As the Trump Administration marks its first 100 days, now more than ever, the contractor voice must be considered in policy-making processes throughout America.

That's why Eddie McFarlane, Chair of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Board of Directors, is heading to Washington, D.C., this week to represent and advocate for the needs of HVACR contractors nationwide.

As the voice of the HVACR industry, ACCA plays a critical role in shaping policies that support contractor success and elevate professional standards. ACCA's registered lobbyists engage decision-makers on Capitol Hill year-round, but visits from contractor constituents are essential to making them care, and McFarlane's visit advances ACCA's fight for contractor interests by forging deeper connections on the Hill.

"Contractors are vital to our communities and our economy," McFarlane said. "It's more important than ever that lawmakers hear directly from those of us on the ground. We're not just talking about equipment—we're talking about families, jobs, and the future of skilled trades."

During his visit, McFarlane will meet with legislators representing the communities where his company, Sila Services, operates. These include Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and introduced legislation to make the 199A small business deduction permanent, and Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), who chairs the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee related to deregulation.

With support from ACCA-PAC, Mr. McFarlane will also attend three fundraisers including one hosted by Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Glenn Grothman (R-WI) who lead the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; the House Committee on Education and the Workforce is critical for addressing the workforce issues that contractors selected as ACCA's top priority during ACCA's 2024 member survey.

"This industry doesn't work without contractors," McFarlane said. "We share the field with distributors, manufacturers, and customers, but if contractors don't step up and speak out, others will shape the future without us."

ACCA remains committed to guiding and equipping HVACR professionals to thrive. McFarlane's advocacy efforts reflect ACCA's ongoing work to champion contractor success and push for policies that drive industry growth and sustainability.

ACCA will bring more contractors to the policy table on September 9-10 during the association's Advocacy Day event. Registration opens in May.