August 2022 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane Texas Propane August 2022

Volume 78 No. 8

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

Allen Wells of Baygas Takes TPGA Helm SIGN UP NOW!

Propane Emergencies Training 2022 Crossroads Recap

TexasPropane August 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

Features

Propane Service Corporation

2022 Crossroads Expo & Conference Recap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 sales@propaneservicecorp.com

Getting to Know TPGA President Allen R. Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Publisher

NPGA Awards Several Texans National Propane Scholarships. . . . . . . 20

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

TPGA Celebrates 25 Years of Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Six Exemplary Student Scholarships Awarded in 2022

Propane Emergencies September 26-27, College Station. . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Departments Highlights from Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 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

2022 CROSSROADS SPONSORS

Propane Emergencies Training Available Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director In this issue we are recapping the recent Crossroads expo and conference in San Antonio, and highlighting the TPGA scholarship winners, as well as the NPGA Scholarship winners. The TPGA Scholarship Foundation is celebrating 25 years this year and awarded six scholarships to deserving propane industry students. The NPGA Scholarship Foundation awarded five scholarships to Texas propane industry recipients. Congratulations to all! Also, you will get to know our new president, Allen Wells, a little better.

Staff are currently working on the TPGA event schedule that will take us to the 2023 Crossroads event in The Woodlands. Look for

more information coming soon regarding upcoming board meetings and regional meetings.

Once again, this year the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) has scheduled the Propane Emergencies Training September 26 & 27 in College Station. The training combines classroom and hands-on live fire exercises for those responding to incidents. Registration is open to first responders and propane retailers as well. For more information and how to register, turn to page 22.

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2022-2023 TPGA Board of Directors President: Allen Wells, Wells Propane, 281-332-2630 President Elect: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 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: Open 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: Alex Hinojosa, Hino Gas Sales, 956-423-9178 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: Lane Worthington, WTG Fuels, 432-682-4349

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District 13 Alternate: Casey King, WTG Fuels, 432-894-4240 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: Mark Garrison, Fred Garrison Oil, 806-296-6353 District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 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: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, Matador Gas, 210-560-5418 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: Open 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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7/13/22 10:28 AM

2022 Crossroads Expo & Conference Recap

For this year’s expo and conference, TPGA partnered with the Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo in San Antonio. The show turned out to be very synergistic.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Partnering with the Southwest Fuel & Convenience (SWF&C) Expo meant that Crossroads attendees could go to SWF&C conference’s events, like the Kickoff Casino Party, the Welcome Reception on the expo floor and the expo itself.

Training at Crossroads Once again continuing education was offered at Crossroads taught by multiple agencies.

Everyone who attended all of the sessions will receive continuing education credit.

Numerous Crossroads registrants participated in the casino party and the welcome reception, and many strolled through the SWF&C expo to see what it was all about.

As you can see from the photo, the room was packed. The presentations were informative, and everyone got to ask questions that helped to clarify different compliance scenarios.

thanks to our sponsors

Golf Tournament – Targa Resources Beer & Wine Pavilion – Midstream Transportation Convention bags – Cargas Lanyards – Westmor Industries President’s Cocktail Reception – Longhorn Propane, Quality Steel, Basys Refreshments on Expo Floor – Rural Computer Consultants General Sponsor - PERC Lunch on the expo floor provided by ProCOT August 2022 •

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Expo & Regulatory Pavilion The exhibit hall was filled with vendors from all sectors of the propane industry – wholesalers, trucks, tanks, equipment, grills, software, insurance agencies – everything you need. Many people stopped by the Regulatory Pavilion during the expo to have their questions answered. Agencies onhand were the Railroad Commission, FMCSA, PHMSA, TCEQ Grants Division, TX DPS CDL Division, TX Dept. of Ag Weights & Measures, US Small Business Admn, LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program, National Safety Council and Texas Highway Patrol.

Scholarship TPGA hosted two scholarship fundraisers at the 2022 Crossroads event – the annual silent auction and a Kendra Scott jewelry trunk show on the expo floor.

