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Thriving During Crazy Times
HPBA is taking steps To Ensure the vitality of the industry during this period of economic uncertainty
Steve Hall, chair,
HPBA
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| Steve Hall, chair, HPBA |
I am very excited to begin my service as chair of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association for 2009–2010. As you may know, I operate Fireside Distributors, Inc., a wholesale distributor in Raleigh, N.C. I first came to Fireside as the sales manager 25 years ago, eventually becoming president. I was fortunate to be able to purchase the company from my mentor, Bob Cline. In fact, it was Cline—one of the first HPBExpo chairs—who encouraged me to get involved with the Hearth Products Association, the precursor of HPBA.
With his encouragement, I volunteered, joining the first membership committee and continuing to serve there (including serving a two-year stint as its chair). I became involved in the formation of the Southeast HPBA affiliate, serving in various leadership roles. I now serve, at the pleasure of the Southeast board, as its representative to HPBA.
As I accept the role of HPBA chair, I realize that this coming year will be a very challenging time for our industry. In conjunction with the exceptional men and women who serve our industry at the affiliate and national levels, I am confident that our industry will not only survive this difficult time, but will establish the foundation to allow us to prosper for many years to come.
Although we certainly face challenges, we also have many opportunities. We are fortunate to be involved in industries that offer not only many innovative products, but also products that give today's consumer tangible benefits. Collectively, our products provide heat to homes (indoors and out), a wonderful outdoor-cooking experience, and the ideal furnishings and accessories to create comfortable indoor and backyard settings. We can also be proud of the fact that many of our products actually help to improve the overall quality of our environment. Our industry produces products that create a sense of home, family, relaxation, and fun.
As I look to the coming year, there are two areas of interest that I would personally like to see advanced. The first is what I call affiliate excellence. Bottom line: I believe that HPBA should become a more affiliate-driven organization. Our successes come from the strength of our members and how we meet their needs. Accordingly, to achieve real excellence, you must have real communication and cooperation.
That is the cornerstone I would like to build on for the coming year. Jack Goldman and I will be contacting all the affiliate presidents and executives to schedule one-on-one meetings. Our goal is to establish a more open and collaborative style of communication with each affiliate. We want to learn more about each affiliate and its particular needs. By understanding these needs and working with the affiliates to help them become more successful, HPBA will also experience continued success.
The second area of interest is what I refer to as community enrichment. In addition to serving its members, an association can also promote an outward perspective that enhances/improves the communities where all of us live and earn our living. Consequently, I will be working with HPBA, affiliates, manufacturers, and all interested parties to find ways that our association can play a role in meeting the local community's needs.
I know that many of our members are currently involved in various civic activities. I applaud their service; however, I am confident that by unifying our focus and efforts, we can accomplish even more. We hope to have several opportunities (in which participation will be simple and easy) identified shortly that you may want to consider.
In summary, I look forward to serving you this coming year—and I hope to meet many of you during my affiliate-meeting travels this summer.
PHPR May/June 2009
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