February 2022 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane Texas Propane Volume 78 No. 2

February 2022

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

A Look Back 25 Years

2022 National Propane Education & Training Conference 2022 Propane Energy For Everyone Marketing Conference Introducing Traffic Huddle Safety Meetings

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TexasPropane February 2022

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@zochnet.com Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@zochnet.com

Features ProCOT: A Look Back 25 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ProCOT By the Numbers 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 National Propane Education & Training Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PERC training event in Dallas March 1-2 2022 Energy For Everyone Marketing Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Is Payroll Outsourcing Right for Your Small Business? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Do Not Miss Out on Money for School Buses in Your Community. . . . . 22

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Traffic Safety Huddle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

ProCOT Continues Its Mission of Promoting Propane Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director This month we reflect on another important organization – the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT). ProCOT is a non-profit dedicated to the promotion of propane in Texas. The feature explains how ProCOT came about, how they are funded and some of the many important projects they have implemented over the years, some of which continue today, along with new projects.

The TPGA board and committees will be meeting this month. All TPGA members are welcome at these meetings. Hope to see you there.

PERC’s National Propane Education and Training Conference is coming up very quickly in Dallas. In addition to sessions on safety and regulatory compliance, the conference will feature tracks on marketer sales and technical training.

If you haven’t signed up yet, do so soon.

Also coming up in April is the 2022 Energy for Everyone Marketing Conference in Minneapolis.

The NPGF Scholarship application

deadline is February 15, so don’t miss the deadline!

NEW MEMBER Marketer Pilot Thomas Logistics Odessa, TX

AFFINITY PARTNERS

LEnergy ONE ST R Group

2020-2021 TPGA Board of Directors President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 President Elect: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Matt Brock, 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: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 7 Alternate: Open District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Open District 9 Director: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 9 Alternate: Larry Hearn, Yellow Rose Propane, 870-648-8241 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

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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: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 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 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: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-2915 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: Kirk McGarrah, Cox2M, 713-897-1740 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Steve Johnson, Midstream Transportation, 512-787-3777 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jim Fulton, 4J Energy, 281-728-8567 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Co, 214-683-8018 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. At Large Director: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Assoc. At Large Alternate: Crystelle Markley, Superior Energy Systems, 512-944-4177 Nominating Chair: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

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Feature

ProCOT: A Look Back 25 Years A year after the establishment of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) in 1996, the Texas Educational & Marketing Foundation (TPEMF), now known as the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT), filed its Articles of Incorporation. The Propane Council of Texas is now on the cusp of celebrating its 25th anniversary.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Feature

February 2022 •

Texas Propane

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Feature About the Council

ProCOT, as many propane marketers call it in the Lone Star State, is a non-profit dedicated to the promotion of propane in Texas. It additionally implements a number of propane and consumer education projects and programs.

ProCOT is funded through the Propane Education & Research Council with 20% of the assessment collected by PERC made available for each state to apply to the national PERC council for consideration programs and projects for their state.

The money is not automatically sent to states. Each state foundation or council must have a specific project or program in which they apply for. Any funds are perpetually rolled over until that state has worthwhile programs or projects they want to use the money for. If that program or project does not use all the funds, then that state must return unused funds and can reapply for those for another project down the road.

The Council is a governed by the TPGA President, PresidentElect, Secretary, Treasurer, two supplier members and nine individuals from the Texas propane industry who periodically review and approve new programs and projects.

Early Years

Some of the projects from the early years are still implemented today. For instance, one of the first projects launched was Country Livin/Easy Livin, a 4-page consumer newsletter. The newsletter that debuted in 1998 is still distributed to this day, under the

1997-1998

The Texas Propane Educational & Marketing Foundation (TPEMF) is formed

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1999

name of Propane Living. It began with a distribution of a little over 35,000 copies a quarter. In the last quarter of 2021, it reached over 122,000 propane consumers. The newsletter provides consumers with information on incentives, rebates, safety, and propane tips, as well as the benefits of using propane in their homes.

Another one of the early programs that still endures today is the Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Wall Calendar. The program was a vehicle to get propane safety information to propane customers in a way they would use it and see it. In 2002, TPEMF produced 17,850 for the 2003 calendar year. Calendar production has nearly tripled since then with over 51,000 calendars for 2022 being produced in 2021.

AFRED & Propane Council Partnerships

In the early years of the Foundation and through 2013, the Texas Propane Education & Marketing Foundation/Propane Council and the Alternative Fuel Research Education Division (AFRED) teamed up on a number of projects offered to the propane industry.

2001

2001

Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar Program introduced

Propane Marketer Website Program in partnership with AFRED launched Country Livin/Easy Livin (now Propane Living) introduced

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

2002

Propane Forklift Safety Flipcharts first produced in partnership with AFRED

Feature In 2001-2002, TPEMF and AFRED partnered in the early internet age to fund dozens of rebates so propane retailers could create websites for their companies.

