October 2019 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane October 2019

Volume 75 No. 10

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

2019 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference Roundup

Get to Know Incoming TPGA President

MARK PETERSON Sign Up Now for Propane Incident Management Training

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 October 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

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

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

Features 2019 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference Roundup. . . . . . 6 Get to Know TPGA President Mark Peterson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 TPGA Awards $18,000 in Scholarships for Fall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Richard Gilbert Wins TPGA Lifetime Achievement Award. . . . . 16 Propane Incident Management Training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 PERC Resources: New Winter Prep Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Texas Winter Outlook According to Farmer’s Almanac. . . . . . . 22

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

Look to Fall for Training Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director The leaves changing colors, the taste of pumpkin spice and the promise of cooler temperatures signifies 2019 beginning to wind down, and the propane busy season getting started.

As promised, included in this issue is the recap of the 2019 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference – the last big summer event for the propane industry in Texas. You can also learn more about TPGA’s new President Mark Peterson.

Now it is on to events benefitting worthy causes (Pros4Care, LPG Charity Fund Golf Classic), Association business, and another that includes very important training. Time is running out to register for the Fire Incident Management Training (for-

merly Propane Emergencies). Once again, these important training sessions will be held at the world-renowned TEEX training facility in College Station. Be sure to invite your local first responders!

I hope that you will join your fellow members at our upcoming board meeting October 29-30 in College Station. Members will receive specific meeting details including hotel information and schedule.

NEW MEMBERS SUPPLIERS Transwest Trailers • Brighton, CO Custom One Truck Source • Kansas City, MO

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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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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Feature

2019 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference Roundup

Thank you to all of those who participated and attended this year’s event. Special thanks to all of the sponsors who helped make the 2019 Crossroads a great experience for everyone! This year’s event proved again to be the event for doing business.

This year’s conference and expo drew marketers from all over Texas – some who had not ever been to the annual conference or had not been in many, many years.

Known for being one of the best expos of the year, this one certainly didn’t disappoint; everything is bigger, better and hotter in Texas.

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Feature

Can Do Training This PERC-provided training offered valuable advice and marketing insight for all levels of propane professionals by focusing on Google business ads, creating/updating your website, email marketing and online reviews. This was a great way to kickoff the 2019 Crossroads.

Gala During the in-person Annual Business meeting (a part of the Gala) the TPGA membership elected new officers to the TPGA Board of Directors and a new President, Mark Peterson of Buster Brown Propane.

Learn more about Mark on page 12. A full listing of the TPGA Board is on page 4 of every issue of Texas Propane magazine.

Jim Fulton of 4J Energy won the raffle benefitting the TPGA LDF Fund. The raffle raised $21,500 from ticket sales. Net proceeds go to TPGA’s Legal Defense Fund and its battle with cities that adopt arbitrary and capricious propane city ordinances. The prize - a choice of one of three vacation packages. Wonder where he will go?

Ryan Kane of Yellow Rose Propane won the raffle for the shotgun donated by the Peterson and the Green families. Proceeds from this raffle sale benefitted the TPGA Scholarship Fund. Congratulations to both of you.

Expo & Regulatory Pavilion The American Bank Center was filled with vendors from all sectors of the propane industry – wholesalers, trucks, tanks, equipment, grills, software, insurance agencies – everything you need. Many people stopped by the Regulatory Pavilion during the expo to have their questions answered. Agencies on-hand were the Railroad Commission, FMCSA, NPGA, the Department of Agriculture, Commercial Driver’s License Division of DPS and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division of the Texas Highway Patrol.

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Texas Propane

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Feature Elmer L. Atkins Memorial Golf Tournament Sponsored by Targa Resources This year’s tournament was played at the Northshore Country Club in Portland, TX, a championship links-style course along the shores of Corpus Christi Bay. The winning team for 2019 was Brent Hurt, Jeff Sealey, Steve Johnson and Dan Newlin. The Closest to the Pin winner was John Kelly. The Longest Drive prize went to Nathan Mitchell.

Thanks to our long-time golf tournament sponsor Targa Resources.

Fishing Excursion In the early morning hours of Friday, August 9, excited participants boarded two boats from Deep Sea Headquarters out of Port Aransas for the half-day fishing excursion. Looks like it was a good day on the water, and they had a lot of fun. Thanks to John Walter for organizing the trip!

Save the Date 2020 Crossroads TPGA Propane Expo & Convention July 23-25, 2020 Austin, TX

October 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

To view or download photos, go to txpropane.smugmug.com.

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October 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Get to Know TPGA President Mark Peterson What keeps you up at night? Not much.

What makes you sleep like a baby? Knowing that the day has been well spent and not wasted.

