Issuu

TexasPropane June 2020

Volume 76 No. 6

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

New Propane Can Do That Residential Marketing Assets Available Unlock Local Propane Residential Opportunities With Updated PERC TTool ool Conference

Maintaining the Legacy You’ve Built

You have worked hard to build your business. Pinnacle Propane is committed to preserving your legacy. Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back? At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees. We focus on providing local service to our customers and empowering our employees via competitive pay, a robust beneﬁts package, and advancement opportunities. As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your eﬀorts.

Bill Webb Senior Vice President Business Development 936-329-1440

Matt Terry Director Business Development 210-560-5418

Call us today for more information and a conﬁdential assessment of your business.

About Pinnacle Propane: Pinnacle Propane is a leading propane distributor in the U.S. and is part of a global group of

LPG companies owned by SHV Energy, the largest dedicated global LPG distributor. Pinnacle Propaneʼs operations include bulk gas storage and delivery, cylinder ﬁlling and distribution, and community gas systems. Learn more at www.pinnaclepropane.com.

TexasPropane June 2020

8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 512-836-8620 or 800-325-7427 512-834-0758 fax E-mail: info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

T H E M AG A Z I N E F O R T H E T E X A S P R O PA N E G A S A S S O C I AT I O N

TPGA staff Bill Van Hoy Executive Director bvanhoy@txpropane.com Jackie Mason Education & Marketing Regulatory & Legislative Affairs jmason@txpropane.com Debbie Simpson Executive Assistant Membership Meeting Planner Publication Coordinator dsimpson@txpropane.com Propane Service Corporation

Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com Publisher

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Features Kicking Off Another Year of PROPANE CAN DO THAT Campaign . . . . 6 PERC Residential Tool Updated: Use This Resource to Reveal Opportunities in Your Local Market. . . 10 Understanding Firewalls for Home and Small Office Use . . . . . . . . . 18 COVID Business Climate Fostering Online Learning Opportunities 22 for Propane Professionals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Making It Last: 3 Tips To Keep Your Audience Engaged . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Fleet Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

2020 CROSSROADS SPONSORS

Propane Can Do That Campaign Continues

Golf Tournament

Convention Bags

Lanyards

Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director PERC will continue with their Propane Can Do That campaign again this year. They have updated the materials offered to indicate different propane uses so you can pick and choose what your business would like and need to promote. There are videos, digital ads, print ads, materials for your office, TV commercials and more. This month we highlight this campaign to give you help with promoting the propane industry in your area. PERC has also updated the residential tool. The newly enhanced tool looks

at 917 core-based statistical areas which have been scored. Propane retailers can look at data by state, county, metropolitan statistical areas and zip codes. The information is only available to propane marketers, so you must set up a free account to access the data.

All Day Expo Beverage Station

AFFINITY PARTNERS

LEnergy ONE ST R Group NEW SUPPLIER MEMBERS OMEGAFLEX • Exton, PA INTL FCStone • Kansas City, MO

2019-2020 TPGA Board of Directors President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 President Elect: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Danny Meyers, Bellville Butane 979-865-2698 District 4 Alternate: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 5 Director: Ryan Tudyk, Howdy Propane Services, 361-771-1900 District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Open District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Open District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 District 12 Alternate: Open District 13 Director: Open

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780 District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Past President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 Past President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, SHV-Pinnacle Propane, 210-560-5418 Vice President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654 Sr. Vice President: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Steve Johnson, Midstream Transportation, 512-787-3777 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, 972-406-3817 Assoc. At Large Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Nominating Chair: John Kelly, Kelly Propane 940-586-1208 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

Feature

Kicking Off Another Year of: PROPANE CAN DO THAT Campaign

In 2020, the Propane Education & Research Council will continue to target the residential customer audience with messaging about the advantages of propane over other energy sources, particularly electricity. Like last year, PERC created a comprehensive suite of marketing materials for you to promote your business using the campaign theme. This year, PERC is happy to offer materials specific to different propane uses, so you can pick and choose what you’d like to promote.

ONLINE VIDEOS

DIGITAL ADS Use these ads online to send your customers to your website. You have the option of customizing them with your logo to direct people to your business. water heaters

outdoor living

HOT SHOWERS FOR COOL SAVINGS

LIVE MORE OUTDOORS

Use these videos on your website and social media platforms to promote propane’s advantages and variety of uses in the home. While these may not be used on TV, you can use the TV commercials listed under “Broadcast” for that purpose.

furnaces

standby generators

WARMER HEAT FOR EVERY ROOM

HELP EVERYONE REST EASIER

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Feature PRINT PRINT ADS Place these print ads in magazines or other print media to reach customers. Add your logo to customize the ad for your business. The ads can even be printed through PERC’s new on-demand service and used as flyers.

