Educational Sessions

EXPERT INSIGHTS FROM YOUR INDUSTRY'S KNOWLEDGE LEADERS
10:00AM - 11:30AM
Federal & State Policy UpdateAll are welcome to attend this meeting of the NEFI Government Affairs Committee. NEFI’s lobbying team and state association representatives will provide updates on legislative and regulatory issues that directly affect your business, including industry efforts to combat the “electrify everything” movement. Mike Estes of Estes Oil & Propane, the committee’s new Chair, will lead this important discussion.
Presented By Jim Collura, NEFIRoom 555B
Jim Collura
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Acquisition PanelLearn from the real experts who are growing their businesses through acquisitions.
Presented By Steven Abbate, Cetane AssociatesRoom 554A
Steven Abbate
Flexibility Is the Key to Success: Introducing the Data Portability Initiative and the Significant Role of Payment Technology
Innovation and free agency are the basis of a healthy marketplace. Discover the benefits of owning your data and learn the importance of true vendor flexibility. Learn about the next generation of business automation and cash flow management tools like text-to-pay to help propel your business forward and streamline efficiencies.
Presented by Jon Gilbert, Qualpay and Larry Richmond, Richmond Financial ServicesRoom 554B
Jon Gilbert
Larry Richmond
Biodiesel and Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil
Learn how to improve your current housekeeping protocol, while acquiring new tips and techniques to manage fuel quality and handle potential field operability issues associated with ultra-low sulfur heating oil and higher biodiesel blends.
Presented by Leo Verruso, Advanced Fuel SolutionsRoom 555A
Leo Verruso is the General Manager of Advanced Fuel Solutions and has been an active member of our industry for over 30 years. Leo is an active Board Member of the National Energy & Fuels Institute, as well as on the Board of Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee. In addition to his position at AFS, Leo is the co-founder of Vets2Techs, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps connect United States Military Veterans with the workforce development needs of the energy industry.
Driver Compliance
More info coming soon
Presented By ARCpoint Labs and Rick Schweitzer, NEFIRoom 555B
Rick Schweitzer
2:10PM - 3:10PM
Buying and Selling an Oilheat BusinessThis presentation will identify the major transactional issues confronted by motivated buyers and sellers, highlight the distinct motivations of each side, provide transactional positions designed to advance the buyer's or seller's objectives, and explore approaches to bridging these differences.
Presented by Brian Freeman, Earl Phillips and Jon Schaefer, Robinson + ColeRoom 554A
Brian Freeman focuses his practice on environmental compliance counseling, permitting, site remediation, and related litigation regarding federal and state regulatory programs. Areas of particular focus include air quality, climate change, petroleum management, and waste management/recycling. Brian has worked with a variety of clients, ranging from Fortune 100 conglomerates to individual entrepreneurs, and across a broad spectrum of industries, including petroleum, aerospace, specialty chemicals, electricity generation, composting and organics management. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Environmental Law since 2006, and in the area of Litigation - Environmental since 2011.
Earl Phillips
Jon Schaefer, a partner in the firm’s Environmental, Energy + Telecommunications Group, focuses his practice on environmental compliance counseling, permitting, site remediation, occupational health and safety, energy regulatory compliance and siting, and litigation related to federal and state regulatory programs. His experiences enable him to work effectively with experts and legal counsel to help clients minimize risk and solve compliance, enforcement, transactional, and regulatory matters. Jon is also the Editor of the Environmental Law + blog, which presents clients and friends across a wide range of industries and businesses with a timely and thoughtful forum for discussion on environmental, health and safety, and energy topics.
Fuel Oil Claims Insurance
Learn about the types of heating oil claims, lessons in handling these claims and mitigation measures to reduce liability.
Presented by Carl Bisson, Crum & Foster and Mike Freill, VistaStarRoom 554B
Carl Bisson
Mike Freill
Biofuel Incentives, Emissions Standards and Electrification Policy: How the Next Decade of Policy Will Impact Your Business
Policymakers in the northeast are doing everything in their power to eliminate the heating oil industry by electrifying buildings and implementing regulatory programs. Learn more about how to prepare your business for and capitalize on Portfolio Standards, Cap-and-Trade Programs, Clean Heat Standards, and Commercial Building Policies.
