Issuu

TexasPropane Texas Propane July 2021

Volume 77 No. 7

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

Early Bird Registration Ends 7/9/21

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 July 2021

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

2021 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo+Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Schedule at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Special Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Host Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Registration Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Expo Regulatory Pavilion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Convention Sidetrip: South Texas Music Walk of Fame. . . . . . . . . 16 2021 Crossroads Expo Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Need Help Getting Workers? Use This Tax Credit to Pay a Hiring Bonus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 2022 Propane Safety & Recipe Wall Calendar Order Form. . . . . . 23 Forecasters Predict Another Active Hurricane Season. . . . . . . . 24

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

Highlights from Headquarters

Crossroads Coming Up Fast Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director The 2021 Crossroads Expo & Conference will be here before we know it! There are some very important deadlines that are coming up fast – early bird registration ends on July 9 and the group block cut-off at the hotel is July 21. Don’t miss out on saving money on registration and being able to stay at the conference host hotel at a discounted rate. We have great activities, training sessions, and a terrific expo planned, so you will not want to miss this exciting event. You will also have ample time to catch up with friends and colleagues as we get back

to a semblance of normalcy at this event. Corpus Christi offers wonderful dining, and fun and educational activities that the entire family will enjoy. I want to thank our many generous and valued sponsors for their continued support of TPGA and the Crossroads event. See you in Corpus!

NEW MEMBER Marketer TUCKER OIL COMPANY Slaton, TX

AFFINITY PARTNERS

LEnergy ONE ST R Group

2021 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Golf Tournament Tote Bags Lanyards

Expo Hall Refreshments President’s Cocktail Reception

Partner Propane Genius Bar Beer & Wine Pavilion

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 Seale, 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

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: 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: 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: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

Expo + Conference

2021 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo+Conference DEDICATED TO ADVANCING THE PROPANE INDUSTRY IN TEXAS By attending and exhibiting at Crossroads, you support the collective voice of propane professionals working in all sectors of the propane industry. TPGA advocates for legislative and regulatory policies here is Texas, and upholds high standards, and maintains the industry code of ethics to appropriately protect the industry.

Join us in Corpus Christi and be part of the celebration!

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Expo + Conference

You’re Invited! This year’s multi-day event in Corpus Christi, TX, August 12-14, will give participants the skills, understanding, and inspiration to improve their businesses – and you will have the opportunity to have some fun. PERC’s Propane Can-Do Marketing training has been added to the schedule this year as a mini-conference within a conference. But before you begin pumping up your pink flamingo float and icing down your favorite poolside refreshments, remember this August will also bring its own cool escape, designed just for you – the 2021 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo + Conference in wonderful Corpus Christi!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Golf Tournament – Targa Resources Convention Bags – Cargas Lanyards – Westmor Expo Floor Beverages – Rural Computer Consultants, Rinnai President’s Cocktails – Quality Steel, Mississippi Tank TPGA Partner – Anova, Marshall Excelsior Propane Genius Bar – PERC Beer & Wine Pavilion – Midstream Transportation

marketers consolidate the purchasing process from a timeline of weeks [online, on the phone, or in a catalog to a single day [in person], but it’s also a prime opportunity to do some easy comparison-shopping. And many suppliers offer exclusive expo pricing incentives or tradeshow specials – so marketers should come prepared to buy.

Go for the Networking

Go to the Expo The expo will be held at the American Bank Center, 1901 North Shoreline Blvd in Corpus Christi. The expo is the centerpiece of the three-day event – a one-stop shopping experience to meet all your propane-marketing needs. Dozens of propane suppliers come prepared with their latest trends and greatest technologies, ready to present innovative new ideas to improve your operations, saving you time and money. What to expect at the Crossroads Propane Expo: • Some of the best vendors in the propane industry • Regulatory Pavilion – Back this year! • Lunch & refreshments on the Expo floor • Silent Auction benefitting the TPGA Scholarship Fund The expo is a treasure trove of inspired creativity, smart solutions, and great deals. Not only does it let propane

The conference offers propane marketers and vendors alike ample chances to meet, greet, and build professional relationships. The golf tournament and the fishing excursion respectively offer hours of comradery. The welcome reception and the President’s cocktail reception both offer primetime mixing and mingling amidst the elegant ambiance of the Omni Hotel.

