Gettysburg attendees raise money for Oil Heat Cares
The National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP) raised money for two important industry causes during a recent “Roadshow” event in Gettysburg, Pa.
OESP hosted the annual Dave Nelsen Scholarship golf tournament at The Links of Gettysburg and raised over $9,000 for the scholarship program. George Fantacone (Santoro Oil), an OESP Vice President and a member of the Rhode Island Chapter, did a fine job putting the tournament together and securing sponsors, according to OESP Executive Director Judy Garber.
Members and friends of OESP also participated in the annual Care to Ride fundraiser, which raises money to provide new heating equipment for Oilheat customers in need. Ralph Adams, of Parker Fuel and Mid-Atlantic Chapter, raised the most in the Motorcycle Division as the highest individual total. Roger Marran, Energy Kinetics, raised the most again for the Bicycle Division. Scott Vadino, of Harriet’s Energy and the South Jersey Chapter, raised the most for the Running Division, and Dan and Marianne Holohan raised the most for the Walking Division. Team Connecticut brought in a check for $6,379.91, this being the highest fundraising team.
Garber said the Care to Ride total was particularly impressive, because OESP did not seek corporate sponsorships, meaning the money was all contributed by individuals and teams.
The Roadshow featured a strong agenda for professional education, and Garber said the venue was perfect for outdoor events.
OESP tested a new tradeshow format in 2014, replacing its traditional four-day annual convention with two shorter events – one in May and one in September. “We, like other associations, are trying to evolve so we can meet the needs of our members,” said Garber. “It is a long and interesting journey.”
The first Roadshow event, held in May in Connecticut, came within 15 percent of OESP’s objectives with regards to the quality of attendee and anticipated number of participants, according to Garber. “The quality of exhibitors and their support was excellent,” she added.
Attendance was lighter at the Gettysburg Roadshow event, however, and OESP’s event planners will review the format to determine how to improve future events.
Garber discussed OESP’s attempt to tinker with trade show format. “Within the Northeast, there are three major shows that are recognized as ‘oil’ shows. Whether the emphasis is on gasoline, oil-fired appliances or service they all serve that market. Add to that, the regional shows,” she said. “Many of our oil heating partners – the manufacturers – have strongly suggested consolidations of shows as well as other ideas. With the Roadshows, this was our attempt to meet halfway: a change that should have resulted in less costs to those that displayed products at our Roadshows and less time on the road while also meeting our mission of education. The idea behind the Roadshows was to turn the tables around with the push more on the education side with our attendees being able to earn both NATE and NORA CEU’s.”
“If the second show had done as well as our first Roadshow, we, along with our partners, would have been pleased and might have considered this type of format again in the future,” she added. “We invite our readers to share with us what they need in the way of training so that they as a company can reduce their callbacks and grow their companies and careers.”
For 2015, OESP will return to the annual convention format, with the 61st Annual convention and Trade Show to be held in Hershey PA, May 17-21st.
