FUELIowa Magazine: 2021 May / June

THE VOICE AND RESOURCE FOR IOWA’S FUEL INDUSTRY

The Politics and Benefits of Political Engagement pg. 4 Activating for Advocacy pg. 10 FUELIowa Unites in Iowa City pg. 12 New Walkthrough Requirements for UST Facilities pg. 20

VOLUME 75, NO.3 2021 JULY / AUG

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ON THE COVER

FE A TUR E S 3

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

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THE POLITICS AND BENEFITS OF POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

The Iowa legislative session ended with hard-fought opposition by FUELIowa and the Fuel Choice Coalition to oppose vari-

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ACTIVATING FOR ADVOCACY

ous versions of the fuel mandate.

IN TH IS IS S UE 8

10430 New York Ave Suite F Urbandale, IA 50322 p (515) 224-7545 f (515) 224-0502 info@FUELIowa.com 2

www.FUELIowa.com

SUMMERFEST REGISTRATION

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FUELIOWA UNITES IN IOWA CITY

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MEMBER FEATURE

20

REGULATORY SPOTLIGHT

24

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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PAC CONTRIBUTIONS

28

RISK MANAGEMENT

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MEMBER HAPPENINGS

PR E S ID ENT ’S PER S P E C TI V E NO FUEL MANDATE The Iowa legislative session ended with hard-fought opposition by FUELIowa and the Fuel Choice Coalition to oppose various versions of the fuel mandate. Despite our vigorous efforts, the proponents of the fuel mandate remain committed to securing its passage during the next legislative session.

FUELIowa and the Fuel Choice Coalition remain adamantly opposed to a fuel mandate. During the legislative interim period, we are encouraging our respective memberships and the general public to oppose any compromise that, when brokered, does NOT include us at the table to express the concerns of the Iowa retail fuel distribution network and the Fuel Choice Coalition partners.

We take strong exception to the portrayal that paints the retail fuel industry as misrepresenting and exaggerating the infrastructure costs to implement the fuel mandate. We do not concur with the view the fuel mandate represents a “new standard for fuel efficiency, and environmental quality and safety.” During the summer and late fall the Fuel Choice Coalition members, in partnership with FUELIowa retailers, will post decals on our fuel pumps with the message “NO FUEL MANDATE” and links to Take Action Now to contact and inform their local legislator of our opposition to the fuel mandate.

The Iowa retail fuel distribution network is not opposed to the sale of higher blended fuels. Our reality is the unique challenge of prohibitive infrastructure costs. It is frustrating, and arrogantly negligent, that the proponents of the fuel mandate refuse to see our perspective and have excluded us from any face-to-face discussions. As such, we say NO MANDATE! www.FuelChoiceCoalition.org/TakeAction

RNL

Ronald N. Langston, President & CEO

FUELIowa & HEALTHAlliance

Ronald N. Langston President & CEO FUELIowa 515-224-1599

EXECUTI VE COM M I TTEE Doug Coziahr Chair Nebraska-Iowa Supply Company Omaha 402-393-8350 Bev Jessen Vice Chair Treasurer Johnson Oil/ Cylinder Express Battle Creek 712-365-4740 Joseph Zietlow Treasurer Kwik Trip, Inc La Crosse, WI 608-793-6484

Jason McDermott Immediate Past Chair McDermott Oil Company Cascade 563-852-3510

B O A RD O F D IRECT OR S Chris Biellier Associate Director Seneca Companies Davenport | 563-332-8000

Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825

Nicole Johnson Director Molo Companies Dubuque | 563-557-5714

Chad Besch Associate Director MaxYield Cooperative Algona | 563-200-5115

Tia Eischeid Director Al’s Corner Oil Co Carroll | 712-673-2723

Steve Kimmes Director Kimmes Enterprises LLC Carroll | 515-681-7890

Jim Bocken Associate Director Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. DBA Farner-Bocken Company Carroll | 712-792-7412

Tessa Fahey Director Rainbo Oil Dubuque | 563- 526-1179

Jim Pauk Director W&H Coop Oil Co Humboldt | 515-332-2782

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Matt Scheetz Director The Depot Express Tiffin | 319-545-9514

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THE POLITICS AND BENEFITS OF POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT

By Strategic Elements

The Iowa Retail Fuel Industry and its customers are impacted by decisions made at the State Capitol and in Washington DC. FUELIowa and the Fuel Choice Coalition are dedicated to advocating for the best policies for the retail fuel industry and related supply and transportation associates. We are committed to engaging in action throughout the interim legislative period and will continue in the next legislative session.

FUELIowa and the Fuel Choice Coalition are actively engaged to influence legislative and policy actions to directly benefit the retail fuel industry at the state and federal levels fighting for our industry’s priorities.

During the recent Iowa legislative session one of our key battles has been the proposed biofuel mandate. Throughout the legislative session, FUELIowa relentlessly 4 4

worked to activate key advocates, connecting members of our industry with their legislators to share their stories on how the mandate would directly hurt their business.

The staff and board with the direction of our lobbyist were highly active at the State Capitol, educating legislators about how this mandate would impact the retail fuel industry and especially the issues with infrastructure.

