It's "that" time of year again! Yes Santa is coming soon too, but I mean that time of year when none of us have time to do anything but hold on to the appointment book for dear life. All of our staff will be grumbling by now, customers calling and asking why you can't get their fireplace/stove in by Christmas. "Sorry Ma'am". It is that time of year when we had better be busy. So far every single retailer I have visited or spoken to is busy and most are saying a little busier than an average year. Excellent! When you read this, I will be in the middle of my dealer Christmas visits. Hopefully the weather co-operates this year. I love snow, but . . .
In my conversations with dealers the topic of HPBAC membership comes up regularly. Our association has been serving Canadian industry members since 1994 and has accomplished so much for us in the past 20 years. Both members and non members have benefited greatly across the country. Here in Atlantic Canada, we have always been known as activists in the industry, both with the HPBAC and WETT. Sort of a "let's just get it done" attitude. But we have had a bit of a slip in member numbers the last few years.
I had a conversation this week with a dealer who was concerned about their competition not being a member. You might think they were saying it wasn't fair for them to be a member and the competitor not. But the comment was not that at all, but rather stating that the more of us that are members the better for everyone in the industry. A matter of strength in numbers. This attitude by a longtime member was heartening to say the least, as I know the challenges of being a retailer with lot's of good competition. After that conversation I did some thinking and I realized that this is likely what most longtime members think.
Presently your chapter is beginning a membership drive and ambassador kits have been sent to some of the busier manufacturer and distributor reps. These road warriors will have information on benefits of membership and also all of the events and services offered to members such as training and trade show events. The next year holds many things for members to participate in.
In closing, I'd like to wish a successful season to everyone and the best of the coming holidays for you and your families from me and mine.
Steve Keeling
NB LUNG STOVE CHANGEOUT
As we are sure you know there is a planned changeout coming up in the New Year for New Brunswick being organized by NB Lung.
There where challenges in the 2014 Wood Stove Change Out Program delivered by the New Brunswick Lung Association but the Board of Directors feels it's important to offer support in any way we can to make this a successful campaign.
We intend to continue support through the HPBAC-Atlantic Chapter through promotion as well as our member manufacturers individual financial support in the form of a rebate of $50 from the Manufacturer, $50 from the Distributer and $100 from the HPBA Retailer on their respective products/services totaling $200/stove combined rebate for each stove completing the Change Program Requirement's as per the signed Memorandum of Understanding.
We believe the New Brunswick Wood Stove Change Out Program to be a sound program to better help the air quality as well as encouraging wood burners to use less wood and reduce the cost of heating.
If you have not signed up to be a retailer or Manufacturer supporter in this program, please contact either Norma Bourque at hpbacatl@nbnet.nb.ca or Larry Tannahill from NB Lung at larry.tannahill@nb.lung.ca
Please click on the title of this article above to see what is happening with government affairs. If there is anything you have to add to this from your region please let us know!
EXPO Updates
Register for EXPO Badges
Remember you will need:
Your HPBA ID number (located on your renewal notice, your membership receipt and your HPBAC member ID card - or call our office for your number)
To receive your badges for FREE you must renew your membership. You can still register but if you haven't renewed by January 1, 2015 you will receive a notification from HPBA of a balance owing for your badges.
Don't Forget Education Badges
Register for an Education Badge - HPBAC will be hosting an education session as part of the EXPO Education Schedule specifically for Canadian members on risks you many be taking with your business. There are also many other sessions on the schedule that are relevant to all members, not just those located in the U.S. Check out the schedule on www.hpbexpo.com.
Add HPBAC events to your calendar
HPBAC Reception
Wed, March 4 | BB Kings
6 to 8 pm | Members Only
HPBAC Focus Canada & AGM
Thu, Mar 5 | Ballroom B MCC
7 to 9 am
IS there a Wood Shortage?
One of the common Topics this fall has been concerns on availability of fuel, many geographical regions appear to be lacking wood fuel shortages where our neighbors across the border are concerned again on pellet fuel shortages. Please see the links below which are links on the topic, it may be effecting you and your customers:
