ESC IBS Consortium Minutes 042319

ESC IBS Consortium Minutes from April 23, 2019 Meeting was called to order at 2:03 pm Eastern Time Attendance: DTE Chris Cole Municipal Gas Assn of GA Chris Stripplehoff National Fuel Marti Sawyer Southern Co. Corey Minshew UGI Utilities, Inc Steve Cook Washington Gas Melissa Farrar Barb started the meeting by mentioning that there weren’t many things to discuss as show preparations don’t start until the last quarter of the year. However, she will plan on having a monthly call just to touch base and keep everyone apprised of the latest news. Kiosk Vendors: Barb noted that there were 11 kiosk vendors in the booth for 2019 and 8 have committed for 2020 with one agreeing to come back if we change their kiosk location within the booth. One vendor (RH Peterson) has taken additional space and is being charged for a 3rd kiosk. One vendor, Briggs & Stratton, has decided not to return; 2019 was their first time in the AGA booth. Barb has already reached out to Generac but hasn’t received a response yet. If anyone has a contact with Generac please feel free to reach out to them; I can provide speaking points. Steve Cook asked which vendors are in the booth. The definite yeses are: Bevolo Lighting, Blue Star Cooking, Copper Sculptures, Five Star Cooking, Lennox, Mason-Lite Fireplaces, Rinnai and RH Peterson. Navien needs to know that they have their original location back. Barb is also trying to get Burnaby Mfg in the booth with is convenience valve; Hoss ideally would like to contact his convenience outlet to one of Peterson’s grills. Peterson was not receptive to sharing booth space but it seems to be an ideal way to showcase how easy using gas for outside appliances can be. Barb will continue to work on Peterson/Burnaby. She will also try to get BRC Fuelmaker in the booth if we have another NGV. If anyone else has an idea on who would be a good vendor let Barb know. She has also contacted the 3 vendors who stopped by the booth during the show but none have committed. We don’t have a lot of space to use up but it is good to have a supply of names on hand if needed. The vendors that have committed have been billed a deposit and half have paid. Speaking Opportunity: An email had been sent to members informing them that NAHB was looking for companies to submit a topic to present during the educational sessions. Barb sent the info to members in case a member wanted to present. Barb noted that is most likely the best way to get a gas message to the builders. Chris Cole and several others felt that AGA should present. Chris Stripplehoff suggested that the message pertain to the best energy mix for the home. Barb noted that we could also ask AGA to present on some of the “hot topics” circulating today like electrification and renewable natural gas. We will work as a group to develop a topic or topics for next year and Barb will see what AGA is willing to do. Barb also suggested that members can offer to bring some literature to the booth. Barb plans to have some copies of Natural Living on hand and she will see if AGA will provide some copies of the 2019 Playbook. Chris Stripplehoff asked what quantity is needed? Barb checked how many coupons were printed for the firepit giveaway, which was 1000. To the best of her knowledge we never ran out of those. The show is for 3 full days so a minimum of 750 should be provided. Open Discussion: No additional issues were raised at this time. If anyone has other thoughts or questions, don’t hesitate to call or email. The meeting was adjourned at 2:25 PM.