A special thank you to our scholarship auction donors: 4J Energy, AJA Tanks, Baygas, Visit Fredericksburg, Gas Equipment Company/ Makeen, HD Supply, Roush Cleantech, Margaritaville Resort, The George, Marshall Young, McCraw Oil & Propane, Squibb Taylor, Meeder, The Woodlands Marriott Waterway, Taurus Systems, Kendra Scott, Texas Rangers, Targa Resources, and Yellow Rose Propane.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament

Sponsored by Targa Resources The tournament was held at the historic Brackenridge Park Golf Course, which also houses the Texas Golf Walk of Fame.

This year’s winning team is: Rusty Walker Chad Gregg (not pictured) Clayton Scott Corey Woodward

Closest to the Pin: Joe Green Longest Drive: Adam Zoellner

Closing Dinner During the in-person Annual Business meeting (a part of the Closing Dinner) the TPGA membership elected new officers to the board. When you get a chance, thank the board for their commitment of service to the association.

August 2022 •

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Feature

Getting to Know TPGA President Allen R. Wells tion forced me to seek employment elsewhere. I answered an advertisement in Texas Propane magazine for a brand-new position opening in Texas for an Area Sales Representative of wholesale propane products with Bergquist, Inc. I got the job and am proud to say that I did it quite well. The new position afforded me the opportunity to not only learn the wholesale side of the industry, but to meet so many people in the propane business. I joined TPGA, and countless doors opened thereafter.

How long have you been in or around the propane business? I’ve been involved in the propane industry for over 22 years in various capacities. I began with Independent Propane in Brazoria, Texas, as a bobtail driver and quickly learned the im-

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portant aspects of retail sales, service and distribution of propane. I was eventually promoted to Manager where I successfully maintained the daily operations of three depots for approximately five years.

Structural changes within the corpora-

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

How long for your present employer?

What is your position? I am President of my company, Wells Propane, Inc. dba Baygas Propane. We’re located on the coast between Houston and Galveston.

Seven years ago, an exciting opportunity presented itself. One of my customers and good friends who had been in the business 30+ years told me he was ready to retire.

One thing led to another and with some fast-talking, hard work, and a little help

Feature

from a banker, the SBA and one or two of my new friends at TPGA, I was able to purchase his business.

What is your favorite thing about your job? My freedom. I can sit on the toilet and read the newspaper all day and no one cares. No, seriously, I wish my job was that simple. My favorite thing would have to be the daily demands of the business operations. It never gets mundane. Just about every phone call and customer present some new and unique issue that needs solving. I love the challenge.

Least favorite thing? Rude or unappreciative people. We strive to go above and beyond to help folks any way we can.

Most people are genuine, kind and truly grateful, but every once in a while, you get that jerk that no matter what you do, you can never please. Sometimes, its just better to walk away than to twist yourself into a pretzel; and High prices and supply chain issues. Its unsettling when customers assume that we make more money when prices rise, or worse, when we have to deny a customer because there’s not enough inventory, i.e., tanks, copper, anode bags, etc., available to help the customer with their current project.

truck is...? Toothpicks and a radar detector.

If you invented a new propane product, what would it do? This is easy - a cylinder float gauge. One of the most requested items we hear in our store(s) is for a percentage gauge for a 30#, 40#, and 100# cylinder. I’d be rich if I could invent

something encompassed in the fill valve to indicate when the propane level was getting low inside a DOT cylinder.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A Cowboy. I loved to rope and ride with my three brothers, Mike, Willie and Mark, on our

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work in the morning? Greet my employees and ask about their families or what they did over the weekend. It’s so important to acknowledge your co-workers, pay attention when they speak, and care about them as individuals. In addition to that, I drink a cup of coffee, eat a protein bar, read emails and check the schedule for the day. Sometimes, I’ll answer the phone, but mostly, I ignore it ‘til someone else picks it up.

One thing you will always find in your August 2022 •

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Feature grandpa’s land. I was never any good at it, but that didn’t stop me from trying.

you possibly can. You never know who you might need to turn to for help or advice.

