September Texas Propane Magazine

TexasPropane September 2019

Volume 75 No. 9

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

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Help Wanted: Propane People to Fuel the Future Propane Incident Resources to Management Training Aid Your Workforce Recruitment & Development

Maintaining the Legacy You’ve Built

You have worked hard to build your business. Pinnacle Propane is committed to preserving your legacy.

Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back?

At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees. We focus on providing local service to our customers and empowering our employees via competitive pay, a robust benefits package, and advancement opportunities.

As you think about next steps, let us work with you to develop a fair purchase plan and a seamless transition so that you can relax and enjoy the results of your efforts.

Bill Webb Senior Vice President Business Development 936-329-1440

Matt Terry Director Business Development 210-560-5418

Call us today for more information and a confidential assessment of your business.

About Pinnacle Propane: Pinnacle Propane is a leading propane distributor in the U.S. and is part of a global group of

LPG companies owned by SHV Energy, the largest dedicated global LPG distributor. Pinnacle Propaneʼs operations include bulk gas storage and delivery, cylinder filling and distribution, and community gas systems. Learn more at www.pinnaclepropane.com.

TexasPropane September 2019

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

Features Workforce Development Help Wanted: Propane People to Fuel the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Workforce Recruitment & Development Resources. . . . . . . . . . 12

Debbie Simpson 800-392-0023 dsimpson@txpropane.com

Propane Incident Management Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Publisher

Hire a Veteran! Statewide Event to Be Held Nov. 7. . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Kim Scheberle Account Manager/Managing Editor Sail House Publishing 512-346-0892 kscheberle@austin.rr.com Joanne Pantaze Advertising Sales 512-273-2639 jpantaze@pvco.net Kiki Pantaze Art Director 512-924-7566 kpantaze@pvco.net

Facebook Offers New “Book Now� Tool to Business Sites . . . . 18

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Member Perks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Safety Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Advertiser Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Successful Crossroads Conference Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director We are back from the 2019 Crossroads Propane Expo and Conference in Corpus.

Thanks to all our sponsors, vendors and attendees for making this year’s event an even greater success than anticipated.

Attendance this year was great with both members and non-members hailing from around the state of Texas. It was wonderful to meet new colleagues, reconnect with members and hear the interesting work that they and the vendors are working on. Look to the October issue of

Texas Propane for a full recap of the 2019 Crossroads Expo and Conference.

In this issue we tackle the daunting task of workforce development in the propane industry. It is not just a Texas problem, but a nationwide problem. There are resources that can help you in your efforts, as I know that many of you are struggling with this issue. Turn to page 6 to get started.

Staff are working on scheduling the next series of TPGA board and committee meetings. Stay tuned!

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2019 CROSSROADS SPONSORS Lunch Sponsor Propane Council of Texas Golf Tournament Targa Resources Convention Bags Enterprise Products Welcome Reception Bishop Energy Lanyards Keyera Energy Expo Floor Beverages Westmor Industries 4J Energy Cactus Tanks TPGA Partner Otodata Quality Steel Michelin/T&W Tire Propane Genius Bar PERC

2019-2020 TPGA Board of Directors President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 President Elect: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 Secretary: Harris Baker, HBH Systems, 512-587-8347 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2630 District 1 Director: David Collett, Gas and Supply, 903-780-2488 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: Danny Meyers, Bellville Butane 979-865-2698 District 4 Alternate: Matt Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 5 Director: Ryan Tudyk, Howdy Propane Services, 361-771-1900 District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 8 Alternate: Open 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: Chad Gregg, Enderby Gas, 940-482-3225 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Open District 12 Director: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 District 12 Alternate: Open District 13 Director: Open

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Terry Perez, Perez Propane, 512-318-9780 District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: 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 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Vice President: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 Vice President: Matt Terry, SHV-Pinnacle Propane, 210-560-5418 Vice President: Larry Baty, Cadenhead Servis Gas, 800-722-8654 Sr. Vice President: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Steve Johnson, Midstream Transportation, 512-787-3777 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Joe Ezernack, Meeder Equipment, 903-877-9401 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, 972-406-3817 Assoc. At Large Alternate: John Becraft, Targa Resources, 817-416-7757 Nominating Chair: John Kelly, Kelly Propane 940-586-1208 NPGA Director: Chad Gray, Dixie LP Gas, 254-582-5359

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September 2019 •

Texas Propane

5

Feature

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Help Wanted: Propane People to Fuel the Future

BY KRISTEN CARD “When you talk with marketers, they might think they don’t have a workforce development issue,” Bridget Kidd, Propane Education & Research Council [PERC] Senior Vice President of Industry Relations, begins. “But the fact is, they don’t have a workforce development issue yet. Once they realize all their drivers in are their 50s or 60s, they get it – ‘Oh, I do have this issue.’ Every single propane marketer in America has this issue, whether they realize it at first glance or not.”

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Feature

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Feature

Workforce development – recruiting, training, and retaining good employees – has been a growing concern for the propane industry over the past few years, as companies across the country find themselves struggling to attract and keep new workers while current workers are aging and retiring. As one marketer succinctly put it, “We’re running out of propane people.”

As a plan to develop the next generation of propane employees has become a rising priority, industry leaders are searching for the best ways to build a future workforce that will help strengthen and expand a century-old business.

Defining the Problem

In 2018, PERC surveyed marketers from coast to coast to learn more about the industry’s current workforce and the challenges they face in recruiting new workers. The Propane Industry Workforce Recruitment Survey clearly showed an increasing need for certified drivers and service technicians, as well as the need for marketers to extend their recruitment “toolbox.” Key takeaways included: • 48% of propane marketers will need to hire more drivers than normal within the next 3-5 years; • 81% report that drivers younger than 30 make up less than 10% of their drivers; • 88% of marketers say hiring drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License is important; • 43% will need to hire more service technicians than normal

8

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

within the next 3-5 years; • 75% report that technicians younger than 30 make up less than 10% of their service techs; • 81% of propane marketers say hiring qualified techs is difficult or extremely difficult; • 67% of the survey’s respondents do not partner with other groups to find new talent; • Of those who do, only 25% are working with vocational or tech schools, and only 15% work with community colleges; and • Propane marketers are doing a good job of providing what today’s workforce seeks: – competitive pay: 97% of marketers offer pay increases for full-time employees, and 88% offer bonuses; – solid benefits: 93% of marketers offer medical insurance

for full-time employees; and – training and advancement: 96% of marketers offer paid additional training for full-time employees, while 84% offer mentorship program for new hires.

