Local heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) companies are partnering with CareerEdge and Suncoast Technical College (STC) to offer a free fast-track HVAC Installation and Maintenance program which will launch in January.  The employers are looking for a way to recruit and rapidly train people for a very specific skill set, namely the installation and maintenance process, and then develop these employees further over time through internships and apprenticeship programs. CareerEdge brought the employers and college together to determine the industry’s workforce needs and to identify the specific curriculum components of this program, which will be a condensed version of STC’s HVAC Technician program.  The tuition-free class will begin January 21, 2020 and run through June with classes held in the evening Monday-Wednesday from (5:30pm - 9:00pm) at STC’s main campus 4748 Beneva Rd., Sarasota.& nbsp; The program will also include CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers soft skills training. HVAC company representatives will volunteer to teaching modules in the class in order to enhance the hands-on, real-world nature of the program.

Funding for the program is made possible by the Eppard Family Foundation and the generous support from the local HVAC business community. No technical experience is required for this training and all interested applicants, will need to apply for the free program and be screened by the college and employers. Interested applicants must apply by Friday, November 22, those selected will be notified and must attend a mandatory information session. For more information, visit careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/ 

FRACCA President Message 

Rick Sims 10-16-19 

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about our trade is that it’s continuously advancing with new technological innovations. Most often we think of manufacturer led innovations that advance methods, materials or components to bring benefits to consumers. I was recently introduced to a new Florida grown innovation that does this by updating the inspections process for AC equipment replacements using tech we all have. While attending the October meeting of MACCA ( Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association ) I was introduced to the new video inspection program offered by Manatee County Development Services that uses technology to better facilitate AC changeout inspections. I was very impressed. Congratulations to MACCA for sticking with this idea for so long and now finally seeing it really happen. Congratulations to Manatee County for your outstanding innovation. 

Basically, it works like this; a completed AC equipment replacement is recorded in high def video using a mobile device. There are very specific guidelines explaining exactly what the contents will show ( and not show ). The video is uploaded to the Manatee County inspections portal where it is reviewed inhouse for compliance and approved digitally without need for a conventional on-site inspection. The program is voluntary; contractors or owners who want a conventional inspection can still get one. It is specifically for like-for-like AC equipment replacements. 

Think of all the direct and indirect benefits. Scheduling of inspections is basically eliminated as are arranging and coordinating physical access for the inspector. It eliminates any inconveniences posed to the owner to facilitate the inspection. These are some of the primary things that building departments and contractors must devote resources to manage daily that simply go away with this new program. In SWFL, 35% of all permits are for AC equipment replacements; there is no other permit type with this high level of demand. Anytime a municipality can so drastically improve the efficiency of its highest volume service, it’s a big deal. The elimination of travel to provide inspection services is a fast lane to slashing the cost of providing these services and erases a great deal of carbon footprint from operations. 

This is a very smart use of today’s technology. Everybody can take HD video these days and uploading it to Manatee County has been made as easy as posting to social websites. Municipal technology is often behind the times and clunky; it’s great to see one take a leap ahead like this. Many building departments already casually use still images to supplement plans, communicate or maybe even to make verifications of compliance. These are often just mail attachments and may come with file size limitations. This new program is set up for simple upload directly from the mobile device directly into the inspections portal. HD video can be reliably transmitted without file size issues. Manatee County can review the video to determine compliance without coordination with contractors or owners. They never even have to leave the building; the video is GPS and time stamped proving time and location recorded. Real time GPS and time data make it more than just a video; it’s a data augmented recording. There are specific guidelines that protect the integrity of code compliance and the privacy of those whose property is recorded. Owners must agree that video content will become public record or may opt out. 

Thanks to all those MACCA members who worked so patiently for this. We will see you at the 2020 FRACCA Education Conference on Daytona Beach where you can let us know how this new program is working out and whether you can recommend it to the rest of us.  

NOTE: We would also like to recognize the City of North Port for also instating video inspections as well!! 