In the early years, TPEMF worked with AFRED to help fund the popular Propane Forklift Safety Flipchart, a 13-month bi-lingual flipchart used by warehouses and forklift operators to promote propane forklift safety. Nearly a decade later, ProCOT updated the flipcharts and republished it for the industry. And to this day now, a digital version of the flipchart can be downloaded and printed off of ProCOT’s website.

In 2013, AFRED invited ProCOT to help supplement its initial safety meeting notebook with 5 to 7-minute videos for each chapter to augment the discussion material. With ProCOT’s help, the binder was updated, and videos were included for nearly all of the safety meetings.

Most Asked About Program

The Duty to Warn Safety mailing program has one of the highest distributions of all consumer safety programs. The program allows propane marketers to provide their Texas customers with a Texas version of the PERC Important Information for You & Your Family brochure at a very minimal cost, while being provided with ample paperwork to document their mailing. ProCOT covers brochure printing and postage.

This winter, the Texas Duty to Warn Program distributed over 245,000 safety brochures to Texas propane customers and re-

2003-2004

Statewide Propane Billboard Campaign

tailers across the state. The program has grown 108% since its inception in 2007.

Memorable Marketing Projects

A project that stands out is the Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon Program. In 2005, the TPEMF enlisted the help of former oil executive turned hot air balloon pilot Philip Bryant to launch the aerial advertising program.

“Not only was propane the fuel of choice for hot air balloonists, at the time, hot air balloon advertising had the highest retention and recall of any other advertising, more so than TV or radio or any other medium,” ProCOT’s education & marketing director Jackie Mason said.

Texas was a hot bed for hot air balloon activity, from the mountains of El Paso to the Piney Woods of East Texas to NASA on the Gulf Coast. The festivals not only offered a captive audience, but were highly photographed, and pictures appeared in everything from local newspapers to being incorporated into varying works of art.

The program ran from 20042011. After 7 years, the balloon

2003

2004

ProCOT sponsored First Contact Safety Training begins

Marketer Highway Sign Program launched

2004-2011

Propane Exceptional Energy Balloon Program

February 2022 •

2005-2008

Energy Guys Statewide TV Campaign Texas

Texas Propane

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Feature had reached its useful life/airworthiness and a digital age of advertising was slowly emerging, so the program was retired.

Around the same time the balloon program launched, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) launched the national Energy Guy Campaign with TV and print advertising.

ProCOT wanted to augment the popular national campaign on the state level and invested in bringing the Energy Guys to Texas TV airwaves for 4 years, until the U.S Department of Commerce implemented a 5-year marketing restriction. The restriction applied nationally to PERC, as well as statewide with ProCOT. The Propane Education & Research Act of 1996 had provisions within the federal law that if the price of propane reached a certain level, PERC and state affiliated foundations and councils were restricted from consumer marketing. The consumer marketing ban was finally lifted in 2014 with the Propane Education & Research Enhancement Act. The Council implements consumer and public messaging in a

2007-2011

2007

Propane Exceptional Energy bulk storage decals

Lone Star Radio Network Statewide PSA Campaign Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program established

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

variety of ways and publications. The Council has promoted the propane brand over the years via advertising campaigns on the Lone Star Radio network, Texas Monthly magazine, Texas Farm & Ranch, Texas Farm Bureau’s publication Texas Agriculture, multiple builder publications, and various other news outlets. It also issues press releases outside of its partner projects with propane retailers.

Safety & Training

Over the years, ProCOT has implemented a variety of training courses, from NFPA 58 training to CSR training with the Milford Therrell Award winning First Contact Safety Training for front office staff. A similar comprehensive training is now offered through PERC online on demand.

The Council has always had a relationship with the fire service and has worked with them on multiple projects including cooking grease fire demo trailer, computer-based training, as well as our popular in-

2010

2012

Propane Mower & Vehicle Incentives Program launched

ProCOT Propane Emergencies Training begins at TEEX

2013

Fueling Texas Autogas Campaign initiated

Feature person Propane Emergencies Training course for firefighters and emergency responders that launched in 2012. ProCOT hopes to resume this program in 2022. The Propane Emergencies trainings are held nearly annually at what firefighters call the Disney World of firefighting, Texas A&M University’s TEEX Brayton Training Field in College Station. The training field hosts firefighters and emergency responders from all over the globe. The ProCOT sponsored training is a combination of classroom and tactical field training attended by many rural departments at minimal cost.

Current ProCOT Projects

The Propane Council of Texas just wrapped up 2021 with a number of ongoing programs, which we call legacy projects, that are popular and reoccurring like the calendar, consumer newsletter and duty to warn.

New in 2021 was the beta Texas Saves with Propane Appliance Rebate Program. For the pilot year, we wanted to start small The Council offered rebates on propane water heaters and furnaces to the end consumer. PERC already has generous rebate program for builders, so the Council wanted to complement their efforts and offer an incentive to consumers, as well.