What is your dream vacation? To be stranded on a deserted island with Demi Moore. If not, I’ll settle for an Alaskan or Hawaiian cruise with my wife, Debra.

How do you spend your time away from work? I love simply being home with my family and especially our new puppy, Sophie. She is a Miniature Australian Shepard, and we are having the best time with her. Everyone that knows me, knows that I enjoy a good cold beer or refreshing cocktail.

I’m beginning to take an interest in travel and can’t wait for my next adventure whereever that might be (hopefully on a deserted island).

If you wrote a book, what would be the title?

Work Hard. Play Hard. Believe in Yourself!

If you were not in the propane business, what would you be doing today? I’ve always wanted to own a restaurant. I enjoy cooking (and eating) and believe I could make a product and create an atmosphere that folks would return to again and again; however, because of COVID, I’m glad that didn’t happen.

How long have you been a part of TPGA? In what capacities? Since 2006, I’ve held just about every position in TPGA. I’ve sat on every committee including Convention Planning, Technical and Standards, and Executive. I’ve attended numerous district meetings, board meetings, trade shows and seminars. I’ve learned so much and met so many wonderful people. Everyone that genuinely cares about Texas propane is a member. In meetings we discuss propane

What advice would you give for anyone entering the propane business? Be prepared to be in a business that is like none other and don’t take anything for granted.

Every single tank is different and every circumstance comes with risks. Always follow the rules. They are there to protect. Get to know as many people in the industry as

during the day, and we “belly-up” to the bar and discuss propane at night. The TPGA atmosphere is not only family-oriented but goal-oriented as well. I am so happy to be a member and now a leader of this great organization.

What do you see as the biggest issue for the industry right now? The Biden administration’s fight to “end fossil fuels” and their subsequent advancement of electrification. It’s scary to consider that propane could be phased out entirely. Marketers and other industry professionals around the country must stick together and spread the word about the benefits of clean, affordable energy such as propane. Texas should consider following in Louisiana’s footsteps and sign into law a bill that protects propane from being banned as a fuel of choice for homes and businesses.

Tell us what your current priorities are in relation to your TPGA presidents’ role.

Have fun, listen to my constituents, and take initiative to help when and where I can.

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August 2022 •

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Feature

TPGA Celebrates 25 Years of Scholarships Six Exemplary Student Scholarships Awarded in 2022 For the last 25 years, the TPGA Scholarship Foundation has assisted parents and grandparents who work in the propane industry with tuition assistance, awarding over $165,000 in scholarships over the years. Through the association scholarship program, TPGA members’ children and grandchildren continue to get relief from the high costs of seeking a higher education, whether it be trade school, community college or a university.

TPGA is proud to announce our winners for 2022 who were honored at our recent closing dinner at the Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference in San Antonio this summer.

Regan Smithwick is the granddaughter of Billie Smithwick, owner of Schneider Distributing of San Angelo.

Regan graduated from Miles High School in Miles, Texas, as Valedictorian.

While at Miles, Regan was • President of the Student Council • President of the National Honor Society • President of the Fellowship of Christian Students • President of the FFA and participated in 4HA • Captain of the varsity volleyball, varsity softball and varsity basketball teams.

• Played on the varsity golf and varsity tennis teams In the spring and summers, you can find her working as a ranch hand and serving in other capacities on Smithwick Farms.

This fall, Regan will be attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in Animal Science.

Amie Pyka is the daughter of Paul Pyka of Vapo Propane of Fredericksburg, where Amie also worked as a secretary in the past.

Amie graduated from Fredericksburg High

School in Fredericksburg, Texas, this past May. While in high school, Amie was • Captain of the varsity soccer team, played United club soccer and volunteered as a youth soccer coach for the Pedernales Youth Soccer Association.

• Ran on varsity cross country and varsity track teams • A member of the National Honor Society • A yearbook staff member • On the prom committee Amie is currently working at Fischer & Weiser as an assistant manager before beginning her college year. For the 20222023 school year, Amie will be a freshman at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in Business.

