Hot News
AUGUST 2020
A Message to all HPBA members:

In light of this summer’s protests and increased awareness of racial issues, I wanted to reach out to you and outline HPBA’s positions.

As you know, HPBA is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. The membership is comprised of many varied size and level entities, from single individuals to regional companies to multinational corporations. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotions.

In providing these programs to a large and diverse member base, we do not represent their individual philosophies or social interests and positions. Our professional staff work every day to protect and promote the industry as a whole. We provide networking, marketing opportunities, and promotional materials to our members. We represent our members at government hearings and meetings through lobbying. Recent efforts are targeting fuel bans affecting gas products and our work to encourage the EPA to amend the NSPS. Looking to the future, we are working on other important directions including industry licensing, fireplace inclusion in new construction, wood stove changeouts, and biofuel tax credits. HPBExpo continues to be the key event that promotes our industry’s products, services, manufacturers and distributors.

HPBA respects the membership’s individuality in choosing their structure, mission, marketing, social position and comments. It is not an area that we can represent for the whole. HPBA does follow and promotes equal opportunity and nondiscriminatory practices for all individuals in its headquarters operations and volunteer leadership, and we encourage all of our members to do the same.
Dick Hoffman
HPBA Board Chairman
Government Affairs
Codes & Standards Update
UL & ULC: Unvented Alcohol Fuel Burning Appliances
 
Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) along with Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada (ULC) formed a new joint working group to update and harmonize UL 1370 Standard for Unvented Alcohol Fuel Burning Appliances and ULC S674 Standard for Unvented Alcohol Fuel Burning Decorative Appliances. The working group had its initial virtual meeting in late July with the goal of harmonizing these two standards. The working group hopes to have a draft revision ready for review by the end of this year.

If you have comments or concerns about the update, or are interested in knowing more about the harmonization effort, please contact Eric Adair.
State Enforcement of EPA's NSPS Underway
As expected, states are beginning to enforce the EPA’s NSPS. HPBA has received notices from the California and New York Attorneys General announcing active enforcement against Step 1 appliances being offered for sale. While EPA has indicated that federal enforcement of the wood heater NSPS is a low priority, states have the authority to enforce and impose fines under state law. As a civil infraction, the amount of any fine can vary significantly, but can range well into the thousands of dollars per day per infraction.

EPA does not expect to take final action on the recent sell-through proposal until the fall, so Step 2 (and the prohibition on sale of Step 1 units) is in full effect across the U.S. Visit HPBA’s FAQ page, our enforcement visit checklist, and our full NSPS toolkit for more information. Contact Rachel Feinstein with any questions.
HPBA Survey on Wood-Burning Appliances
When do you use your woodstove? How often do you have your chimney cleaned or inspected? This is the information that HPBA is collecting from consumers all around North America. If you haven’t seen the survey, click here or below. We’re still gathering responses, so please feel free to share this link with your customers. As an added incentive, there will be a drawing for five $100 Amazon gift cards. If you are interested in sharing this link and would like more information or assistance with developing some social media language, please reach out to Emily McGee.
HPBExpo 2021 Elevated Living
March 3-6 - Nashville, TN
North America’s largest indoor-outdoor lifestyle showcase attracts a broad range of industry professionals from all over the world, presenting you with a big opportunity to generate leads, strengthen your brand, showcase your products, and close deals. Tap into a marketplace of qualified buyers in three days of nonstop business-building opportunities. Make your plans to exhibit at the 2021 event in Nashville where you can grow your business in one cost-effective trip.

As Trade Show News Network’s 2019 winner for Top 25 fastest growing attendance, it’s your opportunity to shine in a dynamic marketplace.
Download our exhibitor prospectus here and see why it is essential for your company to be at Expo. Visit our Apply to Exhibit page for contracts. Check out the floor plan and see who has already signed up as a 2021 Exhibitor. Contact Anita Derouin with questions or to discuss booth options.
Your Safety is our First Priority
HPBA, the Music City Center, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation (CVC), and Freeman are closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. As we make plans to meet in person next March, we are actively developing safety and cleaning protocols to protect our exhibitors and attendees. Nashville’s Music City Center has updated its health and safety guidelines, Freeman has to put together a video of what events of the future may look like and the Nashville CVC has put together a Good to Go plan for the city businesses.

Stay tuned for further updates
This is an ongoing process. Plans are underway to conduct a webinar for exhibitors in August that will include presentations from the Music City Center and Nashville CVC with more details on their safety measures and protocols that will be in place. This will be the first of a series of webinars planned for the year to be sure everyone is prepared and informed of the latest COVID-19 developments.
Check out all That Nashville has to Offer
Music City Center is a creative melting pot of music, world-class art, award-winning cuisine, unique shops, and outdoor activities. Start planning your trip to Nashville, TN and see all that there is to experience! Did you know that 80% of the US population lives within a six-hour drive to Nashville, making it a premiere trade show destination? HPBExpo is a key opportunity for meeting a lot of buyers and achieving your goals!

Registration and Housing
Mark your calendar for September 10th, when registration and housing open.
Follow HPBExpo on social media
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