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The HPBAC Voice is published semi-monthly and is distributed by email to HPBAC members.
We're working on ...
1. Review of Chapter Agreement The HPBAC Board of Directors is putting together a task force to review the chapter agreement and to make recommendations for changes.
2. Membership Committee - we're looking for members to join the HPBAC membership committee. For information on the committee's responsibilities or to join the committee please contact our office at 1-800-792-5284. You must be a member in good standing to participate on a committee.
3. Education Education Days in the Western and Atlantic Chapters and the Summit in Ontario were held in June. The Prairie Chapter has three Surviving the Storm sessions with Tom Pugh coming up in July and August. Look for details in this newsletter
4. Government Affairs read about the issues facing the hearth industry across Canada in this newsletter |
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Government Affairs Update Legislation
The federal government has indicated that the Home Renovation Tax Credit will not be available again next year. The vast majority of our industry's products and services qualify for the rebate this year, which can be worth as much as $1350.
The rebates available for the federal ecoEnergy retrofit program were increased by approximately 20% on March 30th. Under the program the federal rebate for changing out an old wood burning stove with a certified one, is now $375. In addition, similar rebates are available under various provincial and territorial programs. These programs are different in each jurisdiction. Details are available on government web sites. Please let us know if you any difficulty in finding the information you require.
Standards
The new version of CSA P.4.1 ( Gas fireplace efficiency )has been published. Very little has changed.
The new version of CSA B415 should be available by next spring. As well as mirroring the EPA test standards for stoves and fireplaces it will also provide for emissions testing of wood burning furnaces and boilers and will contain an emissions limit for all of these products. The standard is currently out for public review. If you would like to read the standard and make comments, please let us know.
Regulation
The Montréal by law banning the sale of all wood burning hearth products was passed by council. APC continues the fight and is considering legal action.
Québec has introduced provincial regulations requiring CSA/EPA certification for wood burning appliances. They will come into force in September of this year, for stoves and fireplaces (if not exempt) and for boilers and furnaces next April.
BC is revising its wood burning regulations this year. An industry delegation led by HPBAC met with the Ministry in Victoria earlier this month.
HPBAC's western chapter continues to seek changes in the wording and application of the Vancouver city by-law which makes selling gas fireplaces into new construction, extremely problematic.
Bill 150 - Ontario Green Energy Act 2009
This Bill was passed into law on May 14th . This may well have consequences regarding gas fireplace efficiency in the province as well as possibly supplying opportunities to promote our industry's biomass fueled products. More on this to come.
The provincial liberals maintain that this act will allow Ontario to become the greenest jurisdiction in North America. |
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HPBAC 2009 Board of Directors
At the June meeting of the HPBAC Board of Directors, two new directors were welcomed to the board - Daniel Patry of Maxi Flamme, and Tom Pugh of Lloyd Pugh & Associates.
The 2009 Board is listed below:
Alan Murphy, HPBAC President
Paul Hebert, Vice President
Ingrid Schroeter, Treasurer
Marc-Antoine Cantin, Past President and HPBAC Board Rep
Kim Davis, Atlantic Chapter
Daniel Patry, Quebec/APC
Alison Coleman, Ontario Chapter
Vacant, Prairie Chapter
John Johnson, Western Chapter
Martin Miles, Manufacturer
Tom Pugh, At Large, Manufacturer's Rep
Ross Mikkelsen, At Large, Barbecue
Sarah Smith, At Large
Bertrand Poirier, At Large
Jack Goldman, Non-Voting |
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Regional Educational Events
Atlantic Chapter
The Atlantic Chapter held an Education Day and Annual General Meeting, followed by a Board of Directors meeting, on June 30th in Moncton. Rick Vlahos, of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Education Foundation, presented two sessions - Hiring and Retaining Exceptional Employees and Managing the Details to Improve Sales. Scott Smith of Shaw Resources presented - Pellets, A Reality Check. A roundtable discussion was also held.
