NEW FOR 2023: NORA TECHNICAL EDUCATION TRACK - details to be announced
2022 Southern New England Energy Conference Schedule
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Monday, June 20, 2022
9:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast with vendors 10:00 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Breakout Sessions 11:30 am - 12:30 pm General Session for all Attendees 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Awards Luncheon and Keynote Address 2:15 pm - 3:15 pm Concurrent Breakout Sessions 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Concurrent Breakout Sessions 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Reception Then dinner on own in Newport Tuesday, June 21, 2022 9:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast 10:00 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Breakout Sessions 11:15 am - 12:15 pm Concurrent Breakout Sessions 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm Luncheon with Industry Keynotes Opening Luncheon Keynote June 20
RI Governor Dan McKee
Closing Luncheon Keynotes June 21
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2022 Education Sessions
Day 1, Monday, June 20
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Weatherly Room
Fighting the Great Resignation - Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA
Are you an owner out on the truck making deliveries for the first time in years? Do you find yourself handling dispatch calls because there is nobody else to do it? Are you struggling to cope with the loss of technicians, drivers and office staff? You are not alone. The energy industry has not been immune to the “great resignation” afflicting businesses across the country. Losing employees is the single biggest threat to your company. An experienced team is an absolute necessity for remaining in business. Which is why employee retention should be your biggest priority in 2022. It is more important to dedicate resources to keeping employees than it is to hiring new workers or even signing up new customers. You will learn in this session the following:
Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA, is the Partner leading the Energy Practice Group at Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP. He serves fuel oil and propane clients as a strategic advisor and consultant on all aspects of financial and business operations. Marty also currently serves as Treasurer of the National Energy and Fuel Institute (NEFI).
Weatherly Room
Fighting the Great Resignation - Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA
Are you an owner out on the truck making deliveries for the first time in years? Do you find yourself handling dispatch calls because there is nobody else to do it? Are you struggling to cope with the loss of technicians, drivers and office staff? You are not alone. The energy industry has not been immune to the “great resignation” afflicting businesses across the country. Losing employees is the single biggest threat to your company. An experienced team is an absolute necessity for remaining in business. Which is why employee retention should be your biggest priority in 2022. It is more important to dedicate resources to keeping employees than it is to hiring new workers or even signing up new customers. You will learn in this session the following:
- Understanding why employee retention has become more important than customer recruitment and retention – and will be for the foreseeable future
- Creative ideas on how to retain employees (and not just by paying them more)
Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA, is the Partner leading the Energy Practice Group at Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP. He serves fuel oil and propane clients as a strategic advisor and consultant on all aspects of financial and business operations. Marty also currently serves as Treasurer of the National Energy and Fuel Institute (NEFI).
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Freedom Room
Understanding Consumer Attitudes About Energy and Electrification – Rich Carrione, Warm Thoughts Communications
The energy landscape is changing rapidly, and nowhere is this more true than in the Northeast. The push to electrify everything, recent price spikes brought on by global crises and the introduction of specific legislation all promise to transform your businesses.
In this session, Rich Carrione of Warm Thoughts Communications will give you the insights necessary to understand this new reality, identify its opportunities and find success. Rich will dig into the findings of the NEFI consumer research study – which was supported by CEMA, MEMA, EMARI, NYSEC and ESEA – to share critical insights from the most comprehensive consumer research project in the industry’s history. Attendees will gain insights into how consumers think and act about energy issues, including:
We hope you’ll join us for this can’t-miss session.
Rich Carrione is vice president of operations for Warm Thoughts Communications, the nation’s leading marketing agency specializing in the residential energy industry. An 18-year industry veteran, Rich oversees Warm Thoughts’ extensive portfolio of NORA-funded programs. He has also developed the industry’s largest anti-electrification initiatives, including New Jersey’s SmartHeatNJ campaign, NEFI’s Renewable Energy Future social campaign and the “Consumer Attitudes about Energy and Electrification” consumer research study representing more than 4,000 respondents across the entire Northeast.
Freedom Room
Understanding Consumer Attitudes About Energy and Electrification – Rich Carrione, Warm Thoughts Communications
The energy landscape is changing rapidly, and nowhere is this more true than in the Northeast. The push to electrify everything, recent price spikes brought on by global crises and the introduction of specific legislation all promise to transform your businesses.
In this session, Rich Carrione of Warm Thoughts Communications will give you the insights necessary to understand this new reality, identify its opportunities and find success. Rich will dig into the findings of the NEFI consumer research study – which was supported by CEMA, MEMA, EMARI, NYSEC and ESEA – to share critical insights from the most comprehensive consumer research project in the industry’s history. Attendees will gain insights into how consumers think and act about energy issues, including:
- Favorability ratings of home energy sources
- Support and opposition of electrification
- Testing of the most powerful anti-electrification messaging
- Support and opposition for mandates, subsidies and other inducements to go electric
- Comparison data to neighboring states
We hope you’ll join us for this can’t-miss session.
