Hershey, Penn. — OESP (National Association of Oil & Energy Service Professionals) hosted its 61st Annual Convention & Trade Show in Hershey, PA from May 17-21, 2015. OESP honored Executive Director Judy Garber for her outstanding contributions to our industry. It was a bittersweet celebration, marking Garber’s final Convention at Hershey. The Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 19 was a special night.

Garber received the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her family and friends. She remarked that she is rarely surprised, but that night was an exception. She was at a loss for words and touched by the outpouring of appreciation.

The following individuals and companies were also recognized for their dedication to our industry:

Service Manager of the Year: George Fantacone Hugh W. McKee

Memorial Award: Charles Holmes

Instructor of the Year: Dan Holohan

Lou Ehrich Memorial Associate of the Year Award: George Pavlik

Manufacturer of the Year: Carlin/Hydrolevel

This year’s OESP Convention featured two charitable events. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship Golf Tournament was held at Deer Valley Golf Course in Hummelstown, PA. The Dave Nelsen Scholarship fund was established in 1999. Since then, over $250,000 in awards has been presented to students interested in pursuing careers in the energy-service industry.

The 2015 Dave Nelsen Scholarship recipients are Roger Bruso, Jeffrey Comitz, Thomas Daros, Jr., Erik Graff, Michael Boylston, and Garth Reish. Oil Heat Cares’ Care to Ride raised funds for oil-heating equipment replacements for people who are struggling to heat their homes.

The following people were recognized for their commitment to Oil Heat Cares:

Oil Heat Cares Cup: Judy Garber and Dan Holohan

Top Fundraising Team: Team Connecticut

Top Fundraiser Motorcycle Division: Ralph Adams

Top Fundraiser Bicycle Division: Roger Marran

Top Fundraiser Walking Division: Dan and Marianne Holohan

The Convention also delivered on OESP’s mission of education with a diverse program, including two of NORA’s new courses on air flow and hydronics, as well as a full trade show. According to OESP President, Al Breda, “Our name changed a few years ago to reflect an evolution in our industry and our membership. Many conventional fuel oil dealers are adding propane to their offerings, as well as HVAC services and maybe even plumbing, electrical, and so on. We are here to help with the educational classes and certifications that can better prepare the managers and field personnel to handle the new challenges.”

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