Hearthlist Digest #166 - Wednesday, July 15, 1998 RE: Y2K, and More by "John Crouch" <[email protected]> Sunset Fireplace Fixtures by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]> Travis Hires Dave Pomeroy by "Gary Webster" <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: RE: Y2K, and More From: "John Crouch" <[email protected]> Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 19:08:54 -0500 Thanks for the review of the iMac Craig, I've been wondering if it would impress you. A lot of folks on this list now people who are not yet on, indeed don't yet have machines. Sounds to me like a great place for folks to get started. Y2K The other part of the Y2K problem that concerns me is our industries vulnerability to suppliers. Once upon a time, we made woodburning products and vented gas logs exclusively, steel, iron, ceramic logs, and very few outside parts. Now of course, we depend on glass, gaskets, valves, catalysts, and all manner of parts from outside vendors, and we have to hope that all of their systems are ready for the year 2000! I anticipate an interesting trade show in 2000 (Baltimore), with several new products only present in a 'dummy' state, i.e. "....the real parts will be different, but our supplier couldn't get them for us in time because their still fixing their Y2K problems." This assumes that none of our backorders will get caught without glass, or valves, but the problem. (Good thing it comes at a low point in our cycle). The SBA has been stuck with the problem of monitoring the US Governments issues, and their are many sites on the subject. I like the discussion of VISA and MasterCard's rather extensive preparations at http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/content/pcwo/0413/306363.html I also like this quote from the story: "But ignorance of external Y2K risks could eventually sink a company. "Year 2000 will be a series of moderate-sized business interruptions--paper cuts, so to speak," said John Bace, an analyst at Gartner Group Inc., in Chicago. "But you get enough paper cuts, and soon you bleed to death." In other news: HPA's membership update forms are out in the mail, and coming back in by the HUNDREDS. It's a good thing to; I don't know how many area codes have changed this year, everytime I pick up the phone I run into a new area code! To bad fax machines can't understand the little recorded message. If someone at your company has 'round filed' the form, please get another one from Debby ([email protected]) so you can record your changes. I suspect that some folks on this list have added a Home page this year, or maybe changed their E-mail address, or even changed their store contact. How we gonna know unless you tell us? TEXAS, If you've heard rumors about fireplace licensing in Texas, take a look at the letter in the government relations section of WWW.hearthassoc.org. (if you can't remember how to get access, check with Danusha at [email protected] ). John Crouch FireWorks...For All of Us
(back) Subject: Sunset Fireplace Fixtures From: Craig Issod <[email protected]> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 14:56:47 -0500 Although we have no official press release, it appears that Sunset Fireplace Fixtures has closed all operations and is transfering their assets to another manufacturer (Portland?). This comes after a few years of difficult times for the high-quality California-based manufacturer of high end toolsets and other accessories. Is this company a victim of increased gas market penetration? I'm not sure, as our company never dealt with them. Anyone on the list able to fill in some of the blanks? ------------------------------------------------------ Craig Issod HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com [email protected] Everything your Hearth Desires ------------------------------------------------------ Buddha says "avoid error" ------------------------------------------------------
(back) Subject: Travis Hires Dave Pomeroy From: Gary Webster <[email protected]> Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 14:57:50 -0500 Travis Industries Hires Dave Pomeroy KIRKLAND, WA - Travis Industries, the Seattle based manufacturer of Avalon, LOPI, and Fireplace Xtrordinair brands, announced the hiring of Dave Pomeroy. Dave Pomeroy has been hired to head the training and education effort at Travis Industries. He is recognized for the gas training seminars he has put on for the HEARTH Foundation. Most recently, Pomeroy was the vice president of education and business development at Copperfield's Supply. He also worked at Heatilator for thirteen years, where he held positions as fabrication supervisor, production manager and head of both quality control and customer service. "This job will allow me to focus on training, which is my true love", says Pomeroy. Working in the maintenance side has been great, but stoves are really exciting. I have conducted sessions for Travis in the past, and they are a dynamic company. I look forward to helping their customers improve all phases of their operation.