By the end of 2021, the Council awarded 117 rebates to the end consumers and is looking at revamping the program for 2022. Propane retailers can still get in rebate applications for

2014

2017-2020

customer purchases from 2021, with receipts dated no later than 12/31/2021. Applications for 2021 purchases must be received by no later than the extended deadline of March 1, 2022.

If extended by PERC, the Council plans to launch their 2022 revamped rebate program by April of this year.

The rebate program is not the only incentives previously offered by the Council. The Council also offered mower and vehicle incentives for nearly a decade. The mower and vehicle incentives have not been offered since 2019 after the TCEQ TERP program was expanded to include more opportunities for propane.

With the expansion of TERP grants and incentives over the past three years, the Council has funded a grant expert to be on hand toassist propane retailers, fleets and anyone else who wants to apply for on and offroad grants and incentives, helping them navigate the grant process.

Additionally in 2021, the Council wanted to piggyback on the popularity of the new Propane Energy for Everyone brand and implemented a fourth quarter 2021 radio, internet and social media campaign across Texas that will tentatively wrap up January 31, 2022.

Turn to Page 13 for results from 2021 ProCOT programs and projects.

Plans for the Future

The Council plans to continue their core legacy programs while still in demand and will look at other opportunities that come up.

2019

2020

2021

ProCOT Propane Appliance Rebate Program launched Propane vehicle grant writing services instituted

ProCOT Propane Builder newsletter introduced

ProCOT enters Google Grants Program

Proudly Propane/ Propane Can Do That Marketing Campaign implemented

ProCOT Propane Energy for Everyone Statewide Advertising Campaign

February 2022 •

Texas Propane

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February 2022 •

Texas Propane

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Feature

National Propane Education & Training Conference PERC training event in Dallas March 1-2

Propane professionals with an interest in industry-specific educational methods and resources are invited to join together March 1-2 at the Westin Dallas-Fort Worth Airport for the return of PERC’s live National Propane Education & Training Conference.

Like years past, you’ll have the opportunity to attend general and breakout sessions customized to fit your training needs.

In addition to sessions on safety and regulatory compliance, the 2022 conference will feature tracks on marketer sales and technical training. Plus, you’ll learn how to use the newest features and resources available on PERC’s Learning Center.

This year’s conference will be an in-person event only, opening at noon on March 1 and concluding at 12:30 p.m. on March 2.

Registration opens after Jan. 1. Cost is $99.

Speakers

Some of the speakers include: • Tucker Perkins, President & CEO, PERC

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

• Eric Kuster, Vice-president of Safety, Education & Compliance, PERC • Lyndon Rickards, Director of Safety & Compliance, PERC • Sarah Reboli, Esq., Senior Director, Regulatory & Industry Affairs, NPGA • Bruce Swiecicki, P.E., Senior Technical Advisor, NPGA • Elena Scott, Manager, Industry Training Programs, PERC • Margaret Hiatt, Educational Content Manager, PERC • Christopher Hanson, LMS Administrator, PERC • other propane industry compliance, safety and training experts

Hotel Info

Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport 4545 West John Carpenter Freeway Irving, Tx 75063

The Westin DFW is located approximately 10 minutes from the DFW airport. Complimentary shuttle service is provided to and from the hotel.

Discounted hotel room rate of $149/night is available until Feb. 7, or until block is sold out, whichever comes first.

For more information and registration, visit: https://propane. com/2022-national-propane-education-training-conference

Feature

Schedule

MARCH 1, 2022

Time Event 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

Room Trinity 4 – 5

Lunch

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Opening Remarks: Welcome and introductions, Tucker Perkins Conference Overview, Eric Kuster

General Session: Modularized Function-Based Training Learning Paths, Lyndon Rickards Time Track 1: Education Track 2: LMS Administration

Room: Trinity 2 - 3 Room: Trinity 6 – 7

*Bring your laptop 1:40 pm – 2:40 pm

2:50 pm – 3:50 pm

Guided Workshop on Adult Learning Margaret Hiatt

LMS Admin Overview/ Introduction Chris Hanson

Trinity 4 – 5 Track 3: Safety & Compliance Room: Oak Ballroom Regulatory Update Sarah Reboli

Apprenticeship - NPGA & PERC - Office of Apprenticeship

NFPA 54 & 58 Code Update Bruce Swieciki

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Environmental Messaging LMS Reporting

Gregg Walker Chris Hanson

New PERC Material Overview 1.) Comprehensive Regulatory Compliance Handbook 2.) Fire Safety Analysis Changes 3.) Agriculture Safety Cut Sheets Lyndon Rickards

5:00 pm – 5:10 pm Closing Comments, Eric Kuster 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Trinity 4 – 5 Gallery

Reception

MARCH 2, 2022 8:00 am – 8:30 am

Trinity 4 – 5

Breakfast

General Session:

Panel Discussion - Education & Training for 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Employee Recruitment and Retention Mark Hood, Jessica Johnson, and Kim Lapierre Moderated by Eric Kuster

