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March 2010 Vol. 13, No. 3

EPA Lead Rule on Track

HPBA filed comments with EPA urging the agency to delay the effective date of its Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule beyond April 22, 2010.  Despite these comments, and the fact that the agency has only certified 133 accredited training providers for the entire U.S. by late February, the agency remains committed to implementing this new rule on that date.  The rule will require that contractors who perform work in homes built prior to 1978 must be certified if they disturb more than six sq. ft. of lead-based paint on the interior of a building, or twenty sq. ft. on the exterior of an older home.  States may adopt their own rules, and WI, IA and NC, have already done so.  For example, IA has decided that the minimum area exempt from their rule is only one sq. ft.  States may also adopt rules that are as, or more, stringent than the federal rules.  To learn more about this new rule and how it may affect your business, plan to attend the special education session at Expo: EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program, Friday, March 12, 3:00pm, room N310 at the Orange County Convention Center.



TARP Funds to Small Businesses



President Obama has outlined the new Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) that will support small business lending.  A $30 billion transfer from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) will fund the new program.  The SBLF will target community banks that typically lend to small businesses.  For more information, contact Seth Voyles at voyles@hpba.org.



Manufacturers’ Government Affairs Mtg  



On Wednesday, March 10 in Orlando, HPBA member manufacturers will be updated on current and proposed changes in government regulations and codes that may impact their businesses.   From possible certification of pellet stoves, furnaces and fireplaces, to gas pilot lights and gasketed doors for fireplaces, this meeting will cover many issues in both the U.S. and Canada.  The meeting is open to HPBA member manufacturers and will be held at 8:00am – 10:30am in room N210A at the convention center. For more information contact John Crouch, crouch@hpba.org.

Independent Contractors

 

Federal and state officials are beginning to aggressively pursue firms that try to categorize regular employees as independent contractors to avoid employment taxes and benefits.  The problem, as seen by many, is that there are a growing number of companies that have been cutting costs by classifying regular employees as independent contractors, though they are often treated as full-time employees.  The President’s budget looks to restrict this practice and more than 24 states have stepped up enforcement of misclassifying workers.  For more information, contact Seth Voyles at voyles@hpba.org.

Visual Merchandising Seminars

Developed by Hearth & Home magazine and HPBA/HPBExpo, the Expo in Orlando will feature two retail-focused seminars on Thursday and Friday on the show floor. The one-hour workshops will demonstrate the effectiveness and importance of lighting, color, accessories and floor design in making your showroom displays dazzle your customers and encourage them to buy. An Education Passport is not required to attend these show-floor seminars.

Codes & Standards   

HPBA has received many questions regarding areas of the country that have adopted the 2009 International Energy Code Council (IECC) and the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC)-Energy section.  This section states a requirement for gasketed fireplace doors.



ICC staff stated that this relates to masonry fireplaces, not factory-built fireplaces, and suggests that industry pursue relief administratively, i.e., building inspectors, etc.  Since the IECC requires that factory-built fireplaces meet UL 127, it follows that applying the requirement for gasketed doors would go against their safety testing.

Barbecue Manufacturers Caucus Mtg

 

 

The HPBA Barbecue Manufacturers Caucus will meet in Orlando during Expo on Wednesday, March 10 at 7:30am (breakfast will be served).   Agenda items include a report from Don Johnson on the Barbecue Consumer Survey, social media marketing for the barbecue industry and a report on the 2009 communications and public relations program.  For questions and sign-up please contact Leslie Wheeler, wheeler@hpba.org. 



30th Anniversary History Wall

Visit the HearthMasters’ 30th Anniversary History Wall – “The Story of Our Industries” – at HPBExpo, where photos and videos document the extraordinary growth of our industries.  Take a journey through our HPBA past at booth 1123 on the show floor. 



HPBA Committee Activities

 

Communications

  • Expo 2010 Exhibitors - don’t miss the opportunity to highlight your new products!  HPBExpo opens in 9 quick days, so please send your new product information to Deidra Darsa at darsa@hpba.org ASAP!  A list of new products is distributed to all media attending the show. 

HPB Education Foundation/NFI

 

  • HPBExpo Reminder: If you haven’t signed up for an Education Passport, it’s not too late!  You may also purchase a Passport on the day of Expo at the Expo Registration Desk.  The Education Passport is your ticket to marketing techniques, technical knowledge, best business practices and NFI Continuing Education Units (CEUs).  Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
  • If you are unable to recertify at HPBExpo, HPBEF is extending our NFI Recertification Incentives until March 31.  Take advantage of these reduced prices on all of our products before it’s too late!  Please visit www.nficertified.org for more information.
  • Official NFI Baseball Caps are back in stock!  These stylish caps are a simple and effective way to promote your NFI status at the low cost of only $14.99 (includes shipping)!  To purchase your Official NFI Baseball Cap, visit us online at our NFI Store. http://www.nficertified.org/pages_industry/materials.html. 