Offering Some Solutions

“Once we concluded the research, we put together a Workforce Recruitment Project Team, which included members of PERC’s Market Development & Outreach Advisory Committee, as well as members of the National Propane Gas Association [NPGA]’s Workforce Development Task Force [established in late 2017],” recalls Kidd. “We came together to come up with what resources would be the most helpful for marketers to use in their own businesses as they seek to find new hires.”

The PERC Project Team’s primary initiative was creating new outreach materials that state associations or individual companies could use to appeal to a younger audience. But in order to do this, they had to reflect on why today’s youth don’t seem to be considering careers in propane.

“There are no hard and fast answers,” Kidd notes. “Generally, it seems the younger generations aren’t all that familiar with propane, and tend to believe there are easier, more exciting ways for them to earn a living. So we worked to develop messaging that highlights the benefits of our product, our careers, and our values.”

The resulting collection of workforce development outreach materials covers four main career tracks in the propane industry

Feature – transport drivers, delivery drivers, service technicians, and customer service representatives – and offers impressively-produced videos and professionally-shot images for each career, as well as a benefits overview on both a two-sided card and a brochure, available in both English and Spanish.

“This collection really focuses on both the competencies of the next generation of new hires and the values our business hopes to share with them,” affirms Kidd. “So, for transport drivers, we explain how not only do they get to travel, but also these positions are in high demand nationwide, so they get greater career opportunities. For delivery drivers, they receive competitive pay, and they can be home in the evenings to spend time with their family.”

Likewise, the materials for service technicians address how potential propane workers get to work with a broad spectrum of people and equipment, and how every day is different, while the outreach for customer service representatives tackles how they serve as the face of the company and how they make a positive difference daily for propane clients.

Propane marketers are encouraged to download the outreach materials and actively use them in their recruitment efforts. To see the entire collection and find out where the resources can be downloaded, turn to pages 12-13.

Marketers are also welcome to refer folks to PERC’s Careers in Propane webpage: CareersInPropane.com. Here, in addition to

all four sets of career-track materials, PERC gives visitors five key reasons why propane in general is a good business to belong to: • Be part of a team – Join experts for mentorship and guidance; • Grow professionally – Receive in-depth technical and onthe-job training; • Advance your career – Work in cities or rural areas throughout the nation; • Strengthen your community – Help keep homes, businesses, and more running strong; and • Protect the environment – Feel good about working with a clean fuel; propane is an approved clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act, and you’re helping lower greenhouse-gas emissions, while also leaving a positive impact on the environment.

Additionally, the site promotes propane itself, spotlighting how it powers homes and businesses, helps farms and fleets of vehicles operate more efficiently, enables Americans to live and work wherever and however they want, and is an affordable, abundant, and clean energy source.

“People tend to talk about propane like it’s their great-granddaddy’s fuel,” Kidd claims. “We have a history to be proud of, and that’s wonderful. But we also must talk about the future, how propane is a vital part of the national energy conversation. We’re part of the solution, and if our industry can begin to talk about that, then that’s a really big opportunity ... and oh, yeah, it happens to be the same fuel our great-grandfathers used a hundred years ago.”

WHERE WE’RE FINDING NEW WORKERS

HOW WE’RE FINDING NEW WORKERS

Nearly two-thirds of the survey’s respondents (67 percent) do not partner with other groups or institutions to find new talent. Of those that do, only 25 percent are working with trade and vocational schools, and just 15 percent are working with community colleges.

Today’s workforce wants jobs with competitive pay, solid benefits, and the opportunity for training and advancement.

Here is how our marketers match up with those needs:

Survey respondents say their most valuable recruiting tools include (in order of preference):

NETWORKING / WORD OF MOUTH THE INTERNET LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWSPAPERS SOCIAL MEDIA

OFFER MEDICAL INSURANCE 4 93% FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.

496%

OFFER FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES PAID ADDITIONAL TRAINING.

484%

OFFER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS FOR NEW HIRES.

488%

OFFER BONUSES FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.

497% FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES.

OFFER PAY INCREASES FOR

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Feature Going Back to Schools

The Workforce Recruitment Project Team has also developed a similar outreach kit, as well as some propane-centered curriculum, aimed at engaging schools – including middle and high schools, technical, trade, and vocational schools, and community colleges.

“We know many schools that used to teach young people about natural gas and propane just aren’t doing it anymore,” states Kidd. “Even students who come out of school trained as plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, or general contractors haven’t been exposed at all to information about gas. So we developed a curriculum called Overview of Propane Distribution Systems that is intended to be incorporated back into school curriculums.”

PERC is also developing strategic partnerships with key groups, such as the National Association of Workforce Boards, the Association for Career & Technical Education, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship as part of the plan to leverage industry assets and boost propane’s profile.

Several states are using PERC funds for workforce initiatives.

“These grassroots pilot programs fall into four main categories: school curriculum, community outreach, military/veteran recruitment, and recruitment platforms,” Kidd explains. “For example, one state is using their grant to create a Workforce Development Mobile Unit – outfitting a purchased trailer with propane props, virtual-reality and audio-visual equipment, and hands-on tools to demonstrate propane products at schools and community events. It is also developing propane-based curriculum and an apprenticeship program in all of the state’s 22 technical schools.”

Two states have partnered to establish propane education and

training, as well as job-placement assistance, in community colleges, technical and trade schools. They are aiming to train fulltime instructors in the approved curriculum.

