OESP News - April 2024

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OESP

Executive Board

President

Past President

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

April 2024

OESP Leads Student Competition at Thaddeus Stevens

For an all-star student like Logan Thompson, a 20-year-old sophomore at Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology in Lancaster, Pa., the key to success is learning from industry leaders.

So, it was a bit of a thrill for him to spend March 22 on campus with nearly 20 OESP members, who served as guides and judges for a HVAC competition involving 84 students.

During morning and afternoon sessions, the students participating in the “Hershey Generations Competition” worked on troubleshooting, wiring, pipefitting and some of the other tasks required of a full-fledged HVAC tech.

“It was amazing having the OESP guys here; their intense knowledge of the industry is something I’ve never really experienced before,” Thompson said. “They really blew me away.”

Thompson is graduating from Thaddeus Stevens on May 18 and already has a job lined by at JK Mechanical, where he will provide commercial HVAC services as he continues to hone his craft.

Matt Bixler, an assistant professor at Thaddeus Stevens who teaches HVAC and refrigeration, said many of the enrolled students are from lower-income communities, such as the cities and coal-mining region. As part of a “Stevens Grant,” all of their expenses, including tuition, room and board and tools, are covered.

Bixler said the students work for HVAC companies during their breaks from school and most, if not all, quickly find fill-time jobs when they graduate with associate degrees. They join an in-demand industry where talented techs can ultimately earn more than $100,000 a year, with zero debt from college.

“We are creating lifetime careers for our students,” Bixler said. “It is incredible how they come here for school from various backgrounds, and are then set on a course for amazing futures.”

During the competition, the OESP members watched the students work on HVAC systems, heat pumps, gas systems and oil-fired burners. OESP members provided guidance here and there, as they judged which students were among the best and brightest.

Likely the greatest value of the day was the impromptu conversations between student and master, as wisdom was steadily imparted at all the work stations. Students worked, they listened and they learned.

OESP President Scott Vadino said the trade organization is eager to bring judges to the trade schools, as it is vital for the generations of HVAC techs to connect. The school competitions are a main event on the OESP calendar and are always well attended.

“These young men and women are the future of our industry,” Vadino said. “We need to provide as many resources as possible and share the knowledge we’ve gained over the years from the techs before us. This is truly a generational business; we all need to work together to ensure a bright future for us all.”

Congratulations to the student winners:

Issac Carmody

Gavin Eisenhower

Ian English

Ryan Husted

Casey Huddleston

Kole Koch

Matt McCleary

Timothy McNamer

Kenny Nance

Chandler Scott

Warren Stewart

Logan Thompson

Jim Wynne

OESP Board Hosts Annual Spring Meeting

There was plenty of excitement about the upcoming Eastern Energy Expo, as more than 55 members of the OESP Board of Directors met in Hershey, PA for the annual spring Board of Directors meeting.

“Things at the EEE are really shaping up,” OESP National President Scott Vadino said. “The exhibit hall is nearly sold-out again, and our block of hotel rooms at Mohegan Sun is nearing capacity, which is very exciting and shows the enormous interest in the conference.”

As always, there was plenty of camaraderie in the hospitality room. “It was great to see friends that haven’t been together in six months, since the Fall Oilheat Retreat,” Vadino said. “It is always a good time when OESP comes together. Thank you to Rick Glownia and the hospitality crew for coordinating the food and spirits.”

This year we started the weekend with a Tech night with an estimated 100 people in attendance. Eleven of our partners exhibited over dinner, dessert and plenty of OESP shirt giveaways for the students. It was our first return to Hershey in several years and it was an excellent start to the retreat.

Friday morning, thanks to the hard work of Angel Gonzalez, Bob O’Rourke and Pete Gonzalez, OESP held its first student competition at Thaddeus Stevens. Students of Matt Bixler and Ty Christman competed in competitions such as HVAC wiring, piping squares, diagnostics and combustion throughout the day. Thank you to Steve and Faye Schwanger for coordinating breakfast and lunch.

As we finished the fun and moved into board business, finance chair Charley Holmes was pleased to report that OESP finished with a solid profit for 2023. “Once again, for another fiscal year, we are ending in the black,” Holmes said. “We continue to do well largely due to the success of the Eastern Energy Expo and our careful stewardship of funds.”

The education team met as well to review the outstanding lineup of EEE courses they have scheduled for OESP attendees. You definitely won’t want to miss this opportunity at the Mohegan Sun!

While the focus is EEE, we are already planning for next year. Are you interested in a leadership position with OESP on a national level? If so, please talk with your chapter president. The more hands, the better, as OESP focuses on more events, more members and more professional growth.

Registration is OPEN for EEE!

May 19-22, 2024

Mohegan Sun

Booths are going fast!

The trade show floor is sold out but you can contact us to be

placed on a waitlist.