Rich Carrione is vice president of operations for Warm Thoughts Communications, the nation’s leading marketing agency specializing in the residential energy industry. An 18-year industry veteran, Rich oversees Warm Thoughts’ extensive portfolio of NORA-funded programs. He has also developed the industry’s largest anti-electrification initiatives, including New Jersey’s SmartHeatNJ campaign, NEFI’s Renewable Energy Future social campaign and the “Consumer Attitudes about Energy and Electrification” consumer research study representing more than 4,000 respondents across the entire Northeast.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Columbia Room
Renewable Propane – Stephen Whaley, PERC
For more than 100 years, Americans have been using abundant, affordable, American-made propane for low-emissions energy that goes places others can’t. And with renewable propane, it’s getting even better. Renewable propane can be used alone or in blends with other renewable or low-carbon energy — including conventional propane — to further reduce emissions without sacrificing performance. In this session, you will learn about how renewable propane offers the same great features as conventional propane — reliability, portability, power, and reduced emissions — but with the added benefit of reduced emissions when compared with other energy sources.
Stephen Whaley is the Director of Autogas Business Development for the Propane Education & Research Council. Whaley manages the over-the-road market portfolio for PERC. He is responsible for growing propane autogas market share in on-highway light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle markets. He focuses on new product research and development, product launches, maintenance and growth in existing market segments, as well as potential new market development opportunities. Before joining PERC in January of 2020, Whaley ran his own clean transportation consulting company.
Columbia Room
Renewable Propane – Stephen Whaley, PERC
For more than 100 years, Americans have been using abundant, affordable, American-made propane for low-emissions energy that goes places others can’t. And with renewable propane, it’s getting even better. Renewable propane can be used alone or in blends with other renewable or low-carbon energy — including conventional propane — to further reduce emissions without sacrificing performance. In this session, you will learn about how renewable propane offers the same great features as conventional propane — reliability, portability, power, and reduced emissions — but with the added benefit of reduced emissions when compared with other energy sources.
Stephen Whaley is the Director of Autogas Business Development for the Propane Education & Research Council. Whaley manages the over-the-road market portfolio for PERC. He is responsible for growing propane autogas market share in on-highway light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle markets. He focuses on new product research and development, product launches, maintenance and growth in existing market segments, as well as potential new market development opportunities. Before joining PERC in January of 2020, Whaley ran his own clean transportation consulting company.
GENERAL SESSION 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Salon III / IV Room
BioHeat®: from Mandates to Market Dominance
– Paul Nazzaro, Clean Fuels Alliance, Moderator
Paul Nazzaro, Supply Chain Liaison, Clean Fuels Alliance America, will lead a wide-ranging, interactive discussion on what is on many marketers’ minds: “how will the biofuel mandates across the region roll out over the next decade?" While supply isn't an issue at B5 levels, what's the future of the biofuel supply chain at ever increasing blend requirements? What opportunities will marketers have by selling Bioheat? What policy changes can we put in place that will solidify the place of heating fuels in the market for decades to come? What will the world look like when the Northeast sells a billion gallons of biofuels annually?
Salon III / IV Room
BioHeat®: from Mandates to Market Dominance
– Paul Nazzaro, Clean Fuels Alliance, Moderator
Paul Nazzaro, Supply Chain Liaison, Clean Fuels Alliance America, will lead a wide-ranging, interactive discussion on what is on many marketers’ minds: “how will the biofuel mandates across the region roll out over the next decade?" While supply isn't an issue at B5 levels, what's the future of the biofuel supply chain at ever increasing blend requirements? What opportunities will marketers have by selling Bioheat? What policy changes can we put in place that will solidify the place of heating fuels in the market for decades to come? What will the world look like when the Northeast sells a billion gallons of biofuels annually?
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Paul Nazzaro oversees two organizations which he founded in 1995. The Nazzaro Group represents Clean Fuels Alliance America which focuses on ensuring the successful commercialization of low carbon liquid fuels nationally and Bioheat® fuel wherever home heating oil is demanded. He has developed and implemented training and communication programs designed to support the growth of these fuels. He also presides over Advanced Fuel Solutions, a performance additive organization serving terminals, wholesalers, and fuel distributors throughout the nation. He focuses on companies interested in developing and implementing branded fuel strategies that promote increased market share. Throughout his career, he has prioritized establishing relationships with likeminded partners that believe success is driven through the delivery of unrivaled service and products. Paul has an expansive group of collaborators representing fuel quality research, production, logistics and analysis of finished fuels all of which supports his organizations value proposition to his valued customers.
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2:15 p.m – 3:15 p.m.