The high level of engagement from FUELIowa and the Fuel Choice Coalition was critical to the campaign that would beat back the threat of a fuel mandate. That en-

FUELIowa’s legislative priorities also included the reform of Iowa’s bottle bill. While our efforts toward bottle bill reform did not gain the traction needed to advance during this legislative session, we did make significant progress and injected the notion of financial transparency into the debate. Additionally, working with interested parties, we were successful in significantly increasing the funds available for fuel infrastructure improvement grants. We are confident our efforts laid the groundwork to move legislative priorities forward during future sessions.

FUELIowa has continued to engage the Iowa Congressional delegation. Specifically, we are working to highlight how key bills under consideration in front of

the U.S. Congress would impact our industry. A great example of this engagement is our recent work with Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D-IA-03) regarding House Resolution 1542, the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act of 2021 she is sponsoring.

Our team spoke with Congresswoman Axne on several topics. As co-chair of the U.S. House Biofuels Caucus, Congresswoman Axne is very concerned about the state of biofuel expansion here in Iowa.

She was receptive to some potential changes to HR1542 we raised that would make it function better for the Iowa retail fuel industry.

We will continue to work with her office on this legislation and look forward to a strong partnership.

gagement doesn’t stop with the end of legislation session. FUELIowa and its allies stand ready to meet Governor Reynolds’ call and welcome a seat at the table with stakeholders to work out a solution. We will continue to ensure that the retail fuel industry’s concerns regarding business disruption, increased costs, and the impact on consumers are fully expressed.

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Finally, FUELIowa’s work with Iowa’s Congressional Delegation extends beyond our work with Congresswoman Axne on topics relevant to our industry. During this legislative session alone, our staff and board of directors have been able to speak with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-1), and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-2), and Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4).

We look forward to continuing conversations with these elected officials and build upon our longtime relationship with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Chairman Doug Coziahr and member owners had direct talks with former Governor Terry Branstad on the fuel mandate and infrastructure concerns unique to the Iowa retail fuel industry.

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EVENT F EAT UR E

JULY 26-27, 2021

The goal of Summerfest is to bring all FUELIowa members and friends together in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. This event helps build relationships and by attending, you signal to everyone that you support our great industry. Through sponsorships, registrations, and donations, we are able to fund the FUELIowa PAC. There has never been a more enjoyable way to support the FUELIowa PAC. DAY

BAGS & COCKTAILS What’s better than a game of bags? The obvious answer is, of course, two games of bags! We will kick-off our 2nd annual bags tournament with views of beautiful Lake Okoboji while enjoying cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, and conversation.

Let’s have some fun!

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ON E

DINNER & RECEPTION

Following the bags tournament, mix and mingle on the shore at the beautiful Waterfront Event Center at Bridges Bay Resort. We will have open bar, entertainment, steak or scallops dinner, and dessert as we watch the sunset over the lake. After dinner, explore all that Okoboji has to offer. This is lake living at its best!

DAY

T WO

GOLF

FAMILY FUN

Day two, it is time to hit the links! Enjoy 18 holes at Brooks Country Club - Okoboji’s premier golf facility. This is a 4-person scramble with shotgun start complete with pin prizes and a putting contest. Lunch is provided and beverage carts will keep you cool all day. Meet up after at the 19th hole to settle your bets and collect your prizes.

Not a golfer? Take advantage of Bridges Bay Resort, Lake Okoboji or a day at Arnolds Amusement Park.

Bridges Bay features a pool, waterpark, restaurants on the water and much more, perfect for a long weekend.

Spouses and family can participate with you at events, or they can be free to explore everything on their own while you network!

SUMMErFEST | July 26-27, 2021 | Okoboji

Our annual action packed event in support of the FUELIOWA-PAC. Join us for a boat cruise, cocktail reception, dinner & silent auction with family and friends. Enjoy fun in the sun and a choice of golf or a day at Arnolds Park! Pay with personal funds to be included on the 2021 FUELIowa PAC Donor List.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Check fueliowa.com for schedule and time updates.

Day 1 5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

Day 2 7:00 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

Cocktails, Dinner & Reception Silent Auction Bags Tournament Okoboji Night Life

Golf Registration Opens – (coffee, juice, donuts) Golf Shotgun Start - Brooks Country Club Golf Arnolds Park (non-golfers) (includes rides, cruise on the Queen II & museums) Lunch / Awards Ceremony

HOTEL: Bridges Bay Resort, call (712) 332-2202 & reference FUELIowa for a preferred rate.

R E G I S TR ATI O N I N FO R MATI O N Primary Contact:

Company:

Address:

City:

Email:

Phone:

(

State:

)

-

Cell:

(

)

Zip:

-

S U M M E R F E S T - $175 per attendee, dinner, open bar, bags tournament, & choice of golf or Arnolds Park.