Tropic Supply Demo Day

Newest Line of Mini-Splits from SAMSUNG

Thursday, October 10, 2019
7:30 am - 11:30 am
T-12 Port Charlotte Resource Center
20100 Veterans Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33954
P: (941) 255-8330

Thursday, October 10, 2019
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
T-14 Sarasota Resource Center
7533 Claxstrauss Drive
Sarasota, FL 34240
P: (941) 378-0910

Learn About Tropic Supply’s Newest Line of Mini-Splits from SAMSUNG:

• Novus - provides a quality and economical solution for cooling a single room or zone. (115V)
• Smart Pearl - Samsung’s most efficient and “smart” system - featuring built-in wifi, self-diagnostics and an error monitoring system. 
• Wind-Free - exclusive cooling technology that provides users with a cool indoor climate without the discomfort of direct cold airflow. 
• Multi-zone systems offer multiple indoor unit and control options. 
• VRF technology available for both single-phase and 3-phase applications. 

For further information on this please visit here

MACCA will be introducing a new feature to it's monthly meetings... the "Business Information Exchange". We will be setting some time aside at each meeting for you to pick the brains of 3 of our Board member / business owners. Collectively our Board of Directors has over 450 years worth of experience in the Industry. They are a wealth of knowledge and will be providing insight and advice on any area of your business you find challenging. If you would like to include a question during this time we have added a space on the online registration form and at the event.

This is the BEST Opportunity we have to

CHANGE the next Code (2020).

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND the following HVAC INDUSTRY MEETING

March 21st, where the Mechanical TAC meets at 8 AM, for the morning and the Energy TAC in the afternoon around 1 PM. The Meeting will be at Embassy Suites Orlando North (Altamonte Springs).

The TACs go over all of the Code Modifications (Mechanical and Energy Codes) and vote to recommend approval or not.

FRACCA is represented by Oscar Calleja currently on both of the TAC’s. Bob Cochell is on the Energy TAC and Robert Griffin is on the Mechanical. This is the best opportunity we have to change the next Code (2020).

FRACCA needs your help. We are at a perilous juncture in time concerning the future of the Florida Building Code. Legislative changes in 2018 established the Florida Building Code 6th Ed. as the base code for future editions, rather than continuing to utilize the International Codes. It could have devastating results for our communities.

FRACCA and several industry partners have submitted over 1,000 code modifications to the Florida Building Commission. The next step in the process is that these modifications must be approved by the Florida Building Commission’s Technical Advisory Committees (TAC). Many are simple clarifications of language and corrections of errors or omissions. Others are important changes and corrections.You may take a look and help by speaking in support of some of the Modifications we have submitted, like: #8360, 8362, 8364, 8367, 8371, 8377

Your presence at these meetings is of utmost importance to maintaining a strong code that will continue to protect the lives and property of Floridians and the millions of guests that visit our beautiful state each year.

Expectations of the Members attending the meeting:

It is open to the Public and they allow anyone to sign up to speak. The idea is that when each individual item comes up they ask for “Public Comment”. At that time, make your way go up to podium and say their name and company and then say that they support the Mod, or the motion that was made to approve it. That is it. Support our Leadership Team when a Mod or Motion is presented by them.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP IF YOU ARE ATTENDING

MARCH 21, 2019

Thank you -

Oscar L. Calleja

Certified RESNET Energy Rater

Engineered Air, Comfort by Design

Vice-President Engineering

Office 954-449-1600 Ext 342

FLORIDA BUILDING COMMISSION-Mechanical Commissioner

FRACCA -President (2014-2016)

(Fla. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractor Assoc.)

SFACA

(South Fla. Air Conditioning Contractors Assoc.)-President (2005-2012)

The Senate Committee on Banking & Insurance met to discuss an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) reform bill that will help reign in AOB abuse -- Senate Bill 122.

The Florida Chamber applauds Senator Doug Broxson for proposing SB 122 and the committee for engaging in bold dialogue and seeking meaningful insights from industry experts, including Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the Office of Insurance Regulation and Citizens Property Insurance.

Meaningful reforms have failed to cross the finish line in past years and as a result, we have seen hardworking individuals continue to fall victim to shady contractors who have convinced them to sign away their rights— ultimately leaving them high and dry without recourse.

Consider that, in 2006, there were only 405 AOB-related lawsuits. Last year, the number skyrocketed to more than 34,000.

We cannot afford another year without AOB reform.