Weatherly Room
It's All About You! Your Data, Your Capacity, Your Efficiency – Phil Baratz, Angus Energy
Efficiency is more important than ever before. In today’s environment, nothing can go to waste and no stone should be left unturned as resources are defined and limited:
Phil Baratz is CEO at Angus Energy. In 2021 his firm celebrated its 30th Anniversary, and over the last 3 decades, they gained a unique understanding of data and how to convert that information into increased profits for heating oil and propane companies.
He is a board member of several industry associations as well as several privately-owned energy companies. Since 1991, Phil has written a monthly column in Indoor Comfort Magazine and has been published in a variety of trade publications.
Weatherly Room
It's All About You! Your Data, Your Capacity, Your Efficiency – Phil Baratz, Angus Energy
Efficiency is more important than ever before. In today’s environment, nothing can go to waste and no stone should be left unturned as resources are defined and limited:
- Drivers
- Trucks/truck capacity
- Service techs
- Customer tank size
- Customer locations
- Hours in the day
- CSRs…
- Present what we have learned from the data compiled from seminar attendees
- Give you the opportunity, using YOUR data, to understand how to better optimize your delivery operations
Phil Baratz is CEO at Angus Energy. In 2021 his firm celebrated its 30th Anniversary, and over the last 3 decades, they gained a unique understanding of data and how to convert that information into increased profits for heating oil and propane companies.
He is a board member of several industry associations as well as several privately-owned energy companies. Since 1991, Phil has written a monthly column in Indoor Comfort Magazine and has been published in a variety of trade publications.
2:15 p.m – 3:45 p.m.
Freedom Room
Biofuel Incentives, Electrification to Emissions Standards: How the Next Decade of Policy Will Impact Your Business – Joe Uglietto, Diversified Energy Specialists, Michael Ferrante, MEMA
Policymakers in the northeast are doing everything in their power to eliminate the heating oil industry over the next decade by electrifying buildings and implementing policies such as a regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard or an emissions cap on heating oil. Learn more about these efforts as well as the true costs of electrification and how you can position Bioheat® as the best energy solution for your customers.
Learn about the Massachusetts Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS) that incentivizes biofuel blending at the retailer level, the upcoming changes to the program and how other states are considering similar programs to fight electrification.
Joe Uglietto is the President of Diversified Energy Specialists (DES), a renewable energy consulting and environmental markets trading company. At DES, Joe trades in thermal energy portfolio standards in the northeast and is an aggregation in the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard, representing clients across renewable thermal technologies. Assisting corporations from a variety of industries achieve carbon neutrality, Joe procures carbon offset credits from technologies both domestically and internationally. Joe has consulted on projects for the National Biodiesel Board and the National Oilheat Research Alliance on a range of topics, with the common goal of decarbonizing the building sector in the northeast. Joe's recent work has focused on renewable thermal technologies and the flaws of current electrification policy.
Freedom Room
Biofuel Incentives, Electrification to Emissions Standards: How the Next Decade of Policy Will Impact Your Business – Joe Uglietto, Diversified Energy Specialists, Michael Ferrante, MEMA
Policymakers in the northeast are doing everything in their power to eliminate the heating oil industry over the next decade by electrifying buildings and implementing policies such as a regional Low Carbon Fuel Standard or an emissions cap on heating oil. Learn more about these efforts as well as the true costs of electrification and how you can position Bioheat® as the best energy solution for your customers.
Learn about the Massachusetts Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS) that incentivizes biofuel blending at the retailer level, the upcoming changes to the program and how other states are considering similar programs to fight electrification.
Joe Uglietto is the President of Diversified Energy Specialists (DES), a renewable energy consulting and environmental markets trading company. At DES, Joe trades in thermal energy portfolio standards in the northeast and is an aggregation in the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard, representing clients across renewable thermal technologies. Assisting corporations from a variety of industries achieve carbon neutrality, Joe procures carbon offset credits from technologies both domestically and internationally. Joe has consulted on projects for the National Biodiesel Board and the National Oilheat Research Alliance on a range of topics, with the common goal of decarbonizing the building sector in the northeast. Joe's recent work has focused on renewable thermal technologies and the flaws of current electrification policy.
Michael Ferrante has been the president of the Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association since 1990 where he is active in promoting and defending the heating fuels industry in Massachusetts. He was a principal in helping the legislature establish the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard.
2:15 p.m – 3:15 p.m.
Columbia Room
Marketing Electrification Concerns to Customers – “The Truth Behind Electrify Everything” – John Bruno, PriMedia; Tom Tubman, American Energy Coalition
PriMedia has helped develop consumer infographics and social media campaigns for the American Energy Coalition to raise awareness of problems surrounding ambitious government efforts to electrify the economy. In this session you will learn what AEC's messaging is, and how you can use it for your own customers to put seeds of doubt in their minds before they fall for the government message to drop you and buy a heat pump.