Go for Your Industry The TPGA Board and Annual Business Meeting may not be the sexiest-sounding event at the conference, but it is chockfull of information vital to the propane industry overall, and to your business day-to-day. This year these events will be part of the Gala.

Go for the Connection The bottom line for the 2021 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo + Conference is this: You’re going to go home with something more than you came with. You might discover a game-changing process, a life-changing technology, a money-saving piece of equipment, or a business-saving piece of information. July 2021 •

Texas Propane

Expo + Conference

SPECIAL EVENTS

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE August 12 12:00p – 4:00p PERC Session 4:30p – 5:30p PHMSA Session

Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament Sponsored by Targa Resources Early Bird Registration Ends 7/9/21

August 13 8:00a-5:00p Exhibitor move-in 8:00a-1:30p Golf Tournament 5:00p-6:00p Welcome Reception Supplier dinners/on your own August 14 10:00a-4:00p 5:00p-6:00p 6:00p-10:00p

Expo (lunch) at the American Bank Center President’s Cocktail Reception Gala/Annual Business/Board Meeting

All events except the expo will be held at the Omni Hotel.

August 13, 2021 Lozano Golf Center 4401 Old Brownsville Rd Corpus Christi, TX 78405 8:00am – 1:30pm $125 per person Includes breakfast, golf & awards lunch

Silent Auction & Kendra Scott Gives Back Pop-Up Benefitting the TPGA Scholarship Fund We will once again host our silent auction and Kendra Scott Gives Back Pop-Up on the expo floor on Saturday, August 14, 2021. Proceeds will benefit the TPGA Scholarship Foundation.

Visit us online to see the full product line RCSGasGrills.com 8

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Expo + Conference

HOST HOTEL Hotel Discount Registration Ends 7/21/21

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel 900 North Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401

If you experience difficulties making your hotel reservations, please contact the TPGA office at info@txpropane.com or 800-325-7427.

Deluxe Guestrooms are offered at a discounted rate of $139+tax per night Single; $149+tax for Double. Self-parking is discounted at $15 per vehicle, per night; valet is $25 for overnight. Omni Select Guest Rewards members receive additional benefits. Check-in: 4:00pm Check-out: 11:00am Participants are responsible for reserving their own accommodations. Contact Reservations directly at 800-THE-OMNI (800-843-6664) and mention the TPGA 2021 Propane Expo & Conference to receive the discounted rate. July 21, 2021 at 5:00pm is the cut-off date for hotel reservations at the discounted group rate. Please make your reservations early! After July 21, rooms are at “space and rate as available” basis. No third-party providers are used for rooming at this conference. If you are contacted by a travel agency in reference to this conference, note that they have no affiliation with this event.

Hotel rooms in the discounted group block are reserved for attendees, their attending family members, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and Show staff.

July 2021 •

Texas Propane

REGISTRATION FORM _______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Company Address City

Zip

_______________________________________________________________________

Phone

Fax

_______________________________________________________________________

Contact Name

Spouse/Significant Other Name Child Name Child Name

_________________________________________________________

Child Name

Registration Type

Early Bird (7/9/21)

□ Retail Marketer Full □ Additional Enrollee □ Spouse/Significant Other □ Child Over 12 (not an employee) □ Child Under 12 □ Marketer Expo Only □ Spouse Expo Only □ Additional Enrollee Expo Only □ TPGA Past President (not in propane business) □ Golf Tournament

$295 $225 $100 $100 FREE $100 $55 $55 FREE $125/player

Regular/Onsite

TOTAL $____________________

$395 $325 $100 $100 FREE $150 $75 $75 FREE $125/player

Sessions I will attend: __ PERC Training __PHMSA Session __ Welcome Reception __ Expo ___ President’s Cocktail Reception __ Gala

Method of Payment

All funds MUST be submitted on a US bank in US funds. TPGA does not accept purchase orders or invoices for services.