NAM E

RSVP

E MAIL

COM PANY or GUE S T

Boat

1 ___________________________________________

______________________________________ _______________________________________

2 ___________________________________________

______________________________________ _______________________________________

3 ___________________________________________

______________________________________ _______________________________________

4 ___________________________________________

______________________________________ _______________________________________

5 ___________________________________________

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6 ___________________________________________

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Dinner

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     

DAY 1 S P O N S O R S H I P S

DAY 2 S P O N S O R S H I P S

 Dinner Reception (2) $1500

     

 Open Bar (3).................................................................. $500  Auction Prize (fund or donate item)................................... $500  Bags Tournament (2).................................................... $500  Donate to the FUELIowa-PAC (*Personal Funds)..........$_____

Golf or Park

     

     

$______________

TOTAL

$______________

$______________ $______________ $______________ $______________ $______________

Breakfast ....................................................................... $500 Gift Bag Sponsor .......................................................... $500 Lunch / Awards Sponsor ............................................$1000 Cigar Sponsor...............................................................$1000 Putting Contest ..........................................................$1,000 Hole Sponsor................................................................$1,000 Includes Four (4) SUMMERFEST Passes

 Beverage Cart Sponsor (2)........................................$1,000  Golf Shirt Sponosor (2)................................................ $2000 Includes Company Logo on Sleeve

*PERSONAL FUNDS:

Please make PERSONAL checks payable to the FUELIowa-PAC or use PERSONAL credit cards. If monies received are not drawn on PERSONAL FUNDS the monies will be deposited in to the Political Education Fund (PEF).

 Pin Prize Sponsor (4)...................................................... $250  Pre-purchase Mulligan Package................................$100

PAY M E N T I N F O R M AT I O N *TOTAL DUE

$

Card

Includes 8 Mulligans/4 extra drink tickets

 PERSONAL Check Enclosed Exp Date

Name on Card

 PERSONAL Credit Card  VISA  Master Card  AmEx  Discover

Signature

Billing address if different from Primary Contact information.

S U B M I T R E G I S T R AT I O N A N D PAY M E N T FUELIowa, 10430 New York Ave Ste F, Urbandale, Iowa 50322 | Questions? Call (515) 421-4596 or e-mail jim@fueliowa.com. Download a PDF registration form online at www.FUELIowa.com Disclosure: In the event of inclement weather or other possible changes, we will not reschedule. Please consider your fees a donation.

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Activating for Advocacy

By Ronald N. Langston, President & CEO

The battle over the fuel mandate was a David versus Goliath situation.

In support of the mandate were giant voices like the biofuels lobby, Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Then there was the fuel retailer and distribution industry – unquestionably the “David” in this fight. Fortunately, with the 2021 Iowa legislative session over, we are still standing.

When this mandate was introduced, we partnered with several like-minded organizations and companies under the banner of the Fuel Choice Coalition. We launched an Action Center in order to equip activists with a simple way to reach their legislators. And it worked! By the end of the legislative session, more than one thousand unique industry and consumer voices logged into the action center to make their thoughts on the mandate heard.

And many of these activists went above and beyond. By the end of the legislative session, over

2,500 actions

were taken. When you consider that the legislature is composed of only 150 individuals, over 2,500 calls, emails, and tweets to our state representatives and state senators certainly makes a huge impact.

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So, thank you to all of

convenes in January of

you who took action and next year, they know that Iowans want to buy helped us fight against this onerous mandate.

more biofuels, but they

Make no mistake, the

absolutely will not toler-

proponents of the man-

ate a mandate that tells

date will be back. We

them what to buy and

must remain engaged

will drive up fuel costs for

and vigilant through the

all Iowans.

interim so that when the Iowa General Assembly

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FUEL Io wa U n i te s i n I ow a C it y : Annual M e e ti n g F in ds S u c c e s s, and R e ne we d C a ll t o Ac t i on f o r t he Ind us try EVENT FEAT UR E

By Doug Coziahr Chairman, FUELIowa

What: FUELIowa Golf Benefit for Camp Courageous Where: Brown Deere Golf Club, Coralville, IA When: June 14 After an incredibly eventful year full of challenges – and ultimately successes – FUELIowa and its membership were more than eager to come together for the association’s annual meeting this June in Iowa City.

Coming out of a year in a pandemic and a contentious legislative session, FUELIowa was not deterred in speaking about its organization’s future. Instead, the association showed its resiliency and is now more energetic than ever to advocate and fight for the industry’s priorities.

FUELIowa thanks everyone who 12

joined the annual meeting in Iowa City – not only did we celebrate our successes, but we had a great turnout to support Camp Courageous of Iowa! One hundred twenty golfers participated in the 2021 Annual Golf Benefit, setting a new record.

Together, FUELIowa raised $30,000 to support a wonderful organization while enjoying a beautiful day on the golf course.

As a bonus to the day, Iowa Hawkeyes Football Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and his players joined FUELIowa at the golf course. We are very grateful for the Hawks’ continued partnership with Camp Courageous.

Camp Courageous is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides year-round recreational and respite care opportunities for individuals with special needs. FUELIowa’s partnership with this great organization is 40 years strong. Our annual golf benefit is one of two fundraisers we hold for the organization, along with Cent-A-Gallon Day (taking place on Wednesday, November 24th this year) being the second.

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The 2021 FUELIowa Annual Meeting also served as a moment to recognize the hard work that members, allies, and friends undertook to advocate for our industry during the Iowa legislative session successfully. This year proved to be the biggest threat to the industry in years with the proposed fuel mandate legislation. In response, FUELIowa quickly mobilized its resources to form a new coalition, and members stepped up to make their voice heard among legislators and members of the media.

