August 2023 Texas Propane magazine

8 THE FUTURE OF LETTUCE

How Propane Plays a Role in Revol Greens’ Temple Lettuce Greenhouse

By Kimberly Scheberle

14 FUELING GROWTH: PROPANE FARM EQUIPMENT INCENTIVES FOR TEXAS FARMS

16 GROWING TOGETHER: FORT BEND COUNTY'S NEWEST AGRIHOOD PROMOTES SUSTAINABLE LIVING

20 BREAKING THE BARRIERS: BUILDING POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS IN THE PROPANE INDUSTRY

22 LOUD QUITTING: WHAT IT IS AND HOW FLEETS CAN AVOID IT

23 PROCOT PARTICIPATES IN SUNBELT BUILDERS EXPO FOR HOME BUILDERS & DEVELOPERS

24 FUELING KNOWLEDGE: PERC'S FREE PROPANE LESSON PLANS FOR EDUCATORS

Highlights from Headquarters

Bill Van Hoy

In late June, I was lucky enough to be invited to tour a just-opened lettuce greenhouse outside of Temple by TPGA member Jack Walzel, whose Tri-Co Propane is providing the operation’s propane. The greenhouse is enormous. It’s also very high-tech. Machines are monitoring and altering everything from carbon dioxide content, to humidity, to temperature and number of minutes of daylight. And if the daylight is too much (say for instance the heat that’s been generated this past month), they actual close the shade and then use LED lighting instead, as it’s more effective. It was a great opportunity to see a new place that is using propane as part of its energy package, and TPGA thanks Revol Greens for the opportunity.

PERC provides incentives for farm equipment as part of the Propane Farm Incentive Program. See who qualifies and how to get your customers registered on page 14.

If you haven’t ordered the 2024 Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendars for your customers, the time is now! August 14 is the deadline for you to get your orders in. You can always visit www.procot.org for complete details and there is a hard copy form on page 18.

I hope that you made the time to attend the TPGA Convention & Expo. It is always a great opportunity to reconnect with other marketers, share some of your successes or failures and check out what vendors have available to make your business better. While it's always hard to schedule time out of the office, it's an investment in your business.

Let's all hope the end of summer comes soon.

TPGA staff

Bill Van Hoy ................. bvanhoy@txpropane.com

Executive Director

Jackie Mason................... jmason@txpropane.com

Education & Marketing

Regulatory & Legislative Affairs

Julie Novinger...........accountant@txpropane.com

Bookkeeper

Propane Service Corporation

sales@propaneservicecorp.com 800-392-0023

Publisher Kim Scheberle ............. kscheberle@austin.rr.com

Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892

Joanne Pantaze ................. jpantaze@zochnet.com

Advertising Sales 512-273-2639

Kiki Pantaze ....................kpantaze@zochnet.com

Art Director 512-924-7566

TPGA Executive

2023-2024 TPGA Board of Directors

President: Allen Wells, Wells Propane, 281-332-2630

President Elect: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 972-771-8654

Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347

Treasurer/Finance Chair: Bill Collins, Propane Exchange, 214-629-5118

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, 817-295-1091

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

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

The Future of Lettuce

How Propane Plays a Role in Revol Greens’ Temple

Lettuce

Greenhouse

By Kimberly Scheberle

It’s August in Texas. If there’s a downside to our state, this would be it. (Unless you’re a fan of high heat.) And while August usually is a painful crescendo, this year it will probably just be the tail end (fingers crossed) to a long hot three-month stretch. This summer has been a douzy. So it won’t surprise you to hear about a high tech way to increase yield in agriculture, which is increasingly at risk with see-sawing climates.

Revol Greens, which opened its first greenhouse in Minnesota in 2017, marries state-of-the-art greenhouses with innovative agricultural practices. The company recently opened a massive lettuce greenhouse on the east side of Temple, Texas. Their greenhouses use 90 percent less water than traditional farming, and they can reliably deliver product 365 days a year.