LIVE MORE OUTDOORS

HOT SHOWERS FOR COOL SAVINGS

HELP EVERYONE REST EASIER

propane can do that

Every backyard deserves an upgrade. Luckily with propane, you can spruce up your outdoor space whether you have a cozy patio or a sprawling lawn with all the amenities. Propane powers everything from grills and outdoor kitchens, to unexpected luxuries like flame lighting and pool heaters.

Propane water heaters deliver more hot water, using less energy, to save

Nothing powers peace of mind for your home better than a propane standby

you more money than electricity. With propane, you can expect improved energy efficiency everywhere you use hot water: for laundry, handwashing,

generator. When the power goes out, you can expect automatic power within 10 seconds. And because propane doesn’t degrade over time like

right for you.

dishes, or bathing.

diesel or gasoline, you know it’ll be ready when you need it most.

storage tank and tankless water heaters.

for professional installation.

PROPANE.COM

Standard Full Page 8262-AD-20 Trim: 8" x 10.75" Bleed: 8.25" x 11" 4/C Swanson Russell

PROPANE.COM

Standard Full Page 8263-AD-20 Trim: 8" x 10.75" Bleed: 8.25" x 11" 4/C Swanson Russell

PROPANE.COM

Standard Full Page 8264-AD-20 Trim: 8" x 10.75" Bleed: 8.25" x 11" 4/C Swanson Russell

BROADCAST RADIO ADS

LOCAL TV COMMERCIALS

These 20-second radio ads allow you to add a 10-second customized message promoting your business to the end. Promote your website, phone number, and any additional information customers would need to contact you. Work with your local radio stations for assistance creating your tag and getting the ad on air. The selection includes an overview ad about propane in the home, and ads for outdoor living, water heating, home heating, and generators.

Like the radio ads, you can add a 10-second customized message promoting your business to the end of these 20-second TV commercials. The selection includes an overview ad about propane in the home, and ads for outdoor living, water heating, home heating, and generators. Work with your local TV stations for assistance creating your customized ad and getting it on air.

COLLATERAL POSTCARDS Add your logo and contact information to the customizable area, print and send this postcard to prospective customers through PERC’s on-demand print service. The piece emphasizes propane’s cleaner performance and lists all the different ways homeowners could be using propane to increase their comfort.

CLEAN ENERGY AROUND EVERY CORNER

DOOR HANGERS Leave behind a message promoting your business — and propane’s versatility and clean performance — with this customizable door hanger. It includes space for your logo to promote your business. Available for print on-demand through PERC.

CLEAN ENERGY AROUND EVERY CORNER

Postcard 8285-PC-20 Trim: 6" x 4.25" Bleed: 6.25" x 4.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

Give us a call to talk about all the ways propane appliances can keep you comfortable while reducing your home’s environmental impact.

CLEAN ENERGY AROUND EVERY CORNER

BILL STUFFERS

Door Hanger

8283-DH-20

IfTrim: you’re to green up your home, propane can 4.5" xlooking 11" Bleed: 4.75" x 11.25"

Include this piece with customer bills to remind them that propane is a clean energy source that can increase their comfort. It includes space for your logo to promote your business and is available for print on-demand through PERC.

4/C help — maybe in more places than you think. Let’s Swanson Russell talk about how propane appliances can keep you comfortable while reducing your carbon footprint.

Bill Stuffer 8284-MA-20 Trim: 9.25" x 3.875" Bleed: 9.5" x 4.125" 4/C Swanson Russell

June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Feature IN-STORE

FOR YOUR OFFICE WINDOWWINDOW CLINGSCLINGS

Available in a variety of headline options showcasing different propane uses, these are made to be easily attached to your storefront windows to catch customers’ attention.

Use these for your storefront windows to catch customers’ attention. These downloadable graphics were designed for propane retailers to take to their local printer in their area to have produced and are not available through PERC’s new print on-demand service. NEED TO PHOTOSHOP

CLEAN ENERGY AROUND EVERY CORNER

NEED TO PHOTOSHOP

HELP EVERYONE REST EASIER

CLEAN ENERGY AROUND EVERY CORNER

LIVE MORE OUTDOORS

HELP EVERYONE REST EASIER

LIVE MORE OUTDOORS WARMER HEAT FOR EVERY ROOM

HOT SHOWERS FOR COOL SAVINGS

water heating

8278-WC-20

General Awareness

Water Heating

COUNTER MAT

home heating

8277-WC-20

Generator standby generators 8274-WC-20

Window Clings 8274-WC-20 Trim: 18" x 24" Bleed: 18.5" x 24.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

outdoor living 8276-WC-20

Home Heating

water heating 8278-WC-20

Window Clings 8278-WC-20 Trim: 18" x 24" Bleed: 18.5" x 24.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

WARMER HEAT FOR EVERY ROOM

standby generators 8274-WC-20

8275-WC-20

Outdoor Living

home heating

outdoor living

8277-WC-20

Window Clings 8277-WC-20 Trim: 18" x 24" Bleed: 18.5" x 24.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

8276-WC-20

Window Clings 8276-WC-20 Trim: 18" x 24" Bleed: 18.5" x 24.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

8275-WC-20

Window Clings 8275-WC-20 Trim: 18" x 24" Bleed: 18.5" x 24.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

COUNTER MAT starter that can help you talk to a customer A conversation about the benefits of adding more propane to their home.