FUELIowa successfully beat back the mandate legislation and advocated for a market-based solution that truly expands biofuels in Iowa with the proper infrastructure support. While this year was a success, FUELIowa knows the stakes are still high in this fight, and the association will be busy in the offseason. FUELIowa looks forward to working with Governor Reynolds and stakeholders at the table to discuss the impacts of a mandate and how we can expand biofuels while supporting the fuel distribution network.

Lastly, FUELIowa also took the time this year to honor three legislators who proved to be champions of the fuel industry this past legislative session. For the first time, the association was pleased to present Senator Adrian Dickey, Senator Pam Jochum, and Representative Ross

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Paustian with 2021 Legislator of the Year awards. While Senator Dickey and Representative Paustian received the awards during the legislative breakfast, Senator Jochum could not attend. FUELIowa looks forward to traveling to Dubuque, Iowa to personally present Senator Jochum with her award.

FUELIowa is motivated and grateful – grateful for the opportunity to have a strong membership and be allowed to gather with our members (in person!) to discuss where we have been in 2021 so far. We are committed to working together to chart the best future course and prepare for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

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WE AR E A P E O P LE INDU S TR Y MEMBER FEAT UR E

By Jesse Dougherty, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Elements

From helping the family business grow over the years to holding statewide leadership positions, Jason McDermott has seen the full spectrum of the fuel industry. As president and one of the family owners of McDermott Oil Company in Cascade, Iowa, McDermott understands the foundation of what keeps the industry tied together.

“We are a people industry, and it is important to focus on the most important people in any business: your customers and your employees.

We do our best to treat people the way we want to be treated.”

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The success of this approach has been proven throughout the years in the business McDermott runs along with his brother, Aaron.

Founded in 1972 by their parents, McDermott Oil has continued to expand: what started as a single tankwagon business has grown to operating five convenience stores in Eastern Iowa, supplying a dealer network, entering the propane business, and more. As a whole, McDermott Oil serves a wide range of agricultural, commercial, and residential consumers, showing the broad range that local businesses in Iowa’s fuel industry can have. McDermott is also proud of the 75 employees that help keep the business moving.

“We have been very fortunate over the years to have great people on our team. We couldn’t do it without them.”

McDermott’s same mindset in running his business has applied to the leadership roles he has taken on. Relationships in this industry matter, and McDermott’s knowledge and experience have been

well-regarded across the association’s membership. Currently, McDermott is the Immediate Past Chair on the FUELIowa Board of Directors and has seen firsthand the collective value that the industry displays when united.

“The success of FUELIowa has always been contingent on the involvement of our members. We are definitely stronger together.”

This year, these principles came together during one of the most critical legislative session periods in FUELIowa’s history. Several issues – including underground storage tanks, the bottle bill, and an onerous government biofuel mandate became front and center for the membership.

McDermott’s passion for the industry has applied to being engaged with legislators and taking on additional roles to advance the industry’s issues. “I think this past legislative session couldn’t make the importance of engagement any clearer. Legislators, as a whole,

want our opinion on matters affecting our industry. If we don’t give them our opinion, someone else will.”

McDermott has always encouraged FUELIowa members to get to know their local legislators and build their own relationships. Taking the time to get to know your legislator matters. The ability to put a face to your name when communicating with your legislators is important. When legislators are making critical decisions, that makes a significant impact. “Whether you voted for your legislator or not, it’s important that they know who you are – and they want to know who you are.” When it came down to the top issues this spring -- the mandate legislation -- McDermott believes this engagement was a significant difference-maker.

McDermott has not only encouraged members to engage on the mandate legislation, but he followed his own advice. Over the past few months, he participated in several different media

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interviews to give the industry’s viewpoint – talking about the ins and outs of the bill and the direct impacts it would have on the retail industry and consumers at large.

what has made FUELIowa successful in its efforts is embodying the identity that the membership lives out every single day. “Our members’ stores are the lifeblood of a lot of small communities. They not only serve as a general store but also as the grocery store, café, and as ‘the meeting spot’ through the state.”

On the agriculture side, the industry provides the fuel that helps get the crop to market. McDermott sees being a part of that process as a rewarding experience that connects the industry very closely to communities.

“I would like to thank all our members and coalition partners who took the time to participate in making our voice heard in fighting the mandate this session.

It’s a great testament to what we can accomplish when we work together.”

McDermott believes that part of

Moving ahead, McDermott is looking forward to helping FUELIowa navigate the industry challenges of the future. Two of those areas in his mind are capital investment challenges and labor needs. The aging underground infrastructure and the ability to attract and retain quality people for businesses are two components for success that must be addressed. McDermott says that we must also market our industry as

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a rewarding place to work, just as we market our fuels to customers.

McDermott is proud of the resource that FUELIowa has become in helping members navigate the myriad of regulatory and compliance issues they need to deal with every day. The group property and casualty insurance program, HEALTHAlliance, and RINAlliance are also great reasons to be members. And, of course, the association’s network with peers and vendors helps build those valuable relationships that make a difference both today and tomorrow.

For both his career and the members of FUELIowa, McDermott believes there is a strong foundation on which to build success. But that success also comes with a mindset that the industry must continue to adapt and develop new communication lines

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to keep moving. “Change is constant,” says McDermott.

“It’s important to be flexible enough to adapt to changing consumer needs and industry movements.” Through leaders like McDermott and our strong membership, we will continue to grow and continue to fuel Iowa every day.

