Hearth Insight
September 2021
Legislative Update
from our NWHPBA Lobbyist, Carolyn Logue
LEGISLATIVE FACTORY TOURS A SUCCESS
 
The issues surrounding the ADEC/NESCAUM cordwood test challenges inspired several of our Northwest hearth products manufacturers to invite legislators in to see how their stoves are made and to educate them regarding the ASTM cordwood testing method. Kuma Stoves in Rathdrum, ID, Innovative Hearth Products in Auburn, WA, and Travis Industries in Mukilteo, WA all stepped up to the plate and brought in their local legislators. Based on feedback from legislators, not only did they enjoy the chance to see a local business at work, they also appreciated the discussion about the testing methodologies and what the current controversy means for the industry. 
 
We will be doing more of these factory tours to educate policy makers about the industry. We will also be asking retailers to invite their legislators into talk about their products – both gas and wood – and the things NWHPBA, HPBA and the hearth products industry are doing to help combat climate change and improve the environment.
 
It is visits like this that help us build industry champions among our legislators.
Jack Freeman, of Kuma Stoves explains the catalytic converter to Rep Doug Okuniewicz, Rep Vito Barbieri, and Rep Ron Mendive. With him is Tim Franey (far right) of Kuma
Michael Lewis of IHP explains how the stoves are tested under the new cordwood test to Senator, Mona Das (WA 47),
and her Legislative Director,
Chio Saeturn
Kip Rumens of Travis Industries leads local WA 21st District legislators Senator Marko Liias, Rep. Strom Petersen, and Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self on a tour of the Travis factory floor.
LOCAL UPDATES
 
SPOKANE INITIATIVE HITS LEGAL HURDLES AND WILL NOT BE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT
 
The “ban the ban” initiative in Spokane hit a roadblock and will not be before voters this November. Legal challenges by anti-hydro activists have temporarily delayed the right for citizens to be heard on this subject and although appeals have been filed there is more work to be done. 
 
The broad, bi-partisan coalition of labor, businesses, individuals, housing activists, small businesses, and advocates for the vulnerable will continue to fight to preserve energy choice. Everyone is encouraged to CONTACT SPOKANE CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS and urge them to OPPOSE measures that will hurt the citizens of Spokane when it comes to the ability to choose the most efficient and cost effective methods for powering and heating their homes.
 
CITY OF SHORELINE TO PUT FORWARD BAN ON NEW NATURAL GAS CONNECTIONS
 
The City of Shoreline held a discussion session on August 16th on whether or not to ban new natural gas connections in the city. Although no decisions were made at that meeting, the council did opt to put forward a proposed ordinance at a future meeting. Members in the city of Shoreline are urged to CONTACT THE SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL to urge them to OPPOSE any attempts to ban natural gas in the city and to instead preserve energy choice for efficiency and affordability.
 
CITY OF VANCOUVER WA TO HOLD ROUNDTABLE MEETINGS ON THEIR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN – BAN ON NATURAL GAS WILL BE ON THE LIST FOR DISCUSSION
 
The City of Vancouver WA will be hosting several roundtables to gather input on their proposed Climate Action Plan. Advocates for natural gas bans are expected to be out in force for these meetings which means those groups, like ours, that support energy choice as a successful means to fight climate change and improve air quality will need to be there as well. The first dates for these meetings have been announced and participants are being selected. NWHPBA has requested the ability to have someone from our industry on the discussion panels.  
President's Message
It has been one heck of a Summer in the Hearth Industry. From all accounts many of you are still seeing record sales and there seems to be no end in sight! This is both GREAT News and Conflicted News with Inventory shortages, Mfg. Shortages delayed installed dates and the list goes on. We have never seen a year like this and most of you like me are running 24/7 and winging it the Best we can!

Our Industry seems to be getting attacked at many from fronts, from wood emissions and test methods to Gas Bans.

Currently, NWHPBA is very active in Spokane, Washington where the city council is trying to pass a Gas Ban on all new development both commercial and residential. We had it on the Ballot for a vote of the public which was great! However, the opposition took us to court and got granted a stay and no vote will be held, which means it is now in the hands of Spokane City Council. If you have the time and gumption, we really need help in getting the word out to clients, customers, and the general public to convince Spokane City Council this is a Bad Idea to Ban Gas in a Cold Climate Zone prone to Power outages. As well as a not giving consumers the choice of what energy to use. This will also affect future low income projects in future to a Low Cost, Clean Burning, Available Fuel Source!! Please contact the NWHPBA on how you can help fight this ban.

