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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N EWS & TR E ND S educate homeowners about the impor- tance of selecting contractors who hire NATE-certified technicians. Initially launched in 2011, this consumer awareness campaign primarily focuses on educating consumers about NATE through national network radio advertisements, which are currently underway on a mix of news, sports and entertainment programs. In addition to these radio spots, NATE is also partnering with industry manufacturers who are including NATE in their own ads to help spread the word about the quality assurance offered by NATE certification. Once again this year, the ads are strate- gically scheduled to air during the spring and fall, reaching homeowners when they are beginning to think about preparing their air conditioning and heating sys- tems, respectively. The message of the radio spots explains that NATE certifi- cation offers consumer protection and peace-of-mind, driving listeners to the NATE consumer website (www.hvacrad- vice.com) to find a qualified contractor in their area. The 2012 radio schedule, which kicked off in April, includes programs such as World News Roundup, The Dennis Miller Show, the Masters Tournament, NFL Primetime Football, NCAA Football as well as The Billy Bush Show and radio airings of The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The manufacturer-sponsored radio spots, which are airing on many of these same programs, include brand messaging as well as a brief mention of that manu- facturer's support of NATE. Participating manufacturers currently include Lennox, Goodman and Johnson Controls, Inc. NATE is discussing participation with additional industry partners to further increase the reach of the NATE message and help to support contractors who demonstrate their commitment to hiring NATE-certified technicians. In addition to the network radio advertising, NATE is also continuing its strategic public relations campaign to generate media coverage about NATE. Through ongoing media outreach, the NATE message is appearing in an increas- ing number of newspapers, magazines and radio and television news outlets to inform homeowners that hiring NATE-certified technicians offers quality assurance they can trust. "We kicked off this consumer aware- ness program in 2011, and our goal is to continue to increase these efforts every year," stated Don Frendberg, chairman of the NATE Board of Trustees. "By partner- ing with manufacturers to include NATE in their radio advertisements, we're able to extend the reach of our message to a greater number of homeowners, educat- ing them about NATE certification and helping to connect them with contractors who are dedicated to superior installation and service." As an increasing number of hom- eowners learn about NATE and visit HVACRAdvice.com to find a qualified local contactor, it's more important than ever for contractors to insist on NATE- certified technicians and to include their company information on the Consumer Contractor Connection – NATE's online locator tool. If 50 percent of a contrac- tor's technicians are NATE-certified, they are eligible to post a free listing in the Consumer Contractor Connection, help- ing to attract new customers. VENCHURS LAUNCHES CNG FORD TRUCK DEMO FLEET Less than two months after debuting its latest CNG and Bi-Fuel pickup programs at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis, Venchurs Vehicle Systems (Adrian, Mich.) has launched a new nationwide demo fleet program where work truck fleet managers and buyers can put the new technology to the test. Fleets that are interested in add- ing CNG Ford F-250s or F-350s to their workforce will have the opportunity to apply for Venchurs' short term loaner pro- gram. Of all the Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVMs), Venchurs is proud to offer the largest demo program. Compressed natural gas has been making headlines lately thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs, extended vehicle service life, reduced emissions, a higher safety rating and the ability to stem dependency on foreign oil. The Bi-Fuel system allows for seamless "on- the-fly" switching between CNG and gasoline, offering a total fuel range of up to 650 miles. The VVS system also eliminates concerns about power, as its technology results in nearly zero reduction in power or towing/hauling capacity – thanks to superior computer management and Ford's latest direct- injection technology. VVS offers Bi-Fuel and CNG dedicated conversions for Ford F-250/350 trucks, providing unparalleled technology, customer support and service. Because Venchurs is a QVM, the original Ford warranty stays intact, the conversions can be financed through Ford Credit and standard Ford Diagnostic Equipment can service the vehicles. Buyers who would like to test a unit are advised to sign up for a short term truck loan. For additional infor- mation, please visit www.VenchursCNG. com or call 855-264-4300. SOLAR INDUSTRY CEOS LAUNCH GLOBAL SOLAR COUNCIL Representatives of leading international companies in the solar photovoltaic indus- try have announced the founding of the Global Solar Council, a CEO-level indus- try coalition whose aim is to expand the global deployment of solar energy in a sustainable and cost-competitive way. Global Solar Council members will engage with policymakers worldwide to demonstrate the progress towards abundant, affordable and low emissions energy already made possible by the solar industry and to emphasize the impor- tance of a supportive policy and trade environment, which will enable the ongo- ing development of competitively-priced solar energy, driving job creation and eco- nomic growth. Through its members, the Global Solar Council brings industry knowledge and insights from all sides of the solar photo- voltaic value chain. www.fueloilnews.com | FUEL OIL NEWS | JUNE 2012 13