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N ew W a l kthro u g h R equ ir e m e n t s f o r UST F a c i l i ti e s R egu lat or y S p otlight REGU L ATORY S PO T L I G H T

By John Maynes, Regulatory Affairs Manager, FUELIowa

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Is it 2022 yet? That quip is a poor attempt at humor by me as I look forward to the last six months of 2021. Fresh off a 2020 year where everyone felt the impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic, 2021 started out with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds targeting Iowa’s retail fuel industry with a statewide mandate on biofuels which would devastate Iowa’s retail fuel industry and the hundreds of retailers that link Iowa’s rural fuel distribution network. Despite what has seemed like a constant barrage of attacks on our industry from multiple fronts, I remain humbled by the resiliency of FUELIowa’s small business owners and their many employees who continue to take these challenges in stride and provide their customers with the essential goods and services fueling their daily lives.

UST Section is in the final stages of adopting EPA’s 2015 revisions to the federal UST regulations. I anticipate the rule to be adopted in its final form sometime in June or July. Once the rulemaking process is complete, certain regulatory requirements within the rule will become effective upon adoption.

The remaining six months of 2021 will include present new challenges for Iowa’s fuel industry. Significant changes to how underground storage tank owner/operators oversee their UST systems will be implemented with compliance measures due

by October 13, 2021. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Upon adoption of the rule, UST facility owner/operators must begin to perform and document a 30-day and annual walkthrough inspections at their UST facilities. The first 30-day walkthrough inspection must be documented by October 13, 2021. While both the 30-day walkthrough and the annual in-

spection are routine in their scope, they are new regulatory requirements requiring documentation and along with that, there are pitfalls owner/operators will want to avoid as they implement the walkthrough inspections into the system oversight at their facility.

The Iowa DNR UST Section has developed a 30-day walkthrough inspection form and made it available on their website. Form 542-0398 will need to be completed following a walkthrough at your UST facility every 30-days. Completed walkthrough forms should be retained on site and do not need to be sent to the Iowa DNR UST Section or your pollution liability coverage provider. They should be retained on site and made available upon request or during your annual inspection which will be discussed in more detail later in this article.

The 30-day walkthrough form available on the DNR website has both “Required Activities” and

“Recommended Activities.” Only Required Activities need be documented in writing on the form and FUELIowa strongly recommends not filling out the items in the Recommended Activities section of the form. More on that later.

During the 30-day walkthrough, the owner/operator, designated staff person or, service agent, will conduct a sensory-based inspection of the following Required items at the UST facility: spill and overfill emergency equipment; operator training records; cathodic protection system; spill containment area; overfill prevention device; release detection system and records. Following documentation of the walkthrough, records should be kept on site. Remember not to confuse the 30-day walkthrough requirement with a monthly walkthrough, walkthroughs and corresponding documentation will be required on a 30-day cycle.

The Recommended Activities category on the Iowa DNR UST form should be used by owner/operators as a best practice guide for the person conducting the 30-day walkthrough. The categories listed on the form under Recommended Activities represent areas at a UST facility where issues commonly arise. Again, these items may be reviewed as part of the walkthrough but should not be documented on the form, nor are they F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

required to be documented on the form. Think of the Recommended Activities section on the form as a good-housekeeping guide for the staff overseeing your facility.

Annual walkthroughs will be an additional requirement on owner/ operators upon adoption of the final rule in June or July. Once again, a UST facility owner/operator must have their first annual walkthrough completed and documented no later than October 13, 2021. Currently, Iowa requires an EPA equivalent UST facility compliance inspection every two years.

The annual walkthrough required by the upcoming state rule will be covered under Iowa’s bi-annual compliance inspection cycle, leaving only the off year annual walkthrough to be addressed. For those insureds with their pollution liability coverage provided by PMMIC, PMMIC is conducting a loss-prevention inspection in non-compliance inspection years and therefore PMMIC insureds will see no change upon the implementation of the annual walkthrough inspection requirement in Iowa. In short, PMMIC is already inspecting your facility annually and your annual walkthrough requirement is covered.

For those owner/operators with an insurance provider other than PMMIC, an equivalent annual walkthrough inspection will be required to be conducted and documented during the off-year in Iowa’s bi-annual compliance inspection cycle. The annual walkthrough mandated by EPA requires the following items to be completed: visually inspect containment sumps for damage including leaks to the containment area or releases to

the environment; handheld release detection equipment must be checked for operability and serviceability; maintain records of previous operation and maintenance walkthrough inspections for 12 consecutive months, records should include a list of the area checked and if action was required, documentation of the action taken.

While the regulatory burdens associated with the implementation of EPA’s 30-day and annual walkthrough requirements are relatively mundane, they are new, and it will take owner/operators and staff time to adjust to the new requirements.

FUELIowa recommends downloading the Iowa DNR 30-day walkthrough 21

form and going over the form with your staff as you set a plan to incorporate these requirements into your facility oversight plan.

Looking deeper into the fall of 2021, owner/operators will also need to prepare for the implementation of regulations incorporating

EPA’s new UST system testing requirements. According to the EPA, on or before October 13, 2021, owner/operators will need to test containment sumps, spill buckets, overfill prevention devices and release detection components using a vacuum, pressure, or liquid test method. Required testing of containment sumps, spill buckets, and overfill prevention devices will be done every three years while release detection testing must be conducted annually.

