(Note: a letter from a Hearth Industry Member to his associates)

Hello from Northeastern Minnesota.

It was just one day before the famed East Coast "Blizzard of '96". I glanced at the thermometer .. Minus 35 deg! The snow squeaked under my feet as I carried out the trash. The air was so quiet I could hear the taconite plant operating 54 miles away. As I walked back toward the house, I suddenly realized that the temperature inside was 110 deg. warmer inside than outside! Glancing up at our chimney, I noticed no smoke emanating skyward.

There is a certain amount of personal pride knowing that a lot of us in northeastern Minnesota are warming ourselves with a renewable resource--not oil, electric or gas, but good old fashioned wood. I keep reminding myself that others here feel the same way--carrying on the traditions set by generations past. Wood heat is splendid; constant, economical, and healthy.

Being in the business of providing that kind of comfort is gratifying. Sales of wood stoves nation wide may have fallen since the energy crunch, but here they still represent almost 50% of our sales. The purchase of a wood stove is more about pride of ownership than features and benefits. As a stove's appearance is more likely to convince a customer to buy than it's usefulness, it is our responsibility to carry only the highest quality choices. Stoves that will keep them warm and provide years of trouble-free heating. Which ones? I'm sure that every one of you out there has their own favorite! This author's "Little Stove That Could" is now six years old and was born in Vermont.

Our 1250 square feet stay cozy warm in even the most frigid days that we are famous for. I hope that all of you have a great '96 and that we keep the responsibility of providing quality above the profits! Craig G

From: [email protected]
Craig Givens, at Energy Plus, Duluth, Minn.


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