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New Oilheat Industry Coalition Looks to Turn Challenges Into Opportunities
A newly formed alliance of national, regional and state heating oil industry trade and business groups, with top industry leaders, advocates, stakeholders and public/media relations coalitions have united to form a strong new bloc that will coordinate and collaborate on top industry public policy issues. The New England Fuel Institute (NEFI) is a member of the group, along with representatives from the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), Oilheat Manufacturers Association (OMA), the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) and virtually every state and local oilheat association in the country.

The new group will tackle an array of industry issues, including regional and national proposals to reduce carbon emissions, advocate for legislation to renew and strengthen the National Oil heat Research Alliance (NORA), and hasten efforts to bring a new, cleaner, greener and more efficient product to market. "Industry stakeholders and leaders are coming together in a way they have never before," said Tom Devine, President of Devine Bioheat in Norwalk, Conn. and Chairman of NEFI's Government Affairs Committee. "These are challenging times, but we are an innovative, largely small business and consumer-oriented industry, and we've got a great story to tell," he said.

For more information:
New England Fuel Institute: Dave Rocco, dave@nefi.com
Oilheat Manufacturers Association: Bob Hedden, bobh@vermontel.net
National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers: Judy Garber, jgarber@naohsm.org
Petroleum Marketers Association of America: Sherri Cabrera, scabrera@pmaa.org

NEFI Associate Member Changes Name to AVATAS
Credit card processing company COCARD, which serves heating oil and propane dealers, recently announced a name change to AVATAS Payment Solutions.

“AVATAS signifies speed, agility, leadership and power—all of which we are proud to offer our customers,” said owners Larry and Tracy Richmond. “Our new name is also an acknowledgement of the bright future we look forward to with our clients, helping them identify new ways to maximize the efficiency of their payment systems.”

The Richmonds frequently speak at association meetings in order to educate members about new credit card rules and regulations, as well as how to save on transaction fees.

AVATAS is located in Beverly, Mass., and can be reached at (866) 849-8800 or by visiting www.avataspayments.com.

NEFI Takes to the Air
Jim Horan, of Horan Oil in Stoughton, Mass., snapped the accompanying picture while in a hot air balloon during NEFI’s 2008 Fall Energy Conference in Napa Valley, Calif., in September. Horan joined a group of 30 NEFI members for the trip, which included a visit to the Hess Winery and the Valero Refinery.

NEFI members enjoyed wine tasting at the Hess Winery, hot air ballooning, informal networking with industry peers and a tour of a Valero refinery, which included a walk-through of the control room and an informative discussion and Q & A on the refining process.

Also attending the conference from NEFI were Shane Sweet, president and CEO; Tracy Goodwin, VP and director of events; and Christine Vieira-Trant, controller.

Berkshire Biodiesel Seeks Fuel Dealer Input