NEHPBA Summer Event Schedule - Ignite 2026!

Talk to YOUR Regional Legislators! (1CEU)

Course Description:

Fireside Chat: Ask questions about how our industry fits in with the energy, housing, and climate agenda in the Northeast, how we can support or oppose legislation, and how we can become part of the conversation!

Housing Vice Chair Reg Adrienne Ramos (Housing Committee Vice Chair) and Rep. Kushmerek (Vice Chair, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy & Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies), moderated by Andrew Hasek (Government Affairs, Hearth & Home Technologies).

All in the Family…or Not! Inside Details on the Business Transition (2 CEUs)

Panelists:

• Black Swan Fireside Hearth & Home- Jess & Tom, CT
• The Fireplace Showcase - Randy & Kyle, MA
• August West - Curt & Jeff, MA
• The Fireplace Connection – Malcom & Malcom, MA

Description: Hear from industry owners, past and present, about the successfully transition of their business to the next generation and why there may be bumps in the road. This panel brings together leaders who’ve successfully navigated the shift and explores what really happens when ownership changes hands, whether within a family or from founders to employees. Hear candid stories, hard-won lessons, and smart strategies for making the transition a win instead of a mess. Expect honest insights, practical lessons, and guidance on how to make the shift smoother for everyone involved. Bring your questions!

CODES Impact YOU (1 CEU)

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest code updates affecting the hearth industry. Delivered by Gary Gauthier in a high-energy, engaging style, this class breaks down what’s new, why it matters, and how it impacts you in the field—keeping you informed, confident, and ready for what’s next.

The Topics we’ll be discussing include:

• EPA – what’s happening?
• Energy Choice
• Geo-political Climate and effect on our industry
• State of the Industry

Chimney Inspection & Sweep – Hands-On Training (3CEUs)

This hands-on class walks students through the complete chimney inspection and sweeping process using an old stone chimney. Participants will learn how to properly inspect the chimney, perform a thorough sweep, document findings, and clearly communicate results and recommendations to the customer. The course focuses on real-world techniques and best practices used in the field.

First Aid for On the Job and Beyond, Parts l (2CEUs) & ll (1.5CEUs) - Deb Boyll, Red Cross (4.0 Health & Safety CEUs)

Course Description: Outdoor Contractor First Aid & Safety Course

This course is designed specifically for contractors and tradespeople who work outdoors and at heights, including roofing, installation and construction professionals. Participants will learn how to recognize, assess, and respond to common injuries and medical emergencies that can occur on job sites.

Topics include:

• Falls and trauma
• Heat and cold related illnesses
• Electrical injuries and electrocution
• Bleeding control and wound care
• Fractures and sprains
• Burns (thermal and electrical)
• Cardiac emergencies and CPR
• Shock management
• Environmental hazards
• Scene safety and hazard recognition

This hands-on course emphasizes real-world scenarios, rapid assessment, and practical skills to help workers respond confidently until advanced medical help arrives.

Hearth Design Specialist NFI Review

Lunch included

Course Description: The Hearth Design Specialist certification is designed to show consumers that the sales personnel know the technical information they need to properly plan their installation. Hearth Design Specialist Reference Manual covers technical knowledge on combustion, heat transfer, safety and venting for woodburning, gas and pellet hearth appliances. Other topics include an introduction to codes, standards and regulations, fuel characteristics and appliance requirements. All major hearth appliances are covered including fireplaces, gas log sets, fireplace inserts and free-standing stoves.

Fixing Attendance Problems for Good

By: Jesse Doucette, Crown Chimney & 2025 Trainer of the Year (1.5 CEUs)

Attendance problems cost time, money, and team morale, but most policies fail because they are unclear or inconsistently enforced. In this workshop, we'll walk through a proven attendance system and show you how to make it work in the real world.

You will learn how to set firm expectations, handle callouts and no-shows, apply discipline with confidence, and avoid common legal and management mistakes. Whether you're building a policy from scratch or fixing one that isn't working, this session will give you practical tools you can implement immediately.

Past the Hype: Practical AI for Your Business, John O'Brien (1.0 CEUs)

A working session for owners and operators who want to know what AI can actually do for a small business right now. The hour covers real examples of AI being used today to handle inbound calls, plan deliveries, prep for client meetings, and take routine work off people’s plates. Useful for attendees who are new to AI and for those already experimenting who want to push further. Open Q&A at the end.

Government Affairs Update, Karen & Sidekicks

The legislative and legal landscape in the Northeast is dramatically changing. Things are happening and moving, both good and bad. What does the legislative and regulatory landscape mean for NEHPBA members? From the NYS appeal to the Federal Energy Choice legislation, to the pausing of some issues and the more aggressive take on others. How do we think this will all unfold? We'll also be presenting the regional legislative update and tell you how we are tackling each of the issues.