Jack Walzel, with Tri-Co Propane in Rogers, worked with the site manager from the get-go to ensure the new plant had the power needs it desired. While it was a little serendipitous that the new site could not utilize natural gas, Walzel has been more than able to fulfill the site’s needs.

“It’s been such a pleasure working with the Revol team,” Walzel said. “We have forged a great partnership. That said, it took some creative financing and teamwork to pull all the pieces together. That part was difficult.”

Changing Tides

When Nic Helderman, the man Revol Greens recruited to build/manage the Temple location, came to the states in 1992, most of the produce that came from California, Mexico and Florida were harvested in open fields. But things have largely transitioned over for greenhouse crops. Today, for instance, most tomatoes you find in a grocery store are grown indoors.

Helderman said that crops like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are good candidates to be grown in a greenhouse setting because you plant them once and you have a long time that you can harvest. Something like corn, for instance, would not be successful in greenhouses as it requires lots of acreage and is harvested once a year.

“Our customers, the big stores, they want year-round, good quality, same quantity and same yield,” Helderman said. “Big companies like Walmart, Costco and HEB cannot build their business on just getting one product local for one month in a year. We can produce local product year-round with the same quality.”

According to Precedence Research, the global commercial greenhouse market size accounted for $34.8 billion in 2021 and is expected to hit around $78.9 billion by 2030, poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.52% from 2022 to 2030.

The Precedence study cited one of the chief market drivers: “Less water and area are needed to produce the same amount of produce when using greenhouse farming, which is one of its key advantages over traditional agricultural practices. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates to meet global food demand, food output must rise by 70% by 2050.”

“Compared to traditional farming, organic farming wastes less water. In general, greenhouse farming uses 95% less water than outside farming for the same amount of crops. Additionally, the development of commercial greenhouses is a result of the shifting weather patterns that affect conventional farming.”

The Temple Location

Helderman has spent a lifetime honing his skills in greenhouses. He grew in the Netherlands, known as the standard-bearer in greenhouse technology, where both of his parents worked in the industry. The country dug deep into high tech greenhouses on the heels of World War II after close to 20,000 citizens died in the

The first 30,000-pound propane tank is in place at the Temple Revol Greens location. Jack Walzel at TriCo Propane worked closely with the Revol team to accommodate their needs.

“Dutch hunger winter,” which happened from 1944-1945 during the final months of German occupation. The country, the size of Connecticut, is one of the top five exporters of vegetables in the world and provides much of Western Europe with fresh produce.

Helderman has journeyed around the world working with greenhouses, from the Middle East to Australia to several U.S. states including Arizona, New York and Maine.

He picked Temple to place the greenhouse by looking at a map. He had been tasked with putting it where it was easily accessible to San Antonio, Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth markets. Temple was the center. “There’s around 20 million people who needed more lettuce, and we wanted to go local,” Helderman said. Temple checked the boxes. He picked a location on the east side of town, which was flat (and muddy).

Revol utilized the team at ARCO/Murray, a design build team that has considerable experience with controlled environment agriculture.

Using Propane

Walzel’s connection to the Revol plant was the result of good old fashioned shoe leather. He stopped by one day to check out

what was going on and chat with the site manager, Jason Korenek with ARCO/Murray. Korenek was staying on property in a travel trailer. Initially, it looked like a large propane provider already had the account sewn up.

But Walzel’s conversation on site that day, lending advice despite not having the account, led Korenek to invite him to a meeting with Helderman. It helped that Korenek already knew Walzel as Tri-Co was the only propane provider in the area filling bottles during the pandemic. He was grateful for the propane he needed for the travel trailer.

After that meeting they struck a deal, and Walzel/Tri-Co Propane put in a 30,000-gallon tank, two vaporizers, piping and $30,000 in regulators to make the system work. He additionally installed the guardrails and made sure to walk the process through inspection with the Texas Railroad Commission.

Currently, Revol has the first half of the first planned greenhouse working. The second half of that greenhouse should be opening in the coming months. They have started with 80 employees and have plans to expand to 80 acres. When complete, there will be two more greenhouses and two more 30,000-gallon tanks on site.