As well as Spokane, Vancouver City, Washington is just getting started down the same road. I will be sitting on the Climate Plan which will start this month. I am looking for one more individual to work on this committee with me. It is a 7-month process with 1.5 to 3 hour meetings once a month. Please contact me directly if you are in Vancouver area and can help.

Along with this gas bans, we also have major changes taking place with the how and Woodstoves will be regulated and tested that is different from the last 35 years. Two groups, one in Alaska and one in the North East states have got hold of the EPA’s Ear and started talks and new processes as how the future woodstoves will be tested and regulated. Stay tuned for future regulations that will impact us all greatly.

Idaho and Montana remain to be status quo on regulations etc. Alaska and WA. continue to be a hot bed of contention with the State regulations. As business owners it is vital you to continue your membership and support in the NWHPBA and convince other dealers in your area to join us in the fight to keep your Businesses flourishing!!

Please remember the NWHPBA is always here to help you through what ever business needs you have. We thank you for your membership and cannot survive without your support. Please let us know how we can help you and visit our website to see how it can help you.

Thank you,

Scott Ongley
NWHPBA President
2021
Board of Directors:

Scott Ongley
President

Edward Hosack
Vice President/AK

Ryann Blake
Secretary/ At Large

Pat Braddock
Treasurer/At Large

At Large:
Jeff Davidson
Grant Falco
Daniel Hammer
Chris Loper
Troy Olsen
Debbie Hannig

Kelli Cruz
Western WA

Colleen Kittridge
Eastern WA

Chris Patterson
Idaho

Guy Hanson
Montana

Danny Kahler
Reg 9 Rep

Carolyn Logue
Lobbyist

Katie Bohocky, CAE
Executive Director
In this issue:

  1. Legislative Update
  2. President's Message
  3. NWHPBA Job Board
  4. Fire Time Magazine
  5. Employment Security Office - Employer Newsletter
  6. Membership Renewals
  7. Job Opening

The new NWHPBA Job Board is featured on our website. The cost for posting is:

  • $50/ NWHPBA members
  • $65/ non-members.

Your job opening will be posted for
60-days on our website job board and
in 2 monthly Hearth Insight newsletters.

Questions? Email nwhpba@aminc.org
The Fire Time Magazine

A digital publication for the hearth and bbq industries

This digital publication will teach you to grow your business through articles by the top experts in our industry.
Each issue will give you access to new products and innovation, as well as provide national market insights so you are never in the dark.

Click here to start reading!
Membership Renewals
For those who have not yet renewed, your membership is crucial and allows us to continue to advocate for the health of our industry. While 2020 was full of unprecedented events, we are thankful for our NWHPBA community. With the help of one another, we were able to support each other and share our successes through tough times.

Renewing your membership is easy, and we have many options for your convenience!
  • Renew online and pay via card or check
  • If you select to pay by check, you will be directly invoiced and can mail us a check.
  • Call us directly at NWHPBA and we can renew over the phone with you
  • 253-525-5153 (Due to COVID, if you do not connect with us, please leave a voicemail, and Katie, our Executive Director, will return your call within 24-48 hours)
"This industry can feel really secluded and alone. Maintaining my membership has allowed me to build relationships and really get to know the other members. This has opened doors and encouraged brainstorming to solve industry wide issues as well as internal ones within my business that someone had already been through and knew a great solution for."

-Ryann Blake, Chimney Techniques
Job Opening
Sales Representative

Earth N Sun is looking for a Sales Representative with some sales experience. Earth n Sun is a small mom-and-pop store in Rainier, OR that has been open for 35+ years. Earth N Sun sells hearth products that require keeping track of a lot of information. The Sales Representative we hire needs to have good memory skills, be able to work alone, be able to lift a 40-pound bag of pellets, be able to drive a forklift, and be able to work at least but not limited to working every other Saturday.

To apply for this job email your details to woodstovewarehouse@gmail.com
We want to hear from you!!!
The NWHPBA Communications Committee publishes the Hearth Insight monthly. If you have a story or article you would like to have shared, submit below to be included in our upcoming editions!!!
Northwest HPBA | Website | Email