For the first time, Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy and the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development have joined forces to offer a content rich and activity filled conference experience. Join us for "Better Together" this fall in Newark Ohio. This event will bring together community action, government, and nonprofit collaborators to celebrate our accomplishments and consider the future of weatherization and energy programs, childcare, and community services. Sessions will provide continuing education credits, highlight successful initiatives, and present emerging opportunities that advance our shared mission of supporting energy efficiency and weatherization programs and improving community well-being. We hope that you can join us!
Agenda
Tuesday, September 29
7:50 AM - 4:00 PM
7:50 AM - 4:00 PM
Registration will open at 8:00 am until 12:00 pm when it will close for lunch. It will reopen at 1:15 pm and remain available until 4:00 pm.
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
Event Start
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
In addition to welcome remarks, noting that Tuesday, September 29 is "wear orange day" to show support for people facing hunger.
8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Visit our Mobile Heat Lab to learn about combustion testing and other forms of learning in a mobile classroom!
CEUs 1.25
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
COAD staff will lead a discussion about best practices in HWAP accounting, including using the WIS system, managing the 2026 grant extension, and more.
This session is designed to be a discussion about the issues facing the network concerning the NEAT/MHEA audit. Bring your questions and join Jamie Marshall and Brian Cramer for a discussion among peers!
Join OWTC trainers, Dave Freeman and Seth Lutton for a session that focuses on the crew as a team! There will also be topics discussed that come from technical monitoring issues that have been identified. A great opportunity for crew members!
CEUs 1.25
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Job and Family Services Staff will provide updates on HWAP programs
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Presentation of Rinebolt Awards! Updates from Kegler Brown's Steve Tugend, information about conference activities, and celebration of a beloved friend and leader.
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Join Devon and Jamie for this workshop designed to help attendees navigate the new BPI website, getting the info to prepare for the test, and new procedures for the HWAP Network
CEUs 1.25
Strategies for safely inspecting aging, declining and obsolete hot water tanks. Communicating inspection results accurately for appropriate remediation/replacement measures.
CEUs 1.25
This session will be a review of combustion analyzers and other tools. Join our TruTech sponsor, Josh Crawley and take a deeper dive into how they can be used in the field correctly.
CEUs 1.25
Join the Columbia Gas Team for a roundtable to discuss issues, ideas, and solutions! Bring your questions and join us for this session!
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Grab a beverage on your way to the next session. Water, coffee, and a variety of sodas available.
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Come join Dave ans Seth for a session that prepares Heat Tech's for the field! See what is needed to be successful in the field and what needs to be on your truck!
CEUs 1.25
Join OWTC Trainers and State monitors for a discussion about EPP and Salesforce! With training available again, it is a great time to ask your questions and understand more about the system in general! Bring your questions!
Crew members, Join OWTC Trainer, Steve Dillehay for this session about MH roof retrofits and the benefits from that process. They will also learn other tips and techniques of the trade.
CEUs 1.25
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Transportation provided to West Church Social! First bus departs from Cherry Valley around 6:15 pm. Generously hosted by our long time colleagues and great friends, Dave, Shawn, Aaron, and Jamie Hackel of Applied Energy Products.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
A fundraising dinner for which you can register here: https://www.acapac.info/
Wednesday, September 30
7:50 AM - 12:00 PM
7:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration will open at 8:00 am until 12:00 pm when it will close for lunch and the afternoon activities. It will reopen at 8:00 am on Thursday.
8:00 AM - 10:15 AM
8:00 AM - 10:15 AM
HWAP Policy in the Past, Present, and Future
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Join our OWTC Trainers, Dave and Seth in a session about ERV's. Learn about alternate ways to comply with the ASHRAE 62.2 standard by using the latest technology. Learn how to install the ERV System and the versatility of the system as a whole.
CEUs 1.25
For Executive Directors of Community Action Agencies - all are welcome!
Join Applied Energy for this workshop that will give a hands-on look at how to properly use these machines and maintain these machines.
CEUs 1.25
Nick Milano will share updates on OPAE's policy agenda and program plans.
Regional meeting to discuss operations of newly formed Community Services Division (Pathways Hub+ Americorps Seniors).
SEO Region weatherization and housing program updates.
SDA Regional meetings to discuss COAD4Kids programs.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch with Legislators
Another inspirational informational meal together.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Walk in the shoes of our talented weatherization crews as you compete in the Weatherization Olympics! Engage with COAD4Kids and the Community Services Division to learn something new.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Enjoy an hour of hosted beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and time with coworkers, peers, and new friends before the banquet and awards.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Honor awardees from OPAE and COAD, Olympic medals of honor, bring cash to support the Stivison and Rinebolt Scholarship programs!
7:30 PM - 11:45 PM
7:30 PM - 11:45 PM
There will be cornhole sets for casual playing as well as decks of cards. Full access for conference attendees at no cost. Delicious snacks will be available around 8:30!
Thursday, October 1
7:50 AM - 9:00 AM
7:50 AM - 9:00 AM
The final conference registration table will open for one hour from 8:00 am until 9:00 am for those attending Thursday only.
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
This session highlights digital tools and platforms that help organizations run more efficiently, with a special guest from DWD sharing how their services can support your team's success.
Great ideas are everywhere. But turning those ideas into funded, successful projects takes more than inspiration.
Join Sam Zern, the new face of the Advocates for Ohio's Future (AOF), and Tara Britton, AOF's HHS expert, in a presentation about the details of new medicaid policy and legislation, and what implementation will look like for Ohio's families.
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Grab a beverage on your way to the next session. Water, coffee, and a variety of sodas available.
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Leadership transitions bring change, but strong relationships can help organizations navigate what comes next.
Learn about COAD's newest initiative: joining the Americorps Seniors Programs with the Pathways Hub to support folks aging well in our region.
Join us for a discussion about the state of cybersecurity attacks happening daily. We will be discussing statistics, emerging trends, and the current landscape. Also addressed will be how to prepare for a cyberattack and how to manage the aftermath.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Join us for what is sure to be an enjoyable keynote, full of storytelling.
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Organizations choose to become ARCH lead partners because they want reliable support. Lead partners and ARCH both recognize that lasting improvement in rural healthcare requires trust, shared leadership and sustained collaboration.
COAD Energy Services Staff discussion.
Learn about "Cake Box Coaching": a visual-metaphor framework using storytelling and hands-on exercises to help participants build resilience and turn adversity into personal growth with Lucia Heddleson, Ph.D.
3:00 PM
3:00 PM
Event End
