OESP wraps up 2013 convention; eyes new format for 2014

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OESP will explore a new trade show format for 2014 with two events: one at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut from May 12-13, 2014 and the other in Gettysburg, Pa. from September 22-23, 2014. Our 2014 pilot plan is to host two regional events vs. one trade show with emphasis will be on training with a focus on new products and services.

The show was packed with great events. Monday featured two charitable events. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament was held at Deer Valley Golf Course. Established in 1999, the Dave Nelsen Scholarship Fund has awarded over $221,000 to students wishing to continue their education within the industry. This year's event netted a little over $9,000. George Fantacone, Santoro Oil and member of the R.I. Chapter, wishes to thank all that supported this event.

A special thanks goes out to all that made our annual Care to Ride event financially successful. Our main fundraiser for Oil Heat Cares also took place on Monday. Motorcyclists, cyclists, and walkers raised $53,500 for oil-heating equipment replacements for people who are struggling to heat their homes. The top fundraisers were Ralph Adams (motorcycle division), Roger Marran (bicycle division and highest individual fundraiser), Team Connecticut (highest team fundraiser) and Judy Garber (walking division). Team Connecticut took home the Oil Heat Cares Cup.

Later that evening, attendees gathered for an opening reception co-sponsored by Grundfos and OESP. They enjoyed food, beverages, and music by The Wayback Machine.

OESP delivered on its mission of education with a busy schedule of classes from Monday to Wednesday. Tim Begoske of Field Controls led a Train-the-Trainer session on venting. New presenter Ray Wohlfarth discussed boiler room safety. Other course topics included improving profitability in service, understanding efficiencies, electrical consumption, zoning, schematics, mini splits, oil pumps, A/C evaluating and testing, ECM, wireless technology, gas heat, troubleshooting high-efficiency equipment, radiant heating, learning for trainers, heat gain and loss, a NORA tank update, and more. Attendees also had the chance to earn NATE and NORA certification with review courses followed by exams.

The trade show drew a crowd from Tuesday to Wednesday. Attendees networked at indoor exhibits and tested their skills during a student and technician competition. They also enjoyed the sunshine at the outdoor exhibits and saw new equipment in action.

OESP honored professionals and scholarship recipients at the Awards Banquet on Tuesday night. Attendees enjoyed a Taco-sponsored cocktail party followed by dinner and an awards ceremony. This year's winners were:

Hugh McKee Award: Charlie Bursey, F.W. Webb (Rhode Island Chapter) & Paul Cuprewich, Woolley Fuel, (Garden State Chapter)

Instructor of the Year: Angel Gonzalez, Petro (New York City Chapter)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Rinaldo, Automatic Heating (Westchester/Putnam County Chapter)
Lou Ehrich Award: Rick Glownia, JAD Associates (CT Valley Chapter and more)
Manufacturer of the Year: Bock Water Heaters
Service Manager of the Year: Bob Daros, Heritage Fuel (Westchester/Putnam County Chapter)

OESP extends their best wishes to our 2013 Scholarship Winners. All were present to be acknowledged and supported by their co-sponsors. OESP matches the sponsor's amount of $2500.00 – thus each student receives $5000.00 towards their education.  

Dave Nelsen Scholarship Winners:
Alrick Crowe (Honeywell Sponsor)
Zachary Baylor (R.W. Beckett Corp. Sponsor)
Samuel Gumbert (Boston-Southeast Chapter Sponsor)
Roger Bruso (R. E. Michael Sponsor)
Robert Papale (Mid Atlantic Service Managers Award)
Nicholas Micheletti (Taco Sponsor)
Patrick McConnell (Weil-McLain Sponsor)

The Convention ended with a Kentucky-Derby-themed Closing Party co-sponsored by Honeywell and OESP. Earlier that day, attendees were invited to decorate their own hats to wear to the party. It was a festive evening of live music, dinner, and carriage rides around the property.

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