The Air Conditioning Contractors of America honored Phil Forner of Allendale Heating Company, Allendale, Michigan, with the ACCA Spirit of Independence Award.

The Spirit of Independence Award is ACCA’s highest honor and is presented to an individual who makes significant and lasting contributions to the strength, success, and independence of HVACR contractors. The award recognizes one individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty, displaying creativity, ingenuity, and perseverance in their pursuit of a better industry.

Forner served on ACCA’s Board of Directors, rising to Chairman of the Board in 2007. He is an active participant in several ACCA committees and served as Chairman of the Technical Services Committee, the Codes Committee, and the Standards Task Team. Most recently, Phil was selected to serve as the Vice President of the Michigan Air Conditioning Contractors Association, an ACCA Affiliated Contracting Organization.

Forner led efforts to ensure ACCA was recognized by the American National Standards Institute as a standards development organization. Since then, ACCA has developed and promulgated more than a dozen standards and design, installation, and maintenance manuals through the ANSI process. He was the driving force behind ACCA involvement in the International Code Council and International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials where ACCA supports contractor priorities in the national building code processes. Specifically, ACCA’s Manuals J, D, S, and SPS, are recognized and cited in code due, in part, to Phil’s involvement.

Forner has also been involved with ACCA’s government relations activities, and in 2004 helped secure the introduction of the earliest version of the HVAC Expensing and Technology (HEAT) Act by former-Congressman Pete Hoekstra. This legislation was signed into law by President Trump as part of the 2017 Tax Reform Package.

He has also worked diligently with ACCA on efforts to encourage more young men and women to join the HVAC industry. Phil is also heavily involved with Ferris State University and the ACCA student chapter on campus.

“ACCA is proud to honor Phil Forner with the Spirit of Independence Award, ACCA’s highest honor,” said Barton James, ACCA president and CEO. “He has made significant contributions that will have a lasting impact on professionalism in the industry. Phil is certainly dedicated and passionate about our industry, and he joins a select group of others who have received ACCA’s most treasured award.”

Forner was recognized for his service during ACCA’s 2019 Annual Conference and Expo, March 4-6 in San Antonio Texas.