__ Check made payable to TPGA – check # _________________ Charge payment to the following credit card: ___ VISA ____MC ___ American Express ___________________________________________________ Card Number Exp ___________________________________________________ Name as it appears on Card Billing Zip ___________________________________________________ Signature Date ___ Please

send a receipt to the email address listed above.

Send in Your Payment

Mail, Fax or Email completed form to: TPGA 2021 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Conference 8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 Fax: 512-834-0758 Email: info@txpropane.com Please DO NOT mail AND fax or email your form.

Questions? Contact us at 800.325.7427 or info@txpopane.com Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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Texas Propane

Expo + Conference

Find Answers to Your Compliance Questions at the Expo Regulatory Pavilion Back by popular demand is the Propane Regulatory Pavilion at the 2021 Crossroads Propane Expo on Saturday, August 14, 2021, in Corpus Christi, TX. The Regulatory Pavilion will be open during regular expo hours from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. In previous years, the association has hosted state and federal government agencies at our annual expo. Attendees were able to ask questions on everything from state & federal regulations to roadside inspections. Here’s a spotlight on some of the agencies registered for the 2021 Regulatory Pavilion at the expo:

Oversight & Safety Division of the Railroad Commission of Texas Those attending the Expo can visit the Regulatory Pavilion and ask questions on: • Licensing & certification • Initial training & continuing education • New online offerings & online examination • LP Gas Safety Rules • NFPA 54 & NFPA 58 • Rule exceptions • New requirements • Inspections

Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Division Those attending the Expo can visit the Regulatory Pavilion and ask questions on: • Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) • CDL testing & third-party testing • CDL renewals • CDL endorsements • CDL restrictions • CDL downgrades

Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Those attending the Expo can visit the Regulatory Pavilion and ask questions on: • Roadside Inspections • Intrastate vs. Interstate Hours of Service • Motor Carrier Safety Regulations • Weight and Size Laws • CMV compliance • Traffic Laws

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. DOT Those attending the Expo can visit the Regulatory Pavilion and ask questions on: • DOT Onsite Audits • Transporting more than 5% • Cylinder Requalification/RIN numbers • Bobtail Requalification • Hazmat Security Plans • Hazmat Training • Emergency Discharge Controls • Shipping Paper Record Retention These are just a few of the government agencies that have committed to come and be a resource for attendees that have compliance questions. Additional agencies have been invited and we will have additional representatives there to help you learn more about the rules, regulations, or programs they offer.

Join Us for an Educational Session You Do Not Want to Miss Thursday August 12, 2021 4:30PM Omni — Corpus Christi, TX Top Violations at Propane Facilities in Texas Presented by the U.S. DOT Pipeline Hazardous Materials & Safety Administration Open to 2021 Crossroads Propane Conference registrants.

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Expo + Conference

Discover Tons of Marketing, Safety & Training Resources Available to You at the PERC Booth at the Crossroads Expo with a ton of marketing materials and assets. Get a glimpse of this new marketing campaign by stopping by their booth/ genius bar. Visit with PERC staff on how you can get access to the marketing materials. The PERC President & CEO, Sr. Vice President, Director of Residential and Commercial Business Development and Manager, Industry Training Programs will all be in attendance. The staff can also tell you about their free workforce recruitment materials, free training, construction incentives, and more.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) will host a PERC Pavilion on Saturday, August 14, 2021, on the 2021 Crossroads Propane Expo floor in Corpus Christi. Propane industry professionals can stop by, grab some propane branded giveaways, sign up for the Propane.com site, and learn more about national PERC programs and projects. PERC has launched a new marketing campaign this summer

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Don’t miss out on the chance to talk to the knowledgeable staff at PERC about all their excellent resources, projects, and programs. Expo-only passes are available to purchase by propane retailers for a low cost. Find out and register more about the 2021 Crossroads Expo hosted by TPGA at www.txpropane.com.