This counter mat can be a conversation starter that can help you talk to SIGNof adding more propane to their home. a customerCOUNTER about the benefits Download the file and take to your local areawhy printer have produced for A reminder for customers about theytoshould add your office. more propane appliances to their home for better comfort

CLEAN ENERGY AROUND EVERY CORNER Counter Sign

and cleaner living.

COUNTER SIGN BROCHURE is a tri-fold brochure youshould can hand to customers A reminder This for customers about why they addout more propane applito help them learn more about what makes propane a great ances to their home for better comfort and cleaner living. Download the file energy source for the home. It covers propane’s benefits, its and take to your local area printer to have produced for your office.

Ask us about all the ways propane can green up

A CLEANER TOMORROW STARTS WITH YOUR HOME TODAY

Counter Mat

deluxe appliances

keep everyone comfortable

Propane powers the high-end appliances you want, plus a few others you might not expect.

The more propane you use, the more you’re

Furnaces and boilers

Clothes dryers

reducing harmful emissions. Luckily, the list

Fireplaces and fire pits

Standby generators

Water heaters

Outdoor amenities

Stoves and ovens

of what propane can power is long.

your home while cutting your energy bills.

You can count on propane to overdeliver on the comfort factor, no matter how you’re using it.

better savings Propane naturally performs more efficiently, so you get peak performance while spending less money.

sustainable living If your family is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, start with your house. Propane appliances can significantly decrease your environmental impact.

8279-PO-20 8281-PO-20

Counter Sign 8281-PO-20 Trim: 10" x 13" Bleed: 10.25" x 13.25" 4/C Swanson Russell

Counter Mat 8279-PO-20 Trim: 15" x 10" Bleed: 15.25" x 10.5" 4/C Swanson Russell

clean operation compared with other energy sources, and explains all the different uses of propane for homes.

BROCHURE

This is a tri-fold brochure available for print on-demand through PERC that you can hand out to customers to help them learn more about what makes propane a great energy source for the home. It covers propane’s benefits, its clean operation compared with other energy sources, and explains all the different uses of propane for homes.

Brochure

HOW TO DOWNLOAD, CUSTOMIZE & EVEN PRINT ASSETS To download or even include your company information on “select” customizable materials, visit https://propane.com/resource-catalog/ resources/2020-propane-can-do-that-homeowner-toolkit-collection/. In addition to being available for download, the post cards, bill stuffers, brochures, door hangers and print ads, can also be customized and printed on-demand through PERC’s printing partner, OneTouchPoint, a local printer and mail house, which is located right here in Texas and also used for ProCOT programs like Texas Duty to Warn. Dependent on the item you select on PERC’s Propane Resource Catalog, you will be routed to OneTouchPoint’s customization portal to add your logo and company information. Once you have entered your information and are happy with your proof, follow the prompts to download or complete your printing order.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

POWERING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA HELP US GROW PROPANE USE STATEWIDE WITH FREE SOCIAL POSTS Designed specifically for Texas, we’ve developed a set of seven professional social media posts to help you promote the use of propane in your area. Each includes an image or video that you can share, as well as corresponding post copy that you can revise to fit your business, if needed. To download these easy-to-use posts and other valuable resources, visit Propane.com/Resource-Catalog and search ‘social posts’.

Covering a variety of topics, each post can be downloaded, customized, and shared in just minutes.

PROPANE.COM

June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Feature

PERC Residential Tool Updated: Use This Resource to Reveal Opportunities in Your Local Market Propane Index = Distance Index + Appliance Index. Demand Index = overall housing development & remodel activity. Propane Share Index = the saturation of our target key consumer groups (e.g. traditional, entry level & family life). Income Index = measures median income for area, higher scores equate to people are not as price sensitive, willing to invest in a home, care about the resale value of their home. Composite Score = the average of all of the above. The overall score of a market. The higher the index score the better.

Active Subdivisions & Active Builders

Launched over three years ago by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), the Residential Market Growth (RMG) program was designed for the propane industry to find more residential business and to help its members understand the markets they currently service or plan to serve. PERC partnered with Metrostudy, a residential data provider, to develop the program and tool. A significant overhaul of the program was recently completed. The interactive RMG tool is now embedded on PERC’s main website at https://propane.com/providers/marketoutlook-new/ instead of being on its own microsite. The information and tool is only accessible to propane marketers, so you must set up a free account to access the data. The data behind the program takes into account how much propane-related home buying and how many appliance retrofits are taking place within a market, and what

kinds of homeowners are behind that activity. The program weighs factors such as construction activity, demographic trends, and natural gas availability. The previous version of the tool looked at 381 markets. The newly enhanced tool looks at 917 core-based statistical areas (CBSA), which have each been scored. A CBSA is an urbanized cluster of at least 10,000 people. Propane retailers can look at data by state, county, metropolitan statistical areas and ZIP code. The program uses index scores that reflect how much propane-related activity is likely to be taking place within a market and what kinds of homeowners are behind that activity.