Another state is trying to attract drivers via outreach to active military or recent veterans at bases, and to truck-driving schools.

And yet another state is promoting the use of a web-based tool that connects propane employers with qualified job hunters. It is also offering tuition reimbursement for students who complete CDL or HVAC school in order to fill a propane position they discovered through the Locator.

Kidd says once the grant-funded programs have been at work for a year, PERC will evaluate their success and consider whether to bump some elements or tools up to the national level.

Doing it for Ourselves

“We as an industry like to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps,” concludes Kidd. “And that’s what needs to happen with workforce development. Nobody’s going to do it for us, and to be real, PERC can’t do it for marketers. The goal for PERC is not to conduct recruitment; our goal is to create these tools and resources for propane marketers and state associations to use in the best ways possible for their area or company.

“We’ve laid the foundation, but in order for this effort to be successful and build up the next generation of propane workers, we need the people of this industry to actively engage and demonstrate why they’re proud to be part of it,” Kidd continues. “Propane has an extremely healthy future ahead, but we have to tell that story. It’s really the only way we’re going to recruit anyone.”

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Feature

Workforce Recruitment & Development

RESOURCES The Propane Education & Research Council has developed a suite of assets to highlight the career possibilities and benefits of working in the propane industry to assist the propane industry in workforce recruitment. The suite of materials, including stock photos, videos, brochures, and handouts, can be found on PERC’s Propane Resource Catalog.

The series of videos developed by PERC to help with workforce recruitment can be shared on social media and uploaded to the career page on your website. There is an overview video showcasing career opportunities in the propane industry. This video highlights the positions of customer service representatives, service technicians, delivery drivers, and transport drivers. There are additionally shorter videos on each of the positions.

You can use the workforce recruitment brochures and handouts at local job fairs.

PERC has also created materials to help with outreach at trade schools.

Find on these assets at https://propane.com/resource-catalog/ resources/workforce-development-outreach-materials/.

STATE TRADE SCHOOL OUTREACH KIT IT’S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO ADD PROPANE TO YOUR CURRICULUM Overview of Propane Distribution Systems for HVAC and Plumbing Professionals is a turnkey solution for adding propane to your curriculum.

Yet the most important reason to add it is this: every skill your students learn makes them more employable. Yours will be glad they can answer yes when asked “do you work with propane?”

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More Skills and More Job Opportunities.

Propane Can Do That An Overview of Propane Distribution Systems for HVAC and Plumbing Professionals

OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

YOU WANT A CAREER THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. PROPANE CAN DO THAT. LEARN ABOUT JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PROPANE INDUSTRY CAREERSINPROPANE.COM

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

PERC has also partnered with the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium at West Virginia University to train vehicle technicians how to maintain propane autogas vehicles. Learn more about this free training at naftc.wvu.edu/Propane_Autogas.

Feature WORKFORCE BENEFITS CARD

PROPANE: AN INDUSTRY THAT WILL TAKE YOU PLACES

Here’s why you should

consider a career

in the propane indust

BE PART OF A TEAM

GROW PROFESSIO

fuel is growing and so are the number of job openings in the industry, from coast to coast. Here are just of a few of the in‑demand positions you should consider exploring.

Estas son las razone s para considerar una carrera en la industria del propa no.

PROPANO: UNA INDUSTRIA QUE LO HARÁ PROGRESAR

ry.

Join experts for mentorship and guidance.

From homes and businesses, to farms and fleets of vehicles, propane keeps America running. Demand for this clean, abundant

(ENGLISH AND SPANISH)

SEA PARTE DE UN

Desde los hogares a las empresas, las granjas y las flotas de vehículos, el propano mantiene funcionando al país. La demanda por este combustible limpio y abundante está creciendo, como así también la oferta laboral en la industria, de costa a costa. Estos son algunos de los puestos de trabajo en mayor demanda que podría considerar.

NALLY

Receive in‑depth technical and on‑the‑job trainin g.

EQUIPO

Súmese a expert os que le brindarán mento ría y asisten

CREZCA PROFESION

ALMENTE

Reciba una detalla da capacitación técnica y en el trabajo .

CONDUCTORES REPARTIDORES

DELIVERY DRIVERS

ADVANCE YOUR CARE

This position provides an opportunity to work with a variety of customers, delivering propane to homeowners, agricultural producers, and businesses.

ER

that lets you enjoy life in your local community.

STRENGTHEN YOUR

COMMUNITY

Help keep homes , businesses, and more running strong .

TRANSPORT DRIVERS As a propane transport driver, you’ll deliver propane to individual propane providers across a regional area. Not only do you get to travel, the transport driver position is in high demand across the country, providing even greater career opportunities.

PROTECT THE ENVIR

AVANCE EN SU CARR

Este empleo brinda la oportunidad de trabajar con una gran variedad de clientes, repartiendo propano a propietarios, productores agrícolas y empresas. Podrá acceder además a una remuneración competitiva y a un horario que le permitirá disfrutar la vida en la comunidad local.

Work in cities or rural areas across the countr y.

You’ll also enjoy competitive pay and a work schedule

FORTALEZCA A SU COMU

ONMENT

PROTEJA EL AMBI ENTE

Podrá sentir la satisfa cción de trabajar con un combustible limpio.

TÉCNICOS DE SERVICIO

Propane service technicians are hands on. You’ll do everything from setting tanks and running lines to installing and fine‑tuning propane appliances and equipment. On a day‑to‑day basis, you’ll work with everyone from home and business owners to plumbers and construction professionals.

Los técnicos de servicio de la industria de propano hacen un trabajo práctico. Tendrá que hacer de todo, desde montaje de tanques, tendido de líneas a la instalación y ajuste de artefactos y equipos a propano.

En el día a día, trabajará con todo tipo personas, desde propietarios residenciales o comercios a plomeros y profesionales de la construcción.

Business Card Here

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES The customer service representative is client‑facing, and you’ll help people every day. While working with new customers to set up service, you’ll also be an expert troubleshooter helping current customers. As the face of your company, you’ll leave them feeling positive about the entire experience.

