Whether it's held in the east or the west, in good times or tough times, industry insiders know that HPBExpo is not a show to be missed.

 

This year at EXPO, HPBAC will again host Focus Canada, where we will present our Annual Report and provide the opportunity for discussion with other members from across Canada. Find out what's going on in other communities, particularly those communities that have faced the challenge of local regulation that has affected their business. This will help you to be on guard against potential threats to your business.

We will also hold Question Period where you can ask HPBAC Board Members about the association and its activities. Send your questions to hpbac@bellnet.ca or bring them to the meeting.

 

HPBAC Reception, Thursday, March 19, 5 to 7 pm Ballrooms C1-3, Reno-Sparks Convention Center

 

We're gearing up for our famous HPBAC Reception including the Third Annual Floor Hockey Tournament. Five teams have registered to date. We have space for three more. Don't miss the fun, either as a spectator or a participant. Help us celebrate HPBAC's 15th anniversary this year.

 

Get your free drink ticket at the door, to receive an extra ticket you must pick up your HPBA Canada Member ribbon at the Ribbons, Info and Housing desk in the EXPO Services area of the Registration Area. Tickets will also be available at the Reception for $5 each.

 

Efforts continue to have a recently introduced City of Vancouver bylaw amended. The new green strategy building regulation is poorly phrased and in our opinion unnecessarily restricts the choice of gas fireplaces that can be installed into a new home. Insisting on electronic ignition with no provision for a standing pilot mode allowed, without any reference to EnerGuide or EnerChoice, is we believe, counterproductive and contrary to established developments elsewhere. An industry group strategy meeting was recently hosted by Regency at their Delta facility. The meeting, chaired by John Johnson of Ecco Heating, was well attended and very productive.

 
Also in BC, the provincial regulations governing residential wood burning are to be reviewed this year. This is of major importance to our members there and across Canada. Whatever happens in BC is likely to be adopted in other provinces. A task force of members and staff has been assembled, and our first meeting with the industry is likely to be held shortly.

 
In Quebec, the town of Hampstead just outside of Montreal, recently passed a bylaw effectively banning wood and pellet fuelled stoves and furnaces. We must do everything we can to ensure that this kind of misguided and draconian law does not spread to other municipalities in the area. Our president, Marc-Antoine Cantin of SBI, has opened up a dialogue with the city of Montreal itself, whilst HPBAC has written to the mayors of every other municipality in the area explaining new technology, the benefits of changeouts and offering to help draft constructive new bylaws where air quality is an issue.

 
In April, we will be sending two of our members to this year's HPBA Government Affairs Academy in Arlington, Virginia. This is the fourth year that volunteers and staff have participated in this intense three day course. We now have trained graduates from the Academy across the country ready to represent and defend our industry's interests. Their skills have been practically applied on many occasions. Thanks as always go out to the volunteers who devote so much time to the association's vital work.  

HPBAC has volunteers and staff in every chapter, working in the field of government relations. If you would like to help the cause please contact either our national Huntsville office or your chapter administrator. We always need more volunteers. At the moment so much is done by so few.  

 

SALEM, Ore. - The residential biomass heating world is changing due to improvements in technology and interest in biomass energy. To explore recent advancements and issues related residential use of wood and pellet fuel for heat, the Oregon Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association will hold the Renewable Heating Symposium:  A Conference on Wood and Pellet fuel for Residential Heating.
 
The event is April 15, 2009 at the Salem Conference Center, 201 Liberty St SE, Salem, Oregon.  Registration is open to all in the hearth industry, air quality administrators, and anyone involved in biomass energy.  A registration brochure will be mailed and posted on line in the coming weeks.
 
"This is going to be 'the place' to be. The merging of minds - including hearth technology experts, regulatory officials, and air quality regulators - will result in stimulating conversation and real solutions," said Harvey Gail, OHPA Executive Director.
 
Speakers include John Crouch, HPBA; Dr. James Houck, OMNI Labs; Tex McLeod; Ray Bonar, ICC RSF; Dan Henry, HHT; Stan Elliot, Bear Mt. Forest Products; Roger Sanders, HeatGreen Council;  the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality; Lane Regional Air Protection Agency; and Oregon

Dept. of Energy. A live-burn display and press conference is also planned.
 
"This conference will explore residential biomass wood heating, from its many environmental and performance factors to current and pending regulatory policies. Many 'bio fuels' conferences have been held but none appear to take on these issues. It's time to discuss them," said Gail.
 
Information on the event can be found at www.oregonfireplaces.com/RenewableHeatingSymposium.htm.

Contact the OHPBA office for more information at 503-371-7457.