Time Track 1: Education Track 2: LMS Administration

Room: Trinity 2 - 3 Room: Trinity 6 – 7

*Bring your laptop

Trinity 4 – 5

Track 3: Safety & Compliance Room: Oak Ballroom

9:40 am – 10:40 am

Onboarding Kimmie Guthrie

LMS Tips and Tricks Chris Hanson

Certification 2.0 Paula Laney

10:50 am – 11:50 am

An Electronic Classroom Tom Clark

LMS Customizations Chris Hanson

Entry Level Driver Training Eric Kuster

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm Closing Comments, Eric Kuster

Trinity 4 – 5

February 2022 •

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Feature

2022 Energy For Everyone Marketing Conference Schedule of Events

Here’s what is planned for the 2022 Energy for Everyone Marketing Conference! Please note all events will be held on the 50th floor of the IDS Center, connected to The Marquette via hotel lobby.

April 5, 2022 noon-1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM-2:00 PM

Beyond Grit: Embracing Passion & Purpose to Gain the High Performance Edge

2:00 PM-2:15 PM

Break

2:15 PM-3:15 PM Reach Consumers Online with Google

2:15 PM-3:15 PM The Propane Brand: Know Your Brand

Strengths, Uncover Market Opportunities 2:15 PM-3:15 PM

This conference, which had its first event in 2018, is where propane marketers and industry partners from around the country, come together with marketing experts for two days of fresh thinking and networking. Join the Propane Education & Research Council in Minneapolis on April 5-6, 2022, and discover new strategies, the latest techniques, and helpful tips to energize your digital outreach, propane sales, and B2C/B2B marketing efforts. If you are interested in attending, make plans now! Registration is capped at 200 attendees.

Event Speakers

Keynote Speaker: • Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, Executive Coach and Author • Brian Basilico, B2B Interactive Marketing, Inc. • Adam Brewer, Silent Quadrant • Rocky Conly,Rocky Conly Cinematography • Ericca Dennehy, ACUPOLL Precision Research • Kenneth Holley, Silent Quadrant • Bill Leake, Apogee Results • Jeffrey Lee, Zonda • Dave Meyer, BizzyWeb • Christina Mozaffari, Throughline Group, Inc. • Trygve Olsen, BizzyWeb • Ross Tudor, Hot Corner Digital

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Evaluate Performance with Dynamic Phone Call Tracking

3:15 PM-3:30 PM Break

3:30 PM-4:30 PM Practical Media Training: Strategies

& Techniques 3:30 PM-4:30 PM

Cyber Threats: Protect Your Company and Customer Data

3:30 PM-4:30 PM

Practical Tools to Build Resilience and Courage

4:30 PM-4:45 PM Break

4:45 PM-5:45 PM Own Your Local Search with

Paid Digital & SEO 4:45 PM-5:45 PM

Grow Your Business with Inbound Marketing

4:45 PM-5:45 PM

Videos, Webinars & Podcasts: How the Pandemic Changed Content Marketing

6:30 PM-8:00 PM Reception

Feature April 6, 2022

The Venue

7:30 AM-8:30 AM Breakfast Guest rooms for the 2022 Energy for Everyone Marketing

Conference are available at The Marquette Hotel in Minneapo8:45 AM-9:45 AM Reach Consumers Online with Google lis. Conference events will be held on the 50th floor of the IDS

Center, connected to The Marquette via hotel lobby.

8:45 AM-9:45 AM Practical Media Training: Strategies Located in the heart of downtown, The Marquette provides

& Techniques conference attendees with the opportunity to experience some of the city’s most exciting attractions.

8:45 AM-9:45 AM Cyber Threats: Protect Your Company The Marquette Hotel is located approximately 25 minutes

and Customer Data from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. There are convenient options for transportation to the hotel, including taxi, 9:45 AM-10:00 AM Break Uber and Lyft. The Marquette Hotel is also conveniently located

two blocks from the train station using the Light Rail system to 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Sales & Marketing Alignment 5th Street and Marquette Avenue. The hotel is on 7th Street and

That Drives Results Marquette Avenue.

You can access a discounted room rate at the venue on the 10:00 AM-11:00 AM Word Up! Email Messages and More conference webpage. Discounted room rates are available until 5

to Get Prospects to Take Action pm CT on March 7, 2022, or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first.

10:00 AM-11:00 AM The Best Integrated Social Campaigns Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis and

are available for the nights of April 4 and 5.

11:00 AM-11:15 AM Break Pricing & Registration

Early bird registration for the conference will be $99 through 11:15 AM-12:15 PM Make Your Website Work for You February 18. The registration fee will increase to $149 starting

February 19. Registration is capped to the first 200 registrants.

11:15 AM-12:15 PM B2B Digital Marketing: Best Practices

for Better Targeting Reserve your space — register now at e4emarketingconf2022.com 11:15 AM-12:15 PM Discovery & Segmentation to

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February 2022 •

Texas Propane

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DROWSY DRIVING SAFETY MEETING LENGTH 2–5 minutes TO PREPARE Read the background information.

