New Wood Burning Regulations For B.C.

The Province of British Columbia has announced that over the next year it will be reviewing its regulations governing residential wood burning.

The process has just begun but HPBAC national and its Western Chapter are already fully engaged. A task force of members and staff is being assembled to ensure that our industry's interests are adequately represented. We have a strong record of responsible and constructive partnering with regulatory authorities.

We will keep our members informed of developments but if you would like to be personally involved as a member of the task force, please let me know. tonyhpbac@bellnet.ca

HPBAC Board sets priorities for 2009

The HPBAC Board of Directors met on November 25th in Toronto to discuss Strategic Planning and to review HPBAC's activities over the past year.

The Board has agreed to focus on the following in 2009:

• Review the Chapter Agreement and funding formula to provide funding where it is needed most and to provide more support to chapters, particularly with Government Affairs and media
• Provide the tools for chapters and members to respond to issues in their areas
• Take a more proactive approach with Government Affairs and be able to react more quickly when an issue arises
• Raise our profile to become the 'go to' people for media and government officials in Canada
• Work with HPBA to establish a better plan for funding HPBAC on an ongoing basis

Some of this work will be completed with the help of HPBAC's Communications, Membership and Government Affairs committees. If you are interested in joining any of these committees please contact Laura Litchfield at hpbac@bellnet.ca.

Don't Miss the HPBAC AGM

Your HPBAC Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 25th at 5 pm at the Sandman Signature Hotel near the Toronto Airport. The HPBAC Board of Directors and staff will be there to answer your questions and update you on what's going on.

Following the meeting we will host a social hour at Moxie's Bar and Grill in the hotel.

HPBAC Reception Sponsors Needed

We need your support to make the HPBAC Reception a great event again this year. Sponsorships are available as follows:

Platinum
$2000

Manufacturer
$900

Distributor
$600

Reception - Thursday, March 19th from 5 to 7 pm

Contact our office for more information - hpbac@bellnet.ca or 1-800-792-5284 or 705-788-2221

Register your hockey team for HPBAC EXPO hockey tournament

We're accepting registrations for the EXPO reception floor hockey tournament. There will be a limited number of teams. Please register early.

Registration fee is $250 and includes three team jerseys and two to three games plus great exposure for your business.

Call 1-800-792-5284 (Canada only) or 705-788-2221 for more information or to register.

Ontario Summit Sponsorship Opportunities

Our sponsorship opportunities for the Ontario Summit have almost sold out.

Still available:

• Two Special Workshops at $2750 each
• One Mardi Gras Sponsorship at $3300
• Sunday Lunch at $2750
• Monday AM Break at $880
• Family Excursion Plan at $2750

Also available - non-exclusive Contributor at $2500, Supporter at $1000 and $500.

Call our office at 1-800-792-5284 for more information

Drive for 25 News

Thanks to our many volunteers across the country who are helping to make calls to non-members. We have quite a few interested prospects.

If you are interested in helping, it's not too late. Call our office at 1-800-792-5284.

Legislation and Regulations

HPBAC staff and volunteers work hard to protect our industry from ill-conceived and unfair legislation.

We need your help. Make sure you know what your local council is planning to do. Read your local newspapers. Stay informed. Let us know if something concerns you.

Don't assume we already know. We monitor media extensively but particularly at the local level, it's impossible to pick up everything. We need you to be our eyes and ears.

Forewarned is forearmed. Stay informed. Keep us informed.

Dealer looking for Oliver McLeod Chimney

Dealer looking for Oliver McLeod Chimney

The Fireplace King in Huntsville, Ontario is looking for a length of old style Oliver McLeod chimney 7" inside diameter 1" wall chimney. Will accept new or used piece - need 12" length but 24" would work also.
If anyone has this please email fireplaceking@cogeco.net

Help out on National Call Day

Don't forget to volunteer for National Call Day on October 6th.

We need your help to build your industry association. We're looking for volunteers to call 5 to 10 prospective members to tell them why they should join HPBAC. We provide:

• List of dealers
• Our new membership brochure
• 2009 Membership Application
• Letter that was sent to prospects
• FAQs and answers

Call 1-800-792-5284 or email hpbac@bellnet.ca to volunteer 30 minutes of your time. All volunteers will be recognized at regional Chapter events and EXPO events (Focus Canada and HPBAC Reception) for helping out with this important program.

Welcome to the HPBAC Blog

Welcome to our new blog. Please check in frequently for updates on HPBAC events and activities.

Upcoming Events
HPBAC Annual Meeting
Sandman Signature Hotel Toronto Airport
55 Reading Court, 416-798-8840
Tuesday, November 25th from 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Please join the HPBAC board and staff for this important meeting, and for a social following the meeting.