Energy Marketers Working
Together for a Better Future
Together for a Better Future
EMPIRE STATE
ENERGY ASSOCIATION
ENERGY ASSOCIATION
Whether you're looking for the latest legislative and regulatory updates, practical business strategies, hands-on technical education, workforce development opportunities, or valuable networking, the Empire State Energy Conference offers something for every member of your team. This year's conference will also feature ESEA's Generation NEXT Energy Pros Career Fair, professional video projects highlighting workforce development and ESEA membership, and new opportunities to showcase the strength and future of New York's energy industry. If you're attending to gain knowledge, make connections, or give back through golfing to support the ESEA Scholarship Fund Association, this is the event that brings it all together.
The 9th Annual Empire State Energy Conference will bring energy industry leaders and supporters from across New York to the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. All associations and affiliates located in New York and the Northeast are welcome to participate in this two-day conference, featuring:
| Room Rates: (Oct. 11 - 14) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Room Rates | Location | |
| The Brook Double Rooms | Starting at $217 / Night | Turning Stone, Verona, NY | |
| Tower Rooms | Starting at $270 / Night | Turning Stone, Verona, NY | |
Make room reservations by calling Turning Stone's Toll Free number 800-771-7711.To receive Room Rate must reference the Empire State Energy Association |
|||
| 9:30AM-11:00AM |
NORA TRAINING:
|
| 9:30-9:45AM | ESEA Annual Meeting |
| 9:45-11AM | ESEA Board Meeting |
| 11AM | Lunch |
| 12:00PM-1:30PM |
NORA TRAINING:
|
| 12PM | Golf at Shenendoah Golf Course For those that do not wish to play golf, they can visit the spa at Spa Resort at Turning Stone |
| 1:30PM-3:00PM |
NORA TRAINING:
|
| 5:30PM–7PM | Welcome Cocktail Reception Sponsored by  |
| 5:30PM–7PM | EMA Silent Auction during the Welcome Cocktail Reception |
| AM | Breakfast Sponsored by  |
| 8AM-12PM | All Business Sessions |
| 12PM-1PM | Keynote Luncheon featuring Dr. Ben Ballard Sponsored by  |
| 1PM-4PM | Generation NEXT Energy Pros Career Fair Connect with motivated students from trade schools, BOCES programs and colleges pursuing careers in the energy industry. Separate Registration Required. Please visit https://ny.nextenergypros.com/esea-career-fair-marketers/ |
| 4PM | Vendor Breakdown |
| 6PM–8PM | Networking Reception featuring The Midnight Embers with Quincy Longacre at The Tin Rooster Sponsored by  |
| Hotel Checkout and have a great trip home! |
Dr. Ben Ballard is a Professor of Renewable Energy at SUNY Morrisville, where he serves as Department Coordinator for Renewable Energy and Residential Construction and Director of the Renewable Energy Training Center. With nearly two decades of experience in renewable energy education and workforce development, he has led the development of applied degree programs, industry-focused training initiatives, and partnerships supporting New York’s clean energy workforce.
Dr. Ballard’s work emphasizes hands-on technical education in renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, clean heating and cooling, electrical systems, and energy infrastructure. He has contributed to statewide clean energy education and workforce initiatives in partnership with industry, state agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations. Through this work, he helps connect emerging energy technologies with practical education and training pathways that prepare students and incumbent workers for careers in New York’s evolving energy sector.
New York’s evolving energy landscape is creating new opportunities—and workforce challenges—across the energy, heating, HVAC, electrical, and renewable energy sectors. Meeting these needs will require strong partnerships among industry, education, government, and workforce organizations to ensure that emerging technologies are supported by a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.
This keynote will highlight SUNY Morrisville’s Renewable Energy program and its impact on energy education and workforce development across New York State. Through hands-on degree programs, industry-recognized training, applied learning facilities, workforce initiatives, and partnerships with employers and state agencies, the program has prepared graduates and industry professionals to work across a rapidly changing energy sector.