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Payton Marino is the son of Heather Marion, manager of NGL Scheduling & Logistics at 4J Energy.

This past May, Payton graduated from George

Feature Ranch High School in Richmond, Texas, where Payton was: • A member of the chemistry club • Head football manager • Flag football quarterback/captain and lead football referee for Gridiron Football • In the National Honor Society and president of service for the NHS Like his fellow scholarship winners, Payton has an extensive volunteer background.

In the fall, Payton will attend Northwestern University and major in Psychology.

Alan Ortiz is the son of Margarita Dominguez, office clerk at Yellow Rose Propane in Cleburne, Texas.

Alan graduated from Venus High School in Venus, Texas, this past May. While in high school, Alan participated in: • Venus’ welding program • Played baseball for the Venus Bulldogs • Was a member of the Venus Band When he wasn’t participating in high school activities, he participated in feeding the homeless, as well as working at The Faulk Company.

Alan will be the first person from his family to attend college.

“The fact that nobody in my family has graduated or even attended college has pushed me to go ahead and be the first in my family to attend college and graduate with a degree,” Alan said.

In the fall, Alan will be attending Hill College enrolled in their Automotive Technology Program.

Chloe Tang is the daughter of Sandy Tang of AmeriGas of Houston.

Chloe will be a junior at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering.

While at the University of Texas, Chloe is active in engineering serving on and participating in: • Student Engineering Council (SEC) • Society of Women Engineers (SWE) • Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) • Filipino Student Association (FSA) • Intramural tennis, soccer and flag football.

Chloe is current working as a First-Year Interest Group (FIG) Mentor, mentoring freshmen.

At Sam Houston, Cassidy is active in Alpha Chi Omega sorority Trio Student Support Services Campus outreach Intramural volleyball In addition to school extracurriculars, Cassidy has dedicated a lot of her time to volunteering and working.

• • • •

Cassidy Rollins is the daughter of Angie & Larry Rollins of Buster Brown Propane of New Caney, Texas.

Cassidy will be senior at Sam Houston State University majoring in Business and Finance.

MEMBER

Congratulations and good luck to all of our 2022 scholarship winners; we wish them well on their continued success and college careers.

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Is the missing piece worth

THE RISK

Other propane owners have come to our agency to get help with connecting their insurance pieces: 1) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent.

2) Many have discovered a missing piece of coverage after meeting with us.

Steve Johnson

Owner Johnson’s Testing Service “Before we met Rusty we didn’t know there were Insurance companies that would compete for our business. Rusty is always looking for the best options available for our business and the propane industry. He has also explained our policy coverages to us in a way that others haven’t. We recommend Rusty and Marshall Young Insurance to any owner looking for options and personal service for their business.”

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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August 2022 •

Texas Propane

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NPGA News

NPGA Awards Several Texans National Propane Scholarships for 2022 For the 2022-2023 academic year, the National Propane Gas Association awarded 110 scholarships to propane industry children across the United States totaling to $147,000 in scholarships. Several Texas students were winners of the national propane scholarships.

Macie Gray, Hillsboro, TX • Award: Williams Energy Scholarship • High School: Graduated from Grandview High School in Spring 2022 • High School Athletics: Cheerleading Captain, Cross Country Captain, Track & Volleyball • High School Activities: Student Council,

National Honor Society, UIL & VP of family Carere of Comunity • College: Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX • Year: Freshman • Major: Movement Science • Parent: Chad Gray is employed by Dixie LP Gas in Hillsboro, Texas Kirstin deBlonk, Flower Mound, TX • Award: William B. McHenry Memorial Scholarship • College: Texas A&M University in College Station, TX • College Activities: Officer of The Wildlife Society.

This summer, Kirstin will be volunteering

with hog management on Texas ranches, assisting Texas Parks & Wildlife Department workers with dove banding and a professor with his research evaluating coyote population dynamics in south Texas.

