Energy Marketers Working
Together for a Better Future
Together for a Better Future
EMPIRE STATE
ENERGY ASSOCIATION
ENERGY ASSOCIATION
The 7th 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. 2 - 4) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Room Rates | Location | |
| Hotel Rooms | Starting at $209 / Night | Turning Stone, Verona, NY | |
| Tower Rooms | Starting at $265 / Night | Turning Stone, Verona, NY | |
Make room reservations by calling Turning Stone's Toll Free number 800-771-7711 by Friday September 13, 2024.To receive Room Rate must reference the Empire State Energy Association |
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| AM |
NORA Training |
| AM | Association Meetings |
| 11AM | Lunch |
| 12PM | Golf at Shenendoah For those that do not wish to play golf, they can visit the spa at Spa Resort at Turning Stone |
| PM | NORA Training |
| PM | Vendor Set Up |
| 6PM–7:30PM | Welcome Cocktail Reception Sponsored by  |
| AM | Breakfast |
| AM | NORA Training |
| AM | Business Sessions |
| AM/PM | EMA Silent Auction |
| PM | Lunch |
| PM | Business Sessions |
| 6PM–8PM | Networking Reception with live entertainment at the Turquoise Tiger Sponsored by  |
| 10AM-12PM | SUNY Morrisville Tour with Ben Ballard, Director of Renewable Energy Program. Click here for more info. |
| 12PM | Lunch |
Committees |
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Disabilities |
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Agriculture |
Cannabis |
Education |
Environmental Conservation |
Health |
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Libraries |
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Stephen Dodge serves as a Clean Fuels Alliance America Director of State Regulatory Affairs, with a focus on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. He is responsible for all state government relations as well as regulatory oversight for that area and works closely with state soybean associations, Clean Fuels member companies, stakeholders and liquid heating fuel dealers in implementing Clean Fuels (formerly the National Biodiesel Board) policies and expanding markets for Clean Fuels members. Before joining Clean Fuels in November of 2020, Steve worked for 23 years for the American Petroleum Institute, the country’s largest trade association, overseeing policy, government relations and communications in New England. Prior to that, Steve was Legislative Director for former Massachusetts Governors Bill Weld and Paul Cellucci. Steve graduated from the College of the Holy Cross.
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.
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.
Rob Underwood joined EMA in July 2007 as EMA's Director of Government Relations to represent petroleum marketers on Capitol Hill. Some of Rob's accomplishments include securing one of the most bipartisan Congressional letters sent to the EPA in recent years to address EMA's concerns with a costly Underground Storage Tank (UST) proposed rule. Rob also played a key role in reauthorizing the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) which was successfully signed into law in February 2014 and again in December 2018. Rob took over as President of EMA in May 2015. The most important role as EMA President is serving its 47 state and regional trade associations as well as thousands of independent fuel marketing companies before Congress and the federal agencies.
Rob is a native of Georgia where he earned a BA degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. Prior to joining EMA, Rob worked for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA).
John Levey is a consultant and educator in the HVAC industry. Starting as a helper in the 1960s he served as an Oil Driver, Service Technician, Sales Rep and Service Manager before starting his own full service oil company. After selling his fuel oil business John worked in senior management positions at the industry giants and as Director of Education for NORA.
John currently heads Oilheat Associates, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in industry education and mergers/acquisitions.
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.
Thursday night reception 6:00 to 8:00
Steve Laureti, dubbed "The New York Pianist," is an upscale entertainer known for his jazzy piano riffs and ability to engage a crowd. Laureti has established himself in the music business, starting with Central New York. Originally from Oneida, New York, he is a graduate of Le Moyne College and Syracuse University.
Steve now performs around 100 shows a year for high-end corporate clients throughout the East Coast. He has opened for national act Gym Class Heroes, performed for Tiger Woods, IBM, The Master's Golf Tournament, US Open Tennis, PGA Tour, black tie events from NYC (Central Park & Times Square) to Florida, and regularly at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Please note: The money used to pay for these auction items (by the winning bidders) must be personal money only, not corporate!10AM | Sit in Renewable Energy Resources Class (NORA’s Mike Devine and Dr. Tom Butcher presentation to students)
11AM – 12PM | Tour of the Renewable Energy Training Facility
10AM to 12PM | NORA’s Bob O’Brien will be running live fire demonstrations of Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel
12PM | Lunch at ACET Center (no cost)
While on campus, we will be recording live video to be promote our industry, highlighting our R&D efforts and the education and training we provide in renewable liquid fuels.
In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with students enrolled in the renewable energy program.
Click here to read the SUNY Morrisville Collaboration with NORA.