The presentation will also explore opportunities to expand collaboration between SUNY Morrisville and New York’s broader energy industry. By aligning education and training with evolving technologies, workforce needs, and business priorities, SUNY Morrisville can continue supporting employers, strengthening career pathways, and helping build the skilled workforce needed to sustain and advance New York’s energy sector.
Michael Devine was appointed President of the National Oilheat Research Alliance effective March 1, 2022. Devine came to NORA after having served as Vice President of Sales & Business Development for World Energy. As part of the Senior Management Team, he managed day-to-day activities for sales and volumes at terminals, prepared monthly and annual budgets, and developed key national accounts including FedEx, UPS, Chevron, Ryder, The Union Pacific Railroad and others. Devine has deep roots in the oilheat industry. He began his career in his family’s business, Devine Brothers of Norwalk, CT. He started as a truck driver and service technician, growing into roles as sales manager, vice president and president of the 50+ employee, third-generation business. He is a member of the NORA board and has been a positive and active voice in supporting the oilheat and liquid heating fuels industry for decades.
A seminal collaboration of the liquid heating industry came together to initiate a two-year intensive field study which included 121 participants, all of which heated their homes, businesses and universities with 100% renewable liquid fuels, comprised of renewable diesel and biodiesel blends. The field study concluded in April of 2026 and the results and conclusions are now official. Please come and hear the results of the NORA RD-BD field study from the NORA President, Michael Devine as he shares this unique approach to the field study and the work that the NORA technical team oversaw, conducted the testing and wrote the technical report, which will be groundbreaking for the liquid fuels industry.
Bob has been involved in the heating oil industry since 1978 in almost every capacity. He is chairman of the Building Performance Institute (BPI) technical standards committee, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA31) committee, National President of the Oil & Energy Service Professionals (OESP) and the current Education Director for NORA.
Austin Harrison is a partner in Squire Patton Boggs’ Public Policy Practice, where he advises businesses, trade associations and investors on federal and state policy, regulatory and government affairs matters. His work focuses on energy and environmental policy, permitting, transportation and infrastructure, federal funding, agriculture, and hemp and CBD regulation. Austin has acted as EMA’s federal lobbyist since 2020 and NORA’s general counsel and federal lobbyist since 2017.
Austin represents clients before Congress, federal agencies and state governments, developing legal and public policy strategies involving fuels, emissions, permitting reform, tax incentives, procurement and infrastructure investment. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi’s Trent Lott Leadership Institute, the University of Arkansas, Clinton School of Public Service, and University of Arkansas Little Rock, Bowen School of Law. Austin previously served in Washington, DC for US Senator Thad Cochran and US Representative Gregg Harper.
Stay up to date on the latest developments in Washington, D.C. as Austin Harrison provides an inside look at the 119th Congress and what to expect for the remainder of the legislative year. Attendees will hear about EMA's recent federal advocacy successes, key policy priorities impacting the energy industry, and receive a timely political and campaign update as the nation heads toward the midterm elections. This session will provide valuable insight into the federal issues shaping the future of energy marketers.
John is Counsel at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, where he has worked as a government affairs attorney for the last fifteen years. He advocates on behalf of a range of businesses, professional associations, and not-for-profit entities. He has particular experience representing clients in biotechnology, energy, higher education, and other highly regulated industries. He also assists clients to strategize regarding the availability of and access to a variety of government funding mechanisms and other programs. Before he joined the Government Affairs department, he practiced for several years in the trial department, gaining invaluable experience honing his writing and advocacy skills by representing clients in complex commercial litigation matters.
He serves as ESEA's retained lobbyist, and is also an adjunct professor in the Political Science department at Roberts Wesleyan College.
As principal of the Petroccione Law Firm, LLC located in Albany, New York, Emilio has been counsel to ESEA and has represented energy marketers since beginning his law career in 1983. He is an attorney with more than 35 years of experience practicing regulatory and government affairs law before the New York State Legislature, the Governor's Office, State Agencies, and the Courts.
Emilio received his law degree from Albany Law School and a Bachelor's degree in science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is admitted to practice law before all New York State courts and the United States Supreme Court. Emilio has been a registered state lobbyist since 1986 and is a member of the New York State Bar Association.
