GALLOWAY, N.J. - The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC), a council within the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating, became one of the three founding members of the North American Congress on Hydronics (NACH). The congress is comprised of three of the leading trade associations related to hot water heating: CHC, the Hydronics Industry Alliance (a marketing arm of the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association), and the Radiant Panel Association.

The joint alliance was formed to provide synergies to the marketing efforts of all three organizations. The intended result is a deliberate, coordinated approach towards growing the hydronics market in North America, which currently rests between 5-6 percent of the heating sector.

“This is a momentous event,” said Jason Bourque, CHC’s manager and the inaugural chairman of NACH. “Never before has there been a formalized collaboration of hydronics trade associations attempting to grow awareness and strengthen the industry.”

In addition to Bourque’s appointment, CHC members John Goshulak, vice president, Sales & Marketing, Weil-McLain Canada Sales Inc., and Hans Kircher, business development manager, S. A. Armstrong Ltd., were designated as the voting representatives for the Canadian Hydronics Council on the congress.

The meeting formalized NACH’s terms of reference, which include provisions such as continually increasing the influence of the hydronics sector via marketing plans that consider government relations, legislation, regulations, training of industry personnel, and current research and statistics. There was also a roundtable discussion on current marketing activities by each association and the future goals of the congress. At the next NACH meeting, the group expects to formalize a three-year plan of action it will undergo to achieve its objectives.

For more information, e-mail Jason Bourque, CHC manager, at j.bourque@ciph.com. 

Publication date: 10/29/2007