• Year: Senior • Major: Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences • Parent: Michele Ridings is employed by Gas Equipment Company in Dallas, Texas Linda Feagan, Leonard, TX • Award: Benchmarking Council Scholarship • College: Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX • College Activities: Future Teachers Organization

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NPGA News • Year: Junior • Major: Interdisciplinary Studies/Education Studies • Parent: Josh Nowlin is employed by McCraw Oil and Propane in Bonham, Texas Colton Warmke, Bonham, TX • Award: Milford & Gail Therrell Memorial Scholarship • High School: Graduated from Bonham High School in Spring 2022 • High School Athletics: Varsity Tennis

• College: Grayson College in Denison, TX • Year: Freshman • Major: Business • Parent: Michael Warmke is employed by McCraw Oil and Propane in Bonham, Texas 2022 TPGA scholarship winners Amie Pyka and Chloe Tang were also recipients of scholarships from NPGA for the 2022-2023 academic school year.

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PROPANE EMERGENCIES SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2022

COLLEGE STATION

ABOUT The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) will host Propane Emergencies Training for the propane industry and fire departments at Texas A & M University’s TEEX Brayton Training Field in College Station, TX. The training combines classroom and handson live-fire exercises for those responding to incidents in their communities.

LOCATION

FIREFIGHTER TRAINING FEE REIMBURSEMENT

REGISTRATION

TEEX Brayton Fire Field 1595 Nuclear Science Road College Station, TX 77843

SCHEDULE

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All registration includes: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, & training.

Emergency Responder Full Registration $125 per person

September 26, 2022 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00am – 5:00pm Training Reception & Dinner to follow

Propane Retailer Regular Registration $50 per person (excludes live fire, observe only)

September 27, 2022 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00am – 5:00pm Training

Retailer can upgrade to bunker up & participate live fire exercises.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Propane Emergencies Training is approved by the Texas Forest Service for rural volunteer and municipal fire departments to receive reimbursement for their $125 registration fees.

More information is available on Propane Emergencies site.

PROPANE EMERGENCIES SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2022

COLLEGE STATION

EARN CE CREDIT WITH RRC

LODGING The Council has secured hotel blocks at both The Calvary Court & The George under the Propane Council of Texas. Both hotels share a parking lot.

FIELD EXERCISES Propane professionals that attend both days will receive Continuing Education from the Railroad Commission.

COURSE TOPICS

• Vapor control & dispersion • Propane cylinder control • Cooling residential tank • Pressurized gas leak from transport • Leaking bulk storage

RESOURCES

The Calvary Court 200 Century Ct College Station, TX 77840 Reservations: 844-313-7337 $96 King /$116 Double

Each attendee will get a Propane Emergencies Book • Propane physical properties & characteristics • Propane bobtail & transport safety features • Transportation emergencies • Bulk storage safety features • Propane cylinder & tanks safety features • Residential propane incidents

The George 180 Century Court College Station, TX 77840 Reservations: 844-599-3871 $116 Double USB with interactive Propane Scenarios

Deadline: September 12, 2022

REGISTRATION & MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.PROCOT.ORG August 2022 •

Texas Propane

23

Inside the Industry

People in Propane

Let’s congratulate Sacramento Energy’s

Nathan Mitchell and his family for a big championship win. Way to go Drayton Mitchell!

Partner Up with Manufactured Housing Sales Centers

The Propane Education & Education Council (PERC) is offering to cost share up to $6,000 with propane marketers who work with local manufactured housing sales centers to install live-burn floor models.

The program incents sales centers to install a propane furnace, fireplace, or tankless water heater, options typically not

available for prospective buyers to see in model homes. The program covers any home upgrades and incremental cost increase to the housing retailer, including the installation cost of the propane system.

Marketers will be asked to track and report sales of propane homes from the sales centers for three years.

For more details, contact Bryan Cordill, PERC’s director of residential and commercial business development, at bryan. cordill@propane.com.

New training from the Propane Education & Education Council (PERC) for cylinder delivery drivers is now available in The Learning Center on propane.com.