The pallets are placed in a tightly controlled room, where sensors keep the humidity, temperature and carbon dioxide levels at the most advantageous level. Higher CO2 hurries germination. The CO2 is recycled from the use of propane in the facility.

The seedlings are brought into the greenhouse to start their journey across the greenhouse. These flats (for loose leaf lettuce) float on a shallow bed of water to the far side of the greenhouse

Lettuce seeds are mechanically planted in peat to start the process.

Seed trays are stacked in pallets, ready for seedlings to be grown.

The liquid propane powered vaporizers heat water in a massive boiler, which heats the greenhouses during the winter months. Chilling towers are used during the hotter summer months to manage the temperature.

“At maximum output, the boiler would burn 247 gallons an hour or 6,000 gallons a day,” Walzel said.

They additionally recycle carbon dioxide that is produced when they heat the water, piping it into the greenhouse to encourage photosynthesis and increase yield on the lettuce. There are 240 CHP units in place for the first phase of the greenhouse.

Opportunities for Marketers

While there might not be a commercial greenhouse in your backyard to target (but be on the lookout), Walzel says that the opportunity to work with Revol only happened because he drove by, stopped and talked with the potential clients. “If I hadn’t stopped, this never would have happened.”

“I encourage all dealers to get out there and hustle,” Walzel said. “There are lots of new things going on that use propane like crematoriums and aluminum smelting plants.”

“You never know until you start a conversation.”

Combined Heat and Power or CHP is an efficient way of using [propane] gas for use in the greenhouse. CHP creates electricity while heating up water. With CO2 as a byproduct, these are three key ingredients for a greenhouse operation. Combined Heat and Power or CHP is also known as cogeneration. As its name indicates, CHP is the process of simultaneously producing electrical energy and thermal energy in one system. Especially in greenhouse horticulture, the advantages of combined heat and power can be significant. Greenhouse crops require a few basic ingredients: light, temperature, carbon dioxide, water and nutrients. This is needed for the process of photosynthesis. Enhancing the photosynthesis can be done by adding more of these ingredients to the greenhouse. Cogeneration can take care of three of these important elements required for photosynthesis.

Courtesy of DutchGreenhouses.com

The high-tech greenhouse tracks everything the lettuce needs to flourish. The heat pumps at the top of the greenhouse supply both heating and cooling. The initial greenhouse has 240 CHP units to help it maintain the optimum temperature. Two more greenhouses are planned.

It takes 21 days for seedlings that come in on one side of the greenhouse to make their way to the far side, where they are ready to harvest.

Employees can stand between the elevated lettuce beds and a conveyor belt, where they send the lettuce off to be packaged.

Revol packages the lettuce on site with their branding or the imprint branding of their partners.

Revol Green’s Temple greenhouse is the fourth site the company has opened in its quest to provide fresh year-round produce. Here is a little more information about their greenhouses:

Owatonna, Minnesota

• First Revol Greens greenhouse.

• 10 acres of production equivalent to 300 acres of outdoor farmed lettuce.

• 190 million gallons saved vs. outdoor grown lettuces.

• Roof rainwater and snowmelt collection provides the majority of plant water needs.

Tehachapi, California

• 16 acres of production equivalent to 480 acres of outdoor farmed lettuce.

• Able to reach 49 million consumers within 24 hours of harvest.

• 304 million gallons vs. outdoor grown lettuces.

• Over 90% of light needs for growing operation are provided by the sun.

Athens, Georgia

• 76 million gallons saved vs. outdoor grown lettuces.

• Founded in 2000 as BJ’s Produce and selling under the Living Fresh brand, the Athens greenhouse joined the Revol Greens family in 2022.

• Nearly 4 acres and serves as a gateway to the southeast.

Temple, Texas

• 20 acres upon completion equivalent to 600 acres of outdoor farmed lettuces.

• 380 million gallons saved vs. outdoor grown lettuces.

• This is the company’s most technologically advanced greenhouse yet and will leverage even more efficient climate controls.

