The Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FACCA) and the Florida Chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) announced that they have "joined together as one strong statewide voice for the HVACR industry." The two groups will be incorporated as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Florida Inc. and be known as the Florida Air Conditioning Contractors of America.

"These are two strong organizations that together represent one big opportunity for contractors in our state," said Tommy Castellano of Castellano's Air Conditioning & Heating in Tampa, Fla., the group's first elected chair. "By combining our forces, we will make it easier for contractors to gain access to top-notch training programs and maintain a strong local presence while also accessing the benefits and services of the nation's leading HVACR association."

Joe Strickler of Refrigeration & Electric Service in Winter Haven, Fla., senior vice chairman of the new organization, said, "Both boards have worked diligently on the merger and decided it made good sense. It is in the best interest of contractors for our organizations to work together, and we complement each other well."