The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) hosted their 2019 Educational Conference February 27 and 28, 2019 at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Orlando FL.

This year’s theme was “Navigating Excellence” and once again the annual event provided a forum for contractors and suppliers to exchange ideas and discuss issues impacting their businesses. In addition, Florida licensed contractors were able to obtain all 14 state-required continuing education hours with courses developed for the HVAC-R contractor.

The format for this year’s conference changed in an effort to leverage the time spent with the vendors/sponsors that play such a large part in the success of these events. Classes were presented each day but instead of visiting with vendors between sessions a Vendor Appreciation Trade Show and Social was held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. This structure allowed for more detailed and relaxed interactions between the contractors and vendors.

Wednesday featured a “Memory Lane Lunch” with past presidents sharing their experiences, casino-style games during the evening cocktail hour and a dinner gala with the 2019 President’s induction and awards presentations.

The following officers were sworn in: President Richard Sims of Johnson’s AC, Vice President William Barnes of Ellsworth’s Heating and Cooling and Secretary/Treasurer Keith Martin of Badger Bob’s Services.

The Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Polk County (PACCA) was recognized as FRACCA’s newest chapter and President Adam Ogg of Payne AC and Executive Director Caroline Hinckle were introduced.

A highlight of the evening was recognition of individuals, companies and associations for their achievements during the past year. Jamie DiDomenico of Cool Today received the 2019 Daikin Leadership Award in recognition of the endless contributions he has made to the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Coalition. Paul and Richard Stehle of Climatic Conditioning received the 2019 Outstanding Company Award. The Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association and Executive Director Robin Parsons received the 2019 FRACCA Chapter Innovation Award and Doug Lindstrom of Lindstrom AC and Plumbing and the South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association were recognized for leading the fight for the MEP Coalition.

The Second Annual FRACCA Chapter Olympics was won for the second year in a row by the North Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association.

FRACCA Executive Director Paula Huband declared the conference a great success. “Thank you to all the members that attended and took time from your busy schedules. The speakers were fantastic, we had an awesome Vendor Appreciation Party and The Walk Down Memory Lane Lunch was very entertaining, thanks to all that shared their stories. Our Awards Dinner and Officer Inductions also was a great time had by all.”

For information on next year’s conference or membership contact: Paula C Huband, Executive Director, 727-576-3225, Paula.Huband@FRACCAAir.com, PO Box 592760, Orlando, FL 32859.

Additional photos are available here and at flhvacinsider.smugmug.com.