• The greenhouse will capture 100% of its water needs from the greenhouse roof and retention ponds.

Many thanks to Revol Greens for hosting TPGA members for a tour. (L to R) TPGA’s Jackie Mason, TPGA Executive Director Bill Van Hoy, Tri-Co's Trent Collins, Tri-Co's Debra Michalka, Revol’s Temple plant manager Nic Helderman and Tri-Co owner Jack Walzel.

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Fueling Growth: Propane Farm Equipment Incentives for Texas Farms

Program Eligibility

To qualify for the Propane Farm Incentive Program, agricultural producers must purchase qualifying propane- fueled equipment and meet the following criteria:

• Participants must represent a farm or agribusiness and be at least 18 years of age. Participants will be asked to provide an appropriate tax identification number unique to the farm receiving the incentive.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) provides research, product development, and consumer education for the use of propane equipment on agricultural operations. The Propane Farm Incentive Program (FIP) is a research project to gain feedback on the performance of select propane-powered equipment in the field. Participating agricultural operations receive a financial incentive towards the purchase of qualifying equipment in exchange for monitoring the performance

and sharing their experiences with PERC and their peers.

Program Registration

Applications may be accepted online at www.propane.com/farmincentive. After logging in (or creating an account), applicants will complete a brief demographic survey about their operation, add equipment, answer required questions, upload invoice or receipt, upload W-9 and sign an electronic contract.

• Equipment must be used on a U.S. farm as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in direct support of agricultural production or;

• If not on a farm, equipment must be used in support of an agribusiness dedicated to the primary processing of any agricultural, horticultural or animal commodity.

• Participant must be a propane customer in good standing with his or her fuel supplier. PERC may contact the propane supplier(s) to verify the applicant’s account is not considered past due.

• Data collection is required of Propane Farm Incentive Program participants.

Qualifying Equipment

The agricultural equipment listed below may be eligible for the program. Qualifying equipment and participating equipment dealers are subject to change at any point. The total incentive payment is not to exceed 25 percent of the total equipment cost.

Propane-Powered Industrial Engines –New, EPA- and/or CARB-certified industrial engines used for agricultural purposes can qualify for the following incentives:

$300/liter of displacement for pumping applications and up to $3,000 for certified dual fuel systems.

Power Generation

• $30/kW for prime power generation

• $15/kW for backup power generation

Propane-Powered Water Heating Systems – New, high-efficiency water heating systems used in agricultural production operations are eligible for an incentive of $2000. The system must either be installed in new construction or as a conversion from another power source.

Propane-Powered Poultry, Swine, & Greenhouse Heating Systems – New poultry, swine, and greenhouse heating systems are eligible for an incentive of $0.10/square foot, up to $2000 maximum per system, when installed as part of an entire system installation. The complete heating system must either be installed in new construction or as a conversion from another power source.

Propane-Powered Flame Weed Control – New tractor pulled flame weed control systems are eligible for an incentive of $1500. New push type flame weed control carts are eligible for an incentive of $100.

Program Incentive Payments

Each agricultural operation can qualify for incentives for a maximum of six (6) units of equipment total per year and two (2) units for each type of application. Maximum incentive per unit is $5000 but should not exceed 25 percent of the total equipment cost. Incentives are paid directly to the agricultural producer once the requisite paperwork is processed, which is typically within 30 business days of PERC receiving the submitted application online.

Limitations

The Propane Farm Incentive Program is not a rebate program. The Propane Farm

Incentive Program is a research initiative conducted by PERC. The purchase of propane-powered equipment does not guarantee eligibility for an incentive and not all applicants will qualify for an incentive. To ensure the most relevant and useful data is obtained through the program, PERC may deny a Propane Farm Incentive Program application even if all eligibility requirements are met.

Important criteria will be taken into consideration when selecting the best possible candidates for the program such as the ap-

plicant’s ability to record and supply data, the proximity to another Propane Farm Incentive Program applicant, total acreage and types of crops produced, and the amount of gallons of propane used by the applicant, and the total number of equipment already in the program.