Something most people don’t know about me: I am a 3rd degree Kuk Sool Won Black belt with a half dozen Texas state and World championship medals. I retired four years ago.

Tell us about your family. I’ve been married 43 years to Jan Peterson, the owner of Buster Brown. I have a son, Matthew, daughter-in-law, Tayra, and three grand kids, Abigail (16) and twins Joanna and Christian (12).

Most memorable Christmas gift as a kid: Marlin .22 rifle First car: 1955 Chevy Belaire Coup Pet you’ll always remember: Lady Happiest day of your life: Getting married to the love of my life!

Tell us about how you came to the propane industry. I came to the propane business in 1995 from the insurance business to help my wife grow the business.

Greatest accomplishment (thus far): TBD. There is always the next challenge.

Biggest disappointment: None

Tell us about your company. How long in business? How many people employed? What would you say your company’s super power is? Buster Brown has been in business 47 years. It was started by my mother-in-law, Lois E. Brown, and Louis “Buster “ Brown. Our super power is our customer service. My wife, Jan, my son Matt and myself all have different business backgrounds that complement each other. This helps us work together to grow our business, retain our customers and hopefully make a little profit.

Best vacation ever: The last one. Navarre Beach.

What are some previous jobs/roles that you think help you with your current role as TPGA President? I’ve had a varied business background. I started in the construction business with my dad, moved into consumer lending, industrial steel sales to rig builders, tool makers and all such associated with the oil field. I later worked for a major insurance company, first as an agent and then recruiting, training and administering the activities of the agents.

All-time favorite movie: “El Cid”

What is your top priority for TPGA for the coming year? To see our membership grow and get more participation from the members we have.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Best book I’ve ever read: “ A Crowning Mercy” by Bernard Cornwell.

If I had one free day, I’d: Go fishing, or at least be on the water.

If I were on death row, my last meal order would be: Chicken fried steak with lots of gravy!

What would you name your boat if you had one? Have one, no name.

Mountains or beach? Beach What time do you normally get up in the morning? 6:30 a.m., earlier if needed.

What food is your guilty pleasure? Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream over apple pie.

Feature

TPGA Awards $18,000 in Scholarships for 2019 Four of the scholarship recipients were able to attend the Crossroads Propane Gala this past summer: Desiree Tang, Haley Williams, Macy Fitzgerald and Linda Feagan.

At the 2019 Crossroads Propane Gala this past August, the Texas Propane Gas Association Scholarship Foundation awarded $18,000 in college scholarships to six outstanding students. Founded in 1997, the foundation has given over

$125,000 in scholarships to association members’ children and grandchildren.

Meet the 2019-2020 TPGA Scholarship Winners

Linda Feagan is the step-daughter of

Fundraisers Bring Awareness & Money for Texas Scholarships The Scholarship Foundation hosted several different fundraisers at the 2019 Crossroads Propane Expo & Conference.

Between the gun raffle, Kendra Scott Trunk Show, and silent auction on the expo floor, the scholarship foundation garnered nearly $12,000 in proceeds.

Special thank you, again, to the Peterson and Green Families for their donation for the gun raffle.

Additionally, warmest thank you to our auction donors – we could not do without you. Your donations help the auction be a success year after year. Donations ranged from phenomenal getaways to sport tickets to impressive liquor baskets.

4J Energy

Northwest Propane

AJA Tanks

Pros4Care

Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

Roush Cleantech

Austin Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

South Padre Island Convention

Cargas

& Visitors Bureau

Dixie LP Gas

Squibb Taylor

Fredericksburg Convention

Targa

& Visitors Bureau

Visit Corpus Christi

Gas Equipment Company

Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau

Marshall Young

Westmor

McCraw Oil & Propane

Yellow Rose Propane

Meeder Equipment

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Josh Nowlin, who has worked for over 11 years for McCraw Oil of Bonham.

This past spring, Linda graduated from Leonard High School in Leonard, Texas, where she excelled in a number of leadership roles including student government and as team captain of the volleyball team.

In addition to volleyball, she was on the tennis team and basketball team. Linda was also a long-standing member of the National Beta Club, an academic honors program with a strong emphasis on community service.

This fall, Linda is a freshman at the University of North Texas, where she will pursue a degree in Biology. Since she was little, Linda has always known what she wanted to do–have a profession in dental hygiene.

Macy Fitzgerald is the daughter of Debbie Bishop, who works at Midstream Transportation as their office manager. Not only is her mom employed in the propane industry, but Macy, herself, also worked for Midstream Transport last summer.

This past spring, Macy graduated from Tenaha High School in Tenaha, where she excelled in academics and sports. In high school, Macy was a cheerleader and on the soccer team, which had the biggest impact on her.

