Orlando was the place to be last month for the 2010 HPBA EXPO. Nearly 350 companies displayed the latest and greatest in hearth, patio and barbecue products for over 7000 attendees. We saw lots of new and exciting products that will lead us into the future. The atmosphere was very positive and most agreed that the economy is going to turn around and that we need to be sharp to stay ahead of the curve in order to survive and prosper in the seasons ahead. There were many informative educational sessions offered. If you weren't able to attend, remember that the educational offerings were recorded and will be available for purchase from the HPBEF. It's going to be more important than ever to keep informed and make smart choices as we move into the future.

Suzanne Turner, MAHPBA President

DON'T MISS IT!!!!!! MAHPBA's 2010 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting will be held at the Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center June 13th and 14th, with NFI Certification Reviews and Exams and RRP Lead Paint Certification on June 15th.
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** New for 2010 **

• 2 Full Days of Events
• 4 CEU Tracks - "Advanced Tech" Track
• Outdoor Burn Area
• "Magnificent Prizes"

Undoubtedly, the highlight was the MAHPBA Expo Reception when 160 of us gathered Wednesday evening at "Howl at the Moon" Night Club for food, fun, music and drinks. Everyone had a good time and we were very proud to present Jack Goldman, HPBA President and Allan Cagnoli, HPBA Director of Government Affairs, a check for $3,400 for the NSPS Fund. MAHPBA's contribution came from our members who recognize the importance of supporting the HPBA effort in negotiating with the EPA on the upcoming recertification of wood burning appliances. Thanks to all of you that participated. To those who have not as yet, there is still time and the effort is ongoing. Please do what you can to help. This is an issue that will have a profound effect on our industry, and we all want to be a part of it.

A special thanks to the companies who made the Reception possible with their generous support. Without them, events like this would not be possible. Let us all remember to support those who support us and patronize our sponsors as a way of letting them know how much we appreciate their involvement in MAHPBA activities. It was great to see everyone! Those who were unable to attend, missed a great party.

The website is back up! We appreciate your patience with us while we work to rebuild MAHPBA.com from the ground up. While the site is being constructed, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the MAHPBA office at 603/669-2744 or email lynda@mahpba.com.

What happens on April 22, 2010?
What do I NEED to do?
Where can I get trained?
What is MAHPBA doing to help me?
What happens if I do nothing?

What am I talking about? Well, the long and short of it is the EPA has put forth new regulations that all contractors who do work in houses built before 1978 must now be certified in the EPA's Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP program). ALL CONTRACTORS IN ALL STATES AND TERRITORIES MUST BE CERTIFIED.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is sponsoring a video contest for professional and amateur filmakers on Burn Wise, the agency's campaign to help citizens reduce pollution from their fireplaces and other wood-burning appliances. With the theme "Learn Before Burn," the winning 30- or 60- second videos will promote responsible wood- burning techniques that can help citizens save money while making the air healthier to breathe.