HPBAC's Mission Statement

The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is a trade association, dedicated to serving the needs of our members, established for the purpose of:

• providing a voice for the industry
 
• promoting and protecting the interests of those engaged in the hearth, patio and barbecue industries
 
• coordinating and integrating the needs of industry dealers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers
 
• providing educational and networking opportunities to all our members on both national and regional levels
 
• promoting consumer awareness of the benefits associated with our products.

HPBA Member Success Program Launched in May

Networking Retailers with Each Other

HPBA unveiled a new program to assist retailers in exchanging ideas about their businesses. Referred to as Member Success Clubs, the program is patterned after similar, successful programs for Home Builders and Auto Dealers.

In their meetings, non-competing retailers review each other’s operating procedures, marketing and merchandising strategies, purchasing practices, employee issues, and financial data.  Many of these self-governing clubs also set aside time for recreational activities that allow the members to forge close relationships. Meetings are professionally facilitated and measurements are used to track the progress of retailer improvements.

Registrations are now open for either of the first two retailer clubs being launched on May 8 and 9 in Nashville. One club is for single-store retailers, the other for multi-store owners. In a try-before-you-buy approach, the cost of the Nashville meetings is limited to travel and food/catering costs.  Clubs for installing distributors are planned for the fall of ’06. For more information contact Laura Litchfield 1-800-792-5284.

We need your support

There are many reasons to be a member of HPBAC and our association relies on the support of businesses, like yours, to continue representation of the industry and to continue to build member benefits.

The annual HPBA Hearth, Patio & Barbecue EXPO is a great opportunity to see new products, learn new business and technical concepts at the HEARTH Educational Seminars and network with others in our industry.

Did you know members of HPBAC can register for up to five free passes to EXPO? You could save over $500 on EXPO passes alone.

Membership in HPBAC has a ton of benefits in addition to the Show. Here's just a sample of what we've been working on lately...

Great Events

EnerGuide Vented Gas Fireplace Labeling and P.4 Standard

HPBAC has been working with HRAI and NRCan to represent the hearth industry on the EnerGuide Gas Fireplace Labeling program. The EnerGuide program introduces a method by which consumers can factor energy efficiency into their buying decisions. This follows up our very successful work with these groups on the P.4 efficiency standard. HPBAC has a clear focus on gas fireplace issues. We also support initiatives involving other fuels associated with hearth products including wood, oil, coal, pellet fuel and electric fireplaces.

Insurance Issues Affect You and Your Customers

We've joined with Environment Canada and WETT in talking to the insurance industry about issues that affect your business and your customers. These include the substantial rate increases many have experienced in business insurance, errors and omissions coverage and in home-owner policies. We're also developing a business insurance program for hearth retailers to achieve savings through HPBAC.

Mystery Shopping Program

An annual Mystery Shopping program is available to all retail members through HPBAC. For an unbelievably low cost, it’s a great way to get an independent outsider’s view of your store and its operations. A professionally trained Mystery Shopper visits the store unannounced and completes a comprehensive evaluation on their shopping experience. Retailers receive a confidential report along with regional and national results for comparison. All this for only $35! For more information on the program click here.

Regional Chapters

We feel it’s important to have a strong industry voice on a national and a regional level. Accordingly, we’ve established regional chapters in the Maritimes, Prairies and Western Canada and have recently formed an Ontario chapter to provide local representation and programs. Local representation gives us the opportunity to address issues and provide member benefits at a local level. Working with the chapters has helped to set up education sessions in Ontario and the Maritimes this spring and summer. These business education sessions will provide valuable information on improving your business. For more information, or to register, click here.

CIBC Merchant's Edge

• Integrated MasterCard, VISA and current account at a better rate

PetroCanada SuperPass 

• 1.6 cents per litre discount
• 5% parts discount / 20% car wash discount and more

HPBAC Insurance Plan

• Most Comprehensive and Competitive Insurance available, tailored to your needs. Contact Tim Withey by phone 1-800 263-6976 or by email twithey@brokerlink.ca

Choice Hotels

• Clarion Inns, Hotels and Suites
• Quality Inns, Hotels, Suites and Resorts
• Comfort Inns, Hotels and Suites
• Sleep Inns, Rodeway Inns and Suites
• MainStay Suites and Econo Lodge

NEBS Perfect Partner

10% first order discount
5% discount on reorders
Air Miles Rewards with every purchase