This series of programs and modules provides the basic material employees need to be a cylinder delivery truck driver.

• Remote monitoring with either cellular LTE or LoRa meter options • Provides a familiar customer interface similar to other utilities • Optimize efficient deliveries • Adds control to overall storage efficiency • Ability to shut off service remotely • Accuracy & Durability Sensor • Ultrasonic Flow Sensor

Texas - Bergquist July 2022 ad copy.indd 1

Monthly Autogas Grant Update

New Cylinder Delivery Training Program Available from PERC

Game Changer for Propane Marketers

24

Starting with Introduction to the Propane Industry and ending with Exchanging DOT Cylinders, this learning path guides employees through basic safety as well as task-oriented training such as conducting a customer site assessment.

The program offers flexibility to allow employees to focus on just the training they need to perform specific tasks. This allows for a much shorter training time and reduces the redundant training material the learner has previously taken.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

800.448.9504 bergquistinc.com 7/5/2022 5:46:33 PM

2022 is replete with available grants.

Funding opportunities are available on the state and federal level. Grants are available for light duty trucks, school buses, transit buses, and fueling stations.

Grants are open throughout the year, and every month in Texas Propane magazine in 2022 we will be sharing grant availability as programs open and close.

Available Grants (at time of printing): • US EPA National Clean School Bus OPEN - Deadline August 19, 2022 • Texas Clean Fleet Program OPEN Deadline September 16, 2022 • TCEQ Seaport and Rail Yard Areas Emissions Reduction Program OPEN Deadline November 22, 2022 • TCEQ Statewide Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase Program OPEN Deadline January 7, 2023 Have questions on grants but do not know what grant is right for you or your fleet customers? Contact the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) at info@propanecounciloftexas. org or (800)325-7427.

August 2022 •

Texas Propane

25

Inside the Industry 2022 Texas Clean Fleet Grant Now Open

with new hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles like propane autogas.

Priority is given to projects with the lowest cost/ton of NOx reduced; the largest amount of NOx reduced and fleets operating in the nonattainment counties and Clean Transportation Zone counties.

In the last grant round with this grant: • San Antonio ISD replaced 7 diesel school buses with propane • Alvin ISD replaced 16 diesel school buses with propane

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is providing an estimated $16 million in grants for fleet owners in Texas to replace aging diesel fleet vehicles with new hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles. Grants may reimburse up to 80% of the cost of the new vehicles.

Grants are available for entities that own and operate a fleet of 75 or more on-road vehicles in Texas and who apply to replace at least 10 of those vehicles

 

-





 One key code for all your locks!

Fill Valve Lock

POLock

1. Unscrew and remove the plastic cap.

2. Screw on the new Lock America cap.

3. Snap on the new Lock America locking Cap.

1. Disconnect the gas line.

2. Screw in the new Lock America valve plug.

3. Snap on the new Lock America locking cap.

Here’s what one customer says:

“To truly secure our customers’ tanks, we turned to Lock America’s Fill Valve and POLocks.

When you put a Lock America lock on a tank, the customer will be calling you to fill it up, or pick it up.”

Contact Your Distributor or Lock America for samples!

951-277-5180 www.laigroup.com

26

• Hays CISD replaced 10 diesel school buses with propane TCFP Grant documents, including the Request for Grant Applications and Project Application, may be found on the at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/ terp/tcf.html or for more information you can contact the Propane Council of Texas at info@propanecounciloftexas.org for grant writing questions and help.

The deadline to apply for this year’s Texas Clean Fleet Grant is September 16, 2022.

800-422-2866

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Fax: 951-277-5170 sales@laigroup.com

EVERYTHING UNDER ONE ROOF Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Inventory AutoPay General Ledger Payroll Fixed Assets Routing and Scheduling MOGO Handhelds Customer App/Web Services

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THE PROVEN AUTOGAS SOLUTION FOR THE PROPANE INDUSTRY SAVE THOUSANDS ON FUEL REDUCE HARMFUL EMISSIONS GAIN CREDIBILITY BY USING YOUR OWN FUEL DEPENDABLE TECHNOLOGY

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TX_PGA_MTank_MSTank_Ad_2022-04.indd 1

August 2022 •

4/11/22 9:11 PM

Texas Propane

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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) 12,000 gallons, 250 psi, skidded (2) 50,000 gallons, 350 psi, 2012 Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

For Sale 1996 GMC Bobtail 2600 Gallon Capacity Hydro still good until 2029.