More Information

For additional information or questions regarding the Propane Farm Incentive Program, please visit www.propane.com/farmincentive, or call 202-452-8975.

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Growing Together: Fort Bend County's Newest Agrihood Promotes Sustainable Living

Houston real estate developer Meristem Communities plans to create a 235-acre neighborhood in Fort Bend County, Texas, that will reconnect residents with our food system.

Indigo has been approved for 750 residential homes. The planned community includes 42 acres of agriculture, a 25acre lake, and a mixed-use commercial section.

“Part of Indigo’s DNA includes a foundational connection to agriculture, so the community is built around a human-scale working farm and pasture. This is unique because modern development projects rarely consider an agrarian perspective,”

Meristem Communities founders said in an interview with Builder.

The development will carve out multiple car-free zones and places an emphasis on walkability, access to nature, and small craft businesses.

“We want parents to feel comfortable with their kids walking to get an ice cream, and we want residents to feel like they can accomplish much of their normal daily business within a quarter of a mile walk,” the developers say.

Not all the details are ironed out just yet.

“We have to carefully consider the crops and livestock that are best suited to the local climate, soil, and water resources,

as well as develop effective irrigation and pest management strategies,” they add.

Ultimately, Indigo will be a place where residents can experience “full-bellied living,” where food is grown and produced in their own neighborhood.

There are number of “agrihood” developments throughout the country and more in the works.

Propane can help bring these projects to fruition. Most working farms depend on propane for grain dryers, water heating, generators, and building heat.

Modified from its original version published by: the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

Breaking the Barriers: Building Powerful Partnerships in the Propane Industry

purchases represent gallons lost to some degree of customer lack of knowledge about better options available to them and listening to the wrong voices. With your team already slammed with delivery and service calls during peak season, how else can you raise that awareness?

Successful propane marketers have learned to maximize business results by strategically building partner relationships. More than ever, they are finding opportunities outside of their company to grow their businesses.

Propane marketers know all too well the frustration of losing a sale to consumers who weren’t aware of propane’s ability to better serve their energy needs. Even worse, when a trusted trade ally tells them

something incorrect about propane or wrongly suggests an alternative because they don’t know better.

Most electric furnace, water heater, diesel fleet buses, trucks and irrigation engine

Every market served by propane has its own network of trusted peers and other business partners that propane marketers can tap into.

In the residential and commercial market segment, for example, they can include industry experts and professionals who are a part of the sales and distribution

Jason Erwin National Sales Representative

channel – builders, construction professionals, tradespeople such as plumbers and HVAC professionals, chimney sweeps, original equipment manufacturers, distributors, equipment dealers, and aftermarket suppliers.

Having good, allied partner relationships is a smart way to develop a team of advocates for your company as the energy provider of choice for homes and businesses they already are serving.

“Networking develops your credibility and influence, which is a cornerstone of a successful business growth strategy,” says Bryan Cordill, PERC’s director of residential and commercial business development.

“Strong partners help you leverage opportunities, extend your sales force, and boost your professional reputation in the business.”

Growing and maintaining strong strategic peer networks takes time and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. They include:

• Broaden your exposure to different market opportunities

• Deepen your understanding of different market issues and trends

• Connect to influencers, decision makers, and end users

• Expand the reach of propane’s story

• Elevate your solutions for customers

• Accelerate your speed to provide solutions

• Help you become the go-to expert for solutions

As you think about expanding your propane business, your growth strategy should include well thought-out tactics for identifying, building, and maintaining deeper relationships. That includes trusted advisor relationships with customers and value-adding partnerships all along the propane sales and distribution channel.

“Developing strategic partnerships into a strategic network involves more than just adding names to your contacts list. To create an effective network, you need to dedicate time and resources to the effort,” Cordill says.

“But in an industry like ours, which values and relies on the strength of relationships, creating a strategic peer network is well worth your time and effort.”