Presented by Joe Uglietto, Diversified Energy SpecialistsRoom 555A
Joe Uglietto is the President of Diversified Energy Specialists (DES), a renewable energy consulting and environmental markets trading company. At DES, Joe trades in thermal energy portfolio standards in the Northeast and is an aggregator in the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard, representing clients across renewable thermal technologies.
Joe has been monitoring the efforts of other states in the Northeast to implement cap-and-trade programs and clean heat standards for the thermal sector. Joe looks forward to working with heating oil retailers and wholesalers in Massachusetts and Vermont when a Clean Heat Standard is implemented in both states.
Assisting corporations from a variety of industries achieve carbon neutrality, Joe procures carbon offset credits from technologies both domestically and internationally. Joe has consulted on projects for the Clean Fuels Alliance America, the National Oilheat Research Alliance, and many Northeast states' fuel dealer associations on a range of topics, with the common goal of decarbonizing the building sector in the Northeast. Joe's recent work has focused on the flaws of current thermal electrification policy and the design of clean heat standards.
Ten Common DOT Violations and How to Avoid Them
NEFI Regulatory Counsel Rick Schweitzer will show you how to avoid common violations at roadside inspections and in a DOT audit.
Room 555BRick Schweitzer
3:20PM - 4:20PM
Getting Out Is Not the Only Option: How to Determine Your "What's Next"Discuss common things owners overlook when trying to determine what's next. We will dig into areas that have a direct impact on business valuation.
Presented by Kendall Rawls, The Rawls GroupRoom 554A
Kendall Rawls
Winter Weather Recap
More info coming soon
Presented by John Bagioni, Fax Alert Weather ServiceRoom 554B
John Bagioni
Beyond B20: Cold Weather Handling Strategies to Meet the Providence Resolution Goals
During a study in Presque Isle, Maine, B20 was treated and successfully stored in an unheated bulk tank and delivered to homeowners all winter without any issues. This presentation will discuss the study, review the data, and look at future plans to test, treat, store and deliver higher BXX blends.
Presented by Steve Boracchia, ETPRoom 555A
Steve Boracchia
Navigate Inflation and Grow HVAC Install Sales with Monthly Payment Financing
3:00PM - 5:00PM
NORA Board MeetingMore info coming soon
Room: 557 (5th floor)
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Advanced Burner Control Programming and TroubleshootingThis presentation will introduce Beckett's new advanced burner controls, which will benefit our industry through simple programming and diagnostics. It will also cover how to troubleshoot burner operation using detailed burner fault history to identify both the issue and remedy.
Presented by Jeff Rozga, R.W. BeckettRoom 554A
Jeff Rozga is the Technical Trainer for R.W. Beckett in Northeast Ohio. Jeff has been with the company for over 42 years. He provides training to contractors, instructors, and distributor personnel. Jeff’s areas of responsibility have included manufacturing, product development, field applications and troubleshooting burner systems. He has taught over 800 classes in the U.S. and Canada on oil and gas fired heating systems along with electronic controls. Jeff currently serves on the Education Committee for OESP. Prior to that, Jeff also served on the NATE Technical Committee for over 10 years.
Best Practices: Oil Tank Inspections & Maintenance
This seminar will provide helpful information on what to look for when inspecting aboveground oil tanks during annual tune-ups. It will also provide information on maintaining fuel oil tanks and educating your customers on oil tank maintenance.
Presented by Eric Missigman and Justine Missigman – Powderhorn AgencyRoom 554B
Eric Missigman
Justine Missigman
10:10AM - 11:10AM
Discover Oil System Solutions for Heating Fuels of Today and TomorrowThis presentation is designed to help commission an oil supply system that will ensure consistent burner operation and safety, optimize combustion efficiency, and reduce liability potential.
Presented by Jim Todd, R.W. BeckettRoom 554A
Jim Todd
Power Venting / Combustion Air Troubleshooting
This class will cover some of the common issues with regards to power venting and combustion air. We will go over wiring details as well as proper setup of the units.