Motor in good condition. Ready To Go $7,000 As Is 361-364-3274

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

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Index to Advertisers

Calendar AUGUST

4 ProCOT Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar deadline 10 Texas Propane magazine Advertising & classified deadline 19 EPA National Clean School Bus Program Deadline 23-25 2022 Chemical Security Summit National Capital Region

SEPTEMBER

10 Texas Propane magazine Advertising & classified deadline 11-12 Fall NPGA TS &S Meeting Indianapolis, IN

Alliance AutoGas 27 Bergquist 24 BLT Tanks 17 Cunningham Gas Products 5 Enterprise Products 18 Ferrellgas 11 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover Gas Equipment Company 16 Legacy Energy Consulting 9 Lock America 26 Lone Star Energy Group 31 Longhorn Propane 25 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 20 Maquinado de Equiposy Tangues SA de CV Inside Front Cover Marshall Excelsior Company 30 Marshall Young Insurance 19 Meeder Equipment Co. 28 MTankCo Supply/Mississippi Tank 27 NoCell Technologies LLC 31 Otodata 13 Propane Plus LLC 29 Propane Service Corporation 15 Quality Steel Corporation 21 Rural Computer Consultants 26 Tarantin Industries 21 Warm Thoughts Communications 5 White River Distributors 14

26-27 Propane Emergencies Training College Station, TX 26 - 28 NPGA 2022 Fall Board of Directors Meeting Scottsdale, AZ

OCTOBER

4-5 PERC Advisory Meeting Salt Lake City, UT 10 Pros4Care Golf Tournament Farmers Branch, TX 10 Texas Propane magazine Advertising & classified deadline 18 LPG Charity Fund Fall Golf Classic Humble, TX

12-14 LP Gas Growth Summit Orlando, FL

NO JOB IS TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL We Sell Tanks Wholesale and Retail

We stock Propane Tanks We offer tanks for sale and for installation • 120# • 250 above and underground • 500 above and underground • 1000 above and underground • We can order tanks up to 30,000 gallon

Serving Central Texas with Pride Propane Plus, LLC 450 County Road 180 Leander, TX 78641

https://propaneplusatx.com propaneplus01@yahoo.com 512-259-7587

Propane Plus, LLC 5325 W. Highway 29 Bertram, TX 78605

August 2022 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Blackstone Griddle is TikTok Famous Have you traveled down the rabbit hole that is TikTok yet? The social media outlet has lots of people watching lots of videos about things they didn’t even know they needed to see.

The propane powered Blackstone Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle Station has become the recipient of TikTok renown, as many a home cook raves about their griddle and all they can do. These home cooks have uploaded tutorials and cooking demonstrations that celebrate their favorite griddle.

In fact, Blackstone has its own Tiktok channel (blackstonegriddle, #GriddleTok) where you can find a variety of content: recipes, dogs dancing in front of grills, dad jokes (I hate when dad grills brats for dinner. He’s the wurst.), dancing Blackstone employees and just about anything else you can think of to engage the home chef.

Want more information? Visit blackstoneproducts.com or take a gander on Tiktok (keyword blackstonegriddle).

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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

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

Call your agent for a quote or call Curtis Heptner, Group AdministratorH H (940) 397-2754 H curtis@1starins.com

EXPECT MORE CAPACITY•QUALITY•UP-TIME•PROFIT•OPPORTUNITY

www.fiskinc.net

CUSTOM PROPANE TANK SERVICE AND INSTALLATION TRUCKS

(920) - 477- 0334 • info@f iskinc.net CONTACT FISK TODAY!