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de presentación

aquí

GLUE DOT

W/ REMOVABLE BACKING

REPRESENTANTES DE SERVICIO AL CLIENTE El representante de servicio al cliente está en contacto directo con los usuarios y ayuda a las personas día a día. Mientras trabaja con clientes nuevos para habilitar el servicio, será también un experto solucionador de problemas para los clientes actuales. Como rostro de la compañía, los dejará con una percepción positiva sobre toda la experiencia.

EXPLORE THE OPPO

RTUNITIES

Visit our site to find openings, and learn about positions includi ng drivers, technic customer service ians, representatives, and more.

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EXPLORE LAS OPOR

TUNIDADES

Visite nuestro sitio para encontrar vacant conozca más de las es y distintas vacantes, como conductores, técnico s, servicio al cliente y más.

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CAREER SINPRO PANE.CO

BROCHURES –

CAREERS IN THE PROPANE INDUSTRY (ENGLISH AND SPANISH)

YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

job opportunities CAREER SINPROP

With a career in the propane industry, you won’t just

ANE.COM

SERVICE TEC HNI

CIANS

be doing a job. You’ll be part of a team that’s building communities, keeping America running, and protecting

oportunidades labo

LA INDUSTRIA DEL PROPANO ES LA RESPUESTA

CAREER SINPROP

CONDUCTOR

rales

ANE.COM

ES REPARTIDOR

Con una carrera en la industria del propano, no solo estará haciendo un trabajo. Será parte de un equipo que estará

ES

protegerá el medio ambiente para las próximas generaciones.

receive the kind of high-tech training that’s in demand

If you want a hands-

at the same time.

at CareersInPropane.com.

QUIERE HACER UNA DIFERENCIA.

formando comunidades, mantendrá al país funcionando y

the environment for the next generation. And you’ll

and other opportunities in the propane industry

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© 2019 8148-FS19

© 2019 8136-OT-1 9

Learn more about your future career, training,

NIDAD

Mantenga a hogare s, empresas y otros usuarios funcionando perfectamente.

Como conductor de transporte de propano, llevará el combustible a proveedores específicos en toda el área regional. Además de tener la oportunidad de viajar, el cargo de conductor transportista tiene alta demanda en el país y ofrece oportunidades laborales aún mayores.

Feel good about working with a clean fuel.

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Trabaje en ciudad es o áreas rurales de todo el país.

CONDUCTORES DE TRANSPORTE

SERVICE TECHNICIANS

FIND YOUR NEW CAREER HERE

cia.

on, high-tech

position, this job for you. You’ll is the do everything from setting tanks and running lines to installing and fine-tuning propan appliances. And e when problem s arise, you’ll be restoring the the one heat or hot water to a grateful client. a day-to-day On basis, you’ll work with a range of from home and people busines s owners to plumbers and construction professionals.

CAREERS IN THE PROPANE INDUSTRY

Este empleo ofrece

Y al mismo tiempo recibirá capacitación en una alta tecnología que está en gran demanda.

la oportunidad de trabajar con gran variedad de clientes y llevar propano a propietarios residen ciales, product ores agrícolas, empresas e incluso operadores de flota. Se requiere una licencia de conducir comerc ial; sin embarg muchos emplead o, ores le ayudará n a completar capacitación necesar la ia para adquirir la. También podrá acceder a una remuneración competitiva y de trabajo que un horario le permitirá disfruta r de la vida, la familia y los amigos en su comunid ad local.

CARRERAS EN LA INDUSTRIA DEL PROPANO

ENCUENTRE SU NUEVA CARRERA AQUÍ Conozca más sobre su futura carrera, capacitaciones y otras oportunidades en la industria del propano en CareersInPropane.com.

“I LIKE BEING

ABLE TO ACTUA LLY HELP SOMEBODY EVERY DAY, AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY’ RE SAFE, THAT THEIR EQUIPMENT IS RUNNING RIGHT.”

VAN BARLOW,

ROCHESTER,

NH

A JOB WELL DONE

service technicians their own techn build on ical skill s with certified train ing when solving issue s large and small . © 2019 8088-BR-18

CAREERSINPROPANE.COM

© 2019 8147-BR-19

“TRABAJAR CON UN BUEN EQUIP O DE PERSONAS AYUDA A COME NZAR BIEN EL DÍA. AQUÍ, TENEM OS UN EQUIPO FANTÁ STICO.”

CAREERSINPROPANE.COM

DUSTIN MCCAIN

, HICKORY, NC

STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

VIDEOS

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

13

Featured

Propane Incident Management Training October 28-29, 2019 • College Station, TX The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) invites the propane industry and their area emergency responders to our Propane Incident Management Training, formerly known as Propane Emergencies Training. ProCOT hosts the training annually at Texas A & M University’s TEEX Brayton Training Field in College Station, TX, the world’s largest liquid-fueled live fire training facility where 75 countries from around the globe trained last year. The training combines classroom and live-fire over an action-packed two days on October 28-29, 2019.

RRC Continuing Education Credit

TRAINING LOCATION

TEEX Brayton Fire Field • College Station, TX

THE SCHEDULE

Monday, October 28, 2019 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00am – 5:00pm Training Reception & Dinner to follow Tuesday, October 29, 2019 7:30 am Breakfast 8:00am – 5:00pm Training

REGISTRATION

Emergency Responder Registration $125 per person Registration includes: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 2 days of training, & TEEX certificate.

Dual Registration: Propane Industry/ Emergency Responder $125 per person • This option is for propane professionals who also serve as firefighters.

• Your registration includes all the above plus RRC continuing education.

Propane Industry Registration $50 per person • Includes all of the above including RRC Continuing Education with the exception of live fire training & TEEX certificate.

