It's an internal emailed newsletter, but I don't suppose there is too much secret stuff in it......let's see if it fits here:
Corie in under the communications committee.
Wood Stove Changeout Grants Announced
The U.S. EPA awarded $100,000 grants for wood stove changeout rebates in Rutland, VT and Spokane, WA.
And, north of the border, the Canadian Wood Stove Replacement Grant, a $300 rebate for wood stove replacements, has been included in a Canadian residential energy efficiency program known as EcoEnergy. Information about the VT changeout is posted at (broken link removed to http://www.anr.state.vt.us/air/htm/woodstoverebate.htm) and the Canadian project at (broken link removed). For more information, contact John Crouch,
[email protected].
HPBEF Offers Online Training
Hearth Online Training is an exciting new program offered by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation (HPBEF). The classes, presented by Rick Vlahos, are live, interactive, and conveniently taken from your office. Hearth 101, Gas Tech 101, and "Why My Wood Isn't Burning" are available.
Online training is simple enough for those with even the most basic computer skills. All that's needed is an Internet connection and speakers. High speed connection is preferable, but dial-up access is acceptable. Visit
www.hpbef.org to learn more and register today.
Outdoor Decorative Appliance Agreement
The Outdoor Open-Flame Decorative Appliance (OOFDA) task force is moving closer to an agreement with CSA to create a standard for the appliances, such as gas fire pits, gas campfires, etc. Any manufacturer not already involved with the OOFDA group should contact Tom Stroud at
[email protected].
Fireplace Task Group E.06.54.06
The Low-Mass Fireplace Task Group has published two ASTM Standards, ASTM E2558 and E2515. The group is now holding stakeholder meetings with U.S. EPA. For more information contact Tom Stroud,
[email protected].
Massachusetts Plumbing Board Update
Following the advice of GAMA and NEHPBA, the Massachusetts Plumbing Board has agreed to remove the requirement for installation manuals to be supplied for every approved venting system with all direct-vent products. In its place, all products need to have installation manuals available online. This is a huge victory for GAMA and the hearth industry.
New HPBA Govt. Affairs Manager
The GA Dept. is pleased to announce the addition of Seth Voyles as the new government affairs manager. Seth comes to HPBA with many years of experience in the U.S. House, Senate and with a Colorado utility. He can be reached at
[email protected].
PFI Annual Conference
PFI's popular Annual Conference will be held July 19-21 at the beautiful Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC. Program, registration, sponsorship and display forms are now available on the PFI website at
www.pelletheat.org. Program highlights include fuel standards and how to best serve consumers, government relations issues, and an update on the European pellet market.
HPBA Committee Activities
Communications
* "May Is National Barbecue Month" sizzled this year across the country and around the world. News media from the Associated Press to The Washington Post and New York Times to the London Financial Times picked up our story and spread the good word on the joy of grilling.
* Share Your Grill Recipes – It's grilling season and we'd like to post your favorite recipe on the HPBA website. Whether it's a meat dish, a vegetable dish or dessert dish, we'd like to hear from you. And, give us your story. Was your recipe handed down, a self creation, or a group project? Grilling is all about eating and sharing good food, so contact Deidra Darsa,
[email protected], with your scrumptious mealtime ideas.
* Economic Help from the Heart was created by Villanova University graduate Corie Podschelne, who begins his new career as a research and development engineer with England's Stove Work's, Inc., Monroe, VA. The charity was formed to provide and install donated wood stoves in the homes of families in need. So far, with the help of retailers, manufacturers and a close-knit group of hearth.com forum friends, donated stoves and stove piping have been installed in two homes and two are in the pipeline. If you're interested in donating time or material, please contact Corie at
[email protected].
* Retailers: Help your customers understand the benefits of zone heating with gas appliances. Order our popular "Efficient Ways to Zone Heat Your Home," a brochure that explains gas fireplaces, stoves, inserts and log sets. Bulk orders are available (100 copies for $20) by contacting Denise McDonald,
[email protected].
HPB Education Foundation/NFI
* Fireplace Installer Training System (FITS) - If you haven't brought FITS into your store, now is the time to do it. The first module, Gas Fireplaces Level I, will organize your internal training...BEFORE the busy season begins.
The FITS Installer Training Kit, required for each participant, consists of a Fundamentals Workbook, Installation Workbook and Field Checkbook. The FITS Company Support Package, needed to conduct the program, includes Training Leader Guides for Fundamentals and for Installation, a Training Leader Handbook, Company Startup Guide, PowerPoint/Support CD and Brand Specific Resources CD. For more information, call Caleb Woodard at 703-524-8030.
* Looking for the right place to take some classes or become NFI Certified? Visit
www.nficertified.org to find out where. There are opportunities across the country to learn more and grow as a professional. If you have all three NFI certifications, you are eligible to be recognized as a Master Hearth Professional. For more information, contact Caleb Woodard at 703-5248030.
