ACCA and Allied Contracting Organization Growth and Unity Initiative invests in shared growth
Since its founding at the ACCA 2026 Allied Contracting Organization (ACO) Exchange, the ACO Membership Working Group has been meeting with contractors and peers to better understand the value contractors see in joining an association and the root causes underlying ACO membership challenges.
Building on this back-to-basics approach, they formulated the ACCA + ACO Growth and Unity Initiative, which they rolled out on the June 2026 ACO Exchange call.
It lays out a 5-part vision for shared membership growth and engagement:
- Strengthen state and local associations by asking which organizations want additional support
- Create a unified member value proposition
- Build an intentional peer-to-peer recruitment and leadership program
- Develop a National ACO Leadership Summit in late 2027
- Create a funding partnership with shared investment from ACCA, the ACO, and partners
The core idea is to pilot a variety of creative strategies which the working group will review at the 2027 summit for possible adoption nationwide.
Over the next few months, ACCA will seek 6-8 ACOs interested in participating, with a key qualification being a commitment to pilot creative contractor recruitment and retention strategies that go beyond mere cross-promotion to grow long-term membership and engagement for both organizations. Strategies could include reciprocal trials, bundled membership, shared staff, or other collaborations.
Review the full initiative plan by clicking here. Contact sean.robertson@acca.org if you’re interested in participating.
CAAG secures victory for consumers and professional licensing
In May, the Conditioned Air Association of Georgia (CAAG) proudly celebrated the signing of SB 553 by Governor Brian Kemp. This hard-fought victory represents an important step forward in protecting consumers and strengthening professional licensing enforcement across Georgia.
SB 553 reinforces Georgia’s licensing laws by cracking down on unlicensed companies advertising conditioned air, plumbing, electrical, and low voltage contracting services. Under the new enforcement measures, businesses cannot advertise these services — including through websites, Google ads, truck signage, business cards, direct mail, and more — without the proper license tied to that business.
The legislation helps:
- Protect consumers from unqualified providers
- Prevent unlicensed companies from marketing services illegally
- Reinforce accountability through licensed business qualifiers
- Establish clear financial penalties for violations
This achievement was made possible through months of collaboration between CAAG executive director and lobbyist Tucker Green, board member Elaine Powers, and the Governor’s Office to help ensure the legislation was drafted in a way that best supports Georgia’s licensed professionals and consumers. This included multiple in-person and teleconference meetings to discuss draft legislation and legal definitions with the Governor’s staff.
Tucker Green shared more about CAAG’s victory in the Allied Contracting Organizations online community and would be glad to help other ACOs develop their strategies to support professionalism and consumer protection in the HVACR industry. Not yet a member of the online ACO community? Contact sean.robertson@acca.org to join.
TACCA announces Dolores Cheek as executive director
The Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) has a new executive director with the appointment of Dolores Cheek this June.
Dolores brings an extensive background in association management, event operations, and strategic growth. Dolores will oversee TACCA’s daily operations, governance, membership development, legislative advocacy, and major educational events.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dolores to lead TACCA into its next chapter,” said Rob Elolf, Board President of TACCA. “Her diverse expertise in board governance, legislative strategy, and high-impact event production makes her the ideal leader to champion our members’ interests and advance the Texas HVACR industry.”
Outside of work, Dolores loves watching all kinds of sports (with a special soft spot for baseball) and hanging out in the backyard with her husband. Drop her an email at dolores@tacca.org or reach out via the ACO community to say hello and share your favorite tips or best practices as she steps into this new role—any and all advice is welcome!
The post ACO Exchange: Launching our growth initiative, Georgia victory, and new leadership in Texas appeared first on ACCA HVAC Blog.