LODGING

Texas A & M Hotel & Conference Center 1239 TAMU • College Station, TX 77843 P: 888-65-GIGEM (44436) $119 single /$129 double includes self-parking Group name: Propane Council of Texas Reservation deadline: October 4, 2019

14

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

COURSE TOPICS

• • • • • • •

Propane physical properties & characteristics Vapor control & dispersion Bobtail & transport safety features Transportation emergencies Bulk storage review Propane cylinder control Residential propane emergencies & cooling the tank

TEXAS FOREST SERVICE (TFS) GRANT ASSISTANCE Firefighters may be eligible for full tuition reimbursement through the Texas Forest Service.

This does not apply to hotel or travel.

APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED TO TFS BEFORE TRAINING STARTS. Grant funding renewed September 1, 2019.

www.http://tfsweb.tamu.edu

FOR MORE INFORMATION Phone: (800) 325-7427 Email: info@propanecounciloftexas.org Register at: www.procot.org

“The training “The training waswas the the bestbest in in depth, jobjob specific training depth, specific training I’ve I’veever everseen. seen.The The fact fact my that my company will sponsor our company will sponsor our local firefighter speaks to local firefighter speaks to our our dedication to our dedication our community community andtocustomers." and customers.”

Steve LaSalle Former firefighter Steve LaSalle & law enforcement Former firefighter Safety Director, Enderby Gas & law enforcement Safety Director, Enderby Gas

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

15

Member Perks

Complimentary HR Consultation How many times in the past year have you wished you had the advice of Human Resource (HR) professionals with over twenty years experience who are on your side?

How many employees could you have saved from being terminated for bad performance?

How much difficulty could you have avoided by having an effective employee handbook?

How many employment problems could you have avoided if you had talked to a professional HR consultant before you proceeded?

How much better would you have felt if you could have brought in professional support when that employment problem blew up last year?

How could you have improved the work life of your employees while improving the bottom line for your company?

16

What do employees really want?

Want someone to be on your side when you face these issues? That’s what HR University provides for National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) members.

Do you know which federal employment regulations apply to you? Do you know how to prepare your own legal and effective Employee Handbook? Are you comfortable with how to handle an employee termination without violating several employment regulations?

And how about sexual harassment? Would you know how to handle a complaint without being sued by either party?

Welcome to today’s litigious and confusing world of human resources.

Employers are being sued for employment violations more frequently today

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

than ever before. Often employers pay thousands of dollars to settle charges that are unfounded because the risk of losing millions is just too great.

Can you use a source of immediate support with easy to understand guidelines for employment problems in your company? What would it be worth to have quick and easy access to expert guidance and clear straightforward answers to your questions?

Individual companies nationwide pay $500 annually or more for access to HR University and the services it provides, but NPGA provides this valuable service FREE to its members.

You and your company, as members of NPGA, have access to HR University support and information system to help you with these human resource issues.

NPGA members contact the National Propane Gas Association at 202-4667200 to find out how you can access this service for FREE.

Puzzled by Modern Marketing?

Marketing to oil and propane customers has become increasingly complex. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating.

In the past year alone, Warm Thoughts has generated 1.7 million website visits, 220,000 Facebook “likes”, 2,180 positive reviews and 138,000 leads.

We have the ideas, solutions and industry experience to simplify your options and get you more bang for your buck.

We can help you make smart decisions and structure a strategy to fuel your growth. Talk to us.

See our work at warmthoughts.com

201-330-9276

Web and Social Media • Brand Differentiation Profitability Enhancement • Direct Response Breakthrough Groups™ • Strategic Consulting and Training Oil • Propane • HVAC • Association Programs September 2019 •

Texas Propane

17

Marketing Minute

Facebook Offers New “Book Now” Tool to Business Sites

Having a Facebook business page, in today’s business climate, is pretty standard. Even the most basic profile, offering times open and contact information, is expected of most public-facing businesses, be they small or large.

Facebook has been adding tools for businesses to help make the pages more useful.

A recent addition for business pages is a free appointment scheduler. You can easily enable the booking option, which can

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be synced with your personal calendar.

To use the service there is an easy-tofollow setup wizard, which allows you to customize times and days you are available for appointments.

There are also tools that allow you to set your preference for confirming appoint-

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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ments. Some of those options include: • You can manually approve appointments before they’re confirmed with customers.

• You can control how soon and how far in advance people can schedule appointments.

• You can sync to your Google calendar so things scheduled on it won’t be available to book on Facebook.

Additional features include sending your customers a confirmation, reminder, and follow-up through Messenger or text messages.

While the appointment addition is probably not how propane marketers want to engage with current clients for fill-tank appointments (probably better done with routing software) in could be useful for new client consultations, or appliance consults.

You can customize the wording of the appointments to reflect the kinds of appointments that will be accepted through Facebook.

To explore this new feature, go to your business page and click the blue call-to-action button below your page’s cover photo.

LP Crane Truck

LPG Bobtail

READY AND REARIN' TO GO

Transwest Trailers has your propane needs covered with the LPG Bobtail, LP Crane Truck, Refined Fuel Truck, and LP Transport. For inventory and availability at our new Wichita Falls, TX location, call 888-432-8875 or visit TranswestTrailers.com.

Refined Fuel

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

19

Safety Talk

Providing Quality Customer Service Safety Meeting Propane customers have different applications, requirements, and knowledge.

Make it a point to understand their needs and provide helpful answers and accurate information. Positive, professional interactions are key to keeping the customers you have and developing new ones. More important, quality, trustworthy customer service is critical in promoting the safe use of propane.

TIPS FOR EVERY CUSTOMER ENCOUNTER: 3 Be on time — Be diligent about

scheduling. Allow enough time to account for necessary work and travel between appointments. Call if you run late.

It’s better to schedule a job for the next day than to schedule an appointment that cannot be kept.

3 Check work orders — Before heading to a job, check order information, such as account number, address, customer name, and a description of the work to be done. This ensures you are informed about their particular situation and ready to handle it when you arrive.

3 Develop a good relationship — Treat your customers as you would like to be treated. Wipe your shoes before entering a customer’s home, be prepared to take care of the task at hand, and show your concern about their issue — regardless of the size of the job.