You can connect with these and other subject matter experts by attending na-

tional, state, or regional shows, as well as professional association meetings. In addition to PERC, other examples of professional associations include:

• Your State Propane Gas Associations

• Local and state Home Builder Associations

• National Association of the Remodeling Industry

• Local Realtor Boards

• Clean Cities Coalitions

• National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium

• State and local landscape contractor associations

• Farm bureaus

To learn more, visit The Learning Center on propane.com to complete the Strategic Partnerships Collection training courses and watch the video that highlights the success of partnering with community and technical colleges to grow the workforce.

3.

Loud Quitting: What It Is and How Fleets Can Avoid It

on social media, it can make it difficult to attract and retain new drivers. It can also damage the morale of existing drivers, leading to increased turnover.

There are a number of things that fleets can do to avoid being a target of loud quitting. One important step is to create a culture of open communication. Drivers should feel comfortable talking to their managers about their concerns. Fleets should also provide drivers with opportunities for feedback and input.

Another important step is to address driver frustrations. If drivers are unhappy with their pay, for example, fleets should consider increasing it. If drivers are frustrated with the long hours, fleets should consider offering more flexible scheduling options.

The trend of employees airing their grievances with their employer on social media platforms like TikTok is known as “loud quitting.” This trend is not unique to the trucking industry, but it is having a significant impact on it.

There are a number of reasons why truck drivers are turning to loud quitting.

Some drivers are unhappy with their pay, while others are frustrated with the long hours and demanding work conditions. Still others are unhappy with the lack of opportunities for advancement.

Whatever the reason, loud quitting can have a negative impact on a fleet’s reputation. When drivers air their grievances

Finally, fleets should take action on driver feedback. If drivers make suggestions for improvement, fleets should take them seriously and make an effort to implement them. By taking these steps, fleets can create a positive work environment that will reduce the likelihood of loud quitting.

Here are some additional tips for fleets on how to avoid being a target of loud quitting:

Be transparent about your company’s policies and procedures. Drivers should know what is expected of them and what they can expect from the company.

Provide regular feedback to drivers. Let them know how they are doing and what they can do to improve.

Recognize and reward drivers for their hard work. This will show them that their efforts are appreciated.

Create a positive work environment. This includes providing a safe and comfortable workplace, as well as opportunities for professional development.

By following these tips, fleets can create a workplace where drivers feel valued and appreciated. This will help to reduce the likelihood of loud quitting and improve driver retention.

Fueling Knowledge: PERC’s Free Propane Lesson Plans for Educators

cators to effectively teach their students about the multifaceted role that propane plays on farms nationwide. These lesson plans aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to embrace and utilize propane tech-

nology in an increasingly sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural landscape.

To access these invaluable resources, educators and students can simply visit https://propane.com/for-my-business/agriculture/ag-lesson-plans/.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has taken a significant step in recognizing that the future of the agriculture industry lies in the classrooms of educational institutions across the nation. Understanding the crucial role that agriculture educators play in shaping the minds of the next generation of farmers, PERC has taken proactive measures to support them and their students. In doing so, they have developed a comprehensive set of free, downloadable lesson plans, tailored specifically for the agricultural sector.

PERC’s free, downloadable lesson plans include ag propane-focused curriculum, interactive activities, and sample tests on the following topics:

• Introduction to Energy and Fuels in Agriculture

• Today’s Propane Industry

• Sources and Processing of Propane

• The Science and Nature of Gases

• Measurements and Calculations with Propane

• Safety Considerations with Propane

• Personal Safety with Propane

• Handling Propane Fuel

• Storing Propane Fuel

• Propane Use in the Home and Agribusiness

• Power Technology Applications of Propane Fuel

• Heat Applications of Propane in Agriculture

• Pest Management and Sanitation Uses of Propane in Agriculture

Through the release of these carefully curated lesson plans, PERC seeks to make it as easy as possible for agriculture edu-

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Inside the Industry

Texas College Hosts National Propane HVAC Train the Trainer Event

Propane Goes Prime Time: PERC's Video Campaign Will Air Millions of Videos This August

At PERC’s recent Train the Trainer, HVAC event, 30 instructors from technical schools and community colleges across the country, including Texas, gathered to learn how to educate their students on PERC’s HVAC and Plumber Technical Training curriculum, which discusses how to safely and efficiently install, test, and operate propane appliances and gas distribution systems.