What each index means?

Distance Index = how far away the area is from natural gas mains. Appliance Index = measures consumers in the area’s affinity for gas appliances.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

The data for “Active Builders” and “Active Subdivisions” is more limited, however, and still only exists for the 381 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). An MSA is an area with at least 50,000 people. In short, the data covers over 90% of where American households reside. Active Subdivisions – only lists subdivisions that do not have natural gas. Not necessarily that have propane, but they are being built out without natural gas. Read data left to right. The data for subdivision will tell you how many lots and the stage of development (e.g. vacant, under construction, etc.). Metrostudy drives by developments quarterly. Active Builders – at the very least gives propane retailers filtered hit list of builders to target in their geographic region that build have an affinity for gas. DATA FOR EACH SEGMENT IS EXPORTABLE TO SPREADSHEETS.

Where to Advertise & Marketing Materials

The Resources section of the website provides access to creative templates that can be used in marketing campaigns; you

Feature can also always use the new Propane Can Do That materials outlined on pages 6-8 of this issue. While not available in the RMG tool, propane retailers can visit the PERC Propane Resource Catalog and download an RMG media analysis report for their part of the United States. There are reports available for some of the larger markets. For the markets that are available, you will find internet sites to advertise on, newspapers, magazines as well as TV and radio stations to target. The ones in red and pink are the hottest mediums to target for potential audiences that would be in a propane market. In Summary: What You Will Find with the Residential Market Growth Tool • Interactive Map • Summary of the Area/Market • Area/Market Detail • Active Subdivisions • Active Builders • Active Consumer Groups For questions on reports, the tool or if you need help customizing materials, please email PERC at info@residentialmarketgrowth.com.

Transitional, Entry Level & Family Life Defined These are the names of the three consumer groups that the RMG program defines as key targets for the propane industry that tend to prefer propane. Within the consumer segmentation model used throughout the RMG program, the Transitional household accounts for 24% of all households in the U.S. The householder has an average age of 46. Average income is $30,138. This group is the most ethnically diverse of all groups. Entry Level households account for 13% of all households. The householder has an average age between 25 and 64. Average income for this group is $44,612. About 80% of this group own their homes, although rates will vary based on local affordability. Family Life households account for 6% of all households. The householder has an average age between 35 and 54. Average income for this group is $116,610. About 99% of this group own their homes. And as the name suggests, they average two children living in the home.

FUEL YOUR PROFITS WITH LOWER WORKERS’ COMP PREMIUMS Endorsed by:

*Dividends are not guaranteed and past dividends are not a guarantee of future dividends. The Texas Department of Insurance must approve all dividend plans

Call your agent to get a quote or call Curtis Heptner, Master Agent H (940) 397-2771 H Curtis@certessentials.com

June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Business Beat

Understanding Firewalls for Home and Small Office Use the specific network behavior of individual applications on a system. A significant disadvantage of a software firewall is that it is typically located on the same system that is being protected. Being located on the same system can hinder the firewall’s ability to detect and stop malicious activity. Another possible disadvantage of software firewalls is that—if you have a firewall for each computer on a network—you will need to update and manage each computer’s firewall individually. How do you know what configuration settings to apply?

Using a firewall in conjunction with other protective measures can help strengthen your resistance to attacks. When your computer is accessible through an internet connection or Wi-Fi network, it is susceptible to attack. However, you can restrict outside access to your computer—and the information on it—with a firewall. What do firewalls do?

Firewalls provide protection against outside cyber attackers by shielding your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic. Firewalls can also prevent malicious software from accessing a computer or network via the internet. Firewalls can be configured to block data from certain locations (i.e., computer network addresses), applications, or ports while allowing relevant and necessary data through. What type of firewall is best?