John Bruno, Creative Director: PriMedia, Inc. has more than 34 years of branding and marketing expertise, and since 2004 has overseen marketing for many of PriMedia’s clients, including national, state and regional Energy Associations and affiliated energy organizations such as NORA, NEFI, Clean Fuels Alliance America, AEC, NYSEC and CEMA; as well as hundreds of individual home comfort providers. John has also developed award-winning work for such brands as San Pellegrino; Arm & Hammer; Booz Allen Hamilton; SAP; America Online; Ricola; The New Jersey Devils; Hush Puppies; Disney; and Coca Cola, to name just a few. John is a graduate of The School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art & Marketing.
Columbia Room
Marketing Electrification Concerns to Customers – “The Truth Behind Electrify Everything” – John Bruno, PriMedia; Tom Tubman, American Energy Coalition
PriMedia has helped develop consumer infographics and social media campaigns for the American Energy Coalition to raise awareness of problems surrounding ambitious government efforts to electrify the economy. In this session you will learn what AEC's messaging is, and how you can use it for your own customers to put seeds of doubt in their minds before they fall for the government message to drop you and buy a heat pump.
John Bruno, Creative Director: PriMedia, Inc. has more than 34 years of branding and marketing expertise, and since 2004 has overseen marketing for many of PriMedia’s clients, including national, state and regional Energy Associations and affiliated energy organizations such as NORA, NEFI, Clean Fuels Alliance America, AEC, NYSEC and CEMA; as well as hundreds of individual home comfort providers. John has also developed award-winning work for such brands as San Pellegrino; Arm & Hammer; Booz Allen Hamilton; SAP; America Online; Ricola; The New Jersey Devils; Hush Puppies; Disney; and Coca Cola, to name just a few. John is a graduate of The School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art & Marketing.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Weatherly Room
Biodiesel Hedging – Al Levine, Powerhouse Structured Products
As fuel oil marketers blend increasing amounts of biodiesel into their heating oil, whether due to state requirements in CT, RI and NY or because they’re voluntarily increasing bio-blends, it’s important to understand how to hedge biodiesel for your fixed and capped fuel contracts. Al Levine will explain where to find markets for biodiesel, recent price moves and volatility, futures contracts, options and margin costs, and much more.
Alan Levine is the CEO and Chairman of Powerhouse Structured Products. He is an internationally recognized expert in pricing and business practices in the energy industry. A petroleum specialist for over 40 years, Alan is a highly regarded authority on the relationship of energy futures to cash petroleum markets. He was a consultant to NYMEX at the inception of the heating oil contract in 1978 and is a hedge advisor to many energy interests.
Weatherly Room
Biodiesel Hedging – Al Levine, Powerhouse Structured Products
As fuel oil marketers blend increasing amounts of biodiesel into their heating oil, whether due to state requirements in CT, RI and NY or because they’re voluntarily increasing bio-blends, it’s important to understand how to hedge biodiesel for your fixed and capped fuel contracts. Al Levine will explain where to find markets for biodiesel, recent price moves and volatility, futures contracts, options and margin costs, and much more.
Alan Levine is the CEO and Chairman of Powerhouse Structured Products. He is an internationally recognized expert in pricing and business practices in the energy industry. A petroleum specialist for over 40 years, Alan is a highly regarded authority on the relationship of energy futures to cash petroleum markets. He was a consultant to NYMEX at the inception of the heating oil contract in 1978 and is a hedge advisor to many energy interests.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Columbia Room
Uniting the Bioheat® Fuel Industry in the Eyes of the Consumer – Jen LeClerc, Gerry Brien, Consumer Focus
Now that Bioheat® fuel is becoming an energy standard and mandates are in place for many states, you may be wondering how to navigate this new marketing landscape. We’re here to emphasize that now is the time to push unity within our industry—improving our image as a whole will change consumers’ perspective on oil heat and showcase the benefits of using Bioheat® fuel when presented with alternative energy options.
In this session, fuel marketing experts will explain how to craft a message that matches industry language, utilizes engaging visual designs, and captivates your audience with materials already available to you. If you have decided to pursue higher Bioheat® blends than the minimum standard, you’ll have a unique angle to differentiate yourself from competitors.
Jennifer LeClerc, creative director at Consumer Focus, creates and implements comprehensive marketing plans for clients in the oil and propane sector. She has more than 15 years of marketing experience and has been involved with the energy industry for the past nine years. She provides an integrated marketing strategy, focusing on comprehensive messaging through multiple marketing channels. She leads a team of talented individuals on the Consumer Focus marketing team and manages all aspects of client marketing, including websites, social media, search engine optimization, email marketing, online reputation management, print marketing, and more. Her background includes marketing, design, and web development. She has a BFA in graphic design, a BA in IT and web design, and an MBA in marketing.