Membership

  • Don’t let this be your last HPBA Hot News. 2010 membership dues were due on January 1.  If you have not already done so, and want to continue your support of our industries, renew your dues by contacting your local HPBA affiliate or HPBA’s Membership Manager, Antonio Jackson, at (703) 522-0086 or jackson@hpba.org.
  • If you are planning on attending HPBExpo in Orlando, please visit the Member Services Booth 1735 on the show floor for information on HPBA affiliate events, member benefits and NFI certification.  

Industry Statistics

  • The Quarterly Industry Results and the Manufacturers’ Rep reports are complete and have been distributed to those who participated.
  • The hearth industry regional data has been distributed to participating firms.
  • HPBA is finalizing the “top-of-the-line” hearth shipment numbers report that will be released at HPBExpo.
  • Participants in the HPBA Statistical Programs are invited to the Statistical Invitational Breakfast Saturday March 13 at HPBExpo in Orlando.  HPBA’s Director of Market Research, Don Johnson, will be presenting information on the industries.

     For information on the HPBA statistical program, please contact Don Johnson at johnson@hpba.org.

HPBExpo Report

Innovations & Ideas for Indoor-Outdoor Living

Orlando, FL · March 10 - 13, 2010



HPBExpo Registration Update.  As a reminder, badges will not be mailed this year.  All pre-registered badges must be picked up onsite at an Express Badge Pick Up counter using a barcode confirmation letter.  Confirmation letters are sent to the email address or fax number used when registering. Please contact CompuSystems customer service at (866) 486-0733 if you did not receive your confirmation or if you have further questions regarding your pre-registration.  Registration is easily completed online at www.hpbexpo.com.  If you prefer to fax your registration, the forms are also available on the website; simply click on “Register for Badges” and download the form and instructions.   



HPBExpo Hotel Reservations.  The Orlando HPBA Housing Block closed February 12.  To make reservations, please contact hotels directly.  A list of hotels and phone numbers is available at www.hpbexpo.com.  If you have questions about an existing reservation, please contact HPBA/The Housing Connections at (866)365-1113.

HPBExpo Exhibit Space - It’s not too late!  For booth availability, floor plans, contracts, rules and regulations, visit “Apply to Exhibit” at www.hpbexpo.com.  For more information, contact Amy Jackson at amyjackson@hpba.org.  Expo 2010 exhibitors will find the Exhibitor Service Manual online http://www.freemanco.com/store/formsBrochures/serviceKit.jsp?nav=04.

Enter a Product in the New Product or Green Pavilions.  See details for entry at www.hpbexpo.com under Exhibitor Services.

2011 Exhibitor Portfolio and Priority Booth Assignment.  The complete Expo 2011 Exhibitor Portfolio is in the mail to all current and past exhibitors. The portfolio contains 2011 booth contracts, rules and regulations, payment information (20% is due at space selection), priority housing forms and the Priority Assignment Time for the Priority Booth Assignment taking place in Orlando, March 11-13.  It is important that exhibitors attend the Priority Booth Assignment during the scheduled time (during Expo) and take advantage of the priority ranking for booth space and housing.

Increase Your Exposure at HPBExpo.  Sponsorship opportunities for Exhibitors interested in expanding their exposure at the show are available. Please contact Betteanne Leahy at (800) 404-5461 for information. 

Salt Lake City Booth - Expo 2011.  While you’re in Orlando at Expo, stop by the Salt Lake City booth in the Registration Lobby and find out what’s new at next year’s venue.  Representatives from the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau will be available for questions regarding air travel and much more.

HPBExpo 30th Anniversary Reception.  HPBA and HPBExpo will celebrate their 30th anniversary on Thursday, March 11 in Orlando. Over 30 exhibitors are participating in the Expo-wide reception planned on the indoor and outdoor show floors.  A “Reception Activities Map” will be included in the Show Program Guide highlighting the participating exhibitors and their offerings. 

Orlando Discounts & Private Dining.  HPBExpo has partnered with Orlando Convention Aid to help you make the most of your time in fun-filled Orlando. Orlando Convention Aid offers the best discounts for attractions, restaurants, golf, nightlife, transportation, shops and so much more. Go to Orlando Convention Aid http://www.orlandoconventionaid.com/hpbe.php.

Discount Disney Tickets.  Discount tickets are available to purchase for admission to Disney theme parks for pre-show and post-show dates. These tickets can be purchased at Orlando Information http://hpba.orlandomeetinginfo.com/tickets/.

HPBExpo Online Networking.  Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/HPBExpo @HPBExpo and become a fan of HPBExpo on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/pages/HPBExpo/182719555415.

HPBExpo Important Dates

March 5:   Fax and mail registration form deadline. 

March 13: Online registration deadline. 

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