Currently, Macy is the manager at Cato’s Department Store, and this fall Macy will attend Panola College in Carthage, Texas, and major in occupational therapy.

Cristian Podesta is the son of JeanPaul Podesta, who is employed by Pinnacle Propane Express as production manager in Brookshire, Texas.

His father is not the only one working at Pinnacle Propane Express; Cristian works for The Tiger Group employed as a groundskeeper for Pinnacle Propane Express.

Desiree Tang is a past TPGA and NPGA Scholarship recipient and is the daughter of Sandy Tang, a Sr. Accountant at Amerigas in Houston.

Desiree is in her senior year at the University of Texas at Austin where she is pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering.

At the University of Texas, she is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta & Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societies, Women in Electrical & Computer Engineering, and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Robotics & Automation Society.

She has interned with Emerson, as a Software Development Engineering intern, and with Applied Research Laboratories as a technical intern, where she developed interface software and designed visualizations for software infrastructure.

Haley Williams is the daughter of Valerie Ehfert, who is the office manager for Enderby Gas in Bowie, Texas.

This past spring, she graduated from Bowie High School where she was in the Spanish Club, Art Club, and the high school band, which she started in the sixth grade and has had the most impact on her life.

While in school, Haley has held numerous jobs and most recently worked part-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Nocona General Hospital.

This fall, Haley is a freshman at Vernon College outside of Wichita Falls, where she will pursue a degree in forensic psychology. She hopes to help people struggling with mental illness.

Clarissa Ybarra is the daughter of Natalie Gutierrez, who is employed by Pinnacle Propane as a member service representative in West Texas.

Clarissa is a junior at Texas Tech University (TTU) where she is majoring in Electronic Media and Communications.

She is part of Texas Tech’s First Generation Program, where she attends weekly workshops, tutoring, and mentoring.

She is employed at the TTU National Wind Institute where she works as a student assistant for the NWI department.

Additionally, Clarissa is an intern at Texas Tech’s Raider Vision, where she operates camera equipment and control room settings for TTU live athletic broadcasting.

Upon graduating in 2021, Clarissa plans to pursue the fields of videographer, screenwriter, and director.

Congratulations to all our winners! May you all have an enriching and productive school year.

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Cristian is a sophomore at Texas A&M University, where he is majoring in General Civil Engineering.

At Texas A&M, he is a member of the Aggie Leadership and Service Fundraising Committee, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

He is currently studying civil engineering with the hopes of going into the city and regional planning field.

It is his dream to work on large public works such as buildings, cities, or other infrastructure that will continue to stand and serve society even after he is gone.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

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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.

“We chose Marshall Young because of their personal service and industry knowledge.

Their same day service simplifies my day to day business operations. Rusty and his team are always there when you need them.”

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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.

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October 2019 •

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Richard Gilbert Wins TPGA Lifetime Achievement Award At the 2019 Crossroads Propane Gala, the Texas Propane Gas Association awarded Richard Gilbert the TPGA Lifetime Achievement Award for his long and distinguished career in the propane industry.

Richard Gilbert was born and bred in the propane business. His grandfather was involved in a gas company in Cape Cod and his father, Frank Gilbert, operated a propane company he started in 1949 in Livingston, Texas. Richard grew up working on company trucks, riding along on deliveries, and learning the ropes for what would be a future career in the propane industry.

After high school, Richard attended Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band, graduating with a Business Management degree. After A&M graduation in 1970, he served two years in the U.S. Army posted in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. While serving his country, he was a sergeant at the reception station for new recruits, beginning his career as a natural-born leader.

In 1972, Richard moved to Livingston with his wife, Sondra, where Richard worked for his father as a delivery truck

driver and serviceman. In 1980, Richard purchased Gilbert Gas from his father, continuing his long career in the propane industry.

Richard served as president of the Texas LP Gas Association from 1991 to 1992, redefining association committees, revamping the association constitution and by-laws, and working on comprehensive LP Gas Safety Rule changes.

He was at the helm when the organization changed names from the Texas LP Gas Association to the Texas Propane Gas Association. Additionally, he served on the TPGA Board for 13 years, as well as on several of the associations’

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

committees for the last three decades.

He is still active on several committees including the TPGA Technical & Standards Committee.

In addition to his association leadership, Richard served on the LP-Gas Advisory Committee for 13 years, which helped craft LP Gas Safety rules, and was a past member of the Alternative Fuels Research & Education Division (AFRED) Advisory Committee, which assisted in market development.

In 1998, Richard sold Gilbert Gas and started Richard L. Gilbert & Associates, a consulting firm.

