21 February 2024
Subject: NEWS RELEASE: NEHPBA named Affiliate of The Year at 2024 Hearth Industry Expo
February 20, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEHPBA is named Affiliate of The Year at the
Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association’s 2024 Expo
The Northeast Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association has experienced strong growth while delivering valuable member services like advocacy and government relations workshop.
Previous president of NEHPA, Joel Etter, is named Advocate of The Year.
NASHVILLE, TN – The Northeast Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) was named Affiliate of The Year at the annual Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) Expo in Nashville, TN. The NEHPBA, which represents seven Northeast states, was recognized for its member service, affiliate growth, and government affairs support during the HPBA awards ceremony in Nashville.
The annual HPBA awards also featured recognition of past NEHPBA president (2019-2022) Joel Etter as Advocate of The Year for his tireless work representing the interests of the hearth industry in the regional group’s member states and in Washington, DC. Etter is Senior Wholesale Account Manager for Hearth & Home Technologies. To members of HPBA and all the affiliates, this is the highest honor and recognition a member could receive.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by so many peers and colleagues from the entire HPBA membership across the US and Canada,” Etter said. “Our 2024 Expo in Nashville was one of the biggest and best ever.”
The NEHPBA represents more than 250 retailers and service providers that specialize in gas and wood-burning heating appliances, chimneys and hearths, and installation and service. The vast majority of Northeast HPBA members are independent “mom and pop” small businesses that are significant community contributors in the markets they serve across the region.
“These recognitions are a direct reflection of the excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction that our members demonstrate every day, as well as the strong leadership and advocacy of Joel Etter and other Board members,” said Alexis Ellis, Distribution Sales Manager with Napoleon and current President of NEHPBA. “It’s an exciting time for our industry and a time when our members face some unique challenges. This association is absolutely committed to their success and long-term sustainability.”
NEHPBA and the entire industry are working together with regulators, other businesses, trade associations, and consumers to ensure that a range of energy choices continue to be available in the Northeast and across the United States – that include natural gas, propane and oil heat systems as well as wood-burning appliances.
NEHPBA recognizes the changing landscape of the energy and fossil fuel industry. Its members and leadership are committed to working with government officials and regulators at all levels to increase access to more sustainable and climate-centric fuel sources throughout our homes and businesses.
“I don't think there could be any better way to honor what Joel has done for NEHPBA or the industry. I can't think of anyone more well-deserving of this award,” said Karen Arpino, Executive Director of NEHPBA. “Our association continued its strong pace of member growth into 2024 because of the hard work and advocacy from Joel and other leaders, the dedication to excellence from our entire Board of Directors, and the shared positive experiences our tremendous membership has had with NEHPBA.”
About the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
Since 1985, the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) has represented the interests of the hearth industry in the Northeast. NEHPBA was originally incorporated in January 1985 as the Northeast Solid Fuel Alliance (NESFA) in recognition of the unique demands of business in the Northeast. In June of 1992, NESFA members voted to become the first affiliated member of the national Hearth Products Association (HPA) and became the Northeast Hearth Products Association (NEHPA). In 2002, NEHPA became the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) in conjunction with the merger of the national HPA with the Barbecue Industry Association to become the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), thus recognizing the diversification of the modern industry. The NEHPBA name has remained since 2002.
Members of the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) and its regional Affiliates are the leading companies that produce, sell, or service appliances and accessories in the hearth and barbecue industries in North America. Join today to take advantage of all the benefits your company will receive.
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