FUELIowa will be publishing more information about the new UST system testing requirements in the coming weeks and months through the FUEL Insider weekly newsletter as well as the magazine. As always, if you have questions you need answered please contact John Maynes in the FUELIowa office at 515-421-4043.

Committed to Quality.

CONSTRUCTION + INSTALLATION

PETROLEUM SERVICES

TESTING + COMPLIANCE

mwpetroleum.com LINCOLN 22

NORTH PLATTE

OMAHA

402.476.6681 info@mwpetroleum.com /midwestpetroleumequipment

POWERFUL BRAND. HOMETOWN FEEL. RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS YOUR WAY. POWERED LOCALLY.

We know that the true power behind the Cenex® brand comes from our locally-owned retailers – valued partners who are invested in their customers and community. That’s why we’re committed to your success and helping you build your business from the moment you become a Cenex® retailer.

From flexible brand conversion and marketing, to convenient payment processing and training programs, we can provide your business with the support it needs to help you grow.

A name your customers trust, a brand you can count on – visit cenex.com/businessopportunities to learn more.

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

© 2021 CHS Inc. Cenex® is a registered trademark of CHS Inc.

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C AL END AR O F EV EN T S

JU LY 2 6- 27, 2 0 2 1 SUMMERFEST Okoboji, IA

Enjoy two days at beautiful Lake Okoboji! We will kickoff with our 2nd annual bags tournament with views of beautiful Lake Okoboji while enjoying cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, and conversation. Then, mix and mingle on the shore at the beautiful Waterfront Event Center at Bridges Bay Resort. On the second day, enjoy 18 holes of golf in a shotgun start event at Brooks Country Club or a day at Arnolds Park.

APRI L 1 8 -2 0 , 2 0 2 2 UPPER MIDWEST CONVENIENCE STORE & ENER GY CONVENTION St. Paul, MN

RESCHEDULED! UMCS is simply the best trade show, networking and educational event for the Fuel and C-store industry in the Upper Midwest. With the combined power of the state associations of both Minnesota and Iowa, UMCS is the largest show in the Upper Midwest, bringing more than 2,000 professionals together in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Visit www.fueliowa.com and select “Training and Events” to register.

To sponsor an event, call FUELIowa at 515-224-7545 or email jim@fueliowa.com

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It’s not just business.

It’s personal.

Cylinder Express makes it easy. Just unlock, exchange, collect! Call 888.365.1241

• Family Owned & Operated • Battle Creek • Iowa • At Cylinder Express, we take your business personally. A call to us means

always being greeted by a person, not an automated message. It means never running out of cylinders so you can advertise a special on propane with complete confidence that your customers will always find a propane tank at your store. It means value, quality and service. It means we treat you like family.

Value — Offering your customers grill cylinder cages provides your business with an excellent additional source of income and increased traffic flow.

Quality — Each cylinder tank that arrives at our state-of-the-art facilities is carefully inspected, scraped, cleaned and painted to ensure it’s like new for your customer.

Service — A friendly team member will assist you right away, not an automated system. Run ads with confidence. We deliver weekly or bi-weekly, based on your need for product.

Call 888.365.1241 or visit www.propanehank.com F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

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2 0 2 1 PA C C O N TR IBUT O RS CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED AS OF JUNE 28, 2021

VISIONARY ($5,000+)

$10,000 Bev & Henry Jessen, Cylinder Express * $7,500 Don Burd, Otter Creek Country Stores * LEADER ($2,500-$4,999)

FUELIOWA PAC/PEF CONTRIBUTION CARD

 Personal Contribution (PAC)

Corporate Contribution (PEF)

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION Name____________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ City_______________________________________________ State ____________________

Zip_________________

$2,500 Ronald N Langston, FUELIowa ^ * $2,500 Paul Fahey, Rainbo Oil * $2,500 Tessa Fahey, Rainbo Oil * $2,500 Todd Kanne, Community Oil * $2,500 Jason McDermott, McDermott Oil * $2,500 Dave & Clifford Reif, Reif Oil * PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449)

$2,000 Larry Bentler, Jet Gas $1,500, John Gilroy, Grysson Oil $1,200, Joe Zietlow, Kwik Star ^ * $1,000 Mark Cobb, Cobb Oil $1,000 Mike & Dean Cox, Kardes Convenience Stores $1,000 Tessa Fahey, Rainbo Oil $1,000 Tom Flogel, Mulgrew Oil $1,000 Steve Kimmes, Kimmes Enterprises $1,000 Jennifer Likes, Harms Oil ^ $1,000 Aaron McDermott, McDermott Oil $1,000 Dan Moellers, CSOI Corporation $1,000 Mark Molo, Molo Petroleum $1,000 Matt Scheetz, The Depot Express $1,000 Don Zietlow, Kwik Star $1,000 Doug Coziahr $1,000 Marc Beltrame

E-mail____________________________________________ FRIEND ($500-$999)

CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT

 Bill Me*

$_________________

*Contributions not drawn on personal funds will automatically be contributed to the FUELIowa Political Education Fund (PEF).