Categories of firewalls include hardware and software. While both have advantages and disadvantages, the decision to use a firewall is more important than deciding which type you use. Hardware – Typically called network

firewalls, these physical devices are positioned between your computer and the internet (or other network connection). Many vendors and some internet service providers (ISPs) offer integrated small office / home office routers that also include firewall features. Hardware-based firewalls are particularly useful for protecting multiple computers and controlling the network activity that attempts to pass through them. The advantage of hardware-based firewalls is that they provide an additional line of defense against attacks reaching desktop computing systems. The disadvantage is that they are separate devices that require trained professionals to support their configuration and maintenance. Software – Most operating systems (OSs) include a built-in firewall feature that you should enable for added protection, even if you have an external firewall. Firewall software is also available separately from your local computer store, software vendor, or ISP. If you download firewall software from the internet, make sure it is from a reputable source (i.e., an established software vendor or service provider) and offered via a secure site. The advantage of software firewalls is their ability to control

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Most commercially available firewall products, both hardware and software based, come preconfigured and ready to use. Since each firewall is different, you will need to read and understand the documentation that comes with it to determine whether the default firewall settings are sufficient for your needs. This is particularly concerning because the “default” configuration is typically less restrictive, which could make your firewall more susceptible to compromise. Alerts about current malicious activity (e.g., CISA’s Alerts) sometimes include information about restrictions you can implement through your firewall. Though properly configured firewalls may effectively block some attacks, do not be lulled into a false sense of security. Firewalls do not guarantee that your computer will not be attacked. Firewalls primarily help protect against malicious traffic, not against malicious programs (i.e., malware), and may not protect you if you accidentally install or run malware on your computer. However, using a firewall in conjunction with other protective measures (e.g., antivirus software and safe computing practices) will strengthen your resistance to attacks. This information was provided by The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). This article, plus other tips, can be found at us-cert.gov/ncas/tips.

THIS IS WHERE WE'VE BEEN. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE. THIS IS WHERE WE ARE GOING.

MOVING FUEL AHEAD OF EXPECTATION

WWW.MKGAS.COM 1-888-MKGASTX J LIQUID TRANSPORTATION J TANK INSTALLATIONS

J LP GAS INSTALLATIONS J FUEL SUPPLY June 2020 â€¢

Texas Propane

Fleet Safety

Railroad Crossings Safety

A propane cargo tank transport was driven onto a railroad track where it was hit by a train. The impact ruptured the cargo tank and caused a massive fire and train derailment. The small town nearby had to be evacuated. The incident highlights the impor-

tance of safe procedure at rail crossings. With that in mind, Crum & Forster Risk Engineering provides video of the incident, relevant FMCSA regulation for rail crossings, and training materials from Operation Lifesaver, a nationwide, nonprofit public information program dedi-

Texas Propane â€˘ www.txpropane.com

cated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at rail crossings. The types of commercial vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings are detailed in FMCSA regulation Â§ 392.10. It requires all buses transporting passengers, all commercial vehicles carrying HAZMAT Class 2.3 chlorine, all commercial vehicles that are required to be placarded, all cargo tank vehicles used for the transportation of any hazardous material as defined in FMCSA Hazardous Materials Regulations or transporting a material at a temperature higher than its flashpoint, and all cargo tank vehicles transporting certain exempted commodities to stop at rail crossings. The full text of the regulation can be viewed here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/392.10 Safe procedure for stopping at railroad crossings is set forth in the FMCSA regulations, too. They tell us that a driver of a commercial vehicle shall not cross a railroad track at grade unless he first: 1. Stops the commercial motor vehicle within 50 feet of, and not closer than 15

feet to, the tracks; 2. Thereafter listens and looks in each direction along the tracks for an approaching train; 3. Ascertains that no train is approaching. 4. When safe to do so, he may drive the commercial motor vehicle across the tracks in a gear that permits the commercial motor vehicle to complete the crossing without changing gears; 5. The driver must not shift gears while crossing the tracks. Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide,

MEMBER

non-profit public information program dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities at rail crossings. It provides safety training for commercial drivers who can cross railroad tracks. Some helpful links: Operation Lifesaver – Rail Safety Education for Professional Drivers http://oli.org/training/professionaldrivers Operation Lifesaver – Rail Safety Education for School Bus Drivers http://oli.org/training/school-bus-drivers

Operation Lifesaver – E-Learning for Professional Drivers http://oli.org/e-learning-survey This material is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be a representation of coverage that may exist in any particular situation under a policy issued by one of the companies within Crum & Forster. This material was developed as a general guide to safety from sources believed to be reliable and is not intended to provide legal, technical or other professional advice.

Disability Insurance • Farm & Ranch • Employee Benefits • Long Term Care Financial & Estate Planning • Home & Auto • Life Insurance

Is the missing piece worth

THE RISK

Other propane owners have come to our agency to get help with connecting their insurance pieces: 1) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent. 2) Many have discovered a missing piece of coverage after meeting with us.

John Gordon

Past TPGA District Director & Propane Dealer “When we were with our other carrier, we did not have any personal conversations, just formal letters in the mail and we did not receive updates on our policies etc. When we met with Rusty, he gave us personal attention, came to our business and has shown us different coverage options available””

3) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available.