Presented by Rick GlowniaRoom 554B
Rick is a 49-year veteran of the heating industry. He worked for Connecticut’s largest retail fuel oil company in Hartford, CT, serving 11 years as Service Manager. He then transitioned into the manufacturer’s rep business, working for the past 18 years for JAD Associates, covering the New England states. The lines he represents include Field Controls, Allanson Ignitors, Midwest Snips, FPPF Fuel Additives and Enerco / Mr. Heater.
Rick is a certified NATE and NORA instructor for several different disciplines in the HVAC field, specializing in indoor air Quality and venting.
In addition to his responsibilities at JAD Associates, Rick is an active member of several OESP groups and serves as Secretary for the Connecticut Valley, New Haven and New England Tri-State chapters. He is a co-founder of the NETS chapter and served as President of the Connecticut Valley Chapter. In 2013 he was awarded OESP’s Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate of the Year Award and in 2021 he received the OESP Board of Directors’ Outstanding Achievement Award.
Rick also serves as a member of the School Advisory Board at Entech Advanced Energy Training in Cromwell and was a member of the Craft Committee at Bristol Technical Vocational School.
Hydrostat
This presentation will focus on the newest developments in our full line of controls, to help the technician quickly and accurately complete the job.
Presented by Sean Perkins, CarlinRoom 558A/B
Sean Perkins
11:20AM - 12:20PM
The Importance of Combustion Testing and What the Numbers MeanLearn to take feed measurements, helpful hints on propane burner adjustments, and how to maintain your analyzer.
Presented by Rick Pothier, EDOSRoom 558A/B
Rick is employed as a Manufacturers Sales Representative for EDOS Manufacturers’ Reps in Granby, MA. Training is a huge part of what Rick does for EDOS and the manufacturers he represents, and he has also done many generic training sessions on products related to the new technology the industry is increasingly adopting. He also developed approved NORA technical training programs, so Continuing Education Units may be offered to technicians attending his classes. Rick is a member of the Board of Directors for ACANE and OESP and also serves on the Education Committee.
Best Practices for Optimizing Efficiencies in your Service Department
Focus on the best practices for avoiding nuisance service calls in two specific areas: fuel pump sticking and plugged fuel filters.
Presented by Leo Verruso, Advanced Fuel SolutionsRoom 554B
Leo Verruso is the General Manager of Advanced Fuel Solutions and has been an active member of our industry for over 30 years. Leo is an active Board Member of the National Energy & Fuels Institute, as well as on the Board of Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee. In addition to his position at AFS, Leo is the co-founder of Vets2Techs, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps connect United States Military Veterans with the workforce development needs of the energy industry.
Carlin Burners' Updated Design
This presentation will focus on what can we expect and what must you know as it relates to Carlin residential burners' updated design and future burner technology that will meet the demands of the industry today and into the future.
Presented by Sean Perkins, CarlinRoom 558A/B
Sean Perkins
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Keynote Luncheon, "Oil & War" with Captain Paul E. Mawn, US Navy (Ret.)9:00AM - 10:00AM
Clean Heat Standards: The Future Regulatory Environment of Our IndustryMassachusetts is moving forward with a Clean Heat Standard and Vermont plans to revisit a Clean Heat Standard next year. While other states consider similar legislation, it's important for retailers and wholesalers to be prepared for these new challenges. Learn about the design of a Clean Heat Standard and actions that companies should be taking today to thrive in these new programs.
Presented by Joe Uglietto, Diversified Energy Specialists & Matt Cota, VFDARoom 555A
Joe Uglietto is the President of Diversified Energy Specialists (DES), a renewable energy consulting and environmental markets trading company. At DES, Joe trades in thermal energy portfolio standards in the Northeast and is an aggregator in the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard, representing clients across renewable thermal technologies.
Joe has been monitoring the efforts of other states in the Northeast to implement cap-and-trade programs and clean heat standards for the thermal sector. Joe looks forward to working with heating oil retailers and wholesalers in Massachusetts and Vermont when a Clean Heat Standard is implemented in both states.