In 2001, Richard Gilbert went to work for the Railroad Commission LP-Gas Safety Division as a LP-Gas Safety Technical Specialist until 2011, where he also served as an instructor on the LP Gas Safety rules and regulations.

Richard Gilbert served as the Hazmat Coordinator for the Local Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 30 years and as an instructor at the Polk County Fire Training School for 21 years, giving him the knowledge to continue to educate firefighters annually at the Propane Council of Texas’ Propane Emergencies Training held at the world-class Texas A&M University’s Brayton Training Field.

In addition to instructing Propane Emergencies, Richard has been an instructor at the Texas A&M’s Municipal Fire School, as well as an associate instructor for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

With his LP-Gas and fire background, since the early 2000s Richard has served as a principal member of the NFPA 58 & 54 Technical Committees and in recent years representing the Texas Propane Gas Association on the national technical standard committees, helping craft national standards and keeping TPGA informed of significant changes on the way.

Richard currently serves as TPGA Sr. Technical Advisor assisting the association on not only NFPA standards, but also other technical standards and the Railroad Commission’s LP Gas Safety Rules.

Over his lifetime, Richard has lived a life of servitude not just with propane industry, but also serving on numerous boards.

Richard has dedicated his life to his family, propane, safety, and his community.

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October 2019 •

Texas Propane

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Propane Incident Management Training October 28-29, 2019 • College Station, TX Qualifies for RRC Continuing Education

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.

TRAINING LOCATION

TEEX Brayton Fire Field • College Station, TX

THE SCHEDULE

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

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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.

Monday Dinner Only $25 per person

LODGING

Texas A & M Hotel & Conference Center 1239 TAMU • College Station, TX 77843 Call ProCOT directly at (800)325-7472 for hotel accommodations $119 single /$129 double includes self-parking

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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

PROPANE INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING

October 28-29, 2019  TEEX Brayton Training Field  College Station, TX FName

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Company Name or Fire Department

Registrant Type

Mailing Address City

State

Phone

Fax

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Additional Registrants FName

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Registration Types Emergency Responder includes classroom, live fire training, SCBA, TEEX certificate, IND001 course credit, (2) breakfasts, (2) lunches, & our dinner reception.

$125 per person

Combination Emergency Responder & Propane Professional includes

$125 per person

classroom, live fire training, SCBA, TEEX certificate, IND001 course credit, RRC Continuing Education credit, (2) breakfasts, (2) lunches, & our dinner reception.

Propane Professional includes classroom, OBSERVE ONLY live fire training, RRC continuing education, (2) breakfasts, (2) lunches, & our dinner reception.

$50 per person

Dinner Reception Guests Only

Emergency responder & industry spouses/sig other welcome to join for our dinner reception

$25 per person Total due

$

Payment Information  Check(s) Enclosed Made payable to: Propane Council of Texas  Please charge to my:  VISA  MasterCard  American Express  Discover Account #__________________________________________ CSV # ___ ___ ___ Cardholder’s Name ________________________ Exp. Date ______ Billing Zip ________ For more information or to pay online: please visit www.propanecounciloftexas.org or call (800)325-7427.

October 2019 •

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PERC Resources

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GE TT IN G YO U RE ADY FOR W IN TE R right now. As your local planning for winter is for The best time to start and we’ll make a plan can help. Give us a call other propane supplier, we safety inspections and ss discu also can family can enjoy winter deliveries. We your , ration prepa little pre-winter long, services. With just a appliances all winter orts of your propane the unmatched comf without worry.

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GET TIN G YOU PR EPA RED FOR WI NTE R The best time to start planning for winter is right now. As your supplier, we can help. local propane Give us a call and we’ll make a plan for We can also discuss winter deliveries. safety inspections and other services pre-winter preparat . With just a little ion, your family can enjoy the unmatch propane appliances ed comforts of your all winter long, without worry.

Give us a call today at (555) 555-555 5 or visit Web Address Here

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supplier, your propane er, and as . safe this wint give us a call fortable and this list, then family com ? Go through keep your r first step You want to You are. help you prep we want to s. Now is a

refill for winter make a plan E SUPPLY PROPAN today, so together we can services, too.

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To keep your furnace runni ng annual main tenance. If you efficiently, bring in a profe ssional to perfo haven’t alrea thermostat dy, in your home rm to save on annu install a programmable al heating costs .

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for detectors monoxide n, installatio TEC TOR and carbon E GA S DE propane gas detectors ufacturer instructions for man lling UL-listed ys follow the Consider insta and security. Alwa safety additional tenance. main and location, ces fail, a r power sour TOR ruption.

Should othe out any inter generator.

E GENERA PROPAN hasing a propane standbyly safe and comfