June 2018 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane June 2018

Volume 74 No. 6

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

Driving High Tech How Telematics, Collision-Mitigation Systems, Forward-Looking Cameras & Electronic Logging Devices Can Change Your Business

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

Pinnacle Propane is committed to maintaining the legacy you’ve built.

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.

As a Texas-based company, we focus on providing local service to our customers in the communities we do business and empowering our employees via competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

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.

Matt Terry Director, Acquisitions (210) 560-5418

Bill Webb Senior Vice President, Acquisitions (936) 329-1440

For more information and a confidential assessment of your business, whether retail propane or cylinder exchange, and wherever you are in the United States, call us today.

Pinnacle Propane is now part of the SHV Energy family. SHV Energy is one of the world’s leading propane distributors and has over 16,000 employees and operates in more than 20 countries. As part of the 121 year old Dutch privately owned SHV Holdings, SHV Energy is committed to working sustainably with communities, stakeholders and policy makers.

www.pinnpropane.com

Pinnacle Propane is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

TexasPropane June 2018

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

Features Driving High Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

How Telematics, Collision-Mitigation Systems, Forward-Looking Cameras & Electronic Logging Devices Can Change Your Business.

Propane Autogas Technician Training Hosted by NAFTC . . . . . 14 2018 Crossroads Propane Expo + Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Publisher

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com

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

Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net

Marketing Minute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Say Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Charging Towards Fort Worth Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director May was a very busy month for the Association and staff – a regional district meeting, board & committee meetings, ProCOT board meeting, plus throw in a PERC meeting as well.

The first TPGA regional district meeting was very successful. Thanks to host Tri-Co Propane and L.E. Klein for cooking the food.

Watch for more regional district meetings to be scheduled in the future – one near you!

Now we are charging toward the 2018 Crossroads event in Fort Worth. You don’t want to miss this one. Avoid the stampede and book your hotel room be-

fore the group block sells out!

In this issue of Texas Propane magazine, our feature focuses on technology that propane professionals can incorporate into their fleets for increased safety and efficiency.

Read more on how telematics, collision mitigation software, cameras, and ELDs may help your business and how they have helped some Texas marketers better their operations.

New Members

Suppliers AMID Liquids Trucking • Marion, TX Schneider Electric Centeron Cypress, TX Twin Eagle • Houston, TX AFFILIATE Cortland Energy • El Campo, TX

2018 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Golf Tournament Targa Resources Expo Lounge Midstream Transportation Convention Bags Enterprise Products Lanyards Keyera Energy President’s Cocktail Reception Bishop Energy Casino Party Quality Steel • Westmor Industries Cordell Insurance DJ for Gala Marshall Young Insurance

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2017-2018 TPGA Board of Directors President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 President Elect: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Secretary: Harris Baker, Pinnacle Propane, 512-306-0073 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 1 Director: Jim Vines, Cooper Propane, 903-785-5242 District 1 Alternate: Open District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 4 Alternate: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2660 District 5 Director: Open District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 District 8 Alternate: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Sam Fox, McCraw Oil, 469-261-1148 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Open District 12 Director: Open District 12 Alternate: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

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District 13 Director: Open District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Open 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: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Past President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-5317 Past President: Doug Maclay, United Propane, 972-225-2347 Vice President: Allen Wells, Baygas, Bay Gas, 281-332-2630 Vice President: Matt Terry, JP Energy Partners, 210-560-5418 Vice President: John Gordon, Bob’s Fuels, 325-647-3619 Sr. Vice President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 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: Don Hankins, Alamo Corporate Group, 817-615-8393 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Mark Smith, Leran, 512-318-1840 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. At Large Director: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Company, 214-638-8018 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, Nominating Chair: Doug Maclay, United Propane, 972-225-2347 NPGA Director: Jim Bishop, Bishop Energy, 940-665-3457

Featured

Driving High Tech

By Kristen Card

The internet has changed everything, y’all. It has connected us with information and media and each other in ways we never could have imagined even 25 years ago. Who would have thought almost every American would be toting around a handheld computer 24/7, capable of letting them exchange messages with a friend in South America, check Mont Belvieu prices on your phone, take a virtual tour of the Taj Mahal, play a game with someone overseas, binge-watch all five seasons of Friday Night Lights– and, oh yeah, make a phone call to anyone, anywhere in the world?

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Featured

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Featured

The internet has made phones smarter than they’ve ever been – and [no surprise] it’s doing the same for propane trucks. Many innovative companies are producing technology and devices – often combining hardware and software – designed to improve the daily routines of fleet and trucking operations. Yes, equipping your fleet with new technologies requires a significant investment of both time and money, but your return can be a business with greater security, higher productivity, improved competitiveness, a whole lot less hassle, and a more robust bottom line.

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elematics began as GPS vehicle/fleet tracking, but has evolved into so much more. Defined as “an interdisciplinary field incorporating telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation and safety, electrical engineering, and computer science,” telematics is actually way cooler than it sounds. It’s a web-based solution that lets fleet management monitor and understand a broad spectrum of operational factors, such as vehicle location, time spent on-site, fastest routes, fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, and driver behavior.

“I can follow a driver’s day pretty precisely, and in real-time,” explains Lon Holloway of DFW’s Northwest Propane. “If I need to know where a truck is, our system is internet-based, so I can check it from my cell phone, my laptop, any computer with online access. I can see where it is, how many stops it’s had, when the driver got to the stop, how long he spent, and how many gallons he delivered. And once he completes a stop, the invoice for it comes instantly to our office software, is verified in seconds, is downloaded to the system, and the customer receives an email with the invoice in it within minutes. We can also set up our customers’ credit cards, so we can charge their card immediately, and they don’t need to worry about paying the invoice. It’s done.

