

The "Best Contractors on the Web" awards program will recognize HVACR contractors who have successfully used their Web sites to promote their company's products or services. Finalist Web sites will be displayed at the 2004 ACCA Conference & Indoor Air Expo at the New Orleans Marriott, Feb. 25-28, 2004. Shortly after the conference, winners will be named in two categories - Commercial Contracting and Residential Contracting - and will be featured on the association's Web site and in the Summer 2004 issue of the ACCA magazine, Contractor Excellence.

"Like last year, the judging panel will be comprised of contractors, media representatives, and marketing experts," said Kevin W. Holland, ACCA's vice president for Communications & Membership Services. "Among the things they're looking for will be: ease of use; intuitive navigation; encouragement of quick response; interesting content; professional appearance; and of course, 'that certain something' that makes a site unique and appealing to a contractor's potential customers."

Contractors can submit their Web sites for consideration by completing the "Best Contractors on the Web" application form at ACCA's Web site, www.acca.org. The deadline for submission is Feb. 11, 2004. Contractors must be ACCA members in good standing in order to be considered for the competition.

For more information, call 703-824-8845 or e-mail kevin.holland@acca.org.

Publication date: 01/19/2004