Expo + Conference CORPUS CHRISTI FUN FACTS • The harbor-front Texas State Aquarium has touch pools, an aquatic nursery and a shark exhibit. • The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a 180-acre botanical garden and nature center in Corpus • The USS Lexington is as tall as a 19-story building and as long as 3 New York city blocks. It’s so large, you could play 3 football games at the same time on its flight deck. The USS Lexington served as the set for a portion of Michael Bay’s 2000 film Pearl Harbor. • Due to high windspeeds, Corpus is one of the best cities in North America for kiteboarding, wind surfing, kite flying and sailing. • Whataburger was founded in Corpus and spread across Texas like wildfire. The original two-story building is still open today at 121 Shoreline Blvd in downtown. • Padre Island National Seashore is the largest undeveloped barrier island in the world and is within 25-30 minutes from downtown Corpus. • The Laguna Madre is one of only six lagoons in the world termed “hypersaline,” which means saltier than the ocean. • Corpus is the 6th largest port in the US. • Corpus is home to more populations and species of birds than any other American city making it perfect for bird watchers. • The King Ranch at 825,000 acres is larger than the state of Rhode Island and is the oldest working horse and cattle ranch in the US. • The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History features South Texas history, a train depot, a 1554 Texas shipwreck, and a planetarium. • Harbor Playhouse Theater is one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in Texas.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION Onsite Registration will be held at the Omni Hotel as follows: August 12 10:00a – 5:00p August 13 7:00a – 5:00p At the American Bank Center: August 14 8:00a – 3:00p

You will also pick up your badge at these locations if you have preregistered.

July 2021 •

5/20/21 9:48 PM

Texas Propane

Expo + Conference

Convention Sidetrip: South Texas Music Walk of Fame about five or six blocks south of the Omni one block from the bay. It stretches from Agua Java, a coffee shop, and circles the fountain at the Executive Surf Club, which is a restaurant, music venue and home of Surf Club Records. The South Texas Music Walk of Fame was established in 2004 to honor South Texas musical artists who represent a wide diversity in musical traditions from Tejano to rockand-roll to jazz. Each year on the first Friday of June, six new stars are added to the walk during the Water Street Market Music and Art Fest. Artists who are honored with stars at the South Texas Music Walk of Fame are nominated year-round at Surf Club Records. All the nominees must be South Texas natives who were born between San Antonio and the southern tip of the Lone Star State or musicians who live in that area.

If you find yourself exploring the streets of Corpus Christi during convention, make sure to meander over to Water Street. You’ll find a recent addition to the Corpus Christi cultural offerings: the South Texas Music Walk of Fame. It’s

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Musicians recognized by the South Texas Music Walk of Fame have achieved national and international fame. Among the honorees are Guy Clark, Selena, Roger Creager, the Galvan Brothers, Chris Layton, Freddie Martínez, Sr., Freddy Fender, Sunny and the Sunliners, Flaco Jiménez, Doug Sahm, George Strait, Esteban “Steve” Jordan, Tony Joe White, and Kris Kristofferson.