3 Demonstrate integrity — Never promise a customer something that can’t be done. Verify that requested services make sense for your company to handle.

3 Build trust — Do the job right the first time. If a mistake is made, don’t be afraid to admit it. Address the issue and handle it quickly.

3 Manage angry customers the right way — Occasionally, you may deal with an angry customer. Remain calm. Be as informative as possible, and don’t take hurtful words personally. Apologize for the inconvenience and do whatever is within company policy to satisfy the customer. When your work is done, ask the customer to inspect the work area to ensure they are satisfied.

20

THREE ESSENTIALS OF PROFESSIONALISM: 3 Personal appearance — Custom-

ers will make a judgment on your trustworthiness by your personal appearance.

Always be neat and well-groomed, with your hair trimmed and out of your face.

Keep your uniform clean and mended.

3 Equipment care and maintenance — Even if they don’t know how each tool is used, customers notice its condition.

Make sure all equipment is cleaned, serviced, and repaired regularly.

3 Vehicle operation — For both appearance and safety, clean and service your vehicle regularly. Safe and courteous driving habits are a must.

TIPS FOR ONGOING INTERACTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

Oftentimes, customers may need follow-up support or information. This is especially true after an installation or a repair. It is important to remain patient and courteous at all times, and clearly answer any concerns the customer may have.

3 Know your company policies and procedures for documenting safety-related contacts with the customer. Be sure to note the question or concern along with your response. If your company does not have a special form for this purpose, use a service work order or delivery ticket.

3 If you cannot answer a customer’s question accurately or completely, refer him/her to someone who can. Start with internal staff, but don’t be afraid to refer to appliance service companies if you cannot handle the issue in-house.

LEARNING ACTIVITY

Stage a situation with an angry customer. Have participants take turns at being the customer and the company representative. Discuss how the issue could be best handled.

Source: Basic Principles and Practices of Propane (PERC) For more information regarding customer service, visit propanesafety.com.

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DISCUSSION TOPICS

1. Consider the following scenario: You are stuck on one job site and have an appointment at another in less than 30 minutes.

What are your options?

2. What is the best way to handle follow-up situations when the work is clearly not a good fit for your business or personnel?

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

21

Hire a Veteran!

Statewide Event to Be Held Nov. 7

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will host the eighth annual statewide Hiring Red, White and You! (HRWY) job fair on November 7, 2019.

In cooperation with the 28 Local Workforce Development Boards, the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Medi-

cal Center, and Governor Greg Abbott.

HRWY connects Texas veterans and their spouses with Texas employers that value the experience, discipline, and other exceptional qualities inherent in a military background.

TWC hosted the seventh annual state-

At Enterprise,

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by providing superior service to Texas propane dealers Contact our marketers for info about: @ Supply availability

in Mont Belvieu, Yoakum,

Corpus Christi and Seminole, Texas

terminals in Baytown and Corpus Christi, Texas

@ Company-owned fleet

@ Year-round transport delivery

22

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

CALLIE STEWART

Marketing Representative o I 713.381.4586 m I 832.264.4775 CBStewart@eprod.com

wide Hiring Red, White and You! job fair on November 8, 2018. Over 12,300 job seekers and over 2,100 employers attended the statewide job fairs in 2018. Since 2011, Hiring Red, White and You has connected more than 84,153 job seekers, including 35,485 Veterans and 48,668 spouses, along with 14,420 employers and over 2,027 same-day hires.

It is estimated that there are 1.7 million total veterans in Texas, of which 967,000 are working or actively seeking work. By holding HRWY job fairs across the state, Texas employers can more easily connect to this highly qualified group of servicemen and servicewomen across the state.

The HRWY Job Fair will be held simultaneously in different cities throughout Texas. Check https://twc.texas.gov/ hiring-red-white-you for the upcoming date, times and locations. For more information, contact your local Workforce Solutions office at https://twc.texas.gov/ directory-workforce-solutions-officesservices.

Inside the Industry

People in Propane

Subscribe Your Customers to the Fall Edition of Propane Living

Sam Edward Taylor, 84, of Stephenville, passed in late July following a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Taylor was “Coach Taylor” to many basketball players from Stephenville High School. He was inducted into the Stephenville Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He and his wife, Joy, owned and managed Taylor-Harbin Propane Company for many years. He and Joy had four children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has added four new staff members to guide its restructured Safety, Education, and Compliance team. This team will develop and deploy educational and compliance materials to meet the challenges that employers face while addressing the educational needs of a changing workforce.

Eric Kuster, a longtime propane industry veteran, will head the team that advises senior management and the Council on all matters related to safety, education, and code compliance. A member of the PERC Advisory Committee since 2003 and the former chairman of its Safety and Technical Training Working Group, Kuster will help guide the creation of innovative safety programs and direct the team’s ongoing work to transform workforce safety training materials to meet the evolving trends and demands of the industry. Kuster most recently served as director of safety and certification for the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), where he oversaw the CETP certification program which provides a formal structure for testing employee knowledge and skills to meet training requirements for personnel who transfer or transport propane or install propane equipment.

Lyndon Rickards comes to PERC after 23 years with Eastern Propane and Oil in Rochester, N.H. In his new role overseeing PERC’s safety and compliance program offerings he will be responsible for incorporating industry regulations, codes, standards, and best practices into PERC education and safety resources. He also will provide subject matter expertise in his engagement with companies, industry organizations, and committees related to safety compliance and training. Rickards holds a professional designation in risk management as well as certifications in the entire CETP suite. He is a member of NPGA’s Technical Standards and Safety Committee and PERC’s Advisory Committee. He is based in New Hampshire.

Emily Wood will be responsible for creating all course content for PERC’s safety education, training, and compliance programs. She will be responsible for optimizing learner engagement, performance support, and measurement. Her duties will include creation of instructor and participant guides and the design of various forms of learning used on PERC’s learning management system. Wood most recently worked as an e-learning developer for the Oregon Child Development Coalition, where she provided instructional design for classroom-based courses and created graphics, videos, and assessments for the courses. One of her key accomplishments was developing e-learning modules from microlearning to selfguided training for 1,500 employees in both English and Spanish.