Assisting corporations from a variety of industries achieve carbon neutrality, Joe procures carbon offset credits from technologies both domestically and internationally. Joe has consulted on projects for the Clean Fuels Alliance America, the National Oilheat Research Alliance, and many Northeast states’ fuel dealer associations on a range of topics, with the common goal of decarbonizing the building sector in the Northeast. Joe's recent work has focused on the flaws of current thermal electrification policy and the design of clean heat standards.
Matt Cota is the Executive Director of the Vermont Fuel Dealers Association. In addition to legislative advocacy and regulatory oversight, VFDA trains approximately 1,000 students every year in the heating, electrical, and plumbing trades. Prior to joining VFDA in 2007, Cota worked both as a journalist and school teacher in Santa Barbara, California. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from California State University Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from The George Washington University. In 2021, Cota was elected to the South Burlington City Council.
Paying the Price: Inflation's Impact on Operating Expense and Value
This seminar will give energy marketers some actionable ideas on how to quantify, evaluate and mitigate the impact of inflation and rising fuel costs on their financial operations.
Presented by Marty Kirshner, Gray, Gray & Gray and Steve Abbate, Cetane AssociatesRoom 556A
Marty Kirshner
Steve Abbate
Keeping Your Customer Forever: A Guide to Customer Experience
This presentation will help attendees understand what a "customer experience" is and how it can impact their business. It will go over tools available to make the customer journey and experience easy to manage.
Presented by Esther Angell, Cargas SystemsRoom 556B
Esther Angell is currently a Vice President at Cargas Systems. She’s originally from Oklahoma but crossed the Red River, spending over 10 years in the oil and gas industry in Houston. During that time, she worked in for both service and manufacturing companies in a variety of leadership roles. While in Houston, Esther served on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Energy Network and supported various mentoring and volunteer programs. She later relocated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, continuing her work in manufacturing but for non-energy industries. She currently leads a team in the technology space, leveraging her background in marketing, sales, product management, and business development. This broad experience enables Esther to find connections and commonalities across business and industry. It’s also one of the reasons she’s an active, member, mentor and speaker at Women in Energy, The Technology Council of Central PA, and Leadership Lancaster.
10:10AM - 11:10AM
The Fight of Our Lives: Propane SolutionsNew York has passed legislation called the CLCPA, which is designed to wipe out fossil fuel use in the state beginning as early as 2026. The presentation will detail the legislation and what NYPGA is doing to fight it.
Presented by Bill Overbaugh, NYPGA with Leslie Anderson, PGANE and Matt Cota, VFDARoom 555A
Matt Cota
Bill Overbaugh
Leslie Anderson
It's All About You! Your Data, Your Capacity, Your Efficiency
We will focus on you and your data so be prepared! How to use your data and better understand it to optimize your delivery operations.
Presented by Danny Silverman, Angus EnergyRoom 556A
Danny Silverman
Leveraging The Supply Chain To Serve Your Customers
This session focuses on where biodiesel and renewable diesel is now being produced domestically, and how the combination of domestic and imported biodiesel will accommodate the emerging demand for low carbon liquids like biodiesel and renewable diesel long term. As the industry embraces increased blend levels to meet legislative drivers designed to decarbonize the region it will be necessary to be proactive with these discussions. Paul Nazzaro, Supply Chain Liaison, Clean Fuels Alliance America, will lead a discussion on what's on many fuel dealers minds: "Will there be sufficient biodiesel to meet the new mandate requirements in several regions and the goals defined within the Providence Resolution introduced by NEFI in 2019.
With adequate preparation and a well thought out supply strategy blends of B5 shouldn't be challenging to meet the initial requirement defined in many state mandates. According to the energy Information Administration (EIA), U.S. biodiesel production is >2.4 billion gallons in 2021. Total residential heating oil sold in New England and Mid-Atlantic markets averages 3.2 BGY making B5 blends a non-event. For those blending B20 on a ratable basis and with commitments to their customers to accelerate decarbonization of the supply chain a more strategic plan should be considered where communication between buyer an seller will be the difference in supply disruption and ratable and competitive supply. The session is designed to elevate awareness, empower fuel handlers to make decisions and to ensure a seamless distribution system leading to oil heats renaissance.
