Hot News
MAY 2021
Have you Heard the News?
HPBExpo is going virtual
We heard your concerns about traveling and meeting in-person, but you also told us that you need to see the newest products and trends, so we are making it easy and safe for everyone – no matter where you reside

Members: here is your chance to connect with your peers from the safety of your home or office. And it is free!

Join Us for three days of:

  • See for yourself how the latest products work through interactive product demonstrations
  • Access the industry’s latest innovation in hearth and barbecue technology and patio-heating equipment in the virtual exhibit hall and New Product Showcase
  • Network with top suppliers and retailers worldwide through video and chat — learn what’s working and how others have adapted over the past year
  • Get the competitive edge through more than 30 expert-led education sessions — and National Fireplace Institute® (NFI) Certification
  • Hear business strategies you can use right away to increase sales, brand loyalty, and emotional engagement from renowned keynote speaker Bridget Brennan
  • Learn the latest news of the government affairs issues impacting the industry
  • Participate in games/product raffles
  • And so much more!

The platform for HPBExpo Connect will stay live for 30 days after the “close” of the virtual show. FREE for HPBA members and an exclusive discounted rate for non-members.
Happy National BBQ Month!
We’ve made it through a long winter and spring, and it is time to fire up the grills and celebrate the joys of outdoor living. As we do every year, HPBA will use this month to promote grilling and urge consumers to buy new grills and accessories. For the second year in a row, we are also promoting National Back to BBQ Day on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. In the past month, we’ve provided a tool kit of material and a webinar with instructions for its use to all of our retailers. During our inaugural National Back to BBQ Day in 2020, a number of retailers used the promotions and the hashtag, and we hope to increase that level of participation this year.

While we push for grilling year ‘round, this is the month that it really kicks into high gear. The consumers are ready to get outdoors, so let’s encourage them to buy new grills and kick their own grilling into an even higher gear!

Contact Emily McGee for more info.
Vaccination
With COVID-19 vaccines now readily available everywhere in the U.S., it is time to talk about getting vaccinated. Your customers and employees will appreciate the peace of mind gained by you having a vaccinated workforce. The National Association of Manufacturers has created a website that provides invaluable tips for talking to your employees about the vaccine. We urge all of our members to get vaccinated and help us get back to normal.
HPBExpo Connect features: The Keynote Address, sponsored by Hearth & Home Technologies, is free to all registered HPBExpo Connect 2021 participants.
HPBExpo Connect 2021 Keynote
Winning Her Business: Transforming the Customer Experience in a Changing World
Bridget Brennan, Founder & CEO, Female Factor
Thursday, June 24, 2021

Women are the world’s most powerful consumers, and winning their business is crucial to success in the hearth, patio, and barbecue industries. Bridget Brennan, the world’s leading expert on the women’s growth market, will share strategies for growing your business by better understanding changes in shopper behavior.
 
The author of “Winning Her Business" and "Why She Buys” will inspire you with winning strategies and best practices for increasing sales, brand loyalty and emotional engagement. Stay ahead of your customers’ changing expectations and increase your competitive edge. You’ll gain ideas, best practices and “Monday Morning” strategies you can apply immediately to your business.

(Twitter: @bridgetbrennan, Instagram: @bridgetbrennninsights, Facebook: @FemaleFactorCorp )
Primo Ceramic Grills Live Grilling Demo with Dr. BBQ
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Discover an exclusive barbecue showcase with Primo Ceramic Grills and Dr. BBQ himself, Ray Lampe. Dr. BBQ will livestream several delicious recipes on a Primo grill. Join us for a virtual cocktail recipe that will be sent in advance — or share your own favorite cocktail recipe — to enjoy alongside industry colleagues.
House of BBQ Experts
As you know, a live demo goes a long way in selling a grill. Show your customers what is possible! Included with an Education Passport, Max and JP Lavoie from the House of BBQ will share grilling techniques and elevate your expertise so that you can host an in-store grilling demo and share techniques with your customers. Attract more customers through the joy of grilled foods!
HPBExpo Connect Education Sessions
The full education program that was in place for the in-person show will now be available through HPBExpo Connect. The program is focused on the hottest topics in the industry, including safety and liability, business management, development, and troubleshooting. Review the full education schedule.
Virtual Exhibit Booth Sales