Click HERE for a full list of exhibitors and to book your space.

OESP Members - get ready for a packed schedule of education!

Click HERE for a full schedule of technical classes.

Registration is now open!

New this Year - Registration is FREE for all OESP members!

Click HERE for sponsorship opportunities.

Click HERE to reserve your booth.

Book your hotel room HERE.

Thank you to OESP sponsors of the Eastern Energy Expo!

Dave Nelsen Golf Tournament

Click HERE to register.

Don't Miss the Annual Care to Ride Event

Click HERE for more information

If you would like to create a fundraising team, please email lstrug@thinkoesp.org so we can set up your account.

We are currently only planning a motorcycle ride. If you are interested in leading a walk, run or bicycle, please email lstrug@thinkoesp.org.

Submit Your Nominations for the 2024 Industry Awards

Hugh McKee Memorial Award:

Has been in the industry a minimum of TEN YEARS.
Has been a member in the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals for a minimum of FIVE YEARS.
Is a member in good standing in the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals.
Has made an outstanding contribution to the Oil and Energy Industry.
Has had understanding and cooperation with his/her fellow man.
Has unselfishly aided the industry in education and related activities.

Ralph Adams Memorial Service Manager of the Year Award:

Is a member in good standing in the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals.
Has made a major contribution in the field of education.
Has been a Service Manager or Supervisor for a minimum of FIVE YEARS.

Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate Award:

Is a member of good standing in the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals.
Has aided in the field of education, but not product oriented.
Has made a major contribution in the field of education.

Manufacturer of the Year Award:

Is a member of good standing in the National Association of Oil and Energy Service Professionals.
Has made a major contribution in the field of education.
Has aided in the field of education, but not product oriented.

Dan Holohan Instructor of the Year Award:

Actively teaches at a Vocational or Trade School or conducts training for a manufacturer.
Has demonstrated his/her commitment to teaching oil heating.
Continually goes the extra mile for his/her students.
Has an understanding of what is required by our industry and does his/her best to teach these skills.

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment to OESP and the industry.
Is a member in good standing of OESP

Please click HERE for eligibility requirements and submission instructions. The deadline to nominate for consideration is Monday, April 15, 2024.

Questions? Contact us today at 888-552-0900 or lstrug@thinkoesp.org.

Chapter News

Fairfield Chapter

The Fairfield County Chapter March meeting took place at The Original Vazzy’s Restaurant in Bridgeport, CT, boasting a turnout of 22 participants. Mark Bruder and Rick Glownia from EDOS, introduced Heat Pump Hybrid water heaters, water leak detection, and automatic shut off systems, delivering an engaging and informative presentation to all.

For more information about the Fairfield County Chapter, please visit fairfield-county.thinkoesp.org.

Westchester Chapter

The Westchester Chapter held its March monthly meeting, which drew a full house largely thanks to Justin Romano's efforts on Instagram. Since transitioning to our new venue, we've consistently experienced packed gatherings, with attendance exceeding expectations.

This time, we were honored to host Bob Daros from Heritage Fuel and Propane, who delivered an informative presentation on propane handling. With his background as a member of New York State's emergency response team, Bob offered valuable insights into safety protocols and emergency procedures associated with this fuel. Drawing from past experiences, he shared compelling case studies, stressing the importance of proper installation methods. As we venture into 2024, we're eager to continue delivering high-quality content for our growing membership base.

For more information on the Westchester Chapter, please visit westchester-putnam.thinkoesp.org.

New England Tri-State Chapter

Two NETS Chapter officers, President Shane Wells and Vice President Scott Nicholas, paid a visit to the junior students at the Plumbing and Heating shop of Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, MA.

During their visit, Shane and Scott shared insights about their experiences within the industry, highlighting its evolution over the years. They emphasized the abundance of opportunities awaiting the students upon graduation. They also underscored the advantages of participating in trainings, trade shows, and OESP meetings.

Special thanks to the Tech School for extending the invitation to Shane and Scott, allowing them to engage with the upcoming talent of the plumbing and heating sector!

For more information on the NETS Chapter, please visit ne-tri-state.thinkoesp.org.

Poconos Chapter

The Pocono chapter held its tech night training at the Blue Ridge hook & Ladder fire house in Saylorsburg Pa. a from APR Supply presented a very interesting and detailed class on air flow and how to test for proper flow. With a turnout of over 35 service technicians, it was another successful event. Mark your calendars for the next tech night scheduled for April 18th – we look forward to seeing everyone there!

For more information, please visit poconos.thinkoesp.org.

OESP Local Chapters

Click HERE to find a local chapter near you.

Click HERE to view recent photos of chapter meetings on Facebook.

Welcome New

OESP Members

OESP is pleased to welcome the following new members who recently joined. We look forward to seeing you at our future meetings!