TALLAHASSEE — Gulf Power, the largest electric utility in Northwest Florida, starts 2019 with a new owner.

NextEra Energy Inc., the parent company of Florida Power & Light, announced early Tuesday that it has finished an earlier-announced deal to purchase Gulf Power from the Atlanta-based Southern Company. The deal expands NextEra’s already-large footprint in Florida and is a major change in the Panhandle, where Gulf serves about 450,000 customers in eight counties.

In a statement Tuesday announcing the completion of the sale, NextEra Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Robo praised Gulf Power’s work to restore electricity after Hurricane Michael caused massive damage in October in Northwest Florida.

“The last few months have been among the most challenging periods in Gulf Power’s rich history as the team worked tirelessly to restore power to those impacted by Hurricane Michael,” Robo said. “We couldn’t be more pleased by Gulf Power’s performance and commitment to getting the lights back on during what were extremely dangerous and difficult conditions. As we turn to the future, we look forward to extending to Gulf Power’s customers our best-in-class value proposition of low bills, clean energy, high reliability and outstanding customer service.”

NextEra and Southern Company in May announced a $6.475 billion deal that included NextEra purchasing Gulf Power, the Florida City Gas natural-gas company and ownership interests in two power plants. The parts of the deal involving Florida City Gas and the power plants had already been completed.

In a statement Tuesday, Thomas A. Fanning, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company, said the deal would bolster his company.

“These sales deliver substantial value to Southern Company and our stockholders,” he said. “By strengthening our financial position and allowing us to fund our business without raising significant additional capital, the value proposition of this deal is clear.”

In the initial May announcement of the deal, NextEra said the $6.475 billion purchase price included assuming about $1.4 billion of Gulf Power debt. It also said the Gulf Power purchase was expected to close during the first half of 2019 --- but NextEra and Southern Company issued news releases about 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day announcing the completion.

Gulf Power is the fourth-largest private electric utility in the state, behind Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida and Tampa Electric Co. Gulf serves customers in Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties.

Florida Power & Light, by comparison, has about 5 million customers, with its territory including much of the state’s East Coast, heavily populated South Florida and much of Southwest Florida.

https://www.theledger.com/news/20190101/fpl-parent-finishes-deal-to-buy-gulf-power

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2018/05/21/florida-power-light-parent-buy-gulf-power-multi-billion-dollar-deal/628032002/

https://www.miamiherald.com/site-services/new-newsletters/business-news/article223818735.html

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-bz-fpl-gulf-power-20190102-story.html

The Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association (FRACCA) and a statewide coalition of mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors, the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition, today asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the business practices of Florida Power & Light (FPL). Specifically, the groups claim that FPL is misappropriating regulated public assets to enter private for-profit markets.

"FPL is using utility ratepayer funds and assets to buy their way into HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other industries and their goal is to put small local companies out of business and control these markets," said Jaime DiDomenico, the President of Cool Today, an HVAC, plumbing and electrical company based in Sarasota, and a member of the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition. "We hope the Attorney General will intervene to protect local businesses, jobs and consumers."

FRACCA originally filed a complaint with the state's Public Service Commission (PSC) on April 18, 2018 to prevent FPL from subsidizing Jupiter-Tequesta A/C through FPL Energy Services. Currently, Jupiter-Tequesta A/C is marketing itself as an FPL Energy Services company and is utilizing FPL's name and logo in all of its advertisements. FPL is also subsidizing Jupiter-Tequesta A/C in other ways such as recruiting employees, transferring incoming calls directly to the for-profit subsidiary, marketing their services in utility customer invoices and sharing a myriad of infrastructure and other ratepayer funded resources.

NextEra Energy, FPL, FPL Energy Services and Jupiter-Tequesta A/C all share officers and directors. In addition, FPL has admitted to collecting pricing data and customer information from independent contractors participating in rebate programs.

Due to the PSC's inaction, FRACCA and the MEP Coalition for Fair Competition sent another letter today seeking clarification of FPL's positions and providing supplemental information to the PSC for consideration. They are also asking the Attorney General's Antitrust Division to intervene and to initiate an investigation.

Added Tray Batcher, a Partner with Cotney Construction Law which represents FRACCA, "We believe FPL is subsidizing a for-profit affiliate using regulated ratepayer funds. It is outrageous, unfair and extraordinarily damaging to local small businesses and FPL ratepayers."