Ontario Chapter
The Ontario Chapter hosted the second Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Summit in Ottawa from June 6 - 8. The conference included over 20 education workshops, a trade show and social gatherings. Keynote speaker Leonard Lee of Lee Valley Tools opened the Summit with some very entertaining and enlightening insights into his success story. Lee Valley Tools' first foray into the mail order business was a kit to convert steel barrels into wood burning stoves. Other education sessions included panel discussions on Defending Wood Heat and on the Green Movement, Hands-On Training in Pellet, Gas and Wood, Chimney Relining, as well as a variety of Sales and Marketing and Business Management sessions.
Prairie Chapter
The Prairie Chapter will host Surviving the Storm, with Tom Pugh, in three locations this summer:
Winnipeg, July 28
Calgary, July 30
Edmonton, August 6
Western Chapter
The Western Chapter held two days of Education with Tom Pugh, including Blueprint for Success and Surviving the Storm, in June. |
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Affinity Programs Update
New Rates from Global Payments for HPBAC Members
We've renegotiated our rates with Global Payments for Vsa, MasterCard and Interac Direct Payment:
Visa - 1.81% (Base Rate)
MasterCard - 1.88% (Base Rate)
Interac Direct Payment - $0.10 per transaction
Additional Benefits:
Use your PC to accept and process secure credit card transactions quickly and easily over the web.
Reduced purchase and lease pricing -
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Vx510 Internal PIN Pad (Dial Device) - $25.50 /month
$788 (purchase)
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Vx570 Internal PIN Pad (IP Device)
$27 / month
$875 (purchase)
Global Payments representatives will be contacting HPBAC members with details on the program.
Benecaid Health and Dental Benefits Program through EBS Associates
Health Spending Accounts for your employees:
Employee Advantages
- Benefits paid with pre-tax dollars
- Wider range of eligible health services
- Increased flexibility in choice of benefits
- Unspent $$$ carried forward
Employer Advantages
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Sincerely,
Helen Hayward
HPBAC
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A Name You Should Know
Alan Murphy
HPBAC President
Where do you live?
Victoria, BC
Employer Sherwood Industries
What is your role in the business? Sales and Marketing Manager
How many years have you been involved in the hearth industry? Fifteen years
How did you first get involved in the industry? My first job when I arrived in Canada in 1993 was as a print and advertising sales rep. One of the companies I developed as a new customer was Sherwood Industries. About 8 months later they asked me to join the company. It's been a great experience ever since.
What is your involvement with the association?
After three years as Vice President,
I'm currently serving as President. I've also been a member of the Communication Committee for several years. I've been involved for six years.
If you weren't doing this job what do you think you'd be doing?
My dream job would be as a car designer.
Are there any previous jobs you'd like to tell us about?
I worked in a family printing and design business for ten years and enjoyed every aspect of that industry.
Why do you feel it's important to be a part of an industry association? I have seen many good people, before me, go that extra distance to give something back to the industry that provides our livelihood. They did their bit, now it's my turn.
What are the major issues you see facing the industry in the coming months? We are in the energy business and the world is becoming aware of the importance of efficient and clean energy. Therefore we are seeing a lot of new legislation that directly effects our industry. The most pressing issue is to make sure any legislation is informed and fair and gives our industry a foundation for future growth.
Do you have any words of advice for dealers in the current market?
Keep an eye on your costs, don't discount and be profitable. Then we will all live to fight another day.
What do you like best about this industry? The sense of solidarity and community in our industry is striking.
What do you like least about this industry?
When legislation is passed, that affects our livelihoods, without any consultation. We are the experts and we should be involved and consulted.
Who has been your biggest influence in terms of business? My role models are Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. They have built vast empires and used their wealth to help others.
Do you see any emerging trends in the business/where do you see them going? Our industry is in a state of flux. We are experiencing tougher economic conditions and stronger competition. We have new legislation being enacted in a fractured and discordant manner. With this backdrop I believe we will see success through more innovation, whether it is a display on the retail floor or a new design from a manufacturer. |
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Thank you to our Education Sponsors in 2009, many of whom sponsored most or all of our Education Days and Events
National Sponsors
Regional Sponsors
Flame & Comfort
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