Set up video of Rick and Scout.

BACKGROUND  When you talk to your employees and drivers about drowsy driving,

make sure they understand warning signs of being too tired to drive, and the proven methods to combat drowsiness.

 According to the National Safety Council, 43% of working Americans are not getting at least 7 hours of sleep nightly.

Unfortunately, 1 out of 6 fatal crashes is a direct result of drowsy driving.  The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 15% of full-time employees in the US work on shifts. Other workers are at risk of driving while sleepy as well, including those who work long hours on tedious tasks, and parents and caregivers.  Head-bobbing is one serious sign of driving while too sleepy. In fact, once a driver is experiencing the head-bob, their driving is already impaired.  If time permits, review the Rick and Scout video with employees after discussing other signs of drowsiness. (See link on next page.)  As an employer, learn more about how fatigued employees impact your costs by visiting https://www.nsc.org/forms/real-costs-offatigue-calculator

DISCUSSION  We live in a GO-GO-GO world, and sometimes we don’t realize when we’ve pushed ourselves too far.

 Sleep seems too far off and we still have things to do.  Did you know that driving drowsy is just as dangerous as driving buzzed, or even driving drunk?

What are some signs that you are too tired to drive?  Yawning and frequent blinking  Missing your exit 812140000 18

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

txdrivingconcern.org

 Difficulty remembering the past few miles  Drifting from your lane  Hitting a rumble strip on the side or middle of the road What happens to your ability to drive when you are too tired?  You are less able to pay attention to the road.  You have slower reaction time.  Your ability to make good decisions is affected.

If you think you are too tired to drive, what can you do?  Don’t drive, pull over.  Get some rest. Research shows a 20-minute nap will help—at least temporarily.  Drink a caffeinated beverage (like coffee or cola).  Avoid driving too drowsy by planning ahead. On long trips, plan breaks at least every two hours.

OPTIONAL Rick and Scout DISCUSSION https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/drowsiness-alert/ Most drivers have driven drowsy. Ask your workers if they have experience with any of the Drowsiness Detection technologies mentioned in the video. These technologies are designed to combat drowsy driving. Let them discuss their experiences.

SUMMARY  Know the signs of being too sleepy to drive, like yawning, headbobbing, and hitting rumble strips.

 Driving drowsy is preventable by getting enough sleep.  When you are tired, pull over for a 20-minute nap or get some caffeine.  Plan to stop every two hours for a break when driving long distances.

Watch each month for a driver safety meeting.

812140000

txdrivingconcern.org February 2022 •

Texas Propane

19

Business Beat

Is Payroll Outsourcing Right for Your Small Business? ployee just to manage payroll and payroll-related tasks.

For small businesses that may not have a dedicated employee for completing these tasks, the numbers are even more staggering. In a recent study conducted

by The Electronic Transactions Association, small business owners valued their time at $170 per hour. Considering the business owner is principally responsible for operations, generating new business, generating financing, and myriad other tasks, this valuation can represent the owner’s value to the business. In organizations where the owner is investing time in payroll, this corresponds to an annual outlay of $150,280 per year.

The time value isn’t the only cost of keeping payroll in-house, however. Approximately 33 percent of all employers make payroll errors, which can cost money in the form of fines, extra taxes, overpayments to employees, and additional administrative costs for finding and correcting mistakes. While these costs can vary widely across different industries, they should be a consideration factor for employers.

Is payroll outsourcing right for your business, or should you keep it in-house?

The following considerations can help you sort through the details.

Once your business grows to have at least one employee, you are responsible for calculating, managing, and delivering payroll. Since this can be complex for business owners, many choose a thirdparty provider to handle some or all payroll responsibilities. It can be tough to determine whether payroll outsourcing is right for your business, but many businesses learn that the benefits of automating these tasks outweigh any perceived disadvantages.

The following considerations can help you sort through the details.

Both Sides of the Payroll Coin

There are several factors that contrib-

20

ute to your payroll outsourcing decision.

On the one hand, you may feel that your small business can’t absorb the added cost of paying someone else to manage payroll. On the other hand, taking the DIY payroll approach can be time-consuming and expose your company to unnecessary risks.

In a recent Paychex survey, HR professionals reported spending on average 11 hours per week processing payroll, with an additional 4.9 hours spent processing employee benefits, and another 1.8 hours managing time off. Combined, this amounts to over 17 hours spent each week on tasks that can largely be automated with the help of an outside payroll services provider. Assuming a 40hour work week and an annual salary of approximately $98,000, this equates to over $41,000 paid to an in-house em-

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Cost Analysis for Outsourcing Payroll

While payroll software is a financial investment, it’s important to weigh that factor against the amount of time (and money) spent when processing payroll on your own. Don’t forget that errors from doing payroll manually can also cost you money or time. For instance, calculating or filing taxes incorrectly can result in fines or penalties. Each year, roughly 40 percent of small business owners incur an average of $845 in IRS penalties. To avoid paying more than you owe, payroll software can help ensure you don’t miss key tax-filing deadlines and that your company withholds and reports the correct amount of taxes.