Chris Hanson joined the PERC team in May and is responsible for the overall management, maintenance and administration of its online Learning Management System (LMS) platform. His primary role is to optimize the user training experience with the online system. Chris is a seven-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

24

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Over 100,000 propane customers in the state are subscribed to Propane Living.

Are your customers subscribed?

Subscribe them by September 10, 2019 to ensure they get a propane packed newsletter from the Propane Council of Texas and you.

On the outside of each newsletter, it states A VALUED CUSTOMER OF: with your company name or logo.

The fall edition will feature fall propane tips, information on how Texas is dominating the nation with propane school buses and feature a recipe from Beef Loving Texans.

Subscribe at https://www.propanecounciloftexas.org/propaneliving.

First Contact Safety Training. One Date.

One Location. 2019

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is hosting a First Contact Safety Training course on September 18, 2019 in Austin.

First Contact Safety Training is a great course for those who have not received any formal Railroad Commission training, like receptionists and other front office staff, customer service representatives, and new employees. These people play a vital role in your company and are often the first point of contact with a customer. Having these individuals trained is crucial.

The training course from the Propane Council of Texas covers what incoming calls to expect, carbon monoxide, pilot

Inside the Industry

Micro Bird Recalling Certain 2019 MBII Propane-Powered Vehicles

Micro Bird is recalling certain 2019 MBII propane-powered vehicles equipped with a main battery cut-off switch. If the main battery cut-off switch is activated, the propane conversion controller grounding wire may melt. A melted grounding wire may result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire in the engine compartment.

NHTSA says potentially 52 vehicles are affected by this recall.

ing awareness of prostate cancer and financially assisting patients the need help. One in 9 men will develop the disease. With early detection we can save many lives. We will once again have special guests including Dallas Cowboys legend, Flozell Adams. Additional guests will be announced closer to the event. This has become one of the premier charity events of the year. Registration is now open.

We are inviting you to participate as a player, team or sponsor. Pros4Care is a nonprofit started in 2006 by executives

Is the missing Piece

WORTH the risk?

Annual Pros4Care Golf Benefit Columbus Day, October 14, 2019

LONG TERM CARE

HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE

FINANCIAL & ESTATE PLANNING

Recall Notice: 2020 IC CE School Buses

Navistar is recalling certain 2020 IC CE school buses equipped with PSI gasoline or propane engines and C7 Body Control Modules (BCM). An electrical overload condition in the BCM from the starter solenoid may occur and cause damage to the starter circuit of the BCM, possibly resulting in an unintended command to crank the engine when the ignition key is in the run position and the transmission is in the park or neutral position. If the ignition is in the run position and the engine starts unexpectedly while the vehicle is being serviced, there would be an increased risk of personal injury.

NHTSA says potentially 16 vehicles are affected by this recall.

in the Propane Gas Industry. There are several industry companies that join us for this event. We have gained support from all energy industries and more. This is a great opportunity to bring colleagues, customers or family members to be a part of such an important cause.

Please follow the link below to register and learn more about Pros4Care. https://pros4care.org/events/ Questions contact: Ed Varney Chairman Pros4Care 469-525-6030 edvarney@pros4care.org

DISABILITY INSURANCE

HO M AU E & TO

outage, inside & outside gas leaks, out of gas calls, new customer calls, and general information on propane.

All attendees receive a Propane Gas Employee Guide for their desks.

Class size is limited to 50 and available first come, first served. Register at www. procot.org.

Questions? Please email info@propanecounciloftexas.org or call (800)325-7427.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

FARM & RANCH

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

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

3) Most tell us they have no idea what companies insure their industry and are surprised to learn there are multiple options available.

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

— Steve Johnson Owner Johnson’s Testing Service

WWW.MARSHALLYOUNG.COM Please join Pros4Care on October 14 for a great cause. Pros4Care is hosting the 12th Annual Golf Benefit at the famous Pete Dye Course at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club in McKinney, Texas. Pros4Care is a nonprofit with a mission of rais-

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

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

25

Inside the Industry LPG Charity Fund Fall Golf Classic

The Annual LPG Charity Fund Fall Classic will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Tour 18 Golf Course, 3102

FM 1960 East, Humble, TX. All proceeds will benefit the LPG Charity Fund.

The LPG Charity Fund’s principal objective is to assist members of the LPG and Gas Processing industry during a time of catastrophic medical expenses and/or financial need such as temporary living expenditures or funeral expenses.

Registration will begin at 11:00 am.

The Shotgun Start will be at 1:00 pm.

Box lunches will be provided on each cart.

Dinner and prizes will immediately fol-

low the tournament. Credit Cards will be accepted at the door. $150 per Individual Golf Entry Fee (Includes Golf Fee, Lunch & DINNER) $600 per Team Entry Fee (Includes All Golf Fees, Lunch & DINNER) $25 per Gallery Pass (For Non-Golfers, Lunch & DINNER only) Mulligans and buy a 300 yard drive for your team will also be available for sale.

Sponsorships are available.

Learn more & register at https://lpgfund.com.

Experts at delivering QUALITY every time.

Visit Us Online: www.propanetank.com

TRUSTED & BEST

Quality | Customer Service | Delivery | People Warranty | Distribution Network | Inventory Quality is more than just our name.

We strive each and every day to provide our valued customers with the absolute best products and services available. We are family owned and appreciate the relationship we have with our customers. When you want the best...choose QUALITY.

HOME OFFICE 2914 U.S. 61 Cleveland, MS 38732 800-345-2495 OHIO LOCATION 721 Graham Drive Fremont, OH 43420 419-334-2664 UTAH LOCATION 5601 Axel Park Rd. West Jordan, UT 84081 801-280-1133

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26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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

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

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

YOUR BOBTAIL

HEADQUARTERS White River Distributors, Inc. has loyaly served Texas since 1949. White River is an active and responsive force in the Texas propane industery. We have tanks 600 to 8000 gallons, your choice of chassis. White River can customize your bobtail to your specifications. New, used, and refurbished propane bobtails, change-overs, and repairs. Financing available.

