Hot News
April 2022
The HPBA podcast is here – introducing the HPBA HotCast!
It’s important that you know what is happening at HPBA and the industry in general, and HPBA HotCast is a new way for us to share information with you. Our first episode is an interview with the new Chairman of our Board, Henry Hall. He shares his thoughts on the future of HPBA, which includes a new CEO coming on board at the end of the year. Other episodes include information about woodburning issues, state-level activities around electrification, and a behind-the-scenes peek at Expo. You can access the HPBA HotCast on Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Do you have a question about Expo? Wonder how we make critical decisions? What does the host city do to support us? Kelly Vandermark will be the guest on an upcoming episode of HPBA HotCast, our new podcast. Submit a question to Kelly and she’ll answer it during the recording. Act quickly – questions must be submitted by April 8th.
HPBExpo Site Visits 
The Expo Committee is scheduled to meet on May 17th and 18th in Louisville, Kentucky. Members of the committee will tour the Kentucky Exposition Center, the outdoor burn area, as well as the city itself. They will also review the final 2022 HPBExpo reports, survey results, and discuss preliminary plans for 2023.  
HPBExpo 2022 Survey Results and Final Thoughts
Our attendees and exhibitors had a productive time in Atlanta:
 
  • 7 out of 10 attendees purchased a product on-site, committed to purchasing a product, or plan to purchase a product within a year
  • 81% of attendees find value in attending
  • 75% of exhibitors had a positive experience
  • 80% of exhibitors plan to exhibit next year
Trying to recall a company or a product? The 2022 List of Exhibitors is still available, as is the 2022 Mobile App. Be sure to also check back later for a collection of photos taken at the show.  
Get Ready for HPBExpo 2023 and Save the Date!
Exhibition: March 11-13
Education: March 10-12
Kentucky Exposition Center
Louisville, Kentucky
Booth sales are off to a good start, so make your booth reservation today to claim your spot. Visit Apply to Exhibit page for floor plans and contracts. Mark your calendar: registration will open on September 1, 2022.  Early bird hotel reservations are now available here. Be sure to mark your calendars for March 10-13, 2023 (note show pattern change to Friday – Monday for next year only).
 
Louisville Attractions
We are so excited to be visiting a new city for HPBExpo in 2023!
Horse racing, bourbon, baseball bats; there is something in Louisville for everyone. 

Connect with HPBExpo
2022 HPBExpo Education Recap 
The key takeaway from this year’s Expo is that people want
education! We had huge numbers turn out for the certification review classes and our other classes were all full. Our Education Sponsor, Copperfield Academy, brought six classes to Expo that proved to be very popular. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) joined the education program and brought nine classes to Expo, which were also very popular. The collaboration with CSIA has been a huge boost to NFI and we are committed to continuing to grow that partnership. 
 
Congratulations to all of those who passed NFI certification tests at HPBExpo!
 
We want to pass along a special congratulations to Andrzej Zeron of Closer to the Hearth, located in Newark, Delaware. Andrjez passed all four of the NFI certification exams offered during Expo this year. Passing all four exams in one day is a huge accomplishment. Not only did he leave Atlanta as a Master Hearth Professional, but brought great joy to his father and business partner, John.
 
After finding out his son passed all four exams, John said this of his son: "It is every parent’s hope to see their child become a success. In the blue-collar world, we do not always have a sheepskin to which to point. I am no different from other fathers. I, too, have high hopes. I earned my MHP credential by attending multiple conventions and taking tests at different times. So, I know what a feat my son, Andrzej, achieved on that day in March. Tears of pride continue to well up in my eyes when I realize that in such a short time my son rolled over those tests like a tank. You need no longer wonder why I enjoy having him as my business partner. He has truly earned his sheepskin!”
Government Affairs
State Gas Bans Updates
Although legislative sessions are nearing the end in many states, we are continuing our advocacy for the industry until the sessions adjourn for the year. To date, we have been able to hold off most of the egregious electrification efforts at the state level, but continue to focus efforts on New York and Maryland.
 