It’s seamless.”

This type of automation of paperwork enhances records accuracy, and eliminates countless hours of tedious manual data entry

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and filing. It also streamlines compliance reporting and other regulatory communications, and ensures businesses pay drivers for actual, measurable work done – protecting employers from overpaying and employees from being underpaid.

The safety of drivers and the public is, naturally, a top priority for business owners; accidents are costly on multiple levels – repairs, injury claims, employee morale, insurance premiums, company reputation, and regulatory interference. Telematics solutions can help improve two key contributors to accidents: driving behaviors and maintenance issues.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 95% of all collisions are caused by driver error. Telematics can alert fleet managers to unsafe driving behaviors, like harsh acceleration, braking and cornering, speeding, and lack of seatbelt use.

“The truth is, no matter what system you put into place, there will always be things drivers can cheat on,” Holloway concedes.

“But based on the telematics, you can get a sense of whether they’re cheating or not, and when drivers know they’re being monitored, they choose safer driving habits.”

Telematics can also notify fleet owners when trucks are being used outside of a specified service area or during off times, which helps reduce unauthorized use of the vehicle – and therefore, helps eliminate extra fuel costs and further wear-and-tear on the vehicle.

Jan and Mark Peterson of Buster Brown Propane started utilizing telematics to curtail theft, but have benefited from the technology in numerous ways.

“We can see if they are spending too much time at particular residence, driving time, idling and when they engaged in pumping fuel,” says Jan Peterson.

“We get alerts when oil needs to be changed, if a driver is speeding on our phones, and can see in real time where their trucks are,” says Mark Peterson.

Planned, preventive maintenance on a truck can help safeguard against unplanned, failure-related maintenance – and telematics can help with that, too. Telematics systems can automate the tracking of vehicle maintenance schedules, alerting fleet managers when its time for regular maintenance activities. They can also use a wide variety of sensors to monitor a truck’s mechanical and electrical systems, and generate diagnostic trouble codes when something goes awry. A fleet manager notified of a trouble code can help his driver make a decision in real time as to the best way to proceed – pull over immediately, go to the closest service center, or just keep on trucking.

Additionally, over time, telematics can identify unsafe routes

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and intersections, as well as less-congested streets and lighter trafot spot technology, in addition to telematics, has been fic times. According to a study by the Aberdeen Group, improved added to Tri-Co Propane’s arsenal of tools it uses to routing (which will be covered in a future issue) and automated drive efficiency. dispatching via GPS fleet tracking leads to better efficiency – re“We’ve got [smart] tablets in our trucks,” says Walzel. “A couple ducing the average amount of time spent at a job by 15%, and raisof our drivers take their trucks home at night, so we incorpoing the total number of jobs completed per day by 23%. rated hotspot technology. They used to have to be next to our ‘The technology is an investment, but it gives data points we building to connect with the wifi to download their daily reports; can pull from. From an emergency standpoint, we know where with the hotspot, wherever they are at the end of the day, they our drivers are. In the wintertime, we can monitor weather and can automatically download all their information directly to us. traffic. We can beat the ice.

The next morning, it’s all there We do not use it every day, – we just move it over to a but we use it often,” says spreadsheet, check it against Any technology Doug Maclay of United Prothe tickets, push a button, and pane. boom, it’s in. We’ve had this that can help drivers detect and react “From the driver’s perspecsystem about three years, and to potential collisions – whether it’s a tive, if there has been an acif we hadn’t had it, I guarantee cident or if they have been inwe would have had to hire two rear-end, head-on, or t-bone situation capacitated, we know where more employees by now.” they are. From a management – is worth investigating and perspective, we can help them possibly investing in. ollision-mitigation to be more efficient.” systems use sensing Using telematics solutions technology to monito promote a culture of safety tor for potential accident situations and take emergency action to and productivity ultimately helps reduce costs associated with avoid them. Whether it’s called ADA [advanced driver assistance maintenance, repair, replacement, fuel, fines, and insurance claims. system], ESC [electronic stability control], or FCAM [forward “And telematics does improve the customer experience,” afcollision avoidance and mitigation], this technology operates firms Jack Walzel, owner of Tri-Co Propane in Rogers, TX. “It through driver alerts and emergency takeover functions. eliminates much of the paperwork from their side, too, while enCollision-mitigation technology began with antilock brake syshancing our timeliness, so customers know just when we’ll be tems, and today can include sensors, radar, and video. Using these there.” tools, FCAM systems can help save lives, diminish injuries, and Jan Peterson of Buster Brown Propane also says that utilizing lower all the costs associated with accidents. telematics can come in handy when a customer says they never “About half of all two-vehicle accidents are rear-enders, and got a gas deliver. “We can send them a report that shows we were rear-enders are the second-most deadly kind of crash,” Walzel exthere, which has come in handy.”

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plains. “Collision-mitigation systems can warn the driver when a orward-looking camera systems – commonly known as rear-end accident is imminent. If the driver does nothing, the sysdash cams – have improved significantly during the past few tem can automatically apply the brakes to try to avoid the crash.” years; today, they can capture high-definition images, are useAdaptive cruise control alerts drivers to stationary and moving able in low light or at night, and have increased in storage capacobjects in front of and around the vehicle, to help drivers keep a ity while decreasing in size. Dash cams provide fleet managers and constant distance behind the vehicle in front of them. The truck business owners with video evidence they can use to monitor drivwill automatically slow to avoid a collision, decreasing the acing practices, verify deliveries, or learn more about matters that can cordion effect caused by traffic lead to disputes, including – of and increasing fuel economy. course – collisions.