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June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Feature

COVID Business Climate Fostering Online Learning Opportunities for Propane Professionals The nation’s indefinite lockdown has opened a window for propane company staffs to bolster sales, marketing and compliance safety training. Although the federal government exempted propane marketers as an essential business, most retail operations were forced to close shop to prevent the spread of the coronavirus starting in March. States are independently weighing plans to reopen portions of commerce beginning in May, but a full return is not expected for months. In the meantime, propane marketers have restricted personal contact in the

office and assigned staff to work from home. For many, that extra time on their computers means opportunity to explore various training offerings through a new online learning platform launched by the Propane Education & Research

Council (PERC). The Learning Center, which is located on the PERC website at www.propane.com, provides central access to all online propane industry educational materials. Users can quickly access all training, certification, records, tests, and skill evaluations from their desktop computer, laptop, cellphone or tablet. Prior to its launch last July, most all PERC training was done in classrooms. “As marketers adjust to doing business in these unique circumstances, we encourage them to use these free tools to keep their teams productive while work-

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

ing out of the office,” explains Bridget Kidd, PERC’s senior vice president of industry relations. “It’s a convenient way for them to explore new markets, sharpen their skills or add valuable safety training at no cost.” More than 4,800 users from 1,600 companies have created accounts to access Learning Center training and related resources. The number of monthly users logging into the system jumped 20 percent from January through April, when it peaked at 1,912. Users completed more than 5,400 sales training modules through April. Another 1,900 lessons are in progress. The sales training is presented in two levels – for marketers who are new to the industry or new to marketing in the industry, and for those already experienced in marketing and sales. The curriculum includes videos, webinars, games, and more to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Certified Employee Training Program (CETP) training and certification, which qualifies for RRC Continuing Education

were added to the Learning Center in January. Already, about 2,500 users have registered to take smaller, customizable lessons designed to fit specific job tasks. Users completed almost 3,400 CETP training modules in the first quarter of 2020 – more than 60 percent of the total taken through all of 2019. The Learning Center also offers a dozen segments of OSHA and DOT training. They include: Overview, hazardous communications requirements, hazmat general awareness, emergency planning, loading and unloading bobtails, transports and rail cars, commercial motor vehicle driver requirements, driving defensively, vehicle inspection, cylinder safety, materials of trade, security and hazardous materials. Through April, more than 2,200 of those training modules were completed with another 374 in progress. The Learning Center enables users to choose the courses and learning paths they want to take. Or, employers can customize and assign specific training and testing and track employee progress. The system also keeps records of all work done

by users. Records for individual companies are not shared and are kept confidential to the administrators in that company. The online training offerings are designed to enable employees to learn at their own pace while improving comprehension of materials. They also save companies the expense of sending employees to several days of classroom training and the lost productivity from being away. Based on an average of 12,000 CETP certifications earned annually, the conversion from traditional to the digital platform projects to save the industry $1.5 million each year in costs of printed materials and certification fees. “We’re committed to making workforce safety training and certification better, faster and cheaper,” explains Eric Kuster, PERC ‘s vice president of safety, training and compliance. “We recognize that today’s workforce learns differently than previous generations, so we are designing a more flexible system that better serves both current and future hires.” To learn more, visit www.propane.com and click on Learning Center.

June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Marketing Minute

Making It Last: 3 Tips To Keep Your Audience Engaged By Dana C. Arnett Now more than ever, a successful branding strategy involves finding new ways to reach and engage your target community—but that’s only half the challenge. Let’s suppose you’ve implemented an effective campaign; you’ve made real inroads into a community and you’ve built ties. Now, what do you do to keep the momentum going? Building connections and generating interest was only “phase one”. For lasting success, you now need to move to “phase two”: converting that immediate excitement for your product or service into long-term brand loyalty. What can you do to continue the momentum you’ve built through your marketing efforts? The following tips may help.

ment, all your effort (and dollars donated) will be forgotten in six months’ time, if not sooner. To build long-term engagement, you need a long-term strategy for long-term involvement. Consumers need to know you care. Find local or regional causes that resonate with your company’s core values and support them regularly. Be on the lookout for additional ways to give back to the community you’re trying to reach. This piece, for instance, catalogs how 100 different companies are giving back during coronavirus. One example of this altruism—a business called RepairSmith is donating $100,000 of “contact-free” auto repair services to people who lost their jobs as a result of the 2020 pandemic.

#1 – REMAIN INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY CAUSES

#2 – ALWAYS LOOK FOR WAYS TO ADD VALUE

The public’s collective memory is quite short especially with the bombardment of advertising we all see each day. If you build brand awareness with a generous sponsorship of a one-time event, you may build rapport—but without any further involve-

One of the best ways to build loyalty is by adding value for consumers without adding cost—and without being asked to do so. When you make a sweet deal even sweeter just because you can, you turn satisfied customers into raving fans. When

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you extend a one-year subscription for an additional three months for no apparent reason (and for no extra money), you have just eliminated their need to even consider going elsewhere. Always look for ways to make customers feel they’re getting more value from you than they’d ever get from your competitors, and you’ll have them for life. This Inc article details 9 real-world examples of companies going above and beyond to delight customers. For instance, Kleenex used Facebook to coordinate with friends and family members of sick people and then arranged to give away free “Kleenex Kits” to those who needed them. #3 – STAY IN THE CONVERSATION

