We need your support

Improve your net margin by increasing sales and reducing costs. Resources include:

• Your complete contact information on our fully searchable online database of retailers
• Free online Product Fact Sheets for your customers
• Access to Affinity Programs that help you save money
• Free entry into HPBExpo

Protection
HPBAC is your advocate with federal, provincial and local governments to ensure:

• Protection from unfair and poorly formulated regulations that affect your business
• Advocacy of the benefits of your products to government agencies
• Workable solutions on issues related to codes and standards that affect your business

HPBAC's Mission Statement

The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (HPBAC) is a trade association, dedicated to serving the needs of our members, established for the purpose of:

• providing a voice for the industry
 
• promoting and protecting the interests of those engaged in the hearth, patio and barbecue industries
 
• coordinating and integrating the needs of industry dealers, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers
 
• providing educational and networking opportunities to all our members on both national and regional levels
 
• promoting consumer awareness of the benefits associated with our products.

Education
We provide or contribute to educational programs that serve the needs of our members. HPBAC also provides consumers with access to information on products. We provide insightful research, timely forecasts and detailed analysis of trends, demographics and consumer preferences.

• Access to leading-edge information designed with you in mind:
• HPBAC newsletters, email updates and news alerts keep you on top of what is happening regionally and nationally in the industry
• HPBA's Hot News, a quick and easy-to-read executive update covering association activities and industry developments
• Trade magazine subscriptions including Hearth & Home and Canadian Homes & Cottages

hpbacanada.org and hpba.org, our ever-growing websites that allow members-only access to pertinent information, expert analysis of critical issues, and important information about member services

Expand your network at numerous local and national events held throughout the year including:

• Annual HPBAC Reception at EXPO - the best attended social event there! Don't miss our floor hockey tournament.
• Regional Chapter meetings such as the bi-annual Ontario Summit and Western Forum

Support your industry and help it continue to thrive

HPBA Member Success Program

Networking Retailers with Each Other

HPBA unveiled a new program to assist retailers in exchanging ideas about their businesses. Referred to as Member Success Clubs, the program is patterned after similar, successful programs for Home Builders and Auto Dealers.

In their meetings, non-competing retailers review each other’s operating procedures, marketing and merchandising strategies, purchasing practices, employee issues, and financial data.  Many of these self-governing clubs also set aside time for recreational activities that allow the members to forge close relationships. Meetings are professionally facilitated and measurements are used to track the progress of retailer improvements.

Registrations are now open for either of the first two retailer clubs being launched on May 8 and 9 in Nashville. One club is for single-store retailers, the other for multi-store owners. In a try-before-you-buy approach, the cost of the Nashville meetings is limited to travel and food/catering costs.  Clubs for installing distributors are planned for the fall of ’06. For more information contact Laura Litchfield 1-800-792-5284.

Great Events

EnerGuide Vented Gas Fireplace Labeling and P.4 Standard

HPBAC has been working with HRAI and NRCan to represent the hearth industry on the EnerGuide Gas Fireplace Labeling program. The EnerGuide program introduces a method by which consumers can factor energy efficiency into their buying decisions. This follows up our very successful work with these groups on the P.4 efficiency standard. HPBAC has a clear focus on gas fireplace issues. We also support initiatives involving other fuels associated with hearth products including wood, oil, coal, pellet fuel and electric fireplaces.

Insurance Issues Affect You and Your Customers

We've joined with Environment Canada and WETT in talking to the insurance industry about issues that affect your business and your customers. These include the substantial rate increases many have experienced in business insurance, errors and omissions coverage and in home-owner policies. We're also developing a business insurance program for hearth retailers to achieve savings through HPBAC.

Mystery Shopping Program

An annual Mystery Shopping program is available to all retail members through HPBAC. For an unbelievably low cost, it’s a great way to get an independent outsider’s view of your store and its operations. A professionally trained Mystery Shopper visits the store unannounced and completes a comprehensive evaluation on their shopping experience. Retailers receive a confidential report along with regional and national results for comparison. All this for only $35! For more information on the program click here.

Regional Chapters

We feel it’s important to have a strong industry voice on a national and a regional level. Accordingly, we’ve established regional chapters in the Maritimes, Prairies and Western Canada and have recently formed an Ontario chapter to provide local representation and programs. Local representation gives us the opportunity to address issues and provide member benefits at a local level. Working with the chapters has helped to set up education sessions in Ontario and the Maritimes this spring and summer. These business education sessions will provide valuable information on improving your business. For more information, or to register, click here.