NEHPBA 40th Anniversary & Annual Event Schedule

Keynote Speaker: Darin Bibeau

Author Back to Bulletproof-A Warriors Tactical Guide to Success, #EverydayGSD Podcast, and Founder of National Chimney

Former Coast Guard Special Ops Team member, Darin Bibeau, shares the core principles he's learned on each stop of his journey - and how they helped mold him into a peacetime warrior on a mission of helping others lock, load, and take aim at personal and professional growth.

"If you have a team of people that are all working for the same goal, you're going to accomplish what the mission is. This isn't Business 101; this is Life 101."

Pipe Sizing, CSST, and Poly Pipe(3.0 CEUs) - Presented by Eben Waugh, RMI

This class covers Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, Polyethylene Pipe and Gas Line Sizing. (3.0 CEUs)

1. CSST installation and requirements will be detailed along with a demonstration on how the fittings are installed on the gas line. A TracPipe/Counterstike CSST certification will be obtained for all students that successfully pass the course.
2. Polyethylene Pipe (Poly Pipe) for underground gas line installations will also be covered. A certificate will be provided for students after successful mechanical fitting installation.
3. Finally, the class will work on how to size gas lines through teaching the proper methods on gas line sizing with examples for the students to work on.

Troubleshooting a SIT/Dexen Valve, Hands On

Presented by Larry Smith of Wolf Steel Technical (3.0 CEUs)

This in-person session covers the basics of hearth gas and electrical fundamentals with a focus on troubleshooting and the SIT PF2 and Dexen Valve control boards. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises with a live simulator to identify faults and interpret wiring diagrams.

Comprehensive Chimney Inspection

Presented by Cody Whitwood, CSIA (3.0 CEUs)

CSIA'S new PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY INSPECTION CLASS is up to date with the newest information presented by CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps® who are experts in the inspection arena. With the newest training, CSIA® is raising the bar for education above all others. This class will take you through the Inspection Process - through factual and material-based content and design. This course will provide a complete overview of the anatomy of a fireplace, chimney, and up-to-date standard of care referencing the NFPA 211, and the importance of a thorough and factually-based inspection along with thorough and up-to-date documentation processes to ensure appliances and chimneys are clear for use by the client.

Troubleshooting Gas Flame Characteristics

Presented by Larry Smith of Wolf Steel Technical (3.0 CEUs)

This in-person session utilizes videos to showcase flame characteristics. Through group discussion, participants will examine flame colors and their meanings, and factors affecting flame behavior including:

1. The House as a System
2. Venting/ventilation
3. Gas pressure & gas piping systems including sizing

GA Update, What the Election Means to Us

Presented by Jason Tolleson (HPBA) and Karen Arpino (NEHPBA)

This last presidential election led to a Federal administration that is dramatically different from what we have seen in the last 4 years. What does this mean to NEHPBA members? From the SCOTUS ruling on Chevron, the EPA departmental changes, and a different perspective on NG, how do we think this will unfold? Also, we'll be presenting the regional legislative update and tell you how we are tackling each of the issues.

The Legal Landscape: Industry Litigation Update

Presented by Sarah Jorgensen (Reichman, Jorgensen, Lehman & Feldberg, LLC)

Find out what is going on with the New York lawsuit and how it's different from the NYC lawsuit. What happens- win or lose, and find out how win or lose, NEHPBA NY members still win! Also, let's discuss our potential participation in a prospective MA lawsuit. Should we participate and how is it different from what we've seen so far? Additionally, how do these lawsuits affect CT, ME, RI, NH and especially VT!

Fire up Your Profits: The Opportunities in Outdoor Spaces

Joan Nutting, Maschino’s & 2024 HPBA Retailer of the Year

Getting comfortable with how to sell, bid, and install the outdoor kitchens safely. We’ll discuss cabinet types, different cooking appliances, safety, and incorporating outdoor seating along with Outdoor Heat.

“Business Disruptors”

Presented by 2024 & 2025 HPBA Retailers of the Year, Joan Nutting (Maschino’s) and Karen DiVerdi (Enchanted Fireside), 2025 Trainer of the Year, Jesse Doucette (Crown Chimney) & 2025 Emerging Leader, Kyle Titsworth (The Fireplace Showcase)!

This will also be a Q&A, bring your questions and concerns. The Topics we’ll be discussing include:

• How hearth dealers and chimney techs make money together
• Best practices
• Say yes to ecomm sales
• Sell your Service Schedule!

VIP Panel: The Hearth Industry's Burning Challenges

Presented by Joe Burns ( President, Hearthstone), Mike Hopsicker (CEO. Ray Murray Inc), Chris Neufeld (VP, Blaze King), Jason Tolleson (Senior Director, GA HPBA) and Johnny Grant (VP Sales, HHT)

This will also be a Q&A, bring your questions and concerns. The Topics we’ll be discussing include:

• EPA – what’s happening with wood and certifications?
• Obstacles of Gas
• Tariffs Implications
• Incidence Rates
• Tax Credits

Regional GA Presentation & Government Relations Training

Tips for Comfortably Communicating with and Inviting Officials to Your Business

NFI Core Review

Core Knowledge - The manual and review cover combustion, heat transfer, construction, safety principles, and installation knowledge. This includes regulations and instructions, venting, ventilation, and basic electricity.

NFI Pellet Review

This is an in-person review course for the NFI Pellet Specialist Certification Exam.

The curriculum of this course is focused on the current certification exam which is based on the 7th Edition Pellet Reference manual. Topics covered in the manual and on the exam include:

• Pellet fuel combustion.
• Pellet fuel standards.
• Fuel delivery systems.
• Combustion air delivery.
• Venting systems.
• Installation planning.
• Service and troubleshooting guidelines.
• Codes and standards.
• Fuel corn characteristics.
• Combustibles and floor protection.