Columbia Room
Uniting the Bioheat® Fuel Industry in the Eyes of the Consumer – Jen LeClerc, Gerry Brien, Consumer Focus
Now that Bioheat® fuel is becoming an energy standard and mandates are in place for many states, you may be wondering how to navigate this new marketing landscape. We’re here to emphasize that now is the time to push unity within our industry—improving our image as a whole will change consumers’ perspective on oil heat and showcase the benefits of using Bioheat® fuel when presented with alternative energy options.
In this session, fuel marketing experts will explain how to craft a message that matches industry language, utilizes engaging visual designs, and captivates your audience with materials already available to you. If you have decided to pursue higher Bioheat® blends than the minimum standard, you’ll have a unique angle to differentiate yourself from competitors.
Jennifer LeClerc, creative director at Consumer Focus, creates and implements comprehensive marketing plans for clients in the oil and propane sector. She has more than 15 years of marketing experience and has been involved with the energy industry for the past nine years. She provides an integrated marketing strategy, focusing on comprehensive messaging through multiple marketing channels. She leads a team of talented individuals on the Consumer Focus marketing team and manages all aspects of client marketing, including websites, social media, search engine optimization, email marketing, online reputation management, print marketing, and more. Her background includes marketing, design, and web development. She has a BFA in graphic design, a BA in IT and web design, and an MBA in marketing.
Gerry Brien is the Senior Vice President of Consumer Focus™, a marketing firm that specializes in developing strategic communications for the home heating oil and propane industry. Gerry has nearly two decades of experience in helping energy companies of all sizes across the U.S. take their businesses to the next level by using creative marketing to boost sales and increase profits. And his expertise doesn’t end there. In addition to Consumer Focus, Gerry is responsible for the sales and marketing efforts of the TankSure® Program, an industry-standard environmental protection program, ServicEdge™, a unique business consulting and training service, and P3 Propane Safety, a propane compliance and safety management program.
3:50 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Freedom Room
Are You Being Held Hostage? The Heating Fuel Dealers Data Portability Initiative – Larry Richmond, Richmond Financial Services
Are you being held hostage? You probably don’t know the answer to that question today? But in the course of ongoing business, many of you will come up against this very issue and it's problematic on multiple fronts.
Dealers need to be aware of this silent issue that often presents itself when switching payment providers and/or while acquiring or selling your business. Most if not all oil and propane companies just assume when signing up with a payment vendor and voluntarily choosing to run their customers’ credit card transactions through their payment provider that all will go smooth, which is often the case. But what you don’t know is the actual data associated with the credit/debit cards are most often owned by the payment provider and/or the gateway company, NOT you. It’s time - fuel dealers need to be protected!
The Heating Fuel Dealers Credit Card Data Portability Initiative focuses the industry’s commitment to standardized professional business practices among payment providers and back-office software companies to help further protect heating fuels dealers' flexibility and choice. This session will draw from actual data portability problems and the unnecessary havoc that can be caused as a result of NOT being in control of what you morally already own, YOUR DATA.
Larry Richmond is the nationally recognized authority and visionary of utility rate processing for the heating fuels industry with multiple landmark accomplishments to his credit over the last two decades. Dating back to his years as the founder of AVATAS, Larry has personally worked with and been accountable to more than 1000 energy companies located across the country, ranging in size from small local operators to publicly traded conglomerates operating in multiply states.
Freedom Room
Are You Being Held Hostage? The Heating Fuel Dealers Data Portability Initiative – Larry Richmond, Richmond Financial Services
Are you being held hostage? You probably don’t know the answer to that question today? But in the course of ongoing business, many of you will come up against this very issue and it's problematic on multiple fronts.
Dealers need to be aware of this silent issue that often presents itself when switching payment providers and/or while acquiring or selling your business. Most if not all oil and propane companies just assume when signing up with a payment vendor and voluntarily choosing to run their customers’ credit card transactions through their payment provider that all will go smooth, which is often the case. But what you don’t know is the actual data associated with the credit/debit cards are most often owned by the payment provider and/or the gateway company, NOT you. It’s time - fuel dealers need to be protected!
The Heating Fuel Dealers Credit Card Data Portability Initiative focuses the industry’s commitment to standardized professional business practices among payment providers and back-office software companies to help further protect heating fuels dealers' flexibility and choice. This session will draw from actual data portability problems and the unnecessary havoc that can be caused as a result of NOT being in control of what you morally already own, YOUR DATA.
Larry Richmond is the nationally recognized authority and visionary of utility rate processing for the heating fuels industry with multiple landmark accomplishments to his credit over the last two decades. Dating back to his years as the founder of AVATAS, Larry has personally worked with and been accountable to more than 1000 energy companies located across the country, ranging in size from small local operators to publicly traded conglomerates operating in multiply states.
