This scholarship was established in 1999 as a meaningful way to remember and recognize the commitment to education made by OESP member Dave Nelsen. The scholarship is awarded to students who are currently attending or planning to attend a technical college or trade school with plans to pursue a career in the oil and energy industry. 

“We are extremely proud of the 2023 Dave Nelsen Scholarship recipients,” OESP President Scott Vadino said. “These individuals are the best of the best applicants and we are confident that they will continue the legacy of Dave Nelsen.” 

“Our company is proud to be able to offer educational assistance to young people entering our industry,” added Fred Hunt, Director of Sales & Marketing of R.W. Beckett, which supports the scholarships each year. “A career in the HVAC industry will offer a wealth of opportunities for these fine scholarship recipients.”

The OESP scholarship committee reviewed submissions from an exceptional number of impressive candidates this year and thank all those who submitted applications, said Angel Gonzalez, who coordinates the scholarship event each year.

As part of the event, Dennis Silvestri was awarded this year's Dan Holohan Grant, shown here being accepted by George McQueeney of the New Haven Chapter.. The award was created for an instructor at either an HVAC college or technical high school who wants to continue education or purchase tools or books for their classroom. 

Scott Vadino presented the Executive Board award to Tom Raulinavich, recognizing him for his commitment to OESP in leading several chapters and introducing new and innovative ideas to increase membership.

"OESP has the tremendous benefit of countless volunteers who are committed to advancing the association, as well as the industry," said Matt Spink of the Long Island Chapter, who chaired the OESP awards committee. "These individuals represent the best in our industry this year, and it is our privilege to bestow these national awards for their excellence and dedication."

·      Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Tubman

·      Instructor of the Year: Alan Mercurio

·      Manufacturer of the Year: Beckett accepted by Kevin Beckett

·      Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate of the Year Award: Tom Raulinavich

·      Ralph Adams Memorial Service Manager of the Year: Dick Brandt

·      Hugh W. McKee Memorial Award: Brendan Grace

Left to right: Alan Merurio, Dick Brandt, Tom Raulinavich, Brendan Grace, Kevin Beckett and Tom Tubman.

The Annual Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Outing, led once again by George Fantacone, was an outstanding success. As in years’ past, the outing raised more than $20,000 for the scholarship fund which awards thousands of dollars in tuition money to deserving students each year. Since the fund's inception in 1999, more than $300,000 has been raised.

The third-annual Garden State Jim Finan Celebration of Life Golf Outing was held in May at the Ashbrook Golf Course in Scotch Plains, NJ. Forty-seven golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course. The team was led by John Salerno, who had the low score with a round of 8 under par for the day. Prizes were given out for the longest drive & closest to the pin. Jim Finan’s wife, Cyndi, and his son, James, were both on hand and had a great time seeing many friends!

The golf committee of John Salerno, Tom Raulinavich, Paul Cuprewich and Charley Holmes would like to thank all of the sponsors whose donations made this event a huge success!

Bob Kinkade of BJ Terroni spoke about the importance of cleaning the boiler system before installing new boilers. Bob also discussed new products that are offered for refrigerant line sets and fittings. Both products had the attention of the 55 techs, sales staff and owners that attended the meeting.

We would like to thank all who supported coming out for the night. Matt Deibert, Program Manager for The Electrical Association of Philadelphia took time out to see how OESP chapters run the local chapter tech nights. Nick Ciasullo of Avco supplies who sits on the Advisory Board for the Montgomery County Eastern Center for the Arts and Technology school set up for students to come out to the tech night and receive extra credits.

We had 12 students plus 3 that are employees with D. E. Duffey and sons as apprentices.

Thanks to all for coming out.

The roundtable discussion was a presentation by five different members, who discussed their occupations, explaining what they do on a day-to-day basis, so the students in attendance could understand and learn the opportunities within our industry to include owners, oil drivers, representatives, and factory support personnel, as well as our wholesale community. The discussion was beneficial to the students as it showed them that there is more to our industry than just a technician.

We also had the pleasure of celebrating our Hugh McKee award winner, Brendan Grace of Beckett, and were fortunate to be awarded a certificate of appreciation from Saunders high school for all our members' hard work and support of their program.

Enjoy the summer!