Hearthlist Digest #551 - Tuesday, January 16, 2001 Re: Hearthlist Digest #550 - 01/13/01 by "Edwin J. Fackler" <[email protected]> Pellet Shortage by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: Re: Hearthlist Digest #550 - 01/13/01 From: "Edwin J. Fackler" <[email protected]> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001 16:11:19 -0500 > 3. Finally, HEARTH is seeking people to serve as moderators for the > education sessions. If you would be interested in moderating a session, > please let me know. Moderating includes introducing the speakers, > manning the lights, helping with handouts, making sure speaker > acknowledges all questions, encouraging attendees to fill out = evaluation > forms and ending the session on time. People who have moderated in the > past enjoyed doing so. Plus, we send a small gift after the show. > Thank you for your consideration. Contact Sue Kalish at > [email protected], or 703-524-8030 or fax 703-522-0548 if > you'd like to help or have questions. Sue: I don't know if I have anything to offer these guys, or not but I am happy to talk to any or all of them, if you think it would help. As for help in the meetings, I want you to know there is nothing I woulod rather do but I have to look at another aspect of that Show. My little Company lays down $100,000 to go to that Show and that is over half of our entire ad budget. To keep these expenses down, I take two guys from the Plant and go two days early and set up the Booths (2)and then = stay a day or two after it ends to knock it down and ship it back. On top of this, we have 70 feet inside and 20 feet outside and with 1000 accounts in North America, it seems everyone that comes by wants to see "the 'ol Man". Most of the old timers want to see if I am still alive and when they get there, they're so shocked to see I am still "verticle" they spend way too much time wasting my time I could be using selling something. But, that's the price you have to pay for populatity!! ( you'll like that one!) The bottom line is I can't be spending time away from that Booth(s). Although I have a lot of help from our 15 Territory Managers and the seven people I bring from Portland, still, person after person comes by asking = for me. Although I don't always get time to talk to them, at least they see I = am on the job. Edwin.
(back) Subject: Pellet Shortage From: "Craig Issod" <[email protected]> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001 12:04:23 -0500 I've gotten email from a few customers who are having a difficult time finding pellets. What a tough thing...after all of the years of problems with pellet stoves they are finally getting back on track and another customer problem occurs! We used to tell our customers "pellets don't grow on trees" as one of the potential pitfalls of the fuel. This is proving to be true this season. HPA and the Pellet Heat org have some out with some suggestions for manufacturers and others. The text of this message is below. Perhaps it will help hold up the fort until the siege ends. PELLET FUELS INSTITUTE In alliance with the Hearth Products Association 1601 North Kent Street Suite 1001 Arlington, VA 22209 703-522-6778 fax:703-522-0548 MEMORANDUM DATE: January 12, 2001 TO: Pellet Fuel Manufacturers FROM: Leslie G. Wheeler RE: Status of Pellet Fuel Availability What a difference a year makes! 2000-2001 is proving to be an excellent year for pellet fuel and appliances. After the Y2K scare of 1999, who would have imagined that the interest in pellet heat would have skyrocketed to such heights. What a great and welcome change! Unfortunately, because of this growth, we are now faced with a temporary shortage of fuel across the country. This situation demands the industry's immediate attention, especially on behalf of our industry's loyal consumers. As an industry association, we feel it is imperative to send a message to our consumers that, even though pellet fuel is in tight supply, we are working hard to make sure everyone who needs it has access to available pellet fuel=8Aregardless of the source. Our primary concern as an industry is to ensure that people who need pellet fuel this winter get it. In an effort to help consumers find the pellet fuel they need, please communicate the following information to your retailers so they can in turn educate and assist their pellet fuel customers. 1. The shortage is due to several combining factors, including: High demand for pellet fuel and pellet stoves in 2000-2001 Recent spike in home heating oil and natural gas prices Low consumer demand for fuel over the last several years due to mild winters and Y2K 2. Manufacturers, like your company are dealing with the lower inventories by increasing production and building new or enhanced facilities. 3. Retailers should offer pellet fuel customers the names and addresses of other locations in their area that carry pellet fuel. Pellet Fuel Manufacturers Page Two 4. Consumers unable to locate retailers with an inventory of pellet fuel in their area should be encouraged to contact the manufacturers in their region to receive the status of product. Manufacturer information is available at the PFI web site, www.pelletheat.org. 5. The pellet fuel shortage will be corrected within 2001. The long-term viability of pellet appliances and fuel is greater than ever. Manufacturers should advise their retailers to establish higher inventories earlier in the year and tell their customers to stock up in the off-season. By the fall of 2001, the pellet heat industry will have adjusted to the 50% unpredicted growth, and they will be implementing a new production scheduled aimed at the enhanced interest of pellet heat. With the natural resources available and production at increased rates, all interested households will be able to heat their homes throughout the winter with pellet heat=8Aand, at a cost-stable price. For mor info, please contact PFI ([email protected]).