With attendees having free access to HPBExpo Connect, don’t miss out on your opportunity to connect with them. A virtual booth is your opportunity to efficiently highlight your products, conduct demonstrations and training sessions, and showcase your company and product offerings. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to connect, with the ability to conduct video chats and messaging with your customers, old and new.
 
All exhibitors can submit new product for the New Product Showcase, with a direct link back to the virtual booth.
 
As an added bonus, the show will continue beyond the show dates, as the virtual platform will be accessible for a month. This year we are expecting a much broader audience, as the virtual platform eliminates travel restrictions and COVID concerns.

Do you have questions about how to design a booth or what to include? HPBA can help. We can provide plenty of ideas and examples and we’ve produced a video to further assist you Signing up for space is easy. Complete the order form or contact Anita Derouin to secure your space.
Get Noticed at the 2021 HPBExpo Connect

Looking for ways for your company to stand out from the competition? Take advantage of the highly effective sponsorship opportunities through HPBExpo Connect. These options are only available to contracted exhibitors and will raise your exposure to attendees during the show through a sponsorship. For information and options, contact Stacy Bowdring.
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Expo Education Spotlight
Each month, we will highlight one of our education sessions scheduled for HPBExpo Connect 2021 to give you a taste of what you can learn if you attend.
Instructor: Ted Topping
Moving Forward: Five Classes at HPBExpo Connect
When: Wednesday, June 23rd, 1:00 pm ET

Based on current worldwide COVID-19 trends, operating in the post-pandemic economy will not be easy. For many smaller companies, it could even be a matter of survival. With that in mind, Ted Topping created five interrelated classes for HPBExpo Connect. These are designed to help you reset and rebuild your business for the “new normal” of 2021 and beyond.
 
You can attend all five sessions or cherry-pick by topic; everything discussed will fit nicely together because it is all built on the same Moving Forward philosophy of business.
 
Many of the ways in which we used to operate should now be set aside in favor of ways that are initially less comfortable but ultimately more profitable.
 
These five sessions will help you re-examine your business from a real-life perspective. They will also provide specific, practical guidance on how you can deliver the all-important “value” that will make your business more appealing to customers. In essence, these sessions form a full-day masterclass on operating in the new era. Because these five sessions will be available online for 30 days after HPBExpo Connect, you will be able to watch and re-watch them whenever you want.
 
Ted Topping has been one of our most-requested HPBExpo speakers for years, and 2021 is the eighth time that he will share his unique “big picture” perspective with the industry. He is the author of our “Hiring and Retaining Exceptional Employees” and “Professional Service is Profitable” guides, and the co-author of “Start and Run a Retail Business,” an international best-selling resource. Click here for more info.


Class 1 - Moving Forward 1: Business Strategy
 
Practical guidance re: the expectations and promise inherent in your brand
 
This first session outlines a Moving Forward Business Strategy built on the knowledge that not all customers will return to their pre-pandemic spending levels. This means that businesses will need to focus more on branding, experience, trust and standing out from their competitors. Wednesday, June 23 at 1:00 pm.
 

Class 2 - Moving Forward 2: Products and Services
 
Practical guidance re. everything that you offer to customers
 
This second session presents a Moving Forward strategy for your Products and Services. With more customers placing a premium on timelessness, usefulness and versatility, products and services that people understand will hold their value will be judged as “worth the investment.” Wednesday, June 23 at 2:15 pm.
 

