HPBA convened its third annual Section Strategy Sessions in Chicago October 7-8, where manufacturer members met to discuss policy priorities for the gas and solid fuel hearth industry segments. Participation has grown since the sessions began in 2024, and both sections recorded their highest company turnout yet.
“These sessions are where our industry sets its course,” said HPBA President & CEO Jill McClure, CAE. “When manufacturers sit in the same room and align on priorities, HPBA can advocate with a clear, unified voice, and the sections give us the structure to turn that direction into action.”
On October 7, the Gas Hearth Appliance Section (GHAS) drew 20 member companies, a 54% jump from 13 in 2024. Those companies now represent 66% of the section’s membership, more than double the 28% in 2024. Discussions covered federal and state fuel choice and electrification as well as a presentation on the launch of a research project co-funded by the section to quantify radiant heat benefits from natural gas fireplaces.
The following day, the Solid Fuel Hearth Appliance Section (SFHAS) drew 19 member companies, a 73% jump from 11 in 2024. Those companies now represent 83% of the section’s membership, more than double the 34% in 2024. Discussions covered EPA developments, the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) review cycle, and testing.
“A very special thank you to our section co-chairs: David Shulver of Wolf Steel and Gregg Achman of Hearth & Home Technologies for the Gas Hearth Appliance Section, and Chris Neufeld of Blaze King and Jeff Bain of Pacific Energy for the Solid Fuel Hearth Appliance Section,” McClure said. “Record turnout doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because leaders care enough to invite their peers and make every voice in the room count. Their leadership makes a difference for our industry.”
The next in-person meeting for manufacturers will be on Wednesday, March 3 at HPBExpo27 in Nashville.