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OESP Celebrates 59th Convention, Trade Show

EAST PETERSBURG, Pa. — The National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP) held its 59th annual convention and trade show, May 20-24, in Providence, R.I. The event celebrated technology with the theme “Energy — It’s a New Frontier … Get Connected!”

OESP and Honeywell cosponsored a “Rebuilding Together” event on Sunday. Volunteers helped with painting and gardening projects at the Groden Greenhouse, which supports adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

There were several educational and charitable activities on Monday including a train-the-trainer course on energy controls, as well as a PowerPoint class. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament was held to fund scholarships for students wishing to continue their education within the industry. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $191,000.

Attendees also participated in the Care to Ride event, a major fundraiser for Oil Heat Cares. Participants rode motorcycles and bicycles, walked, and ran on behalf of the charity. This year’s Care to Ride event raised more than $72,000. Top fundraisers were Ralph Adams, motorcycle division; Roger Marran, bicycle division; Judy Garber, walking division; and Scott Vadino, running division. The day culminated with a Taco-sponsored reception.

A trade show was offered Tuesday and Wednesday. This year’s show featured both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as a student and technician competition. OESP offered a range of technical and business-related courses. Attendees also had the chance to earn NATE and NORA certification with review courses followed by exams.

An awards banquet on Tuesday night featured a Grundfos-sponsored cocktail party. The Hugh McKee award was granted to Jay Moser, Harris Comfort, convention chairman, and president of the Delaware Valley Chapter. The Manufacturer of the Year award was presented to tekmar. Matt Spink, Platinum Energy, and president of the Long Island, N.Y. chapter, received the Service Manager of the Year award. The Lou Ehrich award was given to Phil Schwartz, MAS Sales; and the Lifetime Achievement award was awarded to John Levey, Oilheat Associates.

Reigning president, George McQueeney, was also honored for his outstanding service.

Wednesday’s closing event began with a Grundfos-sponsored cocktail party, and all attendees were then treated to a night on the town. Participants met back at the convention center after dinner for dessert, sponsored by Honeywell.

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