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5 ways ACCA made an impact in 2024


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As 2024 winds down, I am proud to reflect on a year of remarkable progress for ACCA. Our accomplishments this year not only advanced the HVACR industry but also strengthened our commitment to serving contractors and their teams.  

Here are my top five key achievements that defined our success in 2024.  

1. Celebrating record attendance at ACCA 2024 in Orlando, FL

ACCA 2024 in Orlando was a tremendous success, bringing together contractors, partners, and industry leaders for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration. We saw record attendance and engagement, with insightful sessions, a new technical track, and a vibrant Expo Hall showcasing the latest innovations. I’m grateful to everyone who participated and made ACCA 2024 unforgettable. I hope you’ll join us in Greater Austin, Texas, next March for ACCA 2025.

Register here: acca2025.com

2. Training 4,500+ contractors through the ACCA A2L training program

Keeping our contractors safe and armed with the information they need to be successful on the job is critical. As the HVACR industry shifts to low-GWP refrigerants like A2Ls, it’s essential for professionals to stay ahead. We launched our A2L training program to help prepare contractors for the A2L refrigerant transition and equip them with the necessary skills for working with mildly flammable refrigerants. Our program offers safety protocols and best practices to ensure contractors are prepared to handle these new refrigerants confidently and safely. To date, we have reached over 2,000 contractors with this program— did I mention it’s available in both English and Spanish? Still need to take the training? Members get the on-demand version of this training for free—a steal of a deal.

Sign up here: acca.org/a2ltraining   

3. Winning the Power of Associations Gold Award for our advocacy work

I was so proud to celebrate earning the 2024 Power of Associations Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for our advocacy work on the R-410a refrigerant transition. Working with HARDI and PHCC, we successfully extended EPA’s ban on R-410a equipment to January 1, 2025, giving contractors more time to sell inventory, train for A2L refrigerants, and stabilize operations. This recognition highlighted our commitment to balancing environmental goals with industry needs and protecting HVACR professionals from sudden regulatory shifts. 

 4. Surpassing 1,000+ contractor accreditations through ACCA’s Quality Assured (QA) program

In 2024, ACCA’s Quality Assured (QA) program surpassed 1,000 contractor accreditations. The QA program ensures contractors consistently meet rigorous quality benchmarks, giving homeowners and businesses peace of mind. I’m incredibly proud of the contractors who have earned this accreditation, and ACCA remains committed to supporting them with the resources needed to maintain excellence in every installation and service.

Learn more here: acca.org/qa 

 5. Driving interest in the skilled trades at a young age

I’m pleased to celebrate the launch of our new children’s book, The Air Came to a Stop, created alongside author Ryan Kiscaden. This book introduces kids to the world of HVACR and the skilled trades, highlighting the critical role contractors play in maintaining safety, comfort, and energy efficiency. Our goal is to spark curiosity and inspire future generations to explore careers in the trades, helping secure a strong pipeline of skilled technicians for our essential industry. 

2024 has been a transformative year for ACCA, but we’re not slowing down. Each accomplishment builds toward our shared goal: to elevate the standards of the HVACR industry while improving the lives of contractors. As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to advocating for our members, delivering innovative education, and strengthening the professional community that powers HVACR excellence.  

Thank you for being part of this journey with us; we can’t do it without your support. I hope you’ll continue your ACCA membership into 2025 and beyond, share our achievements with your HVACR colleagues, and invite them to become members and join the cause.

Invite them to visit acca.org/join for more information. 

We’re all in this together.

Barton James
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Posted In: ACCA Now, Opinion, Top Priorities

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