FCAM systems can also in“When the public sees an Video provides clude driver notifications for accident between a big truck cold, hard evidence blind-spot protection, lane deand a smaller vehicle, they tend partures, and upcoming trouto assume the truck is at fault,” for road and parking accidents, ble zones – identifying locaHolloway attests. “But governtions where drivers need to pay ment studies show that when rendering other evidence pointless closer attention to their speed heavy trucks and passenger veand smoothing the path to and control. Some systems hicles collide, it’s the car driver’s can even recognize the current fault upwards of 70% of the a fair judgment. speed limit or red lights, and time. Still, the public perception prevent drivers from breaking works against us. Dash cams ofthe law with unsafe driving practices. fer proof that can save the costs and the black eye of being sued.”

“These systems continue to advance and are becoming more reWith dash-cam use, insurance companies no longer need to fined,” says Holloway. “They’re getting more accurate, with fewer collect and collate written evidence from every party involved in false alarms and many new ways to alert drivers to safety hazards. a collision, or wonder whether the recollections are accurate, or Any technology that can help drivers detect and react to potential whether the accounts may be fabricated to avoid penalties or proscollisions – whether it’s a rear-end, head-on, or t-bone situation ecution. Video provides cold, hard evidence for road and parking – is worth investigating and possibly investing in.” accidents, rendering other evidence pointless and smoothing the

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Dash cams can be especially helpful in protecting against “crash-for-cash” scams – accidents deliberately staged so they look like the truck is at fault. Scammers tend to target fleet vehicles, because they know fleet vehicles are more likely to be insured and they know companies will have deeper pockets than individual drivers.

Fraudulent claims like these cost the insurance industry millions of dollars each year, and cause higher premiums, repair expenses, vehicle and driver downtime, diminished driver safety and tarnished company reputation for fleet managers. Video makes it less likely that an insurer will have to pay for extensive investigations or false claims, so some insurance companies offer discounted rates to fleets equipped with dash cams.

On the other side of the coin are reckless drivers causing real collisions. Camera systems can not only combine with telematics to provide information about speed and location, but they can also include cameras to record in-cab activity, letting business

owners literally observe driver behaviors.

“We’re in the process of putting cameras in our trucks,” asserts Holloway. “We’ll be able to see in front of and behind the truck, as well as inside the cab. We want to discourage distracted driving by spot-checking for phone use, and monitor for any unsafe driving practices, like road rage.” Front-facing cameras can also help good drivers record and report others who may be driving dangerously.

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

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lectronic Logging Devices (ELDs) synchronize with a time on reports by allowing employers to quickly run reports on vehicle engine to automatically record driving time, prodriver logs, hours of service violations and vehicle inspections. viding more accurate Hours of Service (HOS) recordToday’s ELDs include driver apps, like two-way communicaings. Some commercial motor vehicles may be required to have tion, break-time alerts, arrival and departure time notifications, these ELDs in place by reguand ways for drivers to request lation. Ensure you are subhelp without using a mobile scribed to the TPGA Memdevice or leaving their vehicle. ber Only communications like Drivers can also complete their You’ve got to weigh how much the Monday Morning Messenvehicle inspection reports via ger and The Propane Insider, ELD, which helps fleet managof an investment the technology TPGA’s monthly newsletter ers monitor vehicle inefficiento see if the ELD applies to cies and needs, saving the cost is against how it’s going to benefit you, your business. of unplanned maintenance and your people, and your business.

ELDs help more precisely repairs. monitor driver status, as well n closing, “Whenever you’re as hours. An employer can tell using technology to save you how much time a driver has time and money, or for better left, thus helping in driver asefficiency or compliance, you’re automatically improving your producsignments. There is also a safety mechanism built in—if a driver tivity and your bottom line,” Holloway concludes. “But you’ve got to goes over their hours, the vehicle immediately shuts down. weigh how much of an investment the technology is against how it’s ELDs also help reduce paperwork by eliminating hand-written paper logs, which sometimes are incomplete or never completed. going to benefit you, your people, and your business. You balance how much money you want to spend with what the technology is worth to With ELDs, it’s automatic, the data is there, employers can access you. But if you ever have an accident that results in a big lawsuit, let me electronic logs stored digitally in the cloud. tell you, this sort of fleet technology can prove to be invaluable.”

ELDs can help transportation and delivery companies save

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Propane Autogas Technician Training Hosted by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) Training Dates July 31 to Aug 2 (Tues-Thurs) 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location Universal Technical Institute 5151 Regent Blvd., Irving

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) in conjunction with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has launched a new Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training. Recognizing a need for qualified technicians to adapt, service, and maintain these vehicles, the comprehensive course covers topics including propane characteristics, fuel systems, vehicle compatibility, system components, and safety. By the end of the three-day course, participants will have an in-depth understanding of

servicing and maintaining these vehicles.

This state-of-the-art training is being offered at locations across the United States in 2018 at no cost. This training session targets professional automotive technicians currently working in the automotive repair industry who want to enhance their skills and learn more about working with propane autogas vehicles. This class does not target current propane professionals, but is designed for those just starting out in the propane autogas field.

This three-day course includes an overview of propane technology, automotive components, and propane autogas related systems.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Course Objectives

Taught by certified NAFTC instructors, this three-day course will enable you to: • Explain the sources and processing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) • Describe the components of a propane autogas fuel system and explain how each operates • Know the different fuel delivery methods and how they differ (vapor, liquid, and direct) • Explain the three types of propane autogas fuel system configurations (bi-fuel, dual fuel and dedicated) • Learn the concepts of pressure, density, and volume in describing, measuring, and handling propane autogas • Explain the operation of the electronic control module (ECM) and the components that connect to it • List the different steps in the converion of a conventional vehicle • List personnel and shop safety procedures and describe the appropriate responses to common emergencies such as fire, gas leakage, and collision This course is NOT an autogas vehicle conversion class, although conversion topics and procedures are discussed.

