The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is seeking nominations for its 2023 Spirit of Independence Award. The Spirit of Independence Award is the highest individual honor in the indoor environment profession, bestowed on an individual who has had a profound impact on the success of the professional contracting industry. The recipients are the industry’s legends, each of whom has left a mark on our entire community through service, innovation and personal commitment.

"The Spirit of Independence Award honors the industry's most engaged and dedicated members," said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. "Past recipients of this award are a who's who of the industry and include ACCA's former executive vice president, past ACCA Board Chairs, and HVACR media and training stalwarts. Presenting this award is one of the biggest highlights of ACCA's conference, because it is a surprise to the recipient and they are always humbled that their efforts are seen as inspiring and industry-changing. I look forward to seeing the nominations ACCA receives for the 2023 award."

The past five recipients of ACCA's Spirit of Independence Award include the following:

• Jack Rise, Jack Rise HVAC Technical Training, Tampa, Florida (2022)
• Phil Forner, Allendale Heating & Cooling, Allendale, Michigan (2019)
• Laura DiFilippo, DiFilippo's Service, Paoli, Pennsylvania (2017)
• Warren Lupson, Silver Spring, Maryland (2016)
• John Sedine, Engineered Heating & Cooling, Cedar Spring, Michgan (2013)

Nominations for ACCA's Spirit of Independence Award must be received no later than January 31, 2023, via the online nomination form. The recipient will be honored at ACCA's 2023 Conference & Expo, April 2-5, 2023 in New Orleans.

For additional information on ACCA’s Spirit of Independence Award, or any of the ACCA award programs, contact Melissa Broadus, ACCA director of member communications at melissa.broadus@acca.org, or 703-824-8842.