Class 3 - Moving Forward 3: People
 
Practical guidance re. the team directly and indirectly serving your customers
 
This third session offers a Moving Forward strategy regarding your People. At a time when careful shoppers and leaner store shelves will be the norm, your sales and service team(s) will be the most-effective way you have of offering your customers greater value. It all rests on the people you hire and train. Thursday, June 24 at 3:30 pm.
 

Class 4 - Moving Forward 4: Process
 
Practical guidance re. the procedures and systems that affect your customers
 
The fourth session provides a Moving Forward strategy for Process, the many ways in which you do or don’t deliver service. It recognizes that many customers have adopted a more thoughtful approach to spending and are now seeking guarantees instead of promises. Includes ways in which you can create a distinct competitive advantage for which customers would be willing to pay. Friday, June 25 at 1:00 pm.


Class 5 - Moving Forward 5: Place
 
Practical guidance re. your physical and virtual “on stage” settings
 
This fifth session presents a Moving Forward strategy for your physical and virtual Place. If your hearth business sells only to the trade, you just need a warehouse and a website. But if your business sells even partly to today’s knowledgeable end consumers, you have to offer a competitive retail interaction that can transform a mere sale into a long-lasting relationship. Friday, June 25 at 2:15 pm.
Government Affairs
Successful HPBA Virtual Congressional Meetings
During the first week of April, HPBA Government Affairs Academy graduates, Board of Directors members, and North American Government Affairs Committee members met virtually with 80+ members of Congress and their staffs. HPBA members promoted legislation that would extend the wood and pellet heater tax credit through 2028 and legislation that would create a new national changeout grant program to replace older woodburning appliances with cleaner products. The meetings were well received by elected officials and congressional staff, and served as an introduction (or reintroduction) to the industry. Four of the meetings were with members of Congress: Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Peter Welch (D-VT). Thank you to every member who stepped up and joined us for these meetings. Your leadership and commitment make HPBA a stronger advocate on behalf of the entire industry. Read HPBA’s blog for more details.
Biomass Tax Credit Questions?
As a reminder, all HPBA members have access to our exclusive members-only tax credit webinar held mid-March. To view a recording of the webinar, slides, and questions answered during and after the session, click here (member login required). Read more about the tax credit on HPBA’s website. Please contact Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions.
Wood and Pellet Heater Tax Credit Legislation Reintroduced
A newly reintroduced Senate bill would extend the wood and pellet heater tax credit through 2028 and increase the credit to 30% of purchase and installation costs. The bill, The BTU Act, was sponsored by Senator King (I- ME) and cosponsored by Senator Collins (R-ME). The current wood and pellet heater tax credit will expire after December 31, 2023 if the credit is not extended.
OSHA Sends Emergency Temporary Standard to White House
On Monday, April 26, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) formally sent its proposed COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for final review. The ETS would stipulate workplace safety rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A copy of the new rules is not yet public but will be made available in the next two weeks, after OIRA completes its review. The rules will come into effect on the day it is published in the Federal Register. The new rules are expected to require employees to supply their workers with face masks, have a written plan to avert exposure in the workplace, and take other precautions. This will be a federally enforceable OSHA rule that will remain in effect for at least six months after publication. OSHA has the authority to issue such emergency temporary standards when it determines that “workers are in grave danger due to exposure to toxic substances or agents determined to be toxic or physically harmful or to new hazards.” The National Association of Manufacturers, of which HPBA is a member, sent a letter to OSHA in March outlining recommendations. Please contact Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions.
ASHRAE Appeal Upheld
In late March, HPBA participated in appealing the ASHRAE 62.2 Committee Addendum ‘a’ publication on the grounds of procedural violations and technical shortcomings. In April, the appeals panel ruled in favor of the appellants, and Addendum ‘a’ will be removed the next edition of the standard, ASHRAE 62.2 Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. Recall that if it had been published, Addendum ‘a’ would have restricted vent-free appliances to a level as to effectively ban them in ASHRAE 62.2-compliant homes. This is an important victory for vent-free appliances, at least for now, but vent-free appliances may still be under assault by a segment of the 62.2 Committee who are promoting other amendments that would outright ban vent-free appliances in 62.2 homes. Please contact Eric Adair for more information.
Department of Energy Grant Program for Biomass Appliances
For the third year, the Department of Energy (DOE) sought proposals for projects under a $5 million biomass heater research and development grant program. DOE looks for projects that improve stove automation, develop unique combustion system improvements, improve catalysts, generate power through wood heat, and/or develop advanced modeling and simulation tools. DOE expects to announce grant recipients on August 23, 2021. For more information, visit DOE’s website. HPBA has shared this information with Solid Fuel Hearth Appliance Section manufacturing members and will keep members informed if the program is reauthorized in 2022.
Technical Committee Forming to Review IDC
Manufacturing members of HPBA’s Solid Fuel Hearth Appliance Section (SFHAS) are forming a Wood Heaters Certification Working Group. The technical experts of the Working Group will take a deep dive into the details of the NESCAUM-sponsored draft test method known as the Integrated Duty Cycle (IDC). The method, which has been developed by NESCAUM and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), is being promoted as an alternative test method to the longstanding “crib”-based method and the first ever cordwood method, ASTM 3035. The Working Group will study the details of the method, with an eye to how a stove developed to pass this proposed test might perform relative to real world use and units tested to other test methods. IDC has not been used by any manufacturers, although EPA has granted it status as an Alternative Test Method. SFHAS members interested in joining the Working Group who have not yet sent in their contact names to John Crouch should do so right away.
Fuel Choice Bills Advance in Several States
State legislation which would limit the ability of local communities to ban natural gas and propane in new construction has passed in several states in the past month. Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia are some of the most recent states to add to the list. Ohio and North Carolina both have bills that might pass. For a complete update on state gas legislation, plan on joining the HPBA Government Affairs team at HPBExpo Connect for our annual Government Affairs Update for Retailers and Reps. If you have any questions, contact John Crouch.
A Chance to Show the World the Power of Stoves
You are invited to join HPBA member businesses currently partnering with the aid organization StoveTeam International! Around the world, four million people die every year from smoke inhalation due to the lack of access to safe cooking. Join the campaign to provide innovative, woodburning cookstoves that save lives and reduce carbon emissions.

