Hearthlist Digest #478 - Sunday, August 27, 2000 Michael Van Buren is Leaving HPA to open a consulting firm by "Mike VanBuren" <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: Michael Van Buren is Leaving HPA to open a consulting firm From: "Mike VanBuren" <[email protected]> Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2000 20:26:21 -0400 I am writing to let you know that I will be leaving my position at HPA and PFI as Technical Director. It is difficult to leave, because I have enjoyed serving the industry in my role, however, I am very excited about my future. I have started a company to provide consulting services in four distinct areas: 1. Product Development 2. Codes and Standards Development 3. Ventilation and Backdrafting - Indoor Air Quality 4. Biomass Energy The name of the company is Blazing Design and Consulting. As many of you know, I have been with HPA for the last four and a half years. My position grew beyond taking an active role in the development of national codes and standards. I was involved in moving PFI to HPA, served as PFI's Technical Director, managed fuel requirements in the ever-growing Outdoor Burn Area of EXPO, and nurtured relationships with other trade allies, government agencies and issue specific coalitions. Through my work, I have been asked to serve as a board member of Biomass Energy Research Association, board member of National Energy Raters Foundation, Chairman of Masonry Heater Association Advisory Board, Co-Chairman of the working group to ANSI Z21 vented gas appliance technical committee. Prior to my position with HPA, I was the product development manager of NHC Hearthstone where I oversaw the development of vent free and direct gas stoves, and non-catalytic EPA approved woodstove. Prior to that I worked as a mechanical engineer and project manager for a consulting engineering firm designing mechanical systems for buildings and industrial applications. Through these experiences, I have gained broad knowledge of the industry and its needs. Blazing Design allows me to combine my experiences to serve individual companies and associations. I will help manufacturers to develop products from concept through standards compliance and certification, help manufacturers, distributors, retailers and trade groups navigate code issues, and work through indoor air quality issues related to combustion appliances, and help the biomass energy industry with legislative and regulatory issues. I am available immediately to help you prepare for this heating season and the up and coming trade show season in 2001. If you would like to contact me I will be at HPA until the end of August. After that, I can be reached at 703-568-6510 or email me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Michael J. Van Buren, P.E. Blazing Design and Consulting 11339 River Road Mason Neck, VA 22079 (P) 703-568-6510 email: [email protected]