The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) hosted their 2020 Educational Conference February 26-28, 2020 at the Shores Resort and Spa, Daytona Beach Shores, FL. Over 125 attendees and exhibitors enjoyed the event, which 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 trade show component of the conference changed this year, with the exhibit hall open during the President’s Deck Party from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and again during the Vendor Appreciation Party from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Unfortunately, inclement weather forced cancellation of the fishing outing scheduled for Saturday, February 29.
A highlight of the conference was Johnstone Supply The Ware Group being recognized as Outstanding Supplier during the Appreciation Party.
Here are summaries of some of the presentations conducted by industry experts:
Author, consultant and entrepreneur Ruth King presented “Rules for Wealth”, including paying attention to your balance sheet and separate business expenses from personal expenses Stay tuned for more in her book “Profit or Wealth?: Simple Rules for Sustainable Business Growth,” which will be released this October. Ruth also presented “Growing Your Profitable Maintenance Base,” exploring the foundation of a proper maintenance program to yield more profitable service and replacements, cash and cash flow, the knowledge of your company value when you choose to sell and how to build and retain your own line of credit in your business.
Austin Bass of Federated Insurance presented “Drive S.A.F.E.R.”, addressing how to implement a mobile service/driving policy at your company and introduce technology solutions which can aid in restricting mobile phone use in vehicles.
An update on the MEP Coalition citing television coverage, some minor marketing concessions on the part of FPL Energy Services and the need for continuing donations was presented by Patrick Fox.
Carter Stanfield, AC Technology Department Director at Athens Technical College conducted two presentations: In “Workforce Development,” he discussed how to develop a productive, efficient workforce by recruiting new employees; retaining competent employees and providing access to training for all. In “Flammable Refrigerants,” Carter explored how to recognize systems charged with flammable refrigerants and the importance of understanding safe service procedures.
Tray Batcher of Cotney Construction Law conducted “Ethics in Construction,” “Combatting the Opioid Crisis in the Construction Industry,” “Licensing and MBE/WRE Requirements,” and “Wage and Hour – Potential Pitfalls.”
LTC US Army (Retired) Paul Huszar provided the resources to know where and how to employ veterans to make businesses is more valuable.
For information on next year’s conference or membership contact Paula C Huband, FRACCA Executive Director by phoning 407-676-0031, or emailing Paula.Huband@FRACCAAir.com.
Additional photos are available here and at flhvacinsider.smugmug.com.
