OESP 2012 Convention Delights and Inspires
Thanks to ALL who supported our annual convention and trade show - those being our valuable exhibitors and attendees who took advantage of the many exceptional educational classes and our members who supported the event.
We all had an opportunity to celebrate technology with our theme "Energy - It's a New Frontier... Get Connected!"
It all began with OESP partnering with Honeywell on a Rebuilding Together event on Sunday. Volunteers helped with painting and gardening projects at the Groden Greenhouse, which is run by the Cove Center. Its mission is to support adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Later that day, old and new friends gathered in the President's Hospitality room for welcome snacks and drinks.
Monday brought a host of activities for all - both educational and charitable. A new Train-the-Trainer course on energy controls was presented by Carol Fey, as well as a PowerPoint class presented by John Barba, Taco. For those of you who want to review these classes again or for the first time, you can do so by visiting our new online learning center.
While some took advantage of classes, others supported our scholarship fund by participating in our annual Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament that was held at a local country club. This year's event surpassed Golf Chairman George Fantacone's goal of $10,000. To date, our Association and our co-sponsors have awarded over $191,000 in scholarships. Speaking of funding to aid our scholarship fund, we appreciate all that supported our Learn What's New event that event raised $5000.00 for our scholarship and we trust some of those that participated learned something new too!
Even with the nasty storm clouds others participated in the Care to Ride event, a major fundraiser for Oil Heat Cares. Participants rode motorcycles and bicycles, walked and ran. This year's Care to Ride event raised over $72,000.00. The top fundraisers were Ralph Adams (motorcycle division), Roger Marran (bicycle division), and Judy Garber (walking division) Scott Vadino, (running division). Team CT took home the plaque for highest team fundraiser - over $10,000 and Judy Garber for highest fundraiser - $5500.00. The Long Island Oil Heating and Cooling Pros walked away with the Oil Heat Cares Cup.
The busy day culminated with a Taco-sponsored opening reception, featuring Providence's famous Waterfire.
When attendees weren't taking advantage of educational opportunities on Tuesday and Wednesday, they were enjoying the trade show. This year's show featured both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as a student and technician competition. OESP delivered on its mission of education with a range of technical and business related classes. Attendees also had the chance to earn NATE and NORA certification with review courses followed by exams.
The Awards Banquet on Tuesday night was a proud moment for the industry. It began with a Grundfos-sponsored cocktail party and was followed by dinner and an awards ceremony.
This year's winners were:
Hugh McKee Award: Jay Moser, Harris Comfort, President of the Bucks-Mont Chapter and Convention Chairman
Manufacturer of the Year: tekmar
Service Manager of the Year: Matt Spink, Platinum Energy, President of the Long Island, N.Y., Chapter
Instructor of the Year: Rick Taylor, PA College of Technology, Susquehanna Valley Chapter
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Levey, Oilheat Associates
* To view the bios of all the 2012 award candidate visit our Awards Page.
OESP also recognized its resigning president, George McQueeney, for his outstanding service and the new officers of OESP were sworn in by Paul Stone, Esq.
Donnie Kurz, again introduced the Dave Nelsen Scholarship Winners: Alrick Crowe - Honeywell Co-Sponsor, Zachary Baylor, Weil-McLain Co-Sponsor, Thomas Dias, Delavan, Co-Sponsor, Roger Bruso, R.E. Michael Co-Sponsor, Robert Papale, James McComas Award (Mid-Atlantic Chapter) Co-Sponsor and Joe Arrenegado, Taco Co-Sponsor
Attendees were encouraged to explore Providence during their stay. On Tuesday, OESP arranged for a special culinary tour of local restaurants. Participants enjoyed local treats and a private tour of one of the restaurant's rooftop gardens. Wednesday's closing event began with a Grundfos-sponsored cocktail party and then took attendees out on the town. They were invited to choose from three different restaurants. All attendees met back at the Convention Center after dinner for dessert sponsored by Honeywell.
After the show Wednesday we had a couple of outstanding sessions - including the popular "old guys" Dan Holohan and John Barba, Taco - all you had to do was bring your questions and ask these guys – they are the experts when it comes to Hydronics and steam! Following this, Ralph Adams presented the new initiative that OESP is launching the Home Comfort Specialist Academy. To learn more about this new program, visit our home page.
Save the date for next year's OESP Convention and Trade Show in Hershey, PA from May 19-23, 2013.
To get information on our 60th Anniversary, just ask: jgarber@thinkoesp.org.
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