69 Y e Fabr ars of T a icati on fo nk Truck r Tex as

REFINED FUEL TANK WAGONS • PROPANE BOBTAILS VACUUM TANKS • WATER TRUCKS • OIL/WATER SEPARATORS • FRAC SAND CONTACT

Danny McElroy

www.lpgbobtails.com

at the Southwest Sales Center • Dallas, Texas 1-800-483-9971 • 214-326-8661 cell danmcelroy@aol.com

September 2019 •

Texas Propane

27

Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons

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

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

FOR SALE

1999 Ford F-450 Service Truck 7.3 liter diesel, 6 speed, 4WD JOMAC 3016 Knuckle-boom crane $25,000 O.B.O.

BOBTAILS FOR SALE • Texas trucks, no rust, good to excellent condition • 1998 Peterbilt, 6 speed, 2500 gal, tank, LC Register, Steel deck, Aluminum wheels, 45,386 miles on new motor in 2009 • 2005 Freightliner, Automatic, 3000 gal. tank, LC Meter, Aluminum deck, 180,968 miles on 230hp CAT Call or email for Pictures and Pricing @ 512-276-7800 or 1-800-696-3493 or sturner@directpropaneservices.com

Call or email Josh, 281-259-2162 josh@texasstarpropane.com

Railroad Commission Approved Training Course numbers: 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.3, 3.8 Your place or mine. Call for pricing.

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

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADVERTISE IN TEXAS PROPANE MAGAZINE?

For Advertising, contact: Joanne Pantaze at 512-273-2639 or by email at jpantaze@pvco.net

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

28

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar SEPTEMBER

2 TPGA office closed for Labor Day 3 ProCOT Duty to Warn Opens 8 2019 Fall TS&S Committee Meeting Baltimore, MD 8-14 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 9 PERC Webinar: Geo-Targeted Digital Campaigns http://www.candotraining.com 10 Propane Living Fall Deadline 12 2019 Fall NPGA Benchmarking Council Meeting (Groups A-H) St. Louis, MO 18 First Contact Safety Training Austin, TX 19 2019 Fall NPGA Benchmarking Council Meeting (Groups I-M) St. Louis, MO 23-27 National Clean Energy Week

Index to Advertisers 24-27 World LPG Forum & European Congress Amsterdam, The Netherlands

BLT Tanks 21

25-27 World Energy Conference & Expo Washington, DC

Gas Equipment Company 10

Cunningham Gas Products 16 Enterprise Products 22 Ferrellgas 26 JARCO 31 Lone Star Energy Group 27 Longhorn Propane 28

29 -OCT 01 2019 Fall NPGA Board of Directors Meeting Farmington, PA

Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 31 Marshall Young Insurance 25 Meeder Equipment Co. 23 MK Gas 11 MTankCo Supply/Mississippi Tank 18

OCTOBER

Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover

7 PERC Webinar: Digital Ad Placement http://www.candotraining.com

Propane Service Corporation 19

14 Columbus Day Pros4Care Golf Tournament McKinney, TX

Warm Thoughts Communications 17

Quality Steel Corporation 26 Rural Computer Consultants 20 Transwest Trailers 19 WESROC/ANOVA 5 White River Distributors 27

15-17 Sunbelt Ag Expo Moultrie, GA 22 LPG Charity Fund Fall Golf Classic Humble, TX 28-29 Propane Incident Management Training College Station, TX

Find Us On Social Media

Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page

Texas Propane Gas Association

Follow Us with TPGA’s twitter @txpropane1 September 2019 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Polish Company Converts Tank to LPG

LPG systems are not only installed in cars, but also in larger vehicles, such as trucks, buses or agricultural machines. The AC S.A. company, manufacturer of LPG/CNG systems by STAG, went a step further and was the first in the world to convert... a tank to LPG. AC S.A. has proved that nothing is impossible, when it comes to LPG installations. It installed an innovative LPG system in the T-55 MERIDA tank, created for delivery vehicles and trucks, buses as well as agricultural and construction machinery powered by diesel engines. This was to show, in a symbolic way, the reliability and wide application of LPG systems.

This installation has been tested in extremely difficult gravel pit conditions and has proved itself in a 46-ton T-55 tank with 640 km and 36-litre engine capacity. The company has enriched this military vehicle with such components as the STAG Diesel controller dedicated to 8-cylinder engines, two STAG R02 reducers, two STAG AC W02 BFCinjector rails and two 120-litre LPG tanks. What possibilities did the tank gain from this unusual conversion?

An Ecological Solution Air pollution is the main cause of global environmental threats, which is why one of the main assumptions of an LPG installation - not only in the T-55 tank, but in any other vehicle, is the reduction of particulates (soot) - 15% of the unused fuel mixture goes to the exhaust system of

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

diesel vehicles. The addition of LPG makes this amount significantly decrease - up to 5%.

Thanks to this, the fuel is almost completely burned, which in turn translates into reduced emission of harmful substances - says Marek Bezubik, Technical Specialist of AC S.A., a manufacturer of LPG/ CNG systems by STAG.

Lower Operating Costs and Higher Engine Performance An LPG installation in diesel vehicles also saves money. In this case, the engine is started using diesel, however, during its operation, the fuel chamber receives both oil and gas, which accounts for approx.

30% of the fuel mixture. In this way, it is possible to reduce the vehicle operating costs by as much as 20-25%- also for a tank.

What’s more, a combat vehicle with LPG installation could drive twice the distance on a single tank and gain greater performance thanks to built-in tanks with oil and gas. Increased fuel combustion efficiency means up to 30% increase of torque and engine power.

Thanks to this, every vehicle with a Diesel engine enriched with LPG installation becomes faster, stronger and more efficient. In addition, thanks to LPG, the engine gains an extended service life, i.e. guaranteed time of trouble-free operation, Bezubik said.

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