Along with learning how to teach the curriculum, attendees had hands on demonstrations of both the regulator board that PERC provides schools who are grant program recipients, as well as a hydrometer, another tool that the schools are required to purchase with the grant program money.

The three instructors from Texas State Technical College from various campuses (including Waco, North Texas and Harlingen) attended the training.

PERC thanks host Collin College in McKinney for making this event a success!

PEOPLE IN PROPANE

John R. (Jack) Shiplette, 78, passed away June 29 with his loving wife by his side. After serving our country in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy, Jack worked as a gas appliance serviceman in San Diego, California. After marrying Jeanette, he moved to El Campo, where he built his business, El Campo Propane Service. Our thoughts are with his family.

Annell Dorris,Roadrunner Energy - Uvalde, Texas passed away on July 11, 2023 from medical related complications. Annell was married to Jerry Dorris and they started Roadrunner Energy in 1978 after purchasing the former Vapo Gas Company. After Jerry passed away in 2004, Annell continued to work as the majority shareholder of the family business, along with their three sons Ben, Jody & Todd. Jerry & Annell were and Todd has continued Roadrunner Energy’s long time, active involvement in the Texas Propane Gas Association. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations/memorials can be made to El Progreso Memorial Library, 301 West Main, Uvalde, Texas 78801 or Uvalde Grand Opera House, c/o City of Uvalde, PO Box 799, Uvalde, Texas 78802.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is celebrating a substantial bonus earned from its successful summer campaign. With this incentive, PERC is poised to launch an exciting bonus campaign, slated to run from August 1 to August 31. The heart of this new initiative will be the captivating "Propane 30-second Future is Now" video.

This engaging video will be strategically showcased across various platforms, ensuring broad viewership and impact. Viewers can catch the :30 commercials on popular TV Network Apps, including ABC, Fox, ESPN, NBC, Discovery, TNT, Food Network, NBC Sports, MLB Network, National Geographic, TBD, A&E, AMC, and Peacock. Additionally, they will be available on On-Demand Apps like Pluto TV, Tub, Xumo, Vevo, Crackle, and Hulu. Moreover, the campaign will leverage Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) channels such as Roku, Samsung, Vizio, and Direct TV, maximizing the audience reach.

To build on the momentum gained from the summer campaign, PERC plans to spread these propane educational commercials across the 36 states that actively participated, including Texas. The projection is to achieve over 2.3 million free :30 video streams, thus fueling awareness and understanding about propane's potential and benefits.

PERC looks forward to this next chapter of the campaign, aiming to make an even greater impact and continuing to pave the way for a propane growth.

Share New Agriculture Safety Guides with Ag Producers

“For greenhouse heat and power generation, no other energy source gives growers the anytime, anywhere reliability of propane. Propane heating systems provide consistent heat within 0.5 degrees of the desired temperature in a low-emission, plant-safe way while also helping growers cut fuel costs,” says Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC.

Producers are frequently thinking about safety when it comes to their agriculture operations—remaining safe when using equipment, keeping their crops and livestock safe, and ensuring the safety of everyone working on an operation are always top of mind. We also want to make sure that everyone who is involved with an ag operation remains safe when using propane throughout the farm.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has recently developed six new ag safety guides that are now available in The Learning Center. Each one-page safety guide provides important information about code and training requirements, specific hazards, and special safety considerations for a variety of propane uses and equipment. The six safety guides include:

• Propane Safety On the Farm

• Safety For Transport Delivery

• Using Farm Carts Safely

• Safety For Wet Line Dispensers

• Confinement Barn Safety

• Crop Dryer Safety

PERC encourages you to download the guides, familiarize yourself with the safety information, and share them with your ag customers.

Download the ag safety sheets at bit.ly/3NxsyPk.

