� OESP CHANGES ITS NAME; INITIALS STAY THE SAME
For years, the initials OESP have stood for the“ Oil and Energy Service Professionals” association. Now they stand for“ Organization of Energy Service Professionals.” The OESP Board of Directors unanimously supported the name change, saying that it better reflects the trade association’ s role and service to its members.
“ The energy sector is quickly transitioning from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as biodiesel and renewable propane,” OESP President Bob O’ Brien said.“ Our new name shows we are working across all energy sectors, aligning with the push toward more clean and diverse energy solutions.”
In changing the name, OESP is responding to the growing role of renewables and the need for energy professionals to align with new technologies and practices.
OESP also recognizes the name change as a way to appeal to a larger audience, representing diverse energy-related fields such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and emerging technologies. No longer is the OESP membership tied exclusively to fossil fuels.
In its expanded role, OESP will be overhauling its professional development opportunities for members, reaching out to all energy professionals through its well-regarded education and training opportunities held throughout the Northeast.“ Our new name better captures our organization’ s commitment to supporting career growth and innovation across the entire energy industry, including service roles in maintenance, technology and safety,” O’ Brien explained.“ The name change also well positions OESP in this rapidly changing landscape, where digital technologies and decarbonization are reshaping operations. We look forward to engaging with a wider net of energy professionals, as we prepare the next generation entering the HVAC industry and other areas that we now serve.”
� PHCC CONNECT 2025
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors— National Association( PHCC) hosted CONNECT 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from October 27-30, bringing together plumbing and
HVACR professionals for the event.
The conference featured over 20 educational sessions, interactive panels and countless networking opportunities, offering attendees the chance to share best practices, explore emerging trends and gain insights to help them grow their businesses.
“ CONNECT is more than a conference, it’ s a celebration of who we are as an industry,” said PHCC President Dan Callies, president of Oak Creek Plumbing in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.“ When we come together to share knowledge and support one another, we strengthen our future and the legacy of our profession.”
Next year’ s conference will be held October 19-22 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For updates on future events, visit phccweb. org / CONNECT.
The PHCC National Association, formed in 1883, provides legislative advocacy, education and training to approximately 3,500 plumbing and HVACR businesses and 65,000 technicians. Members of PHCC have access to a wide variety of services designed to increase their professionalism, grow their business and improve profitability. For more information about PHCC, visit phccweb. org.
The PHCC Educational Foundation’ s National HVAC Apprentice Contest, typically held
18 NOVEMBER 2025 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www. fueloilnews. com