Day 2, Tuesday, June 21
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. CEMA Board Meeting, Columbia Room
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Freedom Room
Owning the Digital Space: Advanced Techniques for Communicating with Customers and Managing Your Online Reputation - Gary Corbett, Warm Thoughts Communications
In 2021, companies spent $183.2 billion dollars on digital advertising activities. That number is scheduled to grow significantly in 2022. The reasons are simple; your customers conduct more business online than ever before and effective digital marketing generates powerful results.
As a result, dealers are under increased pressure to execute a digital strategy that wins customers, creates raving fans and responds effectively to customer complaints. In this session, Gary Corbett of Warm Thoughts Communications will share best practices for developing an online strategy that stands up to today’s customer expectations. Gary will cover:
Gary Corbett is a digital marketing consultant with Warm Thoughts Communications who has been working in online marketing for over 10 years. He has a passion for connecting his clients with their customers in various ways. Over the years he has helped hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses make fundamental changes to their marketing efforts to help them reach their goals. In his time at Warm Thoughts he has helped dozens of the nation's leading retail energy companies improve their web presence, search capabilities and direct advertising.
Freedom Room
Owning the Digital Space: Advanced Techniques for Communicating with Customers and Managing Your Online Reputation - Gary Corbett, Warm Thoughts Communications
In 2021, companies spent $183.2 billion dollars on digital advertising activities. That number is scheduled to grow significantly in 2022. The reasons are simple; your customers conduct more business online than ever before and effective digital marketing generates powerful results.
As a result, dealers are under increased pressure to execute a digital strategy that wins customers, creates raving fans and responds effectively to customer complaints. In this session, Gary Corbett of Warm Thoughts Communications will share best practices for developing an online strategy that stands up to today’s customer expectations. Gary will cover:
- Reputation management strategies including how to leverage positive feedback and respond to negative reviews.
- The latest digital advertising tools that maximize exposure, including retargeting, remarketing, addressable geofencing, targeted social advertising and next-gen targeted email marketing.
- Integrating your traditional communication techniques with your digital strategy
- Understanding how to measure and manage your digital results to ensure success.
Gary Corbett is a digital marketing consultant with Warm Thoughts Communications who has been working in online marketing for over 10 years. He has a passion for connecting his clients with their customers in various ways. Over the years he has helped hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses make fundamental changes to their marketing efforts to help them reach their goals. In his time at Warm Thoughts he has helped dozens of the nation's leading retail energy companies improve their web presence, search capabilities and direct advertising.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Weatherly Room
Biofuel Compatibility with Heating Equipment – Robert O’Brien, NORA; Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA
As marketers blend increasing amounts into the heating oil they sell, how does that affect your customers’ heating systems? In this session from one of NORA’s technical experts, you will learn what effects to expect from a B5, B10, B20, B30 and even a B50 blend could be including: combustion quality (BTUs), material compatibility (seals, gaskets, o-rings), approved burners for B20 today, future technology, and much more, all to help you service your customers’ equipment better.
Robert O'Brien has been in the industry for over 40 years as a retail fuel dealer, technician and HVAC contractor and is currently a VP of OESP and Director of Education at NORA.
Weatherly Room
Biofuel Compatibility with Heating Equipment – Robert O’Brien, NORA; Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA
As marketers blend increasing amounts into the heating oil they sell, how does that affect your customers’ heating systems? In this session from one of NORA’s technical experts, you will learn what effects to expect from a B5, B10, B20, B30 and even a B50 blend could be including: combustion quality (BTUs), material compatibility (seals, gaskets, o-rings), approved burners for B20 today, future technology, and much more, all to help you service your customers’ equipment better.
Robert O'Brien has been in the industry for over 40 years as a retail fuel dealer, technician and HVAC contractor and is currently a VP of OESP and Director of Education at NORA.
Dr. Thomas A. Butcher – Technical Director of the National Oilheat Research Alliance where he leads a group providing the technical support needed to develop a more efficient, renewable future for this industry. Tom has a long history of research work on energy systems, air pollutant emissions, and the use of biofuels in boilers and furnaces. In addition to his work at NORA, Tom is a Group Leader in Energy Conversion at Brookhaven National Lab, an Adjunct Professor at Stony Brook University, and an ASHRAE Fellow.
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Columbia Room
Cyber Security - Steve Searl, Federated Insurance
Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear about a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to hackers. We all know what happened to the Colonial Pipeline last year. And ransomware isn't just hitting big companies. At least three fuel oil dealers in Connecticut were hit with ransomware attacks in recent years. International conflict has only heightened the need to be prepared for widespread hacking of your systems. We will discuss several layers of risk management that will help reduce a business’s exposure, as well as coverage options available to transfer this risk to an insurance carrier. Cyber-crime is the fastest growing and most dynamic exposure in business today. We’ll address strategies to minimize that risk.
