The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) has announced the winners and finalists of its first annual "Best Contractors on the Web" Internet Marketing Awards including several from the southeast United States.

"We were very pleased that more than 100 contractors submitted their Web sites for consideration," said Kevin W. Holland, ACCA vice president for Communications & Membership Services. "But we were even more excited over the caliber of the entries. It's apparent that many HVAC contractors, small and large alike, have embraced the Web as a proper extension of their marketing programs. I know the judges had a very difficult time winnowing down the field to finalists and winners."

Among the judges selecting the winners were HVACR marketing expert Adams Hudson and Mark Skaer, editor-in-chief of The News.

In the Residential category, a finalist was Peaden Air Conditioning & Heating, Panama City, Fla. (www.peaden.com).

In the Commercial category, finalists included CMS Mechanical, Melbourne, Fla. (www.cmsmechanical.com); and Grady Mechanical, Orlando, Fla. (www.gradymechanical.com).

"We salute all of the entrants for their commitment to professionalism and quality," said Paul T. Stalknecht, ACCA’s president and CEO. "These Web sites make for great object lessons for other contractors to follow when developing Web sites that enhance their marketing programs. And we hope to see even more entries in our 2004 'Best Contractors on the Web' program next year.”

Publication date: 08/04/2003