Social media serves more purpose for brands than just marketing. By its very nature, it’s a “social” platform with many opportunities for organic engagement. If you only use your Instagram to advertise or for influencer marketing, you’re missing a huge opportunity for long-term connection with an online community of potential customers. Pay attention to what people are posting, like and follow, and leave shout-outs, comments, and questions where appropriate. Likewise, if someone goes to the trouble to comment on something you’ve shared, a thoughtful response will go a long way toward building rapport and loyalty. Irreverence can work as well, as with Wendy’s famously spicy Twitter campaign. Your long-term success as a brand depends not just on making the public aware of you, but also on earning their trust. Think of engaging your community like a marathon, not a sprint. Wicked Bionic can help you develop powerful strategies to find your desired audience and engage them both effectively and consistently. Article courtesy of Wicked Bionic (https:// wickedbionic.com/), a Los Angeles-based endto-end marketing company.

June 2020 â€¢

Texas Propane

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Stanley G. Moos, 90, of Austin, TX passed away on April 14, 2020. After graduating from Austin High School, he attended the University of Texas at Austin. Then he enlisted into the U.S. Army and retired as a Lt. Colonel. Stanley enjoyed various business ventures in oil and gas, insurance, real estate and small equipment. Most of his life was spent owning Austin Hydro Gas. He also served as President and Treasurer of the Texas Propane Gas Association, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Church Board, Chamber of Commerce and other organizations. He co-founded the TPGA Scholarship Fund along with Skeeter LaDue of Gas Equipment Company, and voluntarily supported that cause for many years. In memory of Stanley, the family requests donations be made to a charity of choice, Christian church of choice, or St. Martin’s Lutheran Church. A burial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Janet Prater, 84, of Pflugerville, TX, passed away on April 29, 2020. She was employed at Texaco Corporation while she lived in Houston after graduating from Charles H. Milby High School in 1956. She also worked as a bookkeeper for the Texas Propane Gas Association for over 20 years. Jan cherished family get togethers where she could cook for everyone, and she enjoyed road trips with her husband, Bob. She also enjoyed quilting in several quilting groups and had many dear friends in the Bunco group she belonged to.

Learn to Find Your Focus in Difficult Conversations

Have you ever found it hard to focus on that important conversation right now because of all the other critical things that need your attention at the same time? And do you sometimes struggle to say the right things in a difficult conversation? If either of these situations describes you, we have two pieces of good news: 1) you are normal; and 2) you can learn how to deal with both in a highly interactive and engaging webinar. In June, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is offering two different dates for the Finding Your Focus in Difficult Conversations Training. on June 11 at 1 p.m. CST and then again on June 18, 2020 at 10 a.m. CST. Register for a webinar at https://propane.com/newsroom/events/. What’s New in RRC Training?

The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) gained a seat on the NFPA Fuel Gases Warning Equipment technical committee with the appointment of Senior Technical Advisor, Bruce Swiecicki. This committee is currently working on the first edition of NFPA 715 Standard for the Installation of Fuel Gases Detection and Warning Equipment.

This past spring 2020, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) successfully launched an alternative fuels online training program where propane retailers could garner continuing education credit. The Commission offered a variety of continuing education classes online in April and May. Hundreds participated in the online CE courses this past spring. For June 2020, RRC is resuming inperson classes and exams in Austin with pre-registration. As the state continues to open up, the Commission will look into other class and exam location possibilities. RRC will also be continuing to hold online classes for Continuing Education. Class size is limited contingent on Governor’s reopening guidelines and percentages. To see the latest training and exam schedule and locations, go to https:// www.rrc.state.tx.us/all-events. If you have questions the classes or exams, please contact the RRC at trainingexams@rrc.texas.gov and 512-4632682.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Inside the Industry TPGA COVID Resources & Updates

The Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) has created a one-stop shop for coronavirus updates and resources on the TPGA website, everything from compliance extensions to employer requirements. Visit our homepage at www.txpropane. com and click on Coronavirus Updates & Resources. Once there, you can choose from multiple different tabs: regulatory exemptions & waivers; employer compliance; funding & tax incentives; health &

safety; propane operations; and consumer-related information. Are you receiving TPGA’s COVID Updates? While Texas is starting to slowly reopen, there is coronavirus specific ex-

emptions and waivers that may expire or be extended. Receive Texas propane related COVID updates straight to your email inbox. Has your email recently changed, have a colleague you want to add or are not receiving the updates by email? Update email or add an email address by completing this short form at the following URL online at https://bit. ly/2AHj95Z. Have COVID related questions? Contact TPGA at (800)325-7427.

