Reminder to Employers!

Sign up NOW to certify your technical staff. Invest in the safety of your customers, reduce your liability, and add tremendous credibility to your business image. Don't delay, your people need at least a month to study the manuals. Your MAHPBA Education Committee has tried very hard to make it convenient, enjoyable, and economical by bringing these review courses to you.

Once again, here are the dates and locations:

Glen Mills, PA (Holiday Inn-Concordville)
Monday, May 16-GAS
Tuesday, May 17-PELLET
Wednesday, May 18-WOOD

Lancaster, PA (Annual Meeting)
Tuesday, June 7 - all courses are being offered concurrently-you may only choose one fuel type!

Hunt Valley, MD (Marriott Hunt Valley)
Monday, August 8-GAS
Tuesday, August 9-PELLET
Wednesday, August 10-WOOD

Currently, there are two regulations being reviewed and implemented that will jeopardize your future!

Department Of Energy (DOE) Issue

As part of its implementing the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued final regulations on April 16, 2010, that effectively banned the sale of decorative gas fireplaces by making these subject to efficiency standards of 9,000 Btu/hr. or greater. Adding further insult to injury, an environmental group called the Natural Resources Defense Council or "NRDC", filed a legal challenge against HPBA's position and supported the DOE in their final ruling.

New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) Issue

The New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) for wood heaters is being reviewed by EPA. In doing so, EPA is considering tightening the standards for emissions for woodstoves, as well as expanding the certification program to include everything that burns solid fuel. The outcome of this effort will negatively affect the nature of your business for years to come, so HPBA needs to act now to influence the EPA standards for future emissions of solid fuel appliances.

HPBA IS REPRESENTING ALL HEARTH AND CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALS IN THIS LEGAL BATTLE. Your first step in this fight is to BECOME A MEMBER of MAHPBA or renew your membership. With all the legal battles, there is a huge financial cost; therefore, we are ASKING not only for your membership support, but your monetary support as well. Donations in any amount will be greatly appreciated.

WHETHER YOU ARE A MEMBER OR NOT, THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE LEVEL OF EVERYONE'S SUPPORT!

On March 4 at 8:00pm in Salt Lake City, you do not want to miss the revolving disco lights and throbbing dance beat that will get your foot tapping and body moving! The Salt Palace Convention Center will be transformed into a '70s disco extravaganza with music by the Afrodisiacs, a high-energy disco band from Seattle.

Everyone is invited (no charge, but an HPBExpo badge required) and encouraged to come in '70s disco attire. Don't miss the party of the year hosted by HPBA and generously sponsored by Hearth & Home Technologies, Kozy Heat, Lennox Hearth Products, M&G DuraVent, Napoleon Fireplaces & Grills, Regency Fireplace Products, SBI-Stove Builder International, Travis Industries and Weber-Stephen Products Co.

ALL NEW for 2011 EXPO!

HPBExpo Hotel Selections - Expo hotel block includes all price points and shuttle service. The Little America, HPBA Headquarters Hotel, is the site for the Outdoor Burn Area. Little America is giving away FREE ski passes to anyone staying at least 3 nights. Free passes include transportation to the slopes.

Free Ski Passes - The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau is giving away free ski passes to anyone who is registered at the Little America Hotel (headquarters hotel) for a minimum of three nights. Passes include complimentary transportation on UTA ski buses. Information is posted on www.hpbexpo.com.

11th Annual Vesta Awards - The best of the year will be selected on Friday, March 4 in Salt Lake City. Don't miss this annual event.

HPBExpo Education 2011 - Earn CEUs, get NFI Certified and learn how to run your business better at Expo. Over 40 sessions to choose from, and a 1-day Education Passport is offered. All education sessions are detailed on the Expo website, www.hpbexpo.com. New Expo Education contact: Rick Vlahos, ext 220.

Discount Activity Passes are available for Salt Lake skiing, golf and more. Passes can be purchased by going to www.hpbexpo.com and clicking on the "About The Show" link and selecting Discount Activity Passes from the menu.

Salt Lake City Information - Check out area attractions, restaurants and events all online at www.hpbexpo.com

Haven't registered yet? CLICK HERE to register online!

SUMMARY OF 2011 BIOMASS STOVE TAX CREDIT LANGUAGE

President Obama signed into law on December 17, 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (TRUIRJCA).

TRUIRJCA, which focused mainly on extending Bush-era tax rates, reinstates for 2011 the tax credit for energy-efficient improvements (such as biomass stoves) to existing homes to the lower levels that existed prior to passage in early 2009 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

• 10% credit for the purchase of a 75% efficient biomass heating appliance in 2011, capped at $300
• Removal of the lower heating value level (LHV) efficiency measurement
• Credit applies to purchase price only and is not extended to installation

The new Fourth Edition NFI Gas Manuals just came in last week. All 2011 Gas exams will be based on the fourth edition so if people are hoping to use someone else's 3rd edition manual to prepare, they will be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Don't forget about our Online Subscriptions! It is the most economical way to make use of HE@RTH Online Training.

The 3-Day Expo passports include a 30-day trial subscription to HE@RTH Online Training. We also have a 1-day passport (which does not include the trial subscription) but remember you have to tell them which day you plan on taking the class when you register.

You can now go online to the EPA website to find information about RRP programs for Lead Paint. This locator identifies renovation, repair and painting trainers accredited by EPA. EPA runs the lead renovation, repair and painting (RRP) program in most states.

However, currently ten states are authorized by EPA to administer their own RRP programs: Wisconsin, Iowa, North Carolina, Mississippi, Kansas, Rhode Island, Utah, Oregon, Massachusetts and Alabama. For assistance identifying accredited trainers in these states contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).