Course Materials Provided to the Participant: • Participant Manual - including review questions and learning activities • Program certificate Classes are offered through the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, a not-for-profit program of West Virginia University. Customized classes can be brought to your doorstep and are designed to meet your particular needs. Please contact micheal.smyth@mail.wvu.edu for details, class pricing, and for NAFTC membership information.

Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naftc-texas-propane-autogastechnician-training-tickets-43357591724

Fundraisers at the 2018 TPGA Crossroads Expo & Conference There will be three fundraisers at the 2018 Crossroads Expo & Conference hosted by the Texas Propane Gas Association. All below fundraisers will benefit the TPGA Scholarship Foundation and take place at the Expo on Saturday, August 5, 2018 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

50/50 Raffle

YOU COULD WIN CASH Supporters purchase raffle tickets, 1 ticket for $20 or 6 tickets for $100.

The winning ticket number is drawn after ticket sales close. In the case of a 50-50 fundraising raffle the prize is 50% of the money taken in by the raffle ticket sales. The other 50% is retained by the nonprofit group holding the raffle. Hence the name, 50-50 raffle fundraiser.

Advanced ticket sales. Raffle drawn on the expo floor. You must be present to win.

Kendra Scott

Silent Auction

It’s become a new annual tradition; the Kendra Scott Trunk Show takes place each year at the TPGA expo to raise funds for the Scholarship Foundation.

Over the last 2 years, the TPGA Scholarship Foundation has received over $1,600 from Kendra Scott.

A long-standing tradition, the silent auction has been a staple to expo and a key revenue generator for the foundation.

20% of all purchases made at the Expo will benefit the TPGA Scholarship Foundation.

To support the silent auction, you can donate an item or bid on cool items like exclusive getaways at the auction.

About Kendra Scott Kendra Scott, a Texas jewelry designer has created collections of timeless pieces that have won over loyal fans, media and celebrities alike.

Through personal donations and fundraisers like the silent auction, the Scholarship Foundation has been able to double the amount given to scholarship winners.

To learn more about how you can donate an item or more about these fundraisers, visit www.txpropane.com/scholarships

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The 2018 Crossroads Propane Expo+Conference serves as the Texas propane industry’s premier event where marketers and their staff, and vendors in various sectors of the industry meet to discuss changes in the industry, best practices, and new products and technology.

Add These Dates to Your Calendar Now!

Last Chance to Cancel for Partial Refund

June 29, 2018 11:59pm CDT

Hotel Reservation Group Block Cut-off

July 3, 2018 11:59pm CDT

Last Day for Early Bird Discounted Rates

July 15, 2018 11:59pm CDT

Cowtown

Great herds of Longhorns were driven from Texas to the railheads in Kansas and Fort Worth was on the main route. The city became the trading point for the whole northwest region.

Today’s Fort Worth is modern and multi-cultural, but keeps the past alive.

Within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and fabulous shopping, the Omni Hotel and the Fort Worth 16

Golf – Targa Resources Expo Lounge – Midstream Transportation Convention Bags – Enterprise Products Lanyards – Keyera Energy President’s Cocktails – Bishop Energy Casino Party – Quality Steel, Westmor, Cordell Insurance DJ for Gala – Marshall Young Insurance

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

ꟾ AUGUST 4-6, 2018

Fort Worth was established in 1849 as an army outpost and is known as “Cowtown” for its cattle drive history. Fort Worth calls itself the “place where the West begins.”

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Important Dates:

2018 CROSSROADS PROPANE EXPO+CONFERENCE FORT WORTH, TX

Early Bird Discounts End 7/15/18

Convention Center are perfect venues for the event!

We are very excited about the enthusiasm we have received from exhibitors and attendees alike.

NEW! for 2018 You can register for the event online. It only takes a couple of minutes. When registering online you will have an immediate confirmation and printable receipt of payment.

See y’all there!

Schedule at a Glance Saturday August 4

7:00a – 5:00p Registration/Information Fort Worth Convention Center Hall A 9:00a-12:00p Exhibitor move-in Fort Worth Convention Center Hall A 8:30a-1:30p Golf Tournament Hawk’s Creek Golf Course 8:30a-1:30p Skeet Tournament Fort Worth Trap & Skeet 1:00p – 5:00p Exhibitor Move-in Fort Worth Convention Center Hall A 5:00p-6:00p Welcome Reception Omni Hotel Fort Worth Ballroom Supplier dinners/on your own

Bring your receipt to the Registration Desk at the Convention Center to print your badge.

Your information will not be given to any companies outside of this event.

Sunday August 5

8:00a – 5:00p 10:00a-4:00p 5:00p-6:00p 6:00p-10:00p

Registration/Information Fort Worth Convention Center Hall A Expo (lunch on expo floor) Fort Worth Convention Center Hall A President’s Cocktail Reception Omni Hotel FW Ballroom Foyer Gala with Casino Party Omni Hotel Fort Worth Ballroom

Monday August 6

8:00a-11:00p 8:00a-9:15a 9:30a-10:30a 10:30a-11:30a 12:00p-1:00p

Appropriate TPGA-issued badges MUST be worn to attend conference events.

Exhibitor move-out Fort Worth Convention Center Hall A Speaker (breakfast) Omni Hotel Sundance 1 Executive Committee Omni Hotel Sundance 2 Finance Committee Omni Hotel Sundance 2 Board/Annual Business Mtg Omni Hotel Fort Worth Ballroom

At the Expo

At the Expo you will be able to discover the partners and solutions your organization needs. Discover the newest programs, products and services for today’s propane marketer. PRIZE DRAWINGS!! LUNCH!!

