SALT LAKE CITY - Vesta Awards in two categories will be handed out at the HPBExpo, and the call for entries is in full swing. The first award honors innovation in product design and/or technology. The second goes to two Retailers of the Year (Best Outdoor Room Retailer and Hearth Retailer of the Year).

For the Innovation/Product Design award, only new products created for sale in the year 2014 are eligible. Products previously shown at an HPBExpo and products with changes or additions to a previously exhibited product do not qualify. Enter before Jan. 14, 2014 and the fee is $200 per entry; enter later and the fee is $250.
 
The final deadline is February 14, 2014, and entries can be prepared online at www.VestaAwards.com
 
Outdoor Room Retailer of the Year & Hearth Retailer of the Year honor exceptional retailers whose frontline efforts are indispensable in moving the hearth, barbecue and patio industries forward, and who demonstrate exceptional excellence in attracting sales and delivering services. Nominees must be HPBA members. The nomination period ends January 17, 2014.
 
Dealers may nominate up to three retailers for Hearth Retailer of the Year and three retailers for Outdoor Room Retailer of the Year (retailers may self-nominate). Last year’s winners, Outdoor Elegance and Energy Products & Design, are no longer eligible.
 
Nominations should be based on the following disciplines of retailing excellence: visual merchandising; marketing; installation services; design services; employee training; and customer service. Judging will take place on March 6, 2014. Awards will be presented at an industry-wide ceremony at HPBExpo in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 7, 2014. The Wine Reception and Awards Program will take place from 5:00 p.m. -6:45 p.m. at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

For more information or to nominate, visit www.vestaretailerawards.com, or call (800)258-3772 with questions.