Steve Searl is Federated’s Home Office Marketing Manager – P&C and cyber product specialist. His thirty plus years of experience in marketing, sales training, customer service, risk management and product development provides him a big picture view of business cyber exposures and risk management best practices.
Columbia Room
Cyber Security - Steve Searl, Federated Insurance
Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear about a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to hackers. We all know what happened to the Colonial Pipeline last year. And ransomware isn't just hitting big companies. At least three fuel oil dealers in Connecticut were hit with ransomware attacks in recent years. International conflict has only heightened the need to be prepared for widespread hacking of your systems. We will discuss several layers of risk management that will help reduce a business’s exposure, as well as coverage options available to transfer this risk to an insurance carrier. Cyber-crime is the fastest growing and most dynamic exposure in business today. We’ll address strategies to minimize that risk.
Steve Searl is Federated’s Home Office Marketing Manager – P&C and cyber product specialist. His thirty plus years of experience in marketing, sales training, customer service, risk management and product development provides him a big picture view of business cyber exposures and risk management best practices.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Freedom Room
Navigating Health Insurance – What’s the Best Fit for You? – Chris DeLorey, Marsh McLennan Agency
Today you have more options for health insurance than ever before. However that just makes it more difficult to understand the complexities, though not as bad as trying to explain fuel hedging to the average person! In this session, you’ll learn about the pros and cons available to every sized company, from the Marsh McLennan Agency, the largest insurance agency in the world, so you can understand what’s the best fit for your company with respect to your budget and offering attractive benefits to retain your employees.
Christopher Delorey, Exec. Vice President, Employee Health & Benefits has been advocating for his clients and their employees for more than 30 years. He is committed to helping companies manage their health care costs, increase employee engagement, and actively promotes the importance of a stable health insurance system on a national level. Chris was an original member of the Governor’s Quality and Cost Council in Massachusetts and helped lead the effort to create the first official web portal for transparent hospital quality and cost data in the Commonwealth. Chris specializes in alternative financial programs for benefits, Captives and Group Purchasing programs for Associations and Cooperatives.
Freedom Room
Navigating Health Insurance – What’s the Best Fit for You? – Chris DeLorey, Marsh McLennan Agency
Today you have more options for health insurance than ever before. However that just makes it more difficult to understand the complexities, though not as bad as trying to explain fuel hedging to the average person! In this session, you’ll learn about the pros and cons available to every sized company, from the Marsh McLennan Agency, the largest insurance agency in the world, so you can understand what’s the best fit for your company with respect to your budget and offering attractive benefits to retain your employees.
Christopher Delorey, Exec. Vice President, Employee Health & Benefits has been advocating for his clients and their employees for more than 30 years. He is committed to helping companies manage their health care costs, increase employee engagement, and actively promotes the importance of a stable health insurance system on a national level. Chris was an original member of the Governor’s Quality and Cost Council in Massachusetts and helped lead the effort to create the first official web portal for transparent hospital quality and cost data in the Commonwealth. Chris specializes in alternative financial programs for benefits, Captives and Group Purchasing programs for Associations and Cooperatives.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Weatherly Room
How to Handle and Store Biofuels - Robert O’Brien, NORA; Leo Verruso, Advanced Fuel Solutions
In this session you’ll learn from fuel handling and storage experts about properties of biofuel blends in the field including cloud and pour points and recent outdoor storage tests. Does splash blending work well? What’s the fuel shelf life? What are the cold weather properties of the fuel in outside tanks? What additives are effective for heating oil/biofuel blends? And much more.
Robert O'Brien has been in the industry for over 40 years as a retail fuel dealer, technician and HVAC contractor and is currently a VP of OESP and Director of Education at NORA.
Weatherly Room
How to Handle and Store Biofuels - Robert O’Brien, NORA; Leo Verruso, Advanced Fuel Solutions
In this session you’ll learn from fuel handling and storage experts about properties of biofuel blends in the field including cloud and pour points and recent outdoor storage tests. Does splash blending work well? What’s the fuel shelf life? What are the cold weather properties of the fuel in outside tanks? What additives are effective for heating oil/biofuel blends? And much more.
Robert O'Brien has been in the industry for over 40 years as a retail fuel dealer, technician and HVAC contractor and is currently a VP of OESP and Director of Education at NORA.