BILLING ADDRESS

Billing Address_____________________________________ ( I f d i f f e r e n t f ro m a b o v e a d d r e s s)

__________________________________________________ Signature_________________________________________ Date______________________________________________ 26

$700 Seth Rotermund $501 Keith Crandall $500 Steve Demmer $500 Tia Eischeid $500 Glenn Hasken $500 Terry Hovden $500 Nicole Johnson $500 Richard Weiner $500 Delone Wilson $500 Andrew Woodard $500 Randal Woodard $500 Travis Buhman $500 Dick Metzger $500 Mark Lincoln

CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499)

$300 Steve Loehr $300 Gerald Stewart $250 Russ & Barb Danielson $200 Sam Annis $200 Chad Besch $200 Jim Pauk $150 Eric Ziph $150 Gerald Bogler $100 Jim Bocken $100 Ace Ettleman $100 Jim Ewing $100 Gerry Greve $100 Charlie Good $100 Craig Kiracofe $100 Gary Koerner $100 Reo Menning $100 Joseph Miller $100 Thomas Pearson $100 David Scheetz $100 Dean Onken $100 John Meehan $100 John Maynes

Donate at: www.fueliowa.com/donate-to-pac.cfm ^ Sustaining Member * Fuel Marketer Program

PROVIDING

THE COMPLETE SOLUTION”

FOR IOWA PETROLEUM MARKETERS SINCE 1972

• FUEL SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION, SERVICE, UPGRADES, INSPECTION AND EQUIPMENT

• UST/AST REMOVAL

• EMV COMPLIANCE

• OPERATOR TRAINING PROGRAMS

• POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS

• GENERAL CONTRACTING

• FUEL RESTORATION & TANK CLEANING

• ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING

800-369-5500 F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

• COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

store.senecaco.com

senecaco.com 27

RI SK M A NAGE M E NT

By Risk Improvement Department, EMC Insurance Companies, Des Moines, Iowa

B e st P ra cti ces fo r L P D ea lers

Hiring and Training

Training should be completed within the first year of employment with refresher training every three years. Document all training.

Risk management for LP dealers is unique due to the volatile nature of the product and current litigation trends. The following recommended best business practices should be incorporated into all LP dealers' operations. *

Hiring the right employees and providing them with proper training is a key step in safeguarding your operations.

Develop and distribute an employee manual outlining all company procedures to all employees. Have employees sign an acknowledgment that they have received, read and understood the information contained in the manual.

Perform background checks and random drug screenings on all employees.

Train employees for their specific job duties with the Certified Employee Training Program (CETP).

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Duty to Warn

Propane dealers are responsible for adequately informing their customers about the proper use and storage of propane, as well as how to detect warning signs of a gas leak. This annual safety

mailing to customers should be documented with a printed mailing list, postal receipt and copy of what was sent. Retain this documentation.

Customer Installations

All employees need to perform and document frequent safety checks before providing a customer with fuel.

Conduct leak and pressure checks—from the tank to the appliance—with pressure equipment before any fuel is provided.

Perform leak checks anytime the system is modified, other suppliers have provided fuel or an out-ofgas condition has occurred.

Conduct leak checks when a location changes or has been updated. Document results.

Schedule periodic reviews and leak checks with current customer locations and document results. The frequency of periodic checks may vary, but the activity should occur on a regular basis.

Some companies review locations every five years, while others check when painting tanks or changing regulators.

Reports of gas leaks should be given priority handling.

Have a regulator change out policy and follow it. It should not exceed the recommended life expectancy of the regulators in use.

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

Out of Gas Procedures

All employees who may take a call from a customer that is "outof-gas" must be trained in the proper handling procedures.

When a customer is out of gas, this may indicate the fuel system has a failure. In all cases, determine the reason a customer is out of gas and complete a leak check before any refueling of the system occurs.

29

If the customer is not at home, place an out-of-gas notice on the tank supply valve and at the house entrance. This out-of-gas notice must be completed in addition to any note made on the sales slip. The dealer should also retain a copy of this notice. Additionally, pilot lights should always be reignited by LP suppliers.

More Information

Find more best practices for LP dealers, including considerations

30

for vehicles, bulk plants and requalifying cylinders at emcins. com/losscontrol/. Click on Petroleum Marketers.

*These guidelines are not to be considered all-inclusive. Additional industry guidelines from the National Propane Gas Association, National Fire Protection Association, regulatory codes and governmental sources should also be incorporated into operations.

Article courtesy of the Risk Improvement Department, EMC Insurance Companies, Des Moines, Iowa.

For more information, go to www. emcins.com and select Loss Control.

Coverage that counts Fuel your business with an insurance company that makes the grade.

Whether you’re wholesaling or retailing, you can Count on EMC ® — the only property/casualty insurance company endorsed by FUELIowa.

FUELIowa Insurance, powered by EMC, offers members the following advantages: • Comprehensive coverage • Competitive rates • Reliable loss control • Financial stability • Potential for annual dividend • Program expertise since 1983

Contact your independent insurance agent for more information.

EMC Insurance Companies Des Moines Branch 700 Walnut, Suite 900 Des Moines, IA 5030 800-362-2227 desmoines@emcins.com www.emcins.com ©Copyright Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2020. All rights reserved.

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

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M EMBER HAPPEN IN GS WELCOME NE W FU ELIOWA M E M B E R S

F U E L I owa MEMB ER S I N T H E N E W S – IN C A S E Y O U MI S S ED I T !