Room 556B
Paul Nazzaro
11:20AM - 12:20PM
Survive and Thrive in Volatile TimesHow are companies growing gallons in this environment? This panel discussion will share ideas for companies to build business and protect profit margins in an uncertain world.
Presented by Rich Larkin, Hedge Solutions; Phil Baratz, Angus Energy; and Elaine Levin, PowerhouseRoom 555A
Elaine Levin is President of Powerhouse. She has over 30 years of experience working worth with energy producers, refiners, marketers, and consumers executing hedging strategies. Prior to joining Powerhouse, Elaine was Vice President, Futures Specialist at Morgan Stanley. She has taught the principles of price risk management to hundreds of senior energy industry executives and was the principal instructor for the highly regarded OPIS Fuel Hedging University for over 14 years. Now the instructor of Powerhouse’s Practical Hedging Course, Elaine has addressed many energy associations on risk management, including SIGMA, NEFI and NACS. Elaine is Past President of the National Capital Area Chapter of the U.S. Association for Energy Economics. She graduated summa cum laude from Marymount University in Virginia with a Bachelor in Business Administration with a concentration in finance.
Rich Larkin
Phil Baratz
The Top 10 Must-Have Website Features for 2022!
We'll list the top 10 website features your company absolutely must have to compete in 2022, along with a healthy dose of industry stats and data that show what customers want and who they'll choose to do business with.
Presented by David Heiser, PriMediaRoom 556A
David Heiser
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Keynote Luncheon, "Oil & War" with Captain Paul E. Mawn, US Navy (Ret.)9:00AM - 10:00AM
Getting to Zero GHG EmissionsThere is a very strong movement across the Northeast to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through heat pump conversions. This session will present alternative approaches toward reducing GHG emissions using biofuels in existing oil-fired heating systems. The biofuels approach has the potential to reduce GHG at much lower cost and much sooner. A new concept for a zero-GHG home based on integrating solar PV and B100, and plans for demonstrations, will be presented.
Presented by Dr. Tom Butcher and Michael Devine, NORARoom 557
Dr. Tom Butcher
Michael Devine
10:10AM - 11:10AM
Update on NORA R&D: Progress and PlansThis session will include a report on all NORA Research & Development activities in the areas of biofuels and efficiency. This includes biodiesel field testing, development, and qualification of components for high biodiesel blends, filtration and fuel tanks, fuel-fired heat pumps, and progress on EL fuel.
Presented by Dr. Tom Butcher and Michael Devine, NORARoom 557
Dr. Tom Butcher
Michael Devine
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Panel Discussion: Attracting & Retaining the Next Generation of Energy ProfessionalsThe energy industry is evolving and will continue to change. One thing that won’t change, though, will be the need for flexible, talented, and skilled employees. This discussion will focus on ways to attract and retain your workforce.
Presented By Jacqueline Aceituno and Alexandra ColemanRotunda Room
Jacqueline Aceituno
Alexandra Coleman
10:10AM - 11:10AM
Plumbing and Heating Tips and Tricks WorkshopOften when you need service at your home, you think “I wish that I knew some basic things about . . ..” Heather will provide us with some tips and even some hands-on help that will give us the confidence to try something prior to calling for service. Whether it’s a nuisance plugged drain, a drippy faucet, or a toilet that just keeps running, we will explore first level repair responses.
Presented By Heather WallekRotunda Room
Heather Wallek
9:00AM – 10:00AM
Best Practices for Optimizing Efficiencies in your Service DepartmentFocus on the best practices for avoiding nuisance service calls in two specific areas: fuel pump sticking and plugged fuel filters.
Presented by Leo Verruso, Advanced Fuel SolutionsRoom 554A
Leo Verruso is the General Manager of Advanced Fuel Solutions and has been an active member of our industry for over 30 years. Leo is an active Board Member of the National Energy & Fuels Institute, as well as on the Board of Massachusetts Energy Marketers Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee. In addition to his position at AFS, Leo is the co-founder of Vets2Techs, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps connect United States Military Veterans with the workforce development needs of the energy industry.