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Expo + Conference

2021 CROSSROADS EXPO EXHIBITORS Booth space Company Name 201 Digital Dispatcher 209 ADD Systems 210 Lock America, Inc. 215 L.E. Klein 216 Crum & Forster 217 Rural Computer Consultants 218 Anova 219 Cargas Systems 220 Superior Energy Systems 221 Quality Steel 222 Propane Management Systems 223 Bergquist Inc 224 Marshall Excelsior/BASE Engineering 225 Tiger Payment Solutions 226 Warm Thoughts Communications 227 & 228 Metsa Tanks 233 Rinnai America Corporation 234 Roush CleanTech 240 Arcosa Tank 241 Martin Gas Sales 242 Cordell & Company Insurance Agency 243 Cactus Tanks 244 Nocell Technologies 245 2FuelTech/Hino Gas Sales 246 Ben Spurgin Insurance 249 AJA Tanks, LLC 250 Targa Resources

Booth space Company Name 251 Enterprise Products 301 Gas Equipment Company 302 Meeder Equipment Co. 303 Lumbermen’s Insurance Services 304 Squibb Taylor 305 Marshall Young Insurance Agency 400 Westmor Industries 401 Exosent Engineering, LLC 403 Green-LP 404 Ransome Manufacturing 405 Fisk Tank Carrier 406 Otodata 408, 409 & 504 JARCO 500 Exosent Engineering LLC 502 4J Energy, LLC 503 Mississippi Tank Company Beer & Wine Lounge Midstream Transportation Regulatory Pavilion CDL division of the Texas Department of Public Safety Regulatory Pavilion Railroad Commission of Texas

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Regulatory Pavilion Texas Highway Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Regulatory Pavilion USDOT/PHMSA

At time of publishing

July 2021 •

Texas Propane

Employer News

Need Help Getting Workers? Use This Tax Credit to Pay a Hiring Bonus Gene Marks The economy is quickly recovering from the pandemic and many small business owners are seeing an increase in demand. But, thanks to stimulus checks, higher unemployment compensation and continuing health and safety fears, many employers are finding it difficult to entice their workers back to their jobs. Some larger employers – from restaurant chains to Wawa – have been offering hiring bonuses. But can small businesses who are still struggling to get back on their feet afford the same? Thanks to a little-known federal tax program, the answer may be yes. The program is called the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. It’s been around for a number of years but was extended in last December’s stimulus bill through the end of 2025. The credit — which reduces the

amount of federal taxes owed — can be a lucrative recruiting tool for small businesses who want to pay hiring bonuses to prospective employees. “Many of our clients have been im-

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

pacted adversely by COVID-19 and have looked to us for ideas to cut down on costs in order to keep their doors open,” says Rebecca Norris, CPA a tax manager at Isdaner & Company, LLC in Bala Cynwyd. “The program is one of the money-saving tools we recommend to these clients.” The tax credit is available to employers that hire certain types of employees, such as those coming off of welfare or a “qualified” veteran, which includes ex-service personnel who were unemployed for anywhere from four weeks (whether or not consecutive) to at least 6 months over the past year. The list of eligible workers also includes ex-felons, qualified social security insurance recipients or those that have been receiving long-term welfare assistance from the government.

But the credit is also available to employers who hire a “qualified long-term unemployment” recipient. That worker is defined as someone who has been unemployed for not less than 27 consecutive weeks at the time of hiring and received unemployment compensation during some or all or the unemployment period. Sound familiar? It should. Given the deep impact of the pandemic recession, many workers today find themselves in this situation. If any of your prospective hires fit that description, then your business may qualify for the tax credit. To make sure of this you have to file Form 8850 — the Pre-Screening Notice and Certification Request — with your respective state workforce agency within 28 days after the eligible worker begins work to certify that the worker is eligible. So how much money can you save? A lot. The credit can reduce your taxes from anywhere between $2,400 to $9,600 per employee, depending on which target group the qualified employee belongs to. For most hires, however, it’s calculated at 40 percent of their year’s wages up to a total credit amount of $6,000. The individual must be retained for at least 400 hours during the year to get this amount, otherwise the credit may be reduced. The credit can be even higher if the person you hire has been receiving long-term welfare assistance from the government. If you own a “pass through” organization like an S-Corporation or partnership,

