Masonry Magazine December 1993 Page. 23
INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS
An overview of organizations serving the masonry industry.
The Masonry Heater Association of North America
The Masonry Heater Association of North America (MHA) is a trade association representing manufacturers and builders of masonry heaters and efficient masonry fireplaces. Founded in 1989 by members of an ASTM task group on masonry heaters, MHA has grown to over sixty members in the United States and Canada. Several members of MHA remain active participants in the ASTM task group, developing a standard guide for the construction of solid fuel burning masonry heaters to ensure safe designs and assist in the building code approval process.
The MHA was formed to further the aims of the masonry heating industry by sharing information and building techniques and by encouraging masons to become qualified heater builders. Today, annual meetings and MHA News provide opportunities for information exchange and networking among members. Association members participate in many activities including:
Promotion of the environmental benefits of heating with a renewable fuel
Lobbying government bodies and regulatory agencies for fair treatment of clean burning masonry heaters on environmental issues.
Writing national specifications and standards for masonry heaters and fireplaces
Developing and conducting educational seminars on the proper techniques used to construct masonry heaters and fireplaces, including the development of a formal training and certification program
Sponsoring masonry heater and fireplace related research
Writing articles for numerous magazines and newspapers
Publication of MHA News, North America's only masonry heating periodical
Participation in industry trade shows.
The association has forty-six voting members who are involved in the design, construction, manufacturing, sale, distribution or promotion of masonry heaters or efficient fireplaces or their components. Many of MHA's members are masons or mason contractors who often work exclusively in masonry heater and fireplace construction. Members also include distributors and material suppliers, fireplace retailers and manufacturers of proprietary heater systems and their licensed distributors/installers. The MHA also has seventeen affiliate members who are primarily building designers, students and individuals with an interest in masonry heaters.
Members are drawn from all over the United States and Canada, with a large concentration of members in the northwest. Interest in masonry heaters is widespread in the northwest because of the benefits masonry heaters provide. Specifically, in this region with abundant wood and high electric rates, masonry heaters provide an economical way to heat the home with all the attendant benefits of radiant heat. Furthermore, concern in recent years over air quality has virtually eliminated the presence of open masonry fireplaces in areas such as California, Colorado and Washington. However, in these areas clean burning masonry heaters provide an acceptable alternative and an opportunity for masons otherwise excluded from a large market.
Annual meetings of the Masonry Heater Association are typically held immediately prior to the Hearth Products Association's Hearth & Home Expo each March. Meetings are open to members and prospective members and provide opportunities for business, networking, educational seminars and presentations, as well as participation in the subsequent trade show. In addition to these opportunities, member benefits include access to leads from articles and other publicity, the use of MHA's four color brochure on masonry heaters and subscription to MHA News.
The Masonry Heater Association of North America
11490 Commerce Park Drive, Reston, VA 22091
Phone 703/620-3171
President-Rick Crooks, Mutual Materials Corporation
Vice President-Norbert Senf, Masonry Stove Builders
Secretary-Stig Karlbeg, Royal Crown European Fireplaces
Treasurer-Lucille Frisch, Lopez Quarries/Firecrest Fireplace Company
Administrator-Christine Subasic, Brick Institute of America
Dues (Calendar year): Voting Members-$200
Affiliate Members-$100