Discover Oil System Solutions for Heating Fuels of Today and Tomorrow
This presentation is designed to help commission an oil supply system that will ensure consistent burner operation and safety, optimize combustion efficiency, and reduce liability potential.
Presented by Jim Todd, R.W. BeckettRoom 554B
Jim Todd
Carlin Burners’ Updated Design
This presentation will focus on what can we expect and what must you know as it relates to Carlin residential burners’ updated design and future burner technology that will meet the demands of the industry today and into the future.
Presented by Sean Perkins, CarlinRoom 555A
Sean Perkins
Best Practices: Oil Tank Inspections & Maintenance
This seminar will provide helpful information on what to look for when inspecting aboveground oil tanks during annual tune-ups. It will also provide information on maintaining fuel oil tanks and educating your customers on oil tank maintenance.
Presented by Eric Missigman and Justine Missigman – Powderhorn AgencyRoom 555B
Eric Missigman
Justine Missigman
10:10AM – 11:10 AM
Power Venting / Combustion Air TroubleshootingThis class will cover some of the common issues with regards to power venting and combustion air. We will go over wiring details as well as proper setup of the units.
Presented by Rick GlowniaRoom 554A
Rick is a 49-year veteran of the heating industry. He worked for Connecticut’s largest retail fuel oil company in Hartford, CT, serving 11 years as Service Manager. He then transitioned into the manufacturer’s rep business, working for the past 18 years for JAD Associates, covering the New England states. The lines he represents include Field Controls, Allanson Ignitors, Midwest Snips, FPPF Fuel Additives and Enerco / Mr. Heater.
Rick is a certified NATE and NORA instructor for several different disciplines in the HVAC field, specializing in indoor air Quality and venting.
In addition to his responsibilities at JAD Associates, Rick is an active member of several OESP groups and serves as Secretary for the Connecticut Valley, New Haven and New England Tri-State chapters. He is a co-founder of the NETS chapter and served as President of the Connecticut Valley Chapter. In 2013 he was awarded OESP’s Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate of the Year Award and in 2021 he received the OESP Board of Directors’ Outstanding Achievement Award
Rick also serves as a member of the School Advisory Board at Entech Advanced Energy Training in Cromwell and was a member of the Craft Committee at Bristol Technical Vocational School.
Advanced Burner Control Programming and Troubleshooting
This presentation will introduce Beckett’s new advanced burner controls, which will benefit our industry through simple programming and diagnostics. It will also cover how to troubleshoot burner operation using detailed burner fault history to identify both the issue and remedy.
Presented by Jeff Rozga, R.W. BeckettRoom 554B
Jeff Rozga is the Technical Trainer for R.W. Beckett in Northeast Ohio. Jeff has been with the company for over 42 years. He provides training to contractors, instructors, and distributor personnel. Jeff’s areas of responsibility have included manufacturing, product development, field applications and troubleshooting burner systems. He has taught over 800 classes in the U.S. and Canada on oil and gas fired heating systems along with electronic controls. Jeff currently serves on the Education Committee for OESP. Prior to that, Jeff also served on the NATE Technical Committee for over 10 years.
Hydrostat
This presentation will focus on the newest developments in our full line of controls, to help the technician quickly and accurately complete the job.
Presented by Sean Perkins, CarlinRoom 555A
Sean Perkins
The Importance of Combustion Testing and What the Numbers Mean
This presentation will cover why testing is important to you and your customer, basic theories of combustion, hazards of carbon monoxide, making good measurements, and instrumentation care, maintenance, calibration and service.
Presented by Rick Pothier, EDOSRoom 555B
Rick is employed as a Manufacturers Sales Representative for EDOS Manufacturers’ Reps in Granby, MA. Training is a huge part of what Rick does for EDOS and the manufacturers he represents, and he has also done many generic training sessions on products related to the new technology the industry is increasingly adopting. He also developed approved NORA technical training programs, so Continuing Education Units may be offered to technicians attending his classes. Rick is a member of the Board of Directors for ACANE and OESP and also serves on the Education Committee.
Schedule is subject to change. More session information coming soon.
For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact Jessica Levaggi at:
617-804-2222 or jessica@nefi.com