Alexandria, VA — The leading organizations representing HVACR and plumbing contractors in the United States have launched a strategic collaboration as a part of their shared mission to strengthen the contracting industry.
As the two most established trade associations in the plumbing, heating, and cooling contracting industry, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) have collaborated for years to help advance the interests of businesses and professionals in their industry.
While the two organizations have defined roles and niche offerings, they also share many similarities, including an overlap of membership and advocacy agendas.
This new strategic relationship will allow ACCA and PHCC to deliver enhanced value propositions for their respective memberships and identify new opportunities to position the plumbing and heating/cooling contractor sectors for long-term growth and success.
“ACCA’s job is simple—we work every day to make contractors’ lives better,” said ACCA President and CEO Barton James. “Collaborating with PHCC just makes sense. When two strong associations align, we amplify our voice, expand our reach, and deliver more practical value to the people in the field. This collaboration means more resources, stronger advocacy, and fewer headaches for our members. And that’s what it’s all about—helping contractors succeed, lead, and build better businesses.”
A Steering Committee composed of volunteer leaders from both organizations is evaluating opportunities for the strategic collaboration. The organizations are exploring ways they can collaborate in key areas including events, education, workforce development, and legislative partnerships.
The Steering Committee includes key leaders from both ACCA and PHCC:
ACCA
- Brian Stack – Co-Chair, Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric (OH)
- Tim Cropp, CroppMetcalfe Services (VA)
- Martin Hoover, Empire Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. (GA)
- Eric Knaak, Kennedy Mechanical Contractors (NY)
- Barton James, President and CEO ACCA
PHCC
- Joel Long -- Co-Chair, GSM Services (NC)
- Dan Callies, Oak Creek Plumbing and Remodeling (WI)
- Brett Kaltvedt, Midwestern Mechanical (SD)
- Ken Smith, RPG Plumbing Services (VA)
- Rocco Fana, Chapter Executive, PHCC & ACCO (OH)
- Cindy Sheridan, CEO PHCC
“This strategic collaboration with ACCA will support growth for the plumbing and HVACR industry,” said PHCC CEO Cindy Sheridan. “Because we share a similar mission and strategic goals, it makes sense to work more closely together and use our resources more strategically and effectively, while preserving our independent identities and strengths.”
In the near term, ACCA and PHCC are collaborating to maximize events and legislative efforts. ACCA and PHCC members will be eligible for special registration discounts to attend the other organization’s major events. PHCC members can receive a special discount off the upcoming ACCA 2026 conference March 15-18; ACCA members are also eligible for a reduced rate to attend the May 5-6 PHCC Legislative Conference.
Additionally, ACCA’s advocacy leaders will take an active role in joining and participating in the PHCC legislative fly-in both in 2026 and in 2027.
Media inquiries:
Kate Wessels
VP of Communications, Marketing, and Partnerships
kate.wessels@acca.org
703-824-8864