then in the greater DC metro area, there is an association to represent anyone. The following are two of my favorites:

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA:

"For over forty years, ACCA has been the nationwide association representing the HVACR contracting industry. We help our members acquire and satisfy customers while upholding the most stringent requirements for professional ethics, and advocating for improvements to the industry overall."

I don’t know why, but everytime I pass by their sign in Shirlington, it makes me wonder. I mean, how rampant is unethical behavior in the world of air conditioning? Then again, can’t say I’m complaining if they are going to avoid “refrain from engaging in any activity defined as cross-subsidization.” I’m going to have to find out if our facilities management folk are certified!

Next up, the Snack Food Association:

"The Snack Food Association (SFA) is the international trade association of the snack food industry representing snack manufacturers and suppliers. Founded in 1937, SFA represents over 800 companies worldwide. SFA business membership includes, but is not limited to, manufacturers of potato chips, tortilla chips, cereal snacks,pretzels,popcorn, cheese snacks, snack crackers, meat snacks, pork rinds,snack nuts,party mix, corn snacks, pellet snacks, fruit snacks, snack bars, granola,snack cakes, cookies and various other snacks."

All I know is don’t get stuck behind one of their employees in the post office. Do you know how long it takes for them to mail several hundred bags of snack items for lobbying purposes? Trust me… it’s a long time… But they’d probably give you free samples if you went to their headquarters in Arlington.