Leo Verruso is an energy industry veteran with over 30-years of experience. Since 2011, he has served as General Manager of Advanced Fuel Solutions, Inc (AFS). Established in 1994, AFS specializes in formulating proprietary performance fuel additive packages designed to improve the performance of diesel, gasoline, biodiesel and home heating oil. AFS has forged strategic relationships with business partners at every level of the liquid fuels supply chain, including bulk fuel terminals, wholesalers, diesel and heating oil distributors, fuel quality service companies, trucking fleets, nationally recognized additive manufacturers, and leading analytical testing laboratories. Over the years, Mr. Verruso has held management positions at Townsend Energy, HOP Energy and Petro/Star Gas. In addition to his position at AFS, Leo is also the co-founder of Vets2Techs, a 501(c)(3) organization to help connect United States Military Veterans with the workforce development needs of the energy industry. Currently Mr. Verruso is an active Board Member of New England Fuel Institute and Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Columbia Room
Can’t Hire? Now What? – Rick Munson, Paramount Business Development
What would it mean for your company if you could be shown that you how to get better engagement and performance from your existing team? Studies show that the average engagement by team members in the average company is only about 55%!!! What if you could increase that percentage and get the extra output from your team as if you had hired another person? Higher engagement leads to more productive work hours per employee. Leading teams in 2022 is different than 10 years ago. Learn key tips that will make a difference.
Rick Munson is the founder and President/CEO of Paramount Business Development, a business and executive coaching firm started over 16 years ago, to help companies and their leaders outperform their market and competition. For nearly 6 of these years, he was a Master Licensed Business Coach with the world’s largest business coaching organization. During this time, he was repeatedly awarded Global Top 100 Coach, achieved the level of Platinum Master Mentor Business Coach, and earned a North American Region award for Consistency of Client Results. Prior to Paramount, Rick spent 8 years in engineering and management roles for multinational corporations before transitioning into a turnaround specialist for 20 years. Today, he uses the same practical results-oriented approach to help business leaders improve their businesses.
Columbia Room
Can’t Hire? Now What? – Rick Munson, Paramount Business Development
What would it mean for your company if you could be shown that you how to get better engagement and performance from your existing team? Studies show that the average engagement by team members in the average company is only about 55%!!! What if you could increase that percentage and get the extra output from your team as if you had hired another person? Higher engagement leads to more productive work hours per employee. Leading teams in 2022 is different than 10 years ago. Learn key tips that will make a difference.
Rick Munson is the founder and President/CEO of Paramount Business Development, a business and executive coaching firm started over 16 years ago, to help companies and their leaders outperform their market and competition. For nearly 6 of these years, he was a Master Licensed Business Coach with the world’s largest business coaching organization. During this time, he was repeatedly awarded Global Top 100 Coach, achieved the level of Platinum Master Mentor Business Coach, and earned a North American Region award for Consistency of Client Results. Prior to Paramount, Rick spent 8 years in engineering and management roles for multinational corporations before transitioning into a turnaround specialist for 20 years. Today, he uses the same practical results-oriented approach to help business leaders improve their businesses.
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. NEW
Salon III / IV
Surviving and Thriving Despite Volatile Energy Prices – Elaine Levin, Powerhouse Structured Products
Northeast energy marketers have been dealing with unprecedented volatility. Supply has been tight and suppliers’ diffs have been rising, if you can even get them. Companies across New England need to make decisions about this winter’s pricing programs soon. Oil markets this year are dealing with plenty of issues. Tight supply in ULSD and gasoline, the price impact of European sanctions on Russia, the search for new supply, and prospects for the return of Iranian oil are among the things moving the markets. Elaine Levin, President of POWERHOUSE, will be discussing how these topics and more could affect your business, and how companies are using volatility to their advantage.
This session is Elaine's presentation that was cancelled at the Eastern Energy Expo in May due to a schedule problem.
Elaine Levin is the president of Powerhouse Structured Products where she has worked in energy futures since 1988, creating and executing hedging strategies for energy producers, distributors and end users. Elaine has lectured on energy futures before many state associations and taught the topic at numerous professional meetings, including the nationally recognized Fuel Management University.
Salon III / IV
Surviving and Thriving Despite Volatile Energy Prices – Elaine Levin, Powerhouse Structured Products
Northeast energy marketers have been dealing with unprecedented volatility. Supply has been tight and suppliers’ diffs have been rising, if you can even get them. Companies across New England need to make decisions about this winter’s pricing programs soon. Oil markets this year are dealing with plenty of issues. Tight supply in ULSD and gasoline, the price impact of European sanctions on Russia, the search for new supply, and prospects for the return of Iranian oil are among the things moving the markets. Elaine Levin, President of POWERHOUSE, will be discussing how these topics and more could affect your business, and how companies are using volatility to their advantage.
This session is Elaine's presentation that was cancelled at the Eastern Energy Expo in May due to a schedule problem.
Elaine Levin is the president of Powerhouse Structured Products where she has worked in energy futures since 1988, creating and executing hedging strategies for energy producers, distributors and end users. Elaine has lectured on energy futures before many state associations and taught the topic at numerous professional meetings, including the nationally recognized Fuel Management University.