If you decide payroll outsourcing may be a more efficient path for your small business, the costs should be very straightforward. Choose a reputable payroll provider

that clearly stipulates the monthly costs up front, so you can plan for payroll expenses each month.

Reputable payroll providers will also offer various add-on packages, so you only need to pay for the services relevant to your organization.

Growing Workforces and Payroll Complexities

Many companies are embracing a blended workforce, which has further

changed the payroll process. As a business grows or becomes more complex — such as taking on freelancers or paying employees overtime — the odds of making errors can increase.

A quality payroll system can help you handle various classifications of workers, even if you have full-time and part-time employees, independent contractors, as well as exempt and non-exempt employees. It can also help you adhere to federal, state, and local rules around overtime pay

MEMBER

as well as tax filing requirements.

Today’s regulatory environment, tax laws, and employment situations are extremely diverse. When shopping for a payroll system, look for software designed specifically for a small business. If you expect your business will eventually grow, don’t forget to ask your payroll administrator if the software can scale with you.

This article originally appeared on https:// www.paychex.com/worx.

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February 2022 •

Texas Propane

21

Feature

Do Not Miss Out on Money for School Buses in Your Community Do you want cleaner air for your children and grandchildren and savings for your community?

Talk to your school districts about switching over to propane.

West Virginia University, the folks who also uncovered the VW emissions scandal, report that some propane school buses may reduce NOx by 96%.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) are a family of poisonous, highly reactive gases. These gases form when fuel is burned at high temperatures. The American Lung Association reports that research from the U.S. EPA warns that NOx is likely to be a cause of asthma in children, contributes to increased asthma attacks, as well as reduced lung function.

On top of that, the State of Texas just opened its statewide Texas Clean School Bus Program (TCSB), a first come, first serve grant that helps school districts to replace older diesel school buses with new cleaner school buses including school buses powered by propane autogas.

This statewide program exclusive to Texas districts only opens once every two years. Interested school districts that need buses should jump on this opportunity now.

Funding: Limit is 5 school buses per application. TCEQ will pay for up to 80% of eligible cost of replacement, which includes invoice for new propane school buses, taxes, duty, protective in transit in-

22

surance and freight. Funding amounts are set out in the grant table for each age and size category of bus.

Last grant round in 2020, grants for propane school buses ranged from $55,000-$80,000 per bus.

How it works?

• Schools apply to replace pre-2007 (so 2006 or older) diesel bus with new cleaner bus e.g., new propane school bus.

• School transportation applicant submits a complete application, which is then reviewed by TCEQ. If approved, it will get assigned contract from TCEQ that the money is reserved.

• School transportation applicant de-

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

stroys old engine within 90 days of receiving.

The grant contract (hole in engine block) or removes from North America.

• School transportation applicant makes purchase and submits documentation. If approved, applicant gets reimbursed from TCEQ. Deadline. Funding is available, first come, first serve and is likely to run out well before the fall grant deadline. Interested school districts should APPLY NOW! Last grant round pre-pandemic, funding was reserved within 6 weeks.

Grant Writing Assistance. The Propane Council of Texas offers complimentary grant consultation and grant writing for applicants in Texas looking to switch to propane school buses.

Help or Questions? Contact us at (800) 325-7427 or email info@propanecounciloftexas.org how much your school might be eligible to receive through the Texas Clean School Bus Program.

More information on the Texas Clean School Bus Program can be found at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/school-buses.html.

Share resources with your schools. Go to https://www.propanecounciloftexas. org/cleanpropaneschoolbuses, download, and share resources from this page with your school decisionmakers and officials.

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Edward Brenek, Jr., 71, of Temple, TX, passed away on December 11, 2021 after a courageous battle with ALS. Edward graduated from Belton High School, attended Temple College and served in he U.S. Army Reserves.

He was a propane delivery driver for Farmers Propane, Enderby Gas and Tri-Co Propane. He later became a partner with Tri-Co Propane. He farmed and ranched, raised cattle, corn, hay and oats, hauled grain as well as doing custom hay baling. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

Rosemary Lozano Kay, 94, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on January 6, 2022. Rosemary and her husband Robert previously owned and operated Aransas Butane and Propane in Rockport, TX. Rosemary and her husband were long time enthusiastic supporters of the Sports Car Club of America.

She was an avid reader and story teller. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

February Houston Texas Hold’em Tournament Benefiting the LPG Charity

Join LPG Charity Fund on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Dave & Buster’s Katy Freeway in Houston, TX for their Annual John L. Hinsey Memorial Texas Hold’em Tournament. All proceeds will benefit LPG Charity Fund.

