HPBA Pacific

10/05/2026

5 shifts redefining small business growth in 2026

By Sachin Puri, CEO of Bluehost Group

​​​​​With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small and contributing nearly half of U.S. gross domestic product, small businesses are the earliest responders to economic and technological change. They feel disruption first and they adapt the fastest.​​​

Read article here: https://techcrunch.com/sponsor/bluehost/5-shifts-redefining-small-business-growth-in-2026

By Sachin Puri, CEO of Bluehost Group ​​​​​With 99.9% of U.S. businesses classified as small and contributing nearly half of U.S. gross domestic product, small businesses are the earliest responders to economic and technological change. They feel disruption first and they adapt the fastest...

10/01/2026

Inflation, weaker sales erode small business optimism: NFIB survey
The U.S.-Iran war “has escalated the cost of energy, which raises the price of almost everything,” the National Federation of Independent Business said.

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The U.S.-Iran war “has escalated the cost of energy, which raises the price of almost everything,” the National Federation of Independent Business said.

09/30/2026

D.C. Gas Ban Gets Favorable Hearing in Federal Appeals Court

A federal appeals panel appeared inclined Tuesday to let Washington, D.C.’s restrictions on natural gas in certain new buildings stand.

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A federal appeals panel appeared inclined Tuesday to let Washington, D.C.’s restrictions on natural gas in certain new buildings stand.

09/28/2026

US House to take up bill aimed at curbing data center-driven electricity costs

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Republican lawmakers plan to bring legislation to ​the House floor next ‌week that seeks to rein in electricity bill increases tied ​to data center ​expansion, a spokesperson for Speaker ⁠Mike Johnson said on ​Thursday.

09/25/2026

Supporters hopeful as DOE, EPA finalize Energy Star transition plan

The U.S. Department of Energy’s success with its Better Buildings Initiative shows that the agency knows how to make a public-private partnership like Energy Star work, an efficiency stakeholder said.

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The U.S. Department of Energy’s success with its Better Buildings Initiative shows that the agency knows how to make a public-private partnership like Energy Star work, an efficiency stakeholder said.

09/24/2026

USDA: US wood pellet exports top 1.08 million metric tons in July

Read article here: https://biomassmagazine.com/articles/usda-us-wood-pellet-exports-top-108-million-metric-tons-in-july

The U.S. exported more than 1.08 million metric tons of wood pellets in July, up 15% when compared to June and up 11% when compared to July 2025, according

09/22/2026

Fresh ideas? Check. New products? Check. Business-boosting connections? Check. All with the energy of Music City.

Join the hearth, barbecue, and outdoor living industry in Nashville for hashtag , March 3-6. Discover what's next, grow your network, and experience the industry's most anticipated event.

Register and book your hotel room today.
🔗 www.hpbexpo.com

09/18/2026

Small design decisions can have a lasting effect on the larger project.

Join Mason-Lite on September 21 for a complimentary live webinar covering practical fireplace-planning considerations for architects, designers and specification professionals.

Participants may earn 1 LU|HSW while exploring the decisions that can help project teams coordinate fireplace systems earlier and with greater confidence.

September 21 | 12:00 p.m. PT

Register here: https://www.mason-lite.com/continuing-education/

09/08/2026

Today we recognize Labor Day and honor the dedication and hard work that keep our industry moving forward.

We appreciate the commitment of our members and the contributions they make every day.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, restful, and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/01/2026