Since 1985, the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) has represented the interests of the hearth industry ... in the Northeast. NEHPBA was originally incorporated in January 1985 as the Northeast Solid Fuel Alliance (NESFA) in recognition of the unique demands of business in the Northeast. At that time, there were a significant number of nationally prominent hearth appliance manufacturers in the region, as well as a strong base of distributors, retailer, installers and associated members. It was determined that a regional association could better address the localized needs of the membership that were beyond the scope of the national trade association. In June of 1992, NESFA members voted to become the first affiliated member of the national Hearth Products Association (HPA). NESFA ceded membership of manufacturer members to HPA, focusing its full attention on the needs of the retail and associated membership. Acknowledging the affiliation with HPA, NESFA changed its name to the Northeast Hearth Products Association (NEHPA). In 2002, NEHPA became the Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (NEHPBA) in conjunction with the merger of the national HPA with the Barbecue Industry Association to become the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), thus recognizing the diversification of the modern industry. The NEHPBA name has remained since 2002. The general membership elects the 15-member Board of Directors which is represented by the various membership categories within the organization and the Board governs NEHPBA. NEHPBA maintains permanent offices in Sudbury, MA. Membership is open to hearth, patio and/or barbecue-related businesses. NEHPBA is an affiliate in good standing with HPBA. One of the smallest affiliates geographically, NEHPBA consistently boasts one of the most active and involved memberships in the country. read more