Video: See StoveTeam's programs firsthand! 
This new video provides an intimate look at StoveTeam's work in Central America, and why it's so important for HPBA members to get involved!
Meet stove recipient Maria Josefina

Maria Josefina is 47 years old and lives with her husband and 10 children in rural Guatemala. She helps manage a local women's cooperative that works to improve education and safety in their community. StoveTeam provided her family with a Justa cookstove and she said, "I adore my stove and use it for everything - morning, midday and night!”
Advertising on Hot News
On a limited basis, HPBA will start accepting ads for future issues of Hot News. If you are interested in more information, please contact Emily McGee. Hot News goes out each month to 7,000+ industry members with an open rate of approximately 25%.
News from the Industry:
Do you have important personnel news to share with the industry? Please send to Emily McGee for consideration for inclusion in Hot News.
Operation BBQ Relief Update
We’re all familiar with the work that OBR does immediately following a natural disaster, but OBR also stepped up last spring to start helping people during COVID-19. By partnering with local restaurants, OBR has served over 4,750,000 meals. This effort is supported by 27 restaurants in eight states, retaining nearly 300 employees. HPBA continues to do what it can to support OBR and its important work. We encourage our members to do the same! To read more about OBR's latest projects, check out their website.
Reminder!
HPBA has a new banking relationship with Bank of America, and our SunTrust accounts are now closed. For wiring information, please contact Robert Washington.

NEW PAYMENT ADDRESS:
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
P.O. Box 412397
Boston, MA 02241-2397