June 2018 •

Texas Propane

17

Host Hotel

Omni Fort Worth Hotel 1300 Houston St Fort Worth, TX

Hotel cut-off July 3, 2018

Deluxe Guestrooms are offered at a special conference rate of $155+tax per night Single/ Double. You will enjoy complimentary high speed internet in guest rooms and lobby, and 24-houraccess to the fitness center, and a 10% discount on valet parking. There is per day fee to park in the garage. 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 800THE-OMNI (800-843-6664) and mention the TPGA 2018 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference or go online to https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/fort-worth/meetings/tpga-2018-crossroad-propane-expo-and-con to receive the discounted rate.

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.

July 3, 2018 is the cut-off date for hotel reservations at the discounted group rate. Please make your reservations early! After July 3, rooms are at “space and rate as available” basis.

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

Special Events

Elmer Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament Sponsored by Targa Resources Saturday, August 4, 2018 Hawk’ Creek Golf Course 6520 White Settlement Rd Westworth Village 8:30a – 1:30p $125/person Skeet Tournament Saturday, August 4, 2018 1064 FM 2871 Fort Worth, TX 76126 8:30a – 1:30p $85/person

Conference Support Opportunities

Become a sponsor to support this event and TPGA. Please contact the TPGA office for more information. A variety of opportunities are still available.

Event website: http://www.cvent.com/d/ztq599 18

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Registration Form

2018 Crossroads Propane Expo+Conference

_______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Company Address City

ST

Phone

Zip

Fax

Spouse/Significant Other Name Child Name Child Name

Child Name

_______________________________________________________________________

Contact Name

Email

Registration Type

Early Bird (7/15/18) Regular/Onsite

□ 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)

$295

$395

$225

$325

$100

$100

$100

$100

FREE

FREE

$100

$150

$55

$75

$55

$75

FREE

FREE

Definition of a Marketer

The definition of a Marketer for purposes of registering for this conference is a company involved in the retail sales of propane either residential or commercial, dispenser operators, or RV park operators. If you are a product manufacturer/ distributor, service provider, transport, or propane wholesaler/ producer you MUST be an exhibitor to register.

Special Events

□ Golf Tournament □ Skeet Shoot □ Additional Gala Tickets

(invited guests only attending this event)

□ 50/50 Raffle Tickets

$20 ea or 6 for $100

$125/person

$125/person

$85/person

$85/person

$175/person

$175/person

# __________

TOTAL FEES

$_______________

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.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received in writing by June 29, 2018 will be refunded 50% of their pre-paid registration fee. NO REFUNDS will be given after this date.

Refunds will be issued after August 6, 2018.

Send in Your Payment Mail, Fax or Email completed contract to: TPGA 2018 Crossroads Propane Expo+Conference 8408 North IH 35 Austin, TX 78753 Fax: 1-512-834-0758 info@txpropane.com

Email:

Please DO NOT mail AND fax or email your form.

Questions? Contact us at 800.325.7427 or info@txpopane.com

Marketing Minute

Are Print Ads Right for Your Business?

As the world becomes more digitally oriented, it’s easy to assume that print is dead and useless when it comes to marketing. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Even though digital marketing is an extremely successful way to market your business, you should consider a few things if you’re planning to cut print from your plan. Marketing is a balancing act and knowing where to invest can either spell out success or failure for your strategy.

Who are you trying to reach?

Knowing your audience is a crucial aspect of deciding where you should invest your marketing budget. Do you cater to an older demographic that reads the newspaper instead of a Facebook feed? If so, choosing print advertising may be a better option for you. Do your research after you’ve determined your target audience so you can figure out where your marketing efforts will have the most impact. Hint: according to the PEW Re-

been running. Listen to your customers, especially the new ones, to find out where they heard about your business and why they decided to visit.

Where is your audience located?

search Center, 48 percent of Americans 65 years and older get their news most often from print newspapers, while 50 percent of those ages 18 to 29 go online.

What are your customers saying?

When was the last time you had a meeting with staff who communicate with your customers? They are your best way to find out what your customers are saying about your marketing efforts. Maybe a few customers mentioned that they saw your ad on the back of the community bus, which is why they decided to visit, or they mentioned the Facebook ad you’ve

Is your audience mainly living in an area where the internet connection is less than ideal? This may be something to take into consideration. If your target audience is primarily rural, finding a way to reach them is important. Maybe they regularly visit the small diner where the Coffee News is readily available. Perhaps that’s something to experiment with as you try to determine how best to reach your unplugged audience.

When are you advertising?

Putting an ad on a bus in the middle of the summer may not be effective in Texas, when it’s too hot to be outside much and the idea of filling up for the winter is far removed. Using digital mediums during cer-

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Dallas TX

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Indianapolis IN

(800) 241-1971

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

(800) 447-1625

Kansas City MO

(800) 821-5062

Richmond VA

(800) 368-4013

www.gasequipment.com

Fayetteville NC

St. Louis MO

(800) 423-4685

Tracy Wells East Texas

John Percy West Texas

Mike Armstrong South Texas

tain times of the year, or event certain times of day, may be a more effective way to reach your audience. For example, Facebook advertising has a feature that allows you to select the time of day an ad is shown. Do your research first and find out when your audience is most likely to be on Facebook, then cater your ads accordingly.

Why do you advertise?

The purpose of your advertising can oftentimes help you decide where best to put your marketing budget. Are you aiming for online transactions? Asking for those in print advertising will probably not be as effective as a Facebook ad leading to your website. Consider what your end goal is and move backward to determine how people would reach that goal in the most efficient way.