New York's legislative and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. Join ESEA's government affairs team for an in-depth review of the 2026 legislative session, the latest regulatory developments, and the policy issues impacting energy marketers across the state. The session will also provide an outlook on the upcoming elections, what they could mean for the energy industry, and the priorities ESEA expects to see emerge during the 2027 legislative session
The energy outlook continues to be defined by a new unpredictability. As we navigate the supply aftermath of major global disruptions, we're also seeing real structural change. Your local price is being impacted by evolving trade routes, changes within OPEC itself, and a realignment of who's buying and selling on the global stage.
Join Elaine Levin, President and CEO of Powerhouse, as she breaks down what these forces mean for heating oil, propane, biofuel, and gasoline marketers alike. With winter top of mind for much of the room, Elaine will dig into the supply and pricing outlook for the season ahead, along with practical risk-management strategies to protect your margins, whatever fuel you're moving.
Roger Marran is president of Energy Kinetics, Inc., Lebanon, NJ, manufacturer of high efficiency integrated heat and hot water boilers for residential and commercial applications. A recognized industry expert, he works directly with heating professionals, trade organizations, and efficiency experts to deliver energy efficient, reliable, and service friendly solutions that substantially reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions without sacrificing comfort. He advocates for the development of predictive energy efficiency models and more holistic approaches to compare the performance of various technologies. A past Chairman of NORA and past Chairman of the Oilheat Manufacturers Association, he has a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University and an Executive Masters degree in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology.
Explore the latest technological advancements reshaping the oilheat industry—from ultralow sulfur heating oil to B100-ready boilers and burners. This session also explores liquid fuel fired combi boilers as next generation competitively priced alternatives to tankless coil boilers, non-condensing polypropylenevented heat and hot water systems, and new appconnected burner controls from Beckett and Carlin, bringing smarthome capability and service efficiency to oilheat systems.
John Tando is a Risk Consultant in the Field Services department of Federated Insurance. John is responsible for working with clients in New York, helping them mitigate risk.
John began his Federated career in 2021. John earned the trust of hundreds of business owners in the areas of safety and risk management.
Prior to Federated, John was a Police Officer with the city of Rochester and Village of East Rochester for 25 years. John currently resides in Rochester, New York.
Instructor: Bob O’Brien
Addressing the critical challenges of storing and maintaining liquid heating fuel in cold winter conditions is crucial. Learn how to prevent fuel gelling, filter plugging, microbial growth, and related failures that commonly occur when the temperatures drop as cold weather approaches.
Instructor: Bob O’Brien
With the move to B10 in 2025 and B20 upcoming in 2030, techs require the practical knowledge needed to confidently install and service heating equipment operating on Bioheat. Topics include fuel properties, cold-weather performance, storage and handling, filtration, material compatibility, combustion characteristics, troubleshooting, and best practices for maintaining reliable system operation
Instructor: Bob O’Brien
Today's heating systems demand more than replacing parts, they require a systematic, diagnostic approach to troubleshooting. This session is designed for service technicians who want to sharpen their diagnostic skills and reduce callback rates when servicing Beckett, Carlin, and Riello burners.
Born and raised in the rolling hills of Southeastern Pennsylvania, The Midnight Embers blend the soul of Americana with the grit of classic and southern rock. Made up of Quincy Longacre, Matt Rittenhouse, Bob Rankin and Rob Burns, the band is rooted in family, friendship, and a shared belief that music is the outlet that keeps them grounded.
Longtime collaborators Matt and Quincy have been making music together for more than 25 years, crafting a deep catalog of original songs that reflect decades of creativity and life experiences. Joined by Rob and Bob, the group brings a warm, lived‑in sound shaped by blues influences, road‑tested rock, and storytelling born from their Pennsylvania roots.
Whether onstage or in the studio, The Midnight Embers deliver music meant to be felt—authentic, melodic, and fueled by the sparks that come from decades of creating and playing music together.
Please note: The money used to pay for these auction items (by the winning bidders) must be personal money only, not corporate!
