Here's a quick update from us.

Hot News

AUGUST 2019

HPBExpo Named a Top Event by TSNN

The Trade Show News Network, the world’s leading resource for the trade show, exhibition, and events industry since 1996, has named HPBExpo 2018: Nashville one of the Top 25 Fastest-Growing Shows in Attendance. TSNN owns and operates the most widely consulted event database in the world, containing data for more than 19,600 trade events, which makes this designation all the more notable and humbling.

Reminder!

HPBA has a new banking relationship with Bank of America. The SunTrust accounts are now closed. For wiring information, please contact Michelle Worthington .

NEW PAYMENT ADDRESS:

Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

P.O. Box 412397

Boston, MA 02241-2397

Long-Awaited Changeout Legislation Introduced in the U.S. Senate

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Wood Heaters Emissions Reduction Act (WHERA) in the U.S. Senate at the end of July. The bill would authorize $75 million each year for changeout programs across the U.S. and would fund replacements of non-certified woodstoves, hydronic heaters, and forced-air furnaces. This is an important first step, and HPBA sent out a press release in support of it. The bill would provide a much needed stable source of funds for changeout programs across the U.S. HPBA will soon launch an advocacy campaign urging members to contact their elected officials to support the legislation. Stay tuned! Please contact Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions.

New Employee at HPBEF/NFI

We are very happy to announce that Rich Sedgwick has joined the staff at HPBEF/NFI as Director – Sales and Marketing. Rich has a long history in the industry, including running a retail store and as the past president of Mid-Atlantic HPBA. Rich will add the much-needed help we need to remain THE source for education and certification in the hearth industry. Rich can be reached at [email protected] or 703-524-8030 ext. 149. Please welcome Rich to the team!

Get Ready to March Through All Four Seasons at the 2020 HPBExpo!

We’re gearing up for another great event in 2020, in New Orleans. Exhibitors, sales are heating up, so go to hpbexpo.com/exhibit ASAP. Check out what Exhibitors and Attendees have to say about Expo, take a look at the floorplan for booth availability, and secure your spot!

And, then check out the Exhibitor Overview for all the details to sign up!

Join the list of companies that are already signed up to exhibit at the HPBExpo 2020. To view the full list, check out below. Booth reservations can also be made by emailing Anita Derouin or by phone at 703.522.0086 ext. 117.

View List

Registration and Housing

Mark your calendar for September 3 ^rd when Registration and Housing open.

Check out all New Orleans has to offer!

Amazing cuisine. Alluring architecture. Vibrant culture. All kinds of music. Combine all of this with an industry that’s already passionate about food, community, and lifestyle, and it’s a home run! Start planning your trip to New Orleans and see all that there is for you to experience!

Connect with HPBExpo

Still on the fence about whether to exhibit at next year’s HPBExpo? Hear from this year’s exhibitors on why you need to be there!

HPBExpo 2020

Exhibition: March 12-14

Education: March 11-13

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Government Affairs

Ready to step up and receive hands-on training in Government Affairs?

“I think the Government Affairs Academy was a pivotal point in my career.”

“The Government Affairs Academy is one of the best experiences I’ve every had in my life and it is THE leadership training academy for our industry.”

"It made me realize that I can, as a small single retailer with just a couple of stores, have an impact in Washington, DC and on policy by actually getting involved."

"The connections you make with other like-minded professionals is huge."

Industry members are invited to apply to next summer’s HPBA Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy (GAA).

This event, which takes place every two years in Washington D.C., is designed to give attendees the tools they can use to protect the industry from onerous government actions, covering media relations, presenting testimony, and advocacy for industry interests and certification programs.

The 2020 GAA will be July 20 ^th – 23 ^rd and will include visits to Capitol Hill legislative offices. Costs of the program are shared by the Affiliates and HPBA’s Government Affairs Department – all the attendees contribute is their time.

If you are ready to step up to the most comprehensive training of its type in our industry, contact your local HPBA Affiliate now. Space is limited and the Affiliates choose among interested members, deciding on who attends. Manufacturers can sponsor attendees – sometimes splitting costs with Affiliates or sending some of their own staff. Contact your local Affiliate Executive Director if you are interested in attending. If you have questions about the program, please contact John Crouch .

HPBA Files Comments on CEC Hearth Products Rulemaking

In May, the California Energy Commission (CEC) published a Draft Staff Report on proposed regulatory on energy effiency of gas hearth products. The comment period closed on Monday, July 29 ^th with HPBA and several member companies responding to the proposal. Featured in many of the submissions were comments that the proposed rulemaking relied on inadequate data, did not properly identify a range of covered products, and did not meet California’s cost-effectiveness mandates.

After reviewing all public comments, CEC will likely issue a final Staff Report later this year. That will open another round of comments and public hearings. Read HPBA’s comments here . Please contact Ryan Carroll if you have any questions.

CSA Standards Update

CSA Group is developing standards for two products in our industries: log lighters and grill brushes.

Hearth

For log lighters, the Z21/83 Technical Subcommittee is looking for interested parties and is starting the development process, with the goal of either creating a new standard or adding to an existing one.

Barbecue

For grill brushes, CSA Group currently has a draft standard – CSA Z630. When finished, it will be a voluntary standard. CSA is asking for stakeholder input and editing. Public comments close on August 24th.

If you have questions or are interested in taking part in either standard, please contact Eric Adair .

Codes & Standards Updates

ASHRAE 62.2 – Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality for Residential Buildings

Interesting activities afoot at the latest meeting of this ASHRAE committee and board:

the committee voted to publish an addendum addressing vent-free space heaters that would reduce the allowable NOx to 10% of the current allowable level - effectively banning all vent-free appliances in homes that must follow 62.2. HPBA, AHRI, AGA, and the NPGA all opposed the publication, asking for more technical research to be done.

However, in a surprise, the ASHRAE Board of Directors did not accept this recommendation by the 62.2 Committee, so for the time being, this addendum will not be published. We will update members on the ramifications of the ASHRAE Board’s decision when the rationale is shared with us.

ASHRAE 189.1 – Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Addendum Q is a proposal to the ASHRAE 189.1 Standard which originally identified

certain optional sections for jurisdictions to adopt, including a section to limit vent-free appliances. However, during the first public comment and review, the section on vent-free appliances became part of the mandatory portion of the standard, removing the optional aspect.

As currently proposed, the Standard would prevent installation of any vent-free appliance over 1000 Btu/h for 1500 cubic feet of space (for reference, 1500 cubic feet is equivalent to a 12.5’ x 15’ x 8’ room). The Addendum is out for the second public comment and review. The comment period closes August 11th.