Are you planning to use print advertising for your business? Consider these things as you form your plan, and then decide which platforms are best for you.

Copyright Š 2018, The Maine Edge. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

June 2018 •

Texas Propane

21

Inside the Industry

People in Propane

Need Propane Bill Stuffers?

Jeffrey Lynn Rider, of Weatherford, passed away on April 16, 2018. He was president of Joe Rider Propane in Azle. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. The family suggests that donations in Jeff’s honor can be made to the Hope Center for Autism, www.hopecenter4austim.org.

James M. “Jim” Crittenden, 67, of Bonham, TX passed away on April 26, 2018. Jim served in various local and state government capacities and on numerous boards in Fannin and Grayson counties. Jim owned and operated Crittenden Propane for over 20 years and worked with Crittenden Cattle Company. He spent his last years continuing his passion for photography and spending time with his family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Michael Baker is joining the team of National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) as Director of Legislative Affairs. Before NPGA, Michael was the Chief Clerk for the Committee on Ways & Means at U.S. House of Representatives, serving a total of 7 years under recent Chairmen like Rep. Kevin Brady, Rep. Dave Camp, and Rep. Paul Ryan. Michael’s background in tax policy including alternative fuel tax credits will help play an instrumental role as the industry seeks their continuation.

Jose Castillo Alcala, 80 of Alba, passed away on April 22, 2018. Mr. Alcala was born in Mexico and taught welding and auto mechanics there. He moved to the DFW area where he worked as a diesel mechanic until he retired from Mallory Propane in 2003.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Propane Service Corporation has double-sided English & Spanish propane safety bill stuffers for sale. The bill stuffers were formerly available from the Railroad Commission of Texas, and have been revamped by PSC. In stock, PSC has Leave Your Tanks Outside, Gas Check, Keep Full/How to Read Your Gas Gauge and If You Smell Gas. Sold in packages of 100.

Call (800) 392-0023 or email sales@ propaneservicecorp.com to order yours.

Are Your Customers Ready for Grilling Season?

Help keep your customers safe by sharing safe grilling tips from the Propane Education & Research Council in time for this summer’s barbecues.

You can start by downloading the free Safe Grilling public service announcements from PERC found at https:// www.propanecouncil.org/Productswith-Options/Radio-PSA--Safe-Grilling/ emailing it to customers, using it in place of hold music on your phone system, or even sending it to your local radio stations.

Share safe grilling tips on Facebook via this new video from PERC found on PERC’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/PropaneCouncil/videos/.

And consider referring customers to grillingforheroes.com, where they can review safe grilling tips and download the Grilling for Heroes Cookbook in return for a donation to Hope for the Warriors.

Propane Emission Advantage Fact Sheet

PERC has released a new Propane Emission Advantage Fact Sheet based on a report from the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) that proves propane’s emissions advantage over electric and gasoline for forklifts.

22

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Inside the Industry Download the fact sheet from PERC’s online catalog at https://www.propanecouncil.org/productcatalog and show to those considering other options for their forklift.

Bi-Lingual Propane Forklift Safety Flipchart Available

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) has 19” X 25” Propane Forklift Safety Flipchart for warehouses FREE for the cost of shipping & handling.

Great for forklift clients to post in warehouses.

Each poster of the flipchart is doublesided with English safety tips on one side and Spanish on the other. Some subjects covered include: Training, Propane Cylinder Valves & Openings, Certified Cylinders, Personal Protective Gear and much, much more.

The 12 page flipchart comes with a bonus page and are spiral bound, so they can be hung in a lunchroom or warehouse and rotated each month. The flipchart is also a great tool for the propane industry for forklift customer orientations and client safety meetings.

Call (800) 325-7427 to order. Remember: you only pay shipping. Stock up!

Use Propane Living to Effectively Get Marketing & Safety Information to Your Customers

al recipe each quarter. The Winter 2017 edition of Propane Living went to over 100,000 consumers. Did you subscribe your customers?

How can you get your customers subscribed?

1. Visit www.procot.org 2. Go to Propane Living newsletter under Programs 3. Click on register and complete the form by June 15, 2018 for the Summer 2018 edition 4. Select on the form whether you want

them to shipped to your location for distribution by your office or if you want them to mail them to you Cost: ProCOT covers most of the cost with PERC assessment dollars. You, the Texas propane marketer, are only responsible for a one-time $45 fulfillment fee per quarter and less than 4 cents per address per quarter after your newsletter has mailed or shipped. This gets your company name or logo on each newsletter.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up now at www.procot.org.

A re Y ou

GAMBLING W ith your insurance?

Other propane owners have come to our agency to cover their insurance bets: 1) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available; 2) Many have discovered a gap in coverage after meeting with us; 3) Some have grown frustrated with the lack of timely response and personal service from their current agent.

WWW.MARSHALLYOUNG.COM

The Propane Living newsletter is a quarterly consumer newsletter distributed to propane residential consumers, and it includes marketing like upgrading appliances and expanding use of propane, propane safety information and a season-

“I cannot say enough about Rusty and his team at Marshall Young Insurance. Not only are their prices highly competitive and comprehensive, but their customer service is outstanding as well. Marshall Young’s team goes above and beyond to exceed our insurance needs.”

— Josh McAdams McAdams Propane Co. Midstream Transportation Co.