Link to Letter: http://www.mepcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PSC-Letter-91218.pdf

By John Hielscher Staff Writer 

Posted at 5:05 PM Updated at 5:05 PM

A group of air conditioning contractors is protesting Florida Power & Light’s expansion into the home services business.

The new alliance, MEP Coalition for Fair Competition, includes business owners from Southwest Florida who accuse FPL of “predatory practices” by leveraging assets from its state-regulated power business to move into unregulated services like air conditioning.

The coalition wants the state Public Service Commission, which regulates FPL electric rates, and the Legislature to intervene and protect their interests.

“They will not stop with HVAC,” Keith Martin, co-owner of Badger Bob’s Services in Sarasota, said in announcing the coalition. “If they are allowed to get away with it, they will continue their expansion into electrical, plumbing and additional industries.”

Officials from FPL did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment.

The utility, Florida’s largest that serves 10 million people across half the state, operates FPL Energy Services, an unregulated subsidiary that offers energy-related products and services like surge protection, water heater and plumbing protection and backup generators.

The coalition contends that as the nation’s third-largest electric company, FPL can improperly access customer data, infrastructure and market power to dominate smaller businesses in air conditioning and other services.

“We are not afraid to compete, but we should not have to compete against a ratepayer-funded monopoly,” said Jaime DiDomenico, president of Cool Today in Sarasota. “We want a level and fair playing field.”

Organizers of the coalition — MEP is an acronym for mechanical, electrical and plumbing — include the Manasota Air Conditioning Contractors Association, whose members are from Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Others are the South Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association, the Southwest Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association and the Florida Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20180912/private-contractors-organize-coalition-to-oppose-fpls-new-services

Companies take note: hiring a veteran of the U.S. Military comes with a host of benefits.

A number of Quora users responded to the question "What are the advantages of hiring someone who has been in the U.S. Military?" Of the responders, retired Marine sergeant and current hiring manager Jon Davis outlined ten key reasons employers should hire military veterans.

We have summarized his response below.

1. Veterans come from a previous culture built for mission accomplishment in mind.

"Few cultures have been engineered like the one military veterans have been a part of and even fewer ... focuses entirely on mission achievement, cooperation and personal development. The fact is that there is no culture in the world that shapes people in the way the military does," Davis notes.

2. Veterans have ingrained leadership talents

The average age of a Marine, Davis notes, is 19. At 20, most Marines become non-commissioned officers who are placed in leadership positions. As one advances through the military's ranks, the burden of leadership becomes greater and greater.

3. Veterans take their responsibilities seriously

"Military people get responsibility because when they were very young there were serious consequences to the decisions they made," writes Davis. Veterans have passed through trials that most people haven't, ensuring that they are responsible individuals who can successfully carry out their duties.

4. Intuition is a skill, and the military teaches it

"What many people think is that leaders are born. Not in the military. The fact is that many people in military are faced with making life and death decisions in the blink of an eye," Davis writes. Military personnel have been trained to absorb as much information as possible from a variety of sources — so as to always intuit the best choice available to them.

5. Military people will openly tell you when something is wrong

Military personnel have a questioning and honest mentality, and will not be afraid of telling bosses when an idea could use a second look.

6. Military people will get the job done

"Military people know what it means to have something that needs to be done. They have a sense of urgency and have seen the world through a big picture type mentality," notes Davis.

7. When given the necessary support, veterans are extremely capable

"When given a proper framework and adequate training [veterans] can amaze you at how hard they can work and what they can get done," Davis writes.

8. Veterans are independent

Veterans are more likely than other demographic groups to start their own businesses, and possess a resourcefulness can help companies grow quickly from the inside.

9. Military personnel know the meaning of hard work

"When on deployment we also work every day. Every single day. There are no holidays, no weekends, no birthdays. It is the same thing every day," notes Davis.

10. The government pays for veteran education

The government provides veterans with financial assistance for pursuing higher education. By hiring a veteran, companies ensure that they will have employees who can consistently improve while on the job through continuing education initiatives.

http://www.businessinsider.com/reasons-companies-should-hire-military-veterans-2016-11