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is working on her first budget. As the process continues, we are watching for all-electric mandates in new construction. The Senate version of the budget includes a mandate for all-electric by 2024, but it is not present in the House version. HPBA is working with NEHPBA on a letter-writing action alert to elected officials to oppose forced electrification in new construction and support the House version.
 
The Maryland state legislature had plans for a massive climate omnibus bill this session. Months of work led to the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, SB 528. As the bill moved from Senate to House, many of the forced electrification provisions were removed, including the 2023 date for implementation in new construction and language that gave individual counties express authorization to pursue fuel bans. HPBA will continue its work after the 2022 election of a new governor.
 
We are addressing state and local actions throughout the U.S. Please do not hesitate to contact Corey Krill if you have any questions or concerns about legislation of proposed legislation in your area. 
Solid Fuel Laboratory Day Planned for May
HPBA member manufacturers are invited to a meeting hosted by HPBA in conjunction with PFS TECO at their laboratory in Clackamas, Oregon. The group will review the new emissions testing equipment and fueling protocol that PFS has recently been using under contract with EPA. For more information contact John Crouch.
Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy 2022 Taking Place This Month
After being postponed for two years due to COVID, the HPBA Tom Pugh Government Affairs Academy (GAA) will be held in St. Louis, Missouri on April 20th-22nd this year. Attendees from HPBA Affiliates will join a member from CSIA and two HPBA manufacturer members to learn how to advocate for our industry at the state and city level. Attendees will be equipped with the tools to address issues like forced electrification and state installer and licensing laws through virtual testimony, which is the new reality in government advocacy. There is still space available, so contact your regional Affiliate Executive Director or, if you are a manufacturer, contact John Crouch.
HPBA Bringing Vent-Free Alliance into the Fold
The Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance (VFA) approached HPBA this spring about the possibility of bringing its administration under HPBA’s operating structure. For years the VFA has been housed within the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, but that arrangement is set to formally expire on April 15th.
 
Since HPBA and VFA have worked closely together over the years – several HPBA manufacturing members also belong to the VFA – formally having this alliance be a part of HPBA makes sense. HPBA’s Executive Committee voted to approve the VFA as a subsection of the Gas Hearth Appliance Section (GHAS). The GHAS will vote to ratify this relationship at its next meeting.
 
The VFA is expected to continue with its own budget, funding, volunteer leadership, and consulting assistance. Eric Adair, HPBA’s Senior Manager – Codes & Standards, will be the staff liaison to the new subsection.
StoveTeam International
We had a great time at HPBExpo in Atlanta this past month and got to meet so many retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
 
Hearth industry businesses are joining forces to change the lives of families in need in Latin America, and the program is growing quickly! The 1000 Stove Challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate the true power of stoves as a force for positive global change. 
 
We are proud that the following dealers, distributors, and manufacturers are now taking part!

See how your business can become involved at stoveteam.org/challenge
Affinity Partner Spotlight

HPBA partners with a number of companies that offer discounts and special offers to our members. Each month, we’ll highlight one partner and their offerings. Visit the Affinity Partner webpage to learn more
Whether you plan to sell your business next year or 20 years from now, there are things you can be doing now to maximize your eventual sales price. Terry Kelm from Sunbelt participated in a well-attended webinar last week for HPBA members that outlined some of these steps. His presentation also discussed the current market for selling, and the factors that buyers and brokers will consider when deciding to purchase a business. Sunbelt is also offering all HPBA members discounts on their services. You can view the webinar here
Fire Time Magazine
The April issue of The Fire Time Magazine is available right now, and you don’t want to miss any of the new content.
The Fire Time Magazine is a publication made by the industry and for the industry.
It produces free content every month to help hearth companies grow like never before.
Advertising on Hot News
On a limited basis, HPBA will start accepting ads for future issues of Hot News. If you are interested in more information, please contact Emily McGee. Hot News goes out each month to 7,000+ industry members with an open rate of approximately 25%.
News from the Industry?
Do you have important personnel news to share with the industry? Please send to
Emily McGee for consideration for inclusion in Hot News.
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