the credit is taken on both your federal and state individual tax returns against the taxes you owe. But it can also be used to offset payroll taxes, so both for-profits and non-profit organizations are able to take advantage. “While for-profit businesses have greater flexibility in utilizing the Work Opportunity credit, in some cases taxexempt organizations can benefit from it as well,” Norris says. All of the calculations are done on IRS Form 5884. The credit is non-refundable which means you need to use it that year or lose it. However, you are still able to carry it to last year’s tax returns or carry it forward for 20 years. My advice is to not wait until the end of the year to take advantage of this credit. Use it as a proactive tool. When you’re looking to hire a prospective employee find out as soon as possible whether that person falls into any of the credit’s eligible categories (the “qualified long-term unemployment recipient” being the most common). Calculate the credit in advance of hiring the employee and use all or a portion of that future benefit to offer a hiring bonus. It’s extra money that the government is providing you and it could make the difference between hiring a great person or losing him or her to someone else. “Due to the effects of the pandemic over the past year, there are more job applicants than ever that can qualify employers for the program,” says Norris. “We

Let the company that knows your business, protect your business

recommend that all employers pre-screen their job applicants for Work Opportunity Tax Credit eligibility to avoid leaving money on the table.” Gene Marks is a business owner, small business expert, author, speaker, CPA, and columnist for the Washington Post. Learn more at www.genemarks.com. This article originally appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer on May 11, 2021. It is reprinted here with the kind permission of the author.

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Texas Propane

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The propane safety tip & recipe wall calendars are produced by the Propane Council of Texas as part of its consumer education mission. Company contact: ____________________________________ Propane company name: ______________________________ Billing Address:_____________________________________ City/State/Zip:________________________________________ Shipping Address:___________________________________ City/State/Zip:________________________________________

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Texas Propane

PERC News

Forecasters Predict Another Active Hurricane Season National Hurricane Center’s website at hurricanes.gov throughout the season to stay current on watches and warnings. Predictions

The 2021 hurricane season got underway June 1 and runs through the of November. Several weather services have delivered their annual predictions, based on conditions, of what we might see this year. NOAA Predictions

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020. For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become

hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. The “Although NOAA scientists don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. “The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are well-prepared with significant upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation techniques, and the expertise to deliver the life-saving forecasts that we all depend on during this, and every, hurricane season.” Visit FEMA’s Ready.gov to be prepared for the start of hurricane season and the

The CSU Tropical Weather and Research Center has maintained its aboveaverage forecast for the 2021 Atlantic basin hurricane season, as well. While sea surface temperatures averaged across portions of the tropical Atlantic are near to slightly below normal, subtropical North Atlantic sea surface temperatures are much warmer than average. CSU anticipate an above-normal probability for major hurricanes making landfall along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean. Texas Forecast

CSU forecasters are expecting a higher than normal chance of a storm impacting the Gulf Coast (from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville). They assert the Gulf has a 75% chance of being impacted by a tropical storm this year (winds of 39-73 mph) compared to a typical season’s 58% chance. They also calculate a 49% of a hurricane hitting the Gulf (winds 74+ mph) compared to an average chance of 35%, and a 21% chance of a major hurricane (winds 111+ mph) impacting the state, compared to a 14% chance in a normal hurricane season. CSU Probabilities for at Least One Major Hurricane (Category 3-5) In Different Areas 1) Entire continental U.S. coastline - 69% (average for last century is 52%) 2) U.S. East Coast Including Peninsula Florida - 45% (average for last century is 31%) 3) Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward to Brownsville - 44% (average for last century is 30%)

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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Websites • Social Media • Review Management Online and Traditional Advertising Sales and Customer Service Training July 2021 •