The LPG Charity Fund’s principal objective is to assist members of the LPG

and Gas Processing industry during a time of catastrophic medical expenses and/or financial need such as temporary living expenditures or funeral expenses.

Lunch and registration will be at 11:30am with the poker tournament starting at 1:00pm.

If poker is not your game, join us for lunch and network with your colleagues.

Enjoy a cocktail and have some fun hanging out and purchase some raffle tickets for some great prizes, including a trip for (2) to Las Vegas!

Register at https://lpgfund.com/.

NPGF Scholarship Application Deadline is February 15, 2022

Do you have child who is a high school senior graduating this year or a child in

The DSS7 Dual Second-Stage Regulator

college right now?

Did you know the National Propane Gas Association offer scholarships to our industry’s children?

Children of full-time employees of companies that are members of NPGA are invited to apply for a scholarship from NPGA. NPGA awards competitive scholarships to students attending an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college or university or enrolled in a certificate or one- or two-year degree program at an accredited vocational, technical or trade school, pursuing one of the following propane related fields: Commercial Truck Driver; Electrician; Gas Fitter; HVAC Technician; Pipe Fitter; or Plumber.

The National Propane Gas Foundation scholarship application round is ending soon. Don’t miss the deadline! Eligible applicants must submit the application no later than 11:59PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Learn more about this opportunity and get access to the application at https://www.npga.org/news-resources/ scholarships/.

Questions? Please contact call 202-4667200 or email scholarship@npga.org.

Propane Construction Incentive Important Deadline

The revolutionary DSS7 regulators offer a new level of safety to the industry by shutting off flow to the building if it detects an unsafe overpressure condition or if the container runs out of propane.

• Superior stability and performance • Outlet connection has a sensing tube which monitors the downstream pressure • Has a 'slam shut' shutoff device • For domestic and light commercial applications

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s national construction incentive program for homes completed in 2021 has ended, but builders still have time to complete the process to claim funds.

PERC is now accepting reservations and applications for homes to be completed in

Inside the Industry 2022. Encourage your construction professional customers to visit the PERC website at https://propane.com/pcip/ to log in to their existing account or to create a new account in the portal to complete the process.

Reminder: For outstanding 2021 applications, log in to the portal to complete the requirements and submit for review. Submissions and supporting documentation are due by March 15, 2022.

PERC Selection Committee Accepting Applications

Are you interested in serving on the PERC Council?

The PERC Selection Committee will be considering applications for open marketer and public member seats on the council, subject to possible reappointments. Only propane marketers are eligible to apply for the marketer seats.

Information about the PERC Selection Committee, councilor duties and applications can be found on the NPGA website https://www.npga.org/about/ perc-council-applications. Applicant interviews will take place in April.

Application deadline is March 1, 2022. Contact Brett Allison Gold at bgold@npga.org or 202-355-1338 with any questions.

Recall: Pearl River Propane Hoses

A recall was issued December 22, 2021 for Pearl River propane hoses used on propane torches and accessories. The propane hose can swell and rupture, allowing propane gas to leak, posing a fire hazard to the user. Pearl River has received three reports of propane hoses swelling and rupturing. No injuries have been reported thus far.

The items were sold online at Amazon.com, Homedepot.com, Wayfair.com, Walmart.com, and eBay.com from January 2021 through May 2021 for about $20 for propane hoses and about $45 for propane powered torches. There are about 43,000 units of this product.

This recall involves Pearl River 3Q20 or 4Q20 propane hoses used in propane powered torches and other propane accessories. Hoses included in the recall are: PEARL RIVER FILE NO. 70177655 LP-GAS HOSE HP14 M.W.P 350 PSIG 1/4” STANDARD CSA8.3&UL21 3Q20 T/P PEARL RIVER FILE NO. 70177655 LP-GAS HOSE HP14 M.W.P 350 PSIG 1/4” STANDARD CSA8.3&UL21 4Q20 T/P Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled propane hoses. To obtain a free replacement hose, send a pho-

tograph of the propane hose cut in half so that it is no longer operable to the firm’s e-mail along with a return mailing address to receive a free replacement hose.

Once Pearl River receives confirmation of the hose cut in half, consumers can throw away the cut hose.

Consumers can contact Pearl River toll-free at 855-855-8874 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, email at recall@pearlriverhose.com, or online at www.pearlriverhose.com for more information.

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Texas Propane

25

Inside the Industry Robin Hutcheson Appointed New FMCSA Deputy Administrator

Become a Member Today

The U.S. Transportation Secretary named Robin Hutcheson as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) new deputy administrator.

She replaces Meera Joshi who departed this role to serve as the deputy mayor for operations for New York City.

Since January 2021, she has served as the deputy assistant secretary for Safety Policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation where Hutcheson led safety policy.

Prior to her appointment she was the director of Public Works for the City of Minneapolis, and before that Hutcheson served as the Transportation Director for Salt Lake City, Utah. She has also served as a consultant specializing in transportation and transit and worked throughout the western U.S., in London and France, and for the European Union Commission on Sustainability.