401 N. Ridgeway Drive, Cleburne TX 76033 | 817-645-9155 MEMBER

June 2018 •

Texas Propane

23

Schwan’s Home Service Unveils Newest Fleet of Propane Autogas Delivery Trucks

in Ft. Worth, Texas

FREE Dealer Event

• Product & Sales Training • Factory Reps On-Site • Giant Auction • Free Golf Tournament • $40,000+ in Prizes • Free Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner • Special Offers & Product Discounts for Attendees Only • Massive Displays featuring $500,000+ in Products

Call for more details 800.251.0073 Empire White Mountain Fireplaces R H Peterson Gas Logs FireMagic Grills HPC Outdoor Firepits American Outdoor Grills Superior Gas Fireplaces ...and more mo

The Southwest’s Premier 2-Step Distributor www.leklein.com • 800.251.0073

Schwan’s Home Service, Inc., continues its decades-long commitment to cleanburning propane autogas vehicles. The company deployed 200 ROUSH CleanTech E-450 cutaways with plans to lease an additional 400 units by the end of 2018, totaling 600 vehicles.

“Propane-powered vehicles have played a key role in Schwan’s product delivery for more than 40 years,” said Danielle Stariha, senior manager of fleet and procurement for Schwan’s Home Service. “Total costs of ownership for propane autogas is much lower than traditional fuels and other alternative technologies, which is why we are continually implementing the newest propane technology.”

Schwan’s Home Service, which has one of the larger privately held fleets in the United States, will take delivery of its first 200 Ford E-450 cutaway vehicles this month. Each frozen food delivery truck is equipped with a Ford 6.8L V10 engine and a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system.

Implementing alternative fuels is one way that Schwan’s Home Service helps meet its

S OF ION R A E Y 70 RICAT B A F K K TRUC

TAN White River Distributors, Inc. has been an industry leader since 1944, with a staff of sales professionals with over 100 years of experience to help make your purchase an easy one. We have tanks 600 to 8000 gallons, your choice of chassis. Build to your specifications. New, used, and refurbished propane bobtails, change-overs, and repairs. Financing available, delivery service available. Trade-ins Accepted. Pick up the phone and give us a call.

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www.lpgbobtails.com • 1-800-548-7219

24

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Contact Danny McElroy at the Southwest Sales Center Dallas, Texas 1-800-483-9971 • danmcelroy@aol.com

corporate environmental objectives. Each Ford E-450 propane autogas truck emits about 91,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime than a gasoline-powered vehicle. Propane autogas is a low carbon fuel that reduces greenhouse gases by up to 25 percent, carbon monoxide by up to 60 percent, and nitrogen oxide by 20 percent compared to gasoline.

“Schwan’s long-time investment in propane autogas is a testament to the staying power of this economical and domestically produced transportation fuel,” said Todd Mouw, president of ROUSH CleanTech. “And, we are bringing Schwan’s the cleanest-operating propane technology on the market.”

Schwan’s is also concerned about the comfort of its drivers, who are behind the wheel delivering frozen food products to its residential and business customers.

“Propane-powered vehicles are much quieter than equivalent diesel-powered vehicles, which leads to higher driver satisfaction,” said Ron Moore, vice president of warehouse and fleet operations for Schwan’s Home Service. “We deliver across the U.S., in various climates, con-

ditions and terrains, and our drivers are excited about the ROUSH CleanTechpowered E-450 chassis.”

Schwan’s Home Service unveiled its new propane autogas vehicles at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, California.

Where in the World Poland Surpasses 3 million LPG-Powered Vehicles in 2017

According to the latest data, 2017 closed with 3,082,000 vehicles running on LPG, an increase of 105,000 cars year-over-year.

It is worth mentioning that about 54% of all passenger cars in Poland use petrol as fuel, 30.7% are models with diesel engines, and 14.5% are powered by Autogas.

The total sales of Autogas amounted to 1,915,000 tonnes in 2017 (7.0% growth in comparison with 2016). All this data

D.L.Morrison Welding & Construction L.P.

is available in the Annual Report recently presented by the Polish LPG Association in Warsaw, in front of the industry and representatives from Polish Ministry of Finance, Energy Regulatory Office and Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Technology.

Moreover, figures showed an estimated of 6,287 Autogas stations by the end of 2017, which means that approximately 86% of all Polish refueling stations have an LPG dispenser.

For more information, please visit http://pogp.pl/en/home/ .

Rural Computer Consultants, Inc.

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MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Testing & Inspecting MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Repair & Re-furbish Storage Installation

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Also offering: MOBILE OFFICE ON THE GO

Compressor Repair 217 Morrison Hill Lane • Gainesville,Tx. 76240 Ricky Taylor 940-727-8608 • Mason Day 940-727-1355 Fax 940-612-2055 E-mail ricky_taylor62@yahoo.com

Delivery Service Work Orders Meter Reading Cylinder Exchange 1-800-722-6659 • www.rccbi.com Bird Island, MN • Birmingham, AL • Portland, ME

June 2018 •

Texas Propane

25

Say

Cheese

Joe Green and Dean Green of Greens Blue Flame Gas of Houston stop by the TPGA booth to catch up with staff at the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting.

Brent Rogers of Quality Steel and TPGA President John Walter of Schneider Distributing of San Angelo, TX share a chuckle at the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting in Rogers.

Larry Hearne, Yellow Rose Propane of Cleburne, TX, and Dennis Fry, Ransome Meeder, enjoy the first district meeting of the year in Central Texas.

Rick Hall, Mike Smith and Lee Smith of Propane Plus in Leander attend the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting on May 8, 2018 in Rogers, TX.

John Percy, Gas Equipment Company, and Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas of North Texas, discuss PERC’s upcoming Can Do Conference at the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting.

26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Debbie Simpson of Propane Service Corporation (PSC) points out all PSC’s catalog offerings to Laci Jo Walter of Schneider Distributing of San Angelo, TX, at the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting, which included a mini expo.