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June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons

Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc Formerly, Southern Star Insurance Agency, Inc Cecil Joiner, Risk Manager cecil@garrettinsurance.com 936-756-2222 www.garrettinsurance.com

FOR SALE (6) 60,000 gallon, 250 psi, 2016 (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2008 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

BOBTAILS FOR SALE T exas trucks, no rust, good to excellent condition: • 1998 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2500 gal, tank, LC Register, Steel deck, Aluminum wheels, 45,386 miles on new motor in 2009 • 2003 Kenworth, 6 speed, 2800 gal. Whiteriver built tank, Neptune meter, steel deck, vapor reel, Guidemaster, Self-load plumbing, 17,248 miles on new motor in 2017. • 2005 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2800 gal. tank, 300,000 miles. • 1964 Transport Trailer, 10,600 gal., Hydraulic pump, Rear load, Runs daily, Freshly repainted and Ready to go. Call or email for Pictures and Pricing @ 512-276-7800 or 1-800-696-3493 or sturner@directpropaneservices.com FOR SALE 1970 Arrow Tank – 2,600 Gallon with Blackmer Pump, LC Meter, Hannay Hose Reel w/125’ of 1” Hose. $5,000 Contact Chad 254-582-5359 Admin@dixielpgas.com

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar JUNE

1 Summer Propane Living Subscription Deadline www.procot.org 1 Sales of Propane Surveys Due 11 PERC Skills Webinar Finding Your Focus in Difficult Conversions 14-17 NPGA Presidential Forum, Annual Meeting & Propane Days Washington, D.C.

18 PERC Skills Webinar Finding Your Focus in Difficult Conversions 30 TERP Texas Clean Fleet Application Deadline

JULY

AUGUST

20-21 2020 Can Do Conference Minneapolis, MN 24-26 2020 Green Transportation Summit & Expo Tacoma, WA

21-22 PERC Council Meeting Beaver Creek, CO

CANCELED

15-18 NFPA Conference & Expo Orlando, FL

CANCELED Index to Advertisers Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1

Bergquist 24 BLT Tanks 25 Cunningham Gas Products 23 Ferrellgas 21 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover Gas Equipment Company 31 Lone Star Energy Group 11 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 31 Marshall Young Insurance 21 Meeder Equipment Co. 5

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN TEXAS PROPANE MAGAZINE? For Advertising, contact: Joanne Pantaze at 512-273-2639 or by email at jpantaze@pvco.net

Metsa Tanks Inc. 27 MK Gas 19 PERC 9 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 26 Rural Computer Consultants 27 Transwest Trailers 22 White River Distributors 20

June 2020 •

Texas Propane

Propane With Purpose

Pop-up Taprooms, Eateries Deliver Open-Air Options BoxPop® concept relies on propane to power their shipping containers

Mobile yet more spacious than a food truck. No brick-and-mortar overhead and eye-catchingly cool. Britten-made BoxPop® custom shipping containers used for food service, craft breweries, and wine tasting rooms already had a ton of great things going for them. Now with hints that America might soon begin to slowly reopen, says BoxPop®’s VP of Specialty Construction Matt Egan, it’s time to add another big benefit to the list. “A comfortable, uncrowded experience in the clean, open air,” he says. “Heading into summer and with physical distancing so much on people’s minds, we might one day look back at this time as a Golden Age for shipping container food and beverage service.” Even in good times, running a restaurant or bar at a brick-andmortar location was tough. High overhead. Thin profit margins. With millions of Americans out of work, many insiders are wondering how the industry will recover. “While larger restaurant chains and well-funded restaurant groups will likely be able to [make a comeback],” wrote Resy Senior Writer Deanna Ting, “many independent restaurants—which account for twothirds of American restaurants—may not.” The timeline for returning life to normalcy is unclear. But when the

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

economy turns back on, everyone agrees it won’t be like flipping a switch. A trickle is more likely, with the new practice of social distancing being a hard habit to shake. So, what does the future of going out to dine with friends and family look like? “It’s only natural to assume that people are probably going to avoid crowds, cramped seating indoors, and breathing other people’s air,” says Egan. “A shipping container business is different because it’s all about outside flexibility, mobility, and space. You can set them up anywhere outdoors. Inside, they provide floor space for stoves, coolers, taps, and your workers. For your customers, it’s grab-and-go or you can configure comfortable seating around your pod anyway you want.” BoxPop®, based in Traverse City, Michigan, made a name for itself building shipping container bars, pop-up shops, elaborate tradeshow booths, and event activations for America’s top sports teams and Fortune 500 companies. MGM Resorts. Tropicana. The NFL’s Miami Dolphins. “Shipping container bars and restaurants allow you to run super lean with minimal staff,” he says. “You’re not bound by a monthly lease and paying high rent. Wire them for electricity, running water, and propane— anything you want. You can transport them anywhere. And they’re lockdown secure. In this current climate, it’s a perfect combination.”

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