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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TRA DE S HOW WR A P- U P Fuel Oil News’ Tradeshow Wrap-Up NAOHSM and NEFI Expo review BY K E I TH RE ID & S T EPHEN BENNE T T FINAL NAOHSM TRADE SHOW A SUCCESS The final National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers Annual Convention and Trade Show was held May 22-26, 2011 in Hershey, Penn. It was the 58th event since NAOHSM was founded in 1954 with Hugh McKee as its president. Readers shouldn’t be sad at the news. The show will be around next year, but under a new name. As announced at the show (though rumored for some time) the trade group will now be known as the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals or OESP. Executive Director Judy Garber noted in announcing the change that the new title honors the association’s past while looking toward the future of the industry. “Our members wear many hats,” said Garber. “The title ‘service manager’ has either gone away or has evolved into the position of general manager, lead technician, district manager, or even sales manager. Our members do so much more than just service oil-heat accounts. The idea of a new name that reflects who we are has been discussed for probably five years. As a matter of fact, last year we thought we had a new name and then, after consideration, many realized the proposed name was missing our core roots—oil heat. The new name, the National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals, reflects our history, as well as our present and future.” To commemorate this important change, OESP invites you to take advantage of a free, six-month trial membership. The show itself saw a solid turn out among both attendees and exhibitors—an increasingly rare event in the current economy. This year’s theme was Christmas in May and the association celebrated the many charitable things its members do for their customers and neighborhoods throughout the year. The week kicked off on Sunday with Honeywell’s Rebuilding Together program. Members of the association volunteered at Camp Sertoma, a non-profit, summer camp for people of all ages with developmental disabilities. On Monday, attendees took part in a range of educational opportunities, as well as a chance to enjoy the outdoors as golfers raised nearly $7,000 for the Dave Nelsen Scholarship. Participants 12 JULY 2011 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com in the Care to Ride event supported NAOHSM’s charity, Oil Heat Cares. They rode motorcycles, bicycles, walked and ran, raising nearly $60,000. In the evening, all attendees enjoyed a complimentary reception, co-hosted by the association and ITT and Bell & Gossett. Tuesday began with the Board of Directors and General Membership meeting. Directors and members agreed upon the association’s new name. The sold-out trade show opened its doors and drew an increase in attendance of 18 percent. On Tuesday evening, the association recognized industry achievers at their annual awards banquet. Prior to the banquet, attendees enjoyed a Taco-sponsored, cocktail party. Winners this year included: Instructor of the Year—Ralph Adams, executive vice presi- dent of OESP and service manager for Parker Fuel Co. in Ellicott City, MD Lou Ehrich Award—Robert Perotto, member of the New York City Chapter of OESP Service Manager of the Year—Joe Boyle, owner of Boyle’s Heating and Cooling in Quakertown, PA Hugh McKee Award—George McQueeney, national presi- dent of OESP and treasurer of the New Haven Chapter Manufacturer of the Year—Honeywell is a corporate mem- ber of OESP and a strong advocate of education Technician of the Year—Ed Postol, Woolley Fuel in Maplewood, NJ and member of the Garden State Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award—Michael Szentesy, a longtime employee of Suntec Students were also recognized with six $5,000 scholarships. The recipients were Alrick Crowe (Honeywell/NAOHSM award), Joshua Holohan (R.E. Michel/NAOHSM award), Austin Gray (Weil-McLain/NAOHSM award), Wyatt Runciman (James McComas/NAOHSM award), Michael Kimmel (Delavan/NAOHSM award), and Joseph Ackerman (Taco/NAOHSM award). The coveted opportunity to hold the Oil Heat Cares Cup in 2011 went to three parties: Don Farrell for his Care to Ride • • • • • • • •