The home heating oil industry has a long and proud history, and Fuel Oil News has been there supporting it since 1935. It is an industry that has faced many challenges during that time. In its 77th year, Fuel Oil News is doing more than just holding
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News & Trends PPA Fall Energy Conference Blends the Past and Future P ennsylvania P etroleum A ssociation (PPA), formerly PPMCSA, held its Fall Energy Conference from September 16-18, 2013 at the historic Omni Bedford Springs Resort in South Pennsylvania's scenic Cumberland Valley. Participants enjoyed beautiful weather and networking in this unique, historic setting. Much like our industry, the Omni Bedford Springs Resort has a rich history. Founded in 1806, the resort has hosted 10 US presidents and has been the site of many significant moments in American history. It is a National Historic Landmark and has undergone a stunning renovation, making it the perfect blend of past and future. The conference began on Monday with the Chic and Marty Muetzel Golf Tournament. Participants enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on one of our country's first golf courses. The tournament celebrated the many contributions Chic and Marty Muetzel have made to our industry. Tuesday featured a full day of education focusing on our industry's future. Ben Brockwell (Director of Data, Pricing, and Information Services at OPIS) gave an update on the state of the oil industry. Political Analyst, Dr. G. Terry Madonna gave an insightful review of Pennsylvanians' opinions on government, politics, and energy. John Arnold (Owner and Chairman of the Board at Petroleum Products Corporation) spoke about how to respond to customers considering converting to CNG or LPG. John Huber (NORA President), Dan Gilligan (PMAA President), and John Kulik (PPA Executive Vice President) gave an update on state and federal issues. Patrick Kelly (Senior Policy Advisor at the American Petroleum Institute) spoke about the renewable fuel standard. And Patrick Woods (Regional Risk Consultant at Federal Mutual Insurance Co.) gave a risk management seminar for sellers of propane. The President's Banquet took place on Tuesday evening. Vince Papale, former Philadelphia Eagle whose story inspired the blockbuster Disney movie, Invincible, gave a motivating speech about teamwork and persistence. ECR Family Grows ECR International, Inc. (Utica, N.Y.) is pleased to announce several new additions to its sales organization. Bryan Nowill, Simon Olean, Mike Little and Matt Conant have all joined the growing ECR family. Bryan Nowill has been named as regional sales manager for New England and Simon Olean is now field support representative for New England. Bryan comes to ECR after serving as sales manager – residential hydronic products for Mestek, Inc. He will oversee sales and marketing in the New England Region. Simon Olean, a licensed contractor in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will provide onsite technical support and training. Dave Wash, director of sales for ECR International, says, "Having a new team 10 Bryan Nowill Mike Little OCTOBER 2013 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com Simon Olean Matt Conant in New England presents a great opportunity for ECR and our customers. Both Bryan and Simon will deliver unmatched sales and technical support." Mike Little also joins ECR as a field support representative for the Metro NY/ NJ area. Mike was formerly the technical service representative for A.O. Smith and Takagi. Mike will provide technical support and training to contractors and distributor personnel. "Many contractors already know Mike and recognize the high level of technical expertise he brings to the table. We are thrilled to have him," added Walsh. Last but not least, ECR has hired Matt Conant as national sales manager for AC products. Formerly with Daikin, Matt has been in the HVAC industry for over 25 years. He will lead the sales efforts