Please welcome the following new members to FUELIowa.

JUUL JUUL products deliver an exceptional nicotine experience designed for adult smokers looking to move away from traditional cigarettes.

Civacon Civacon specializes in products and systems to safely load, monitor, and unload petroleum, dry bulk, and petro chemical cargo tanks for the road and rail industries.

2 021 SPON S O R S H I P & ADVERTIS I NG PACK AGES S TI L L A VAILABLE Contact Jim Ewing at Jim@FUELIowa.com to secure your package.

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SENECA COMPANIES, INC. ACQUIRES TITAN FUEL SYSTEMS

ALTRIA INCREASES INVESTMENT IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE TOBACCO

Seneca Companies has acquired petroleum service provider, Titan Fuel Systems of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Titan Fuel Systems adds decades of skilled technician experience in the fuel construction industry and compliments the growth strategy of Seneca Companies perfectly.

(courtesy of Convenience Store News)

Scott Cole will be retained from Titan Fuel Systems and will be the branch manager for the new location. Scott has been in the industry for eleven years, started Titan Fuel Systems in 2018 and has been nominated to the Oklahoma Storage Tank Advisory Council. Current Titan employees will remain on staff and continue to operate as normal within the Oklahoma territory.

“We are very excited to bring Titan Fuel Systems into the Seneca Family. Titan is well respected in the industry and will allow us to bring significant additional value to our customers in Oklahoma,” said JC Risewick, president and COO of Seneca Companies.

CEO Billy Gifford announced that the tobacco company acquired the remaining 20 percent of the on! oral nicotine pouches global business it did not own for approximately $250 million.

"When we made the initial 80-percent acquisition in 2019, the oral nicotine pouch category in the U.S. was rapidly growing off of a small base," Gifford said during Altria's first-quarter 2021 earnings call, held April 29. "Subsequently, on! nicotine pouch growth has exceeded our original estimates."

Altria entered the oral nicotine category in June 2019 with a definitive agreement to acquire 80 percent of certain companies of Burger Söhne Holding AG that commercialize on! products worldwide.

Upon closing the deal, a newly formed Altria subsidiary, Helix Innovations LLC, became the parent company of Burger Group subsid-

iaries currently manufacturing and selling on!, as Convenience Store News previously reported.

Heated Tobacco In the heated tobacco arena, Altria's Philip Morris USA (PM USA) expanded the IQOS and Marlboro HeatSticks products in the first quarter of 2021.

PM USA introduced a new IQOS 3 device — which has a longer battery life and faster recharging time compared to its 2.4 version — into all current markets. Meanwhile, Marlboro HeatSticks were available in retail stores statewide across Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina as of the end of April.

Performance Food Group Company to Acquire Core-Mark Performance Food Group Company and Core-Mark Holding Company, Inc. recently announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which PFG will acquire Core-Mark in a stock and cash transaction.

Under the terms of the transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company, Core-Mark shareholders will receive $23.875 per share in cash and 0.44 PFG shares for each Core-Mark share. The transaction values Core-Mark at approximately $2.5 billion, including Core-Mark’s net debt. Upon closing of the transaction, CoreMark shareholders will own approximately 13% of the combined

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

company. Core-Mark expects to continue paying its current quarterly dividend through the completion of the transaction.

The transaction will create a bestin-class convenience business within PFG’s Vistar segment that will include the Core-Mark and EbyBrown businesses. The expanded convenience business will operate under the Core-Mark brand and will be headquartered in Westlake, Texas with Eby-Brown maintaining ongoing operations in Naperville, Illinois. Scott McPherson will continue in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Core-Mark, following closing of the transaction.

Tom Wake will continue as President and Chief Executive Officer of Eby-Brown, reporting to Mr. McPherson.

programs, Yesway boasts the exceptional leadership and customer service which many other convenience store chains aspire.

In recognition of its hard work, dedication to convenience retailing and its firm commitment to employees and the communities it serves, CStore Decisions is honored to name Yesway as the 32nd annual Convenience Store Chain of the Year.

“We are honored to be named CStore Decisions’ 2021 Convenience Store Chain of the Year,” said Tom Trkla, chairman and CEO of Yesway. “It truly is a tribute to everyone on the Yesway team — from our senior management team whose collective hard work and dedication have proven critical to our being able to grow our portfolio, to our Yesway and Allsup’s store team members providing outYesway Named CStore Decisions 2021 Convenience standing service to customers in Store Chain of the Year the communities we serve every day. Each of them has helped us to become the exceptional Continuing a tradition that began convenience store retailer we in 1990, CStore Decisions is proud to have aspired to be.” announce Yesway as its 2021 Convenience Store Chain of the Year.

What makes Yesway special is that it continues to cement its presence as a retail leader by evolving to meet and exceed customers’ expectations, all while being one of the fastest growing chains in the convenience store industry.

Over the past two years, Yesway has transformed its retail image with a new store design, a thriving proprietary foodservice program and a growing private label food and beverage brand. Combined with vibrant community outreach 33

34

THANK YO U SP O NSO RS

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

35

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

1 0 4 3 0 N e w Yo r k Av e S t e F

DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 1988

Urbandale IA 50322

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