Texas Propane

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Nolan Harry Krebs, 86, of Shelby passed away on May 22, 2021. He attended school in Shelby and Fayetteville. Nolan worked on the family farm until he became employed in Houston. Throughout his life he worked multiple jobs to earn a living ranging from farming, cattle ranching, custom hay baling and custom cotton picking and caged laying hens. Nolan also started Industry LP Gas Company in Industry, Texas. He loved playing baseball, dancing, fishing and deer hunting. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to St. Paul Luther Church in Shelby or Krebs Family Cemetery. William (Billy) Elbert Felton, Jr., 85, passed away on May 25, 2021. He attended Texas A&M University for one year where he was a member of the Aggie Corp of Cadets. He then transferred to Texas A&I University in Kingsville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He ran his business, Jet Butane, in Hebbronville for 20 year until he sold it and retired. He loved attending every sporting event or performance his daughters were involved in, as well as to hunt, travel and spend time helping others. He later moved to Boerne, Texas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. Donations in his honor may be made to one of his favorite ministries: Grace House, P.O. Box 781283, San Antonio, TX, 78278 or www.gracehousea.org. James P. John, 72, of Cuero passed away on June 2, 2021. James was a master gardener and could grow anything. He had many side jobs that included working as a truck delivery driver for 7UP, a salesman in the saddle department for TexTan, the plant superintendent for Timco, sales representative for Farm Bureau, and many locals knew him as their longtime propane delivery man. He had a larger-than-life personality and never knew a stranger. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Friar Ag Center in Cuero or the Polish Heritage Center, FM 81, Panna Maria, TX 78144.

1. If you already have an account on propane.com, https://propane.com/pcip/ to log in using your existing username and password. 2. If you do not have an account on propane.com or if you are unsure, go to https://propane.com/pcip/, click Log In and then Forgot Password. Enter your email address and follow the prompts to set up a new password. All past and active application information will be migrated into the portal and accessible, so be sure to log in using the same email address that you used when applying in the past. Propane marketers should encourage builders that do not have accounts to create accounts and make reservations for their projects that might not be completed to ensure funds availability later in the year. To date in 2021, PERC currently has about 30 projects in Texas, which would total nearly $50,000 in funds coming to builders in Texas. Texas Propane Appliance Rebate Tips

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) officers who were sworn in during the June 8, 2021 NPGA Board Meeting. Congratulations to TPGA Members Bob Barry of Bergquist, who will serve as Chairman of the NPGA Board, Michelle Bimson Maggi of AmeriGas/UGI, who will serve as Chair-Elect, and Tom Van Buren of Meritum Energy Holdings, who serve as NPGA’s Treasurer. Congratulations to Navasota LP Gas who celebrated their 75th anniversary in June 2021. Founded in 1946 third generation company that serves Grimes County and the surrounding area. All three generations, founder, Norman Bounds (grandfather), Bob Ross (father) and Chad Ross (grandson), who now runs the company, have been active on the board of the Texas Propane Gas Association (TPGA) over the years.

New National Propane Construction Incentive Program Portal Launches

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has launched a new online portal for the National Propane Construction Incentive Program. The

portal simplifies the application process for builders and remodelers to earn up to $1,500 for each new home or remodel that installs propane appliances this year. The new platform allows applicants to directly upload supporting documentation, access and complete submissions, and direct message program administrators. Incentive applicants, including those currently working through an application or planning to apply, should set up their username and password using one of the following options:

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

In April 2021, the Propane Council of Texas launched a propane appliance rebate program for qualifying Texans at a primary residence or commercial business to encourage the installation of propane appliances. The program is not retroactive. How Much Are the Rebates? • $300 rebate on a new propane water heater • $300 on a new propane furnace or boiler • $600 cap per Texas household or Texas business Reservations are not required. Reservations are only 60 days and cannot be renewed or extended. Reservations are designed when funding is low. Reservations are not recommended at this time as we still have over $200,000 in rebate funds available. The funding counter is in real-time on www.txsaveswithpropane.com.

