HPBAC eNewsletter

We're only a few short days from EXPO 2006. You won't want to miss some key events for HPBAC members...

Focus Canada on Wednesday at 3 pm in Room 250DE of the Salt Palace
Don Johnson, HPBA Director of Market Research, will present industry statistics for both barbecue and hearth, and the Membership, Communications and Government Relations committees will update members on their plans for 2006.

Annual General Meeting on Wednesday at 4:30 pm Room 250DE, Salt Palace
The HPBAC board will present our Annual Report and proposed revisions to the bylaws. Come out and find out more about your association.

HPBAC Reception on Thursday at 5 pm in Ballroom IJ of the Salt Palace
Once again we've planned a great party with the help of one of our regional chapters. The Prairie Chapter will co-host and has put together a rodeo-themed event with the support of our sponsors. See you there!

I hope you'll take the time to read the HPBAC Voice. You’ll find updates on issues that affect your business, industry news, regional updates and information on HPBAC and our activities. The hearth business has experienced an incredibly busy season. The regional reports in this issue have results from an informal survey we conducted of retailers across the country asking questions relating to both hearth and barbecue business. Take a look.

Just click on the link to go to the Newsletter: http://www.hpbacanada.org/voice/january2006/

President's Message
John Vukanovich on 2005 and looking ahead to 2006 in the hearth industry.

Committee Reports
Government Relations - the committee is following developments in woodburning legislation in Nova Scotia and possible changeouts in BC and Nova Scotia as well as a possible gas fireplace incentive program in BC.

Communications Committee - the committee continues to update hpbacanada.org and to look at ways to improve media relations.

Membership Committee - Mystery Shopping is a great member benefit but members have not been taking advantage of it, the committee is going to work on improving the participation in 2006.

Regional Reports
Find out what your regional association chapter has been up to in 2005 and what they are planning for 2006:

Atlantic
Quebec / APC
Ontario
Prairies
West

Focus on Wood
Find out about the Greater Vancouver Regional Districts plans to push for changeouts and national regulation and the Ontario Burn it Smart campaign.

Focus on BBQ
Chinese barbecues were in the news again in December. Read about our Retailer Barbecue Survey

If you've been forwarded this newsletter, you can sign up to get your own copy here.