Cecil Joiner, Garrett Insurance, and TPGA Executive Director Bill Van Hoy visit at the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting.

TPGA President-Elect & District 8 Director Jack Walzel of Tri-Co Propane, and Roy Reed of Leon Gas in Flynn, TX., talk shop in TriCo’s showroom during the TPGA Central Texas Regional District Meeting.

Tri-Co Propane employees show their hospitality to over 50 propane professionals at the first district meeting of the season hosted at their home office in Rogers, TX.

Scott Sears, L.E. Klein; Bertram Franz, Hill Country Propane of Fredericksburg, TX; Cliff Graham and Andy Atwood, L.E. Klein; and Wanda Franz, Hill Country Propane, are all smiles after a delicious BBQ lunch grilled up by district meeting sponsor L.E. Klein.

Cleveland O’Brien, O’Brien Propane; Heath McBride, MK Gas; Jerrod Virdell, MK Gas, and Jason Platt, MK Gas, catch up with the association at the recent district meeting in Central Texas

Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 120,000 gallons FOR SALE 15,000 gallon, 250 psi, Eaton Metal Fab (3) 30,000 gallon, 250 psi, 2-OK, 1-TX Contact: Jim Oliver (936) 755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

Garrett Insurance Agency, Inc Formerly, Southern Star Insurance Agency, Inc Cecil Joiner, Risk Manager cecil@garrettinsurance.com 1-800-545-2565 www.garrettinsurance.com

Did you miss the deadline? Call me!

RAILROAD COMMISSION APPROVED TRAINING

1.1 Introduction to Propane

2.1 Dispenser Operations—

DOT/ASME Refueling

2.3 Bobtail Operations and Delivery

3.3 Appliance Conversion

3.8 RV Technician Your place or mine. Call for pricing.

Jack Harrison • 210-680-5096 propanesystems@gmail.com

We are looking for previously licensed L.P. Service Technicians This job will require: Working Outdoors; Working Indoors; Operating equipment such as bobcat, service truck, trailer, trencher, compactor, and hand tools.

CDL Class A license or obtain within 60 days.

Knowledge of interior residential and commercial piping.

Very detail oriented workmanship.

Applicants to work 40+ hours per week.

Experience with propane is a must.

Contact: Tammy Reilly Bubba’s Got Gas 512-392-9999 tammy@bubbasgotgas.com

Prent@longhornpropane.com or Latisha@longhornpropane.com, 830-964-2525

28

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar

Index to Advertisers

JUNE

15 Crossroads Early Bird Pricing Ends

4-5 NPGA Board Meeting & Propane Days Washington, DC

30-31 PERC’s Can Do Conference Chicago, IL

15 Propane Living Deadline 29 Crossroads cancellation deadline

31-August 2 NAFTC Autogas Training Irving, TX

JULY

AUGUST

3 Crossroads Hotel Discount Deadline 11-12 PERC Council Meeting Minneapolis, MN

Bergquist 14 BLT Tanks 13 Cunningham Gas Products 21 D. L. Morrison Welding 25 Enterprise Products/Truck Division 21 Flynt Paint Products 22 Gas Equipment Company 20 L. E. Klein Company 24 Lone Star Energy Group 11 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 12

4-6 Crossroads Propane Expo+Conference Fort Worth, TX

Marshall Young Insurance 23

15 Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Calendar Deadline

Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover

Meeder Equipment Co. Inside Back Cover MK Gas 15 Propane Service Corporation 9 Rural Computer Consultants 25 WESROC 5 Westmor Industries 10 White River Distributors 24

Thinking of selling out?

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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

The fUeL Manager Comprehensive Computer Software for the Small to Medium Size Propane Dealer • A/R Billing • Inventory • Tank Control • Routing • Management Reports

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COMING Next Issue New & Returning Safety, Training & Marketing Programs for Texas

June 2018 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Tri-Fuel Prius Trains Technicians on Propane Autogas

Last summer, ICOM converted the NAFTC Hybrid Electric Vehicle Training Educator to run on propane autogas in addition to gasoline and the hybrid system.

HEVTE spent several days at ICOM North America headquarters in New Hudson, MI, being fitted with a tri-fuel turn key propane system and an upgraded bug box to diagnose problems within both the autogas and electric drive systems.

“NAFTC’s cutaway Prius is a great example of our ability to work together for advanced alternative fuels systems training,” ICOM Technical Manager Albie Venezio said. “The system starts on gas, converts to autogas and then goes into a hybrid mode when necessary, and from there on out it’s always going to autogas and battery.”

The NAFTC and ICOM joined together for the conversion to enhance the Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training, funded by the Propane Education and Research Council.

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

HEVTE has been used in several autogas training sessions since the conversion allowing students to get a closer look at a propane fueling system in action and to diagnose and repair issues within that system.

NAFTC Interim Director Micheal Smyth commented, “The students that have seen the new autogas system in the cutaway Prius have certainly benefited. Participants in our trainings always comment that some of the most helpful parts of the class involve seeing fuel systems and getting hands-on experience. With the improvements made to HEVTE we are able to show much more of the fueling system within a working vehicle.”

“We are always interested in any project that helps to better evolve the industry. Propane autogas training is extremely important in today’s evolving automotive world. We are focused on training new and upcoming automotive techs to be prepared for the alt-fuel world.”- Albie Venezio Contact the NAFTC at 304-293-7882 or naftc@mail.wvu.edu to learn more about the Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training.

AUG 04 AUG 06 2018

FORT WORTH

JOIN US

Meet

Connect

Learn

Grow

NEW IN 2018– ONLINE REGISTRATION & EXHIBIT SALES

For more information visit the event website at http://www.cvent.com/d/ztq599.