The economic conditions of the last few years have been tough for HVAC contractors. While some economic indicators point to a modest recovery underway, contractors may need a little more convincing, as evidenced by the Contractor Comfort Index (CCI), which decreased in the months of December and January before rising a bit in February.

Contractors attending this year’s Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) conference had a lot of burning issues on their minds concerning the HVAC industry. Thanks to the much-anticipated CEO Forum that is held at the conference every year, attendees had the opportunity to ask manufacturing leaders about those issues that directly affect their livelihoods.

The last few years have been challenging for HVACR contractors, the poor economy has resulted in financial stress, and recent federal legislation has caused concern. Even with these recent difficulties, there are numerous reasons to be hopeful, said Paul Stalknecht, president and CEO, Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).

The HVAC trade has sounded off on its 2011 predictions - and it is overwhelmingly good. That is, according to 140 respondents to a recent poll at Linkedin.com, who were asked what they saw in their crystal ball for 2011. The HVAC trade - in particular, contractors - are very keen on a business uptick in 2011.

Contractors who keep both their employees and customers satisfied have found that a family feeling can improve their odds. In these cases, the goodwill comes from something other than a dollar sign, and it is widespread among this year’s Best Contractor to Work For winners.

At Cool Check Air Conditioning Ltd., The NEWS' Best Contractor to Work For in Canada, there’s a definite feeling of family. With a total of 15 employees, this Toronto-area commercial contractor is able to nurture both its employees and its customers.

This year, we are happy to name a well-deserved repeat winner in the Northeast region. Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning first won The NEWS’ Best Contractor to Work For contest in 2003. The essentials haven’t changed: It’s still a family business for more than one family.

Committed. Caring. Trustworthy. Family. These are the words that Donley Service Center employees use to describe the company. Taking that trust and respect to the next level of uncompromising integrity, however, sets the firm apart as The NEWS’ 2010 Best Contractor to Work For winner in the Western region.

At Brothers Air, Heat & Plumbing Inc., its generous vacation policy, profit sharing, an open-book approach to how the company is doing, and a goal to be a place “where people like to work,” has earned Brothers recognition as the Best Contractor to Work For in the South.

Fire & Ice Heating, Air Conditioning and Electrical's focus on training and company communication - between management and staff as well as between company employees and customers - are among the cornerstones of The NEWS 2010 Best Contractor to Work For in the North Central region.