Propane Appliance Rebate Checklist • A propane retailer must register at www.txsaveswithpropane.com • Appliance purchase was made on or after April 1, 2021 • Installation was on or after April 1, 2021 • A gas safety check was completed • Complete & sign PDF/Printed Texas Appliance Rebate Application • Upload signed rebate application to the online rebate portal at www.txsaveswithpropane.com within 30 days of gas safety check as well as the qualifying proof of purchase. Learn more and apply at www.txsaveswithpropane.com.

BAM Propane is committed to servicing your propane needs with supply availability at all the major supply points across Texas. We market Polygrade Propylene, Refrigerant Grade Propane in addition to HD-5. Please contact us for more information: Jeff Severson Marketing Manager (817) 738-8224 (Office) (817) 894-6126 (Mobile)

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

Propane Flood Safety for Your Customers

Is the missing piece worth The Propane Education & Research Council has created a collection of resources that propane marketers can share with propane customers and/or local media providing tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after a flood. The collection includes: • Social media posts • Local guest column for the paper • Press release • Radio PSAs • Video • Safety tip fact sheet Go to www.propane.com/resourcecatalog to download these FREE materials. Propane Chefs Debut New TV Show

Through a strategic partnership with PERC, Chefs Bryan and Michael Voltaggio have been cooking up recipes on the propane grill and posting on social media about the benefits of cooking with propane. Their new show “Battle of the Brothers” launches this week on discovery+. Take advantage of their growing success and popularity by promoting their recipes all summer long. Download the recipes at https://propane.com/for-my-home/bringing-families-together/

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.

Jack Walzel

Tri-Co Propane/TPGA President “We recommend Marshall Young Insurance to our business associates who are looking for a family style insurance company for their business needs. Whether by phone, email or in person – our concerns are always met with a prompt & courteous response. They are concerned with our service from the beginning to end.”

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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July 2021 •

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 (1) 30,000 gallon, 250 psi, saddles (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded, 2011 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

REACH OVER 1,000 READERS YOUR AD COULD BE HERE AFFORDABLE CLASSIFIEDS

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

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

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar

Index to Advertisers

JULY

5 TPGA & PSC office closed for Independence Day 9 Crossroads Early Bird Registration Ends

AUGUST

10 September ads due for Texas Propane magazine 12-14 2021 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Conference Corpus Christi, TX

10 August ads due for Texas Propane magazine

SEPTEMBER

6 TPGA & PSC office closed for Labor Day

15-16 July Benchmarking Council Meeting Denver, CO

10 October ads due for Texas Propane magazine

20-21 PERC Council Meeting Beaver Creek, CO

12-14 2021 NPGA Fall TS&S Committee Meeting Colorado Springs, CO

21 Crossroads Group Hotel Discount Cut-off

12-18 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

ANOVA Inside Back Cover

BAM Propane Consultants 27 BLT Tanks 19

Cunningham Gas Products 8 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover

Gas Equipment Company 11 Insurors of Texas 21

Legacy Energy Consulting 18 Lone Star Energy Group 29 Longhorn Propane 28

Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 11 Maquinado de Equiposy Tanques SA de CV 13 Marshall Young Insurance 27 Meeder Equipment Co. 5

MTank/Mississippi Tank 15 Nocell Technologies 20 Otodata 17

Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 24 PT Risk Management 9

Rural Computer Consultants 21

Warm Thoughts Communications 25 White River Distributors 14

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July 2021 •

Texas Propane

Propane With Purpose

A Floating Propane Grill

Putting together two of Texans favorite things for home summer days, the Float’N’Grill marries hanging out on the water with grilling. Take it with you to the sandbar, out fishing or tubing down your favorite lazy river. It’s the must have boating accessory. The product as seen on Shark Tank is designed to be flip resistant and safe to use. The grill detaches for easy cleaning and storage and is engineered with materials that resist rust and fading. It features three built in cup holders and a specially designed removable grease trap There are two tow hooks to tie it down or tow it along. Grill dimensions are 22.5in (L) x 16.5in (W) x 11in (H). To learn more about this product go to https://floatngrill.com/.

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