PERC Joins National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association

Fast-growing public support of local, controlled vegetable growing operations is heightening the need for clean, safe, reliable power to operate greenhouses nationwide.

That’s why PERC has joined the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association, which represents the manufacturers and suppliers of greenhouses and greenhouse components.

Nationwide, indoor-grown lettuce, arugula, kale, mustard, spinach, herbs, and cannabis are being produced locally year-round in controlled environment

greenhouses. The practice of controlled environment agriculture allows growth in diverse regions using less water, less land, and no agriculture chemicals.

Isn’t it time to trust that your insurance works as hard as you do?

• You will receive good old fashioned customer service.

• You will be educated about your policy coverages and shown where you might be vulnerable.

• You will receive multiple options for your insurance.

Allen and Debra Wells

Wells Propane & TPGA/President

“We can’t say enough good things about Marshall Young Insurance. Rusty and his teammate Kalynn, along with the rest of the team at MYI, are extremely knowledgeable about the propane industry and consistently go above and beyond to assist with our insurance requirements. “

CALENDAR

AUGUST

3 - 5

TPGA Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference

The Woodlands, TX

14

ProCOT Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar Orders Due

14 - 15

Train the Trainer for Allied Partners, Building Professionals

Sarasota, FL

22

Renewable Propane Online Lunch & Learn

Hosted by H-GAC & LSCFA Clean Cities

22

EPA Clean School Bus Program Deadline

SEPTEMBER

1

Texas Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program

Opens

4

TPGA & PSC Office Closed for Labor Day

10 - 12

2023 Fall NPGA TS&S Committee Meeting

Baltimore, MD

17 - 20

GPA Midstream Convention

San Antonio, TX

21 - 22

2023 Fall NPGA Benchmarking Council Meeting

Kansas City, MO,

OCTOBER

7

National Propane Day

10-11

PERC Advisory Committee Meeting

Providence, RI

16-18

NPGA Fall Board of Directors, Committee, & Section Meetings

Louisville, KY

17-19

Sunbelt Ag Expo

Moultrie, GA

18-20

GIE+EXO

Louisville, KY

with PURPOSE

Rising Above the Storm:

How Propane Generators Saved a Florida Shrimp Farm During Hurricane Ian

Pine Island, Fla. is home to a unique full-cycle shrimp operation run by Robin Pearl and his team. An onsite genetics lab helps the team breed and raise some of the world’s most sought-after brood stock; strong male and female shrimp that spawn generations of delicious offspring. In October 2022, Hurricane Ian brought an extraordinary set of challenges, and it took extraordinary energy to weather the storm.

The tanks that nurture the developing breeder shrimp must be kept at a precise temperature to keep them alive. As the whole island lost power when Ian barreled through, propane-powered generators kicked in. Pearl used to rely on diesel generators but switched to propane for reliability. “Propane will never go bad,” Pearl says.

But there was another problem: the storm washed out the only bridge connecting the island to the mainland. Pearl and his workers caught rides on boats to survey the damage and figure out what to do next. When he arrived,

Pearl was greeted by the hum of generators and knew his prized penaeidae were safe for the moment. Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough propane tank capacity to power the entire operation for an extended time. “We decided to focus on powering the chillers that keep the genetic stock alive,” says Pearl. Many of the farm’s other shrimp did not survive.

Eventually, the farm’s propane provider, Blossman Gas, was able to secure a ride to the island for one of its bobtail trucks on a barge, bringing enough propane to keep the chillers running. Pearl says, “Blossman deserves a special shoutout. They stepped up in a major way.”

Pearl’s family of companies,

which include Sun Shrimp and American Mariculture, survived two weeks before the electric grid came back online. Another shorter outage struck when Tropical Storm Nicole passed through in November. With the help of propane, the operation endured through the crucial November to January harvest season. As a new year dawned, Pearl’s shrimp were packed onto ships and delivered to shrimp farms around the world.

Asked what ultimately saved his operation, Pearl answers “preparation, experience, and people with a can-do spirit.”

That kind of extraordinary resiliency is what makes propane the Energy for Everyone.