TCAA is the national voice of BAC-signatory ceramic tile/stone contractors. Our mission is to promote industry excellence and ensure that every installation is done to the highest standards. We support this mission by education, training, advocacy and credentialing. The TCAA Trowel of Excellence certification is recognized by the TCNA Handbook and MasterSpec as evidence of a contractor's qualifications and requires lead installers to hold an Advanced Certification for Tile Installers (ACT) in at least one skill area. TCAA is committed to the future and betterment of the ceramic tile industry. We believe that future lies in the utilization of highly skilled union craftworkers. We seek to increase our members' market share by educating architects, designers, general contractors and the public on the superiority and value of this craftsmanship and offer tangible evidence through our Trowel of Excellence certification. Only TCAA tile contractors who meet stringent qualifications criteria are eligible to receive the Trowel of Excellence. Our members benefit from superior training, education and apprenticeship programs. This is accomplished through TCAA's partnership with the International Masonry Institute, the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and this industry's leading manufacturers. With voting seats on the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook and ANSI A108 committees, TCAA plays an important role in the development and review of technical standards. The input we provide helps to ensure that industry standards and specifications reflect best practices in the installation of tile products. TCAA’s quarterly publication, “9300 Contractor”, goes out to an audience of 7,000± architects, designers & contractors showcasing outstanding installation projects, providing a venue for manufacturers to advertise, and information on technical, business and labor issues that impact those who specify tile and those who install it.