Why become a member of TPGA? Because you can't afford not to!

Regulatory Navigation

Networking opportunities throughout the year at Association events. Exclusive content delivered weekly and monthly.

Discounts and Freebies. Scholarship program.

Our members are in the know about upcoming regulatory changes, future enforcement actions and other important information, through the Monthly Newsletter, Monday Morning Messenger, and Regulatory Alerts.

Advocacy Each legislative session TPGA is at the Texas Capitol monitoring industry issues and ensuring your interests are protected. In addition, we introduce legislation to help you achieve your business goals and objectives.

Save Money

TPGA Is Your Champion

What Are You Waiting For? Let us help you alleviate your concerns with the Texas Railroad Commission, and City and State officials.

TPGA is there for you!

Texas Propane Gas Association 800-325-7427 info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

Texas Propane Gas Association 800-325-7427 info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

Discounts on: Your Emergency Response Number Compliance & promotional merchandise from PSC Workers Compensation Insurance from LSEG Credit Card Processing

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Building and Maintaining Confidence in the Insurance Industry since 1949

Member

Contact John S. Porter, CIC Mark D. VanDover, CIC Miles T. McFann Rhonda Wood

1305 South First Street • Lufkin, Texas (936) 634-3326 • 1-800-223-1289 Emails: john.porter@lumbermen.net • mark.vandover@lumbermen.net mmcfann@austin.rr.com • rhonda-wood@lumbermen.net • www.lumbermen.net 26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

February 2022 •

Texas Propane

27

Classifieds Seek or sell preowned trucks, equipment& tanks with a classified ad Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc Formerly, Southern Star Insurance Agency, Inc Cecil Joiner, Risk Manager cecil@garrettinsurance.com 936-756-2222 www.garrettinsurance.com

PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons FOR SALE (2) 60,000 gallon, 250 psi, saddles, (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2011 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

Standard Classified Advertising is available for $2/word. $50 minimum per insertion.

• Small logo or photo can be inserted for $10.

• Display classifieds are available for $30/column inch (3 column grid format).

TO PLACE AN AD Contact Joanne Pantaze 512-273-2639 phone jpantaze@zochnet.com email

CHERYL@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM or WENDY@LONGHORNPROPANE.COM, 830-964-2525

28

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar

Index to Advertisers

FEBRUARY

2 PERC Council Meeting Palm Springs, CA 8-9 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings College Station, TX

15 NPGF Scholarship Deadline

10-11 NPGA 2022 Spring Benchmarking Council Meeting Charlotte, NC

BLT Tanks 27

15 National Propane Construction Incentive deadline to submit 2021 applications

Cunningham Gas Products 5

APRIL

5-6 Energy for Everyone Marketing Conference Minneapolis, MN

MARCH

12-13 TPGA Spring 2022 Board & Committee Meetings

1 Propane appliance rebate application deadline for 2021 purchases 1-2 PERC National Safety & Training Conference Dallas, TX

6-8 NPGA 2022 Spring TS&S Committee Meeting

Enterprise Products 12 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

21 TPGA & PSC office closed for President’s Day

1 PERC Council Seat Application Deadline

Bergquist 24

Gas Equipment Company 5 Lone Star Energy Group 17 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 26

Montgomery, TX

Marshall Young Insurance 21

15 TPGA & PSC office closed for Good Friday

Meeder Equipment Co. 23 Propane Service Corporation 25

24 - 26 2022 NPGA Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo

Rural Computer Consultants 25 Tarantin Industries 21

Nashville, TN

White River Distributors 23

27 PERC Council Meeting Nashville, TN

Charlotte, NC

THIS is not a PHONE BOOTH. About 26% of all car crashes involve cell phone use — including hands-free!

Drive Now. Talk Later. txdrivingconcern.org

February 2022 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Batmobile Replica Uses Propane Flame Jet Exhaust

A recent listing on Mecum.com (it sold!), was for a replica Batmobile that included a fully functional propane-powered jet exhaust flame. The replica was made of the 1966 version of the Batmobile.

(There have been many versions!)

barrel carburetor sending power back through an automatic transmission. The real pièce de résistance of this Batmobile is its astonishing attention to detail, which culminates in the functional flame-throwing propane powered exhaust turbine.

With an estimated value of between $300,000 – $350,000, the Batmobile replica was built on a 1977 Lincoln chassis. It has a full steel tube support structure for the body, which is hand-laid vinylester and epoxy resin fiberglass, which was fused onto a steel tube structure for additional strength.

The first Batmobile was built on the abandoned 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car by George Barris and his team in just three weeks.

Power is provided by a 460 cubic inch (7.5 liter) V8 with a four-

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Even though the replica sold (drats!), you can still view photos of the amazing car at https://www.mecum.com/lots/ FL0122-487450/1977-lincoln-batmobile-replica/

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