Joseph Celpa

Thunder Fuel

James Richmond

Stadium Oil Heat

Bob Kieras

Nathaniel Williamson

A1 Affordable Inc

Don Hewitt

Hewitt Home Heating, Inc.

Corporate Members

Thank you to all our Corporate Members for your continued support. If you are interested in learning more about a corporate membership, please call the office at 888-552-0900 or email Lisa Strug at lstrug@thinkoesp.org.

A1 Affordable Inc.

Advanced Fuel Solutions

B.J. Terroni Co.

Bell & Gossett (A Xylem brand)

Bender HVAC

Bradford White Corp.

Carlin/Hydrolevel

CC Controlled Combustion

Consumer Focus Marketing and P3 Propane Safety

EDOS, INC.

Emerson Swan

Energy Kinetics

F.W. Webb

Field Controls Co.

Fluid Industrial Associates

Fuel Ox

General Filters

Hewitt Home Heating, Inc.

J & K Sales

Laars Heating Systems

Mitsubishi Electric

NEFI

New Yorker Boiler

NTI - USA

PA Petroleum Assoc

PB Heat, LLC

QHT, Inc.

R.W. Beckett Corp.

Rathe Associates

Resideo

Riello Burners of NA

Rinnai America Corp

Roth, USA

Sauermann Americas

Seitron Americas

Shahahani, Inc.

Shipley Energy

Sid Harvey

Stadium Oil Heat

Suntec Industries

TACO, Inc.

Testo Inc.

The Granite Group

Thermo Pride

Torrington Supply

Toyotomi USA, Inc.

TSS Associates

Universal Supply Group

Venco Sales

Weil-McLain

Wilson Oil & Propane

Winsupply of Shelton

Wohler USA, Inc.

Z-Flex US, Inc

Message from the Executive Director

by Lisa Strug

Hello OESP! It was a pleasure seeing so many of you at the BOD meeting held last month in Hershey, PA. It was the best-attended spring meeting in recent history with more than 55 board members there. And it was a terrific location for OESP leadership around the region to meet and have some fun. I hope that a great time was had by all, as we held a well-attended Tech Night, conducted a student competition at Thaddeus Stevens and planned for the EEE.

Registration is now open for EEE attendees; we are pleased to offer a full array of educational opportunities for the entire conference. Click HERE to register.

Registration is FREE for all OESP members who want to attend the technical education track. Click HERE for the technical course schedule being offered. You can also view the list of free courses that will be offered for our trade show attendees.

OESP is once again offering a subsidy for any chapter that wishes to send a bus of attendees to the EEE. The subsidy form can be downloaded HERE. Please contact me in the association office no later than April 22 to let me know you are sending a bus – the buses must be registered with the hotel.

And for students, don’t miss the Technical Career Center on Tuesday morning, featuring a panel discussion of information you need to know. In the afternoon, the trade show will be open for students to see the latest and greatest products and services. We will also provide access to all of our free training classes that students are urged to attend. If you are an instructor or administrator, please contact me at lstrug@thinkoesp.org for details and to let us know you are coming.

Looking for a great outing at the EEE? We hope you will join us to support the Dave Nelsen Scholarship at our annual golf outing. The outing will tee off on Monday, May 20 at the Elmridge Golf Course as a key fundraiser for the scholarship fund. Online registration is now open – click HERE to register or become a sponsor.

Join us at the OESP Awards banquet to honor our industry award winners and scholarship recipients. We look forward to honoring these deserving individuals at this not-to-miss event.

Please be sure to visit the OESP booth at the EEE – we will be stationed inside the exhibit hall on the right side as you walk in. Please pick up your badge ribbons so you can display that you are a proud OESP member.

By now, you have seen plenty from our great and generous advertisers. Taco, R.W. Beckett, Suntec Industries, Carlin/Hyrdolevel, General Filters, Sid Harvey, Roth, Weil-McLain and Energy Kinetics. You will see their logos at the top of this issue and you’ll see OESP happily promote them at every turn.

Call us so your company’s logo can be there too!

This year, the Care to Ride benefiting Oil Heat Cares will take place during the EEE on Monday, May 20 at 10 am. Click HERE to donate. If you would like to create a fundraising team, please email lstrug@thinkoesp.org so we can set up your account.

Oil Heat Cares has been on the move in every region of OESP with installations being done consistently. Thank you to the team led by OHC Chair Dave Bessette for enabling well-deserving people to be warm and safe over the past winter. Thank you to the service companies who have generously donated their time and supplies. If you haven’t visited oilheatcares.com recently, take a look – many completed projects are posted there. We are tremendously proud of Oil Heat Cares.

On behalf of Jonathan Jaffe, Meredith Levy, Andrea Klimkowski and the rest of the OESP management team, it continues to be a pleasure to serve such a proactive organization focused on member service. OESP is known for its mission of education and service. We are happy to be a part of that.

See you at Mohegan Sun!

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