ACCA Welcomes New Government Relations Representative & Coalitions Manager

Posted on:

June 10, 2020

ACCA is proud to announce and welcome Czarnecki as ACCA’s Government Relations Representative & Coalitions Manager.

As Government Relations Representative & Coalitions Manager, Czarnecki is responsible for representing ACCA on Capitol Hill. His main priorities are, building federal solutions for workforce development issues, and working with the Education and Labor Committee, Department of Education, and other agencies that can have a positive impact on careers in the skilled trades. Additionally, Czarnecki is accountable for managing ACCA’s memberships and relationships with the Family Business Coalition, National Association of State Energy Officials, the National Governors’ Association, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, and other relevant groups that can help advance ACCA’s policy goals. He will be handling policy issues that relate to education, workforce development, healthcare, regulatory reform, and infrastructure.

Before joining ACCA, Czarnecki worked for Congressman Sensenbrenner’s (R-WI) office and for former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI). As a legislative correspondent, Czarnecki was responsible for managing advocacy correspondence, constituent surveys, and the congressional internship program. He also managed campaign finance issues, political affairs, and supported senior staff, overseeing the education and energy portfolios.

To view ACCA’s updated staff organization directory, visit https://www.acca.org/about-acca/staff.

ACCA Fights for HVACR Contractors During Coronavirus Pandemic

ACCA announced its urgency to push Congress and President Trump to expand support for HVACR contractors and treat HVACR contractors as essential service providers. ACCA serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Task Force on Coronavirus Response and has helped craft recommendations for the federal government’s response to this global pandemic.

In a letter to President Trump, Vice President Pence, and congressional leaders, ACCA President and CEO, Barton James pushed for reconsideration of legislation that would mandate paid leave for workers impacted by Coronavirus. To best support workers and businesses, ACCA is requesting that the federal government take immediate action to encourage states to loosen restrictions on the ability to use unemployment benefits, and to provide additional funding to states that may experience shortfalls in unemployment benefits accounts.

In his letter, James stated, “Unlike mandated paid leave, which contractors have not budgeted for, HVACR contractors have budgeted for unemployment insurance and have already paid into those accounts. Considering that unemployment has been at a historic low, those accounts should be well funded, and we believe that would enable HVACR contractors to survive some very challenging times.”

ACCA also pushed for exemptions for HVACR contractors from mandates that require businesses to temporarily close or individuals to self-isolate. ACCA notes that HVACR professionals are essential to the health and well-being of the American people and the economy. In his letter, James also noted that, “HVACR contractors should be considered emergency service providers because they perform necessary, life-saving services on several components of our nation’s most critical infrastructure. This includes, but is not limited to, the healthcare industry, the agri-food supply chain, and essential heating, cooling, and refrigeration needs for vulnerable populations.”You can learn about all the work that ACCA did and are doing to support our members during this global pandemic at www.acca.org/members/industry/covid-19.

Martin Hoover Honored with ACCA Distinguished Service Award

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has awarded Martin Hoover of Empire Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.in Decatur, GA, with the association’s Distinguished Service Award.

ACCA depends on the dedicated efforts of hundreds of volunteers who devote thousands of hours to committee service and providing leadership and guidance on standards development, public policy, and membership programs. All ACCA volunteers are incredibly valuable and deserve a debt of gratitude from the rest of the industry. Each year, ACCA recognizes one volunteer who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ACCA and the contracting industry with the Distinguished Service Award.

Hoover was selected for this honor due to his high-energy and enthusiasm to help ACCA and its members be better business people by becoming more active in the industry.He has served on the ACCA Board of Directors for four years and currently serve at the Chairman of the Membership Committee and the ACCA-PAC. Prior to joining the ACCA Board of Directors, Hoover, was active in several committees including the government relations committee, membership committee, and the ACCA-PAC committee. Hoover is also a vocal proponent for ACCA’s MIX®Group program, championing the values of contractors to put in the effort to start new groups, so they can reap some of the best benefits that ACCA membership has to offer.

“Martin’s passion for serving ACCA members is like nothing I have ever experienced before,” said Barton James, ACCA President and CEO. “He gets excited about what is affecting contractors and small businesses and pushes hard to move the needle forward.His desire to see our members be more involved in the industry and the association energizes those around him,so that they are excited, too. It is rare to find a leader like him in any industry, so we are lucky that he is one our leaders.

”For more information on ACCA’s Distinguished Service Award and for a list of past winners, visit www.acca.org/members/awards/dsa.

Scott Kellam of Kellam Mechanical Honored with the Skip Snyder Humanitarian Award

ACCA honored Scott Kellam of Kellam Mechanical in Virginia Beach, VA, with the 2020 Skip Snyder Humanitarian Award.

Kellam was a standout candidate for this prestigious award due to his significant contributions to the community and the industry. Under his leadership, his family and company have reached out to positively impact the lives of those in need and for the betterment of nearby communities through a wide range of charitable programs, including:

The Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission
The Virginia Beach Education Foundation
The Clear the Shelters Event with NBC10 WAVY
Virginia Beach Little League
The Chas Foundation
Stuff the Bus Toy Drivewith Z104.5

“Skip was an iconic leader with a unique passion for life, service to country and profession,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. “Scott, along with the support of his team, exemplifies those same characteristics through their continual efforts to improve their local community. He and his team prioritize giving back to their community, which shows their commitment to serve the people in their community beyond just their business.”

The Skip Snyder Humanitarian Award was established in memory of Skip Snyder, a past national chairman of ACCA, who passed away in the Fall of 2013. Skip was an iconic figure in the HVACR industry, but throughhis many benevolent efforts and actions, he left his footprints everywhere –especially at ACCA. The award is given annually to recognize an ACCA member that has made extraordinary contributions to the betterment of society and community. It is a tribute that defines Skip’s remarkable character and his philosophy of life –helping, caring, and sharing with others.

For more information about the Skip Snyder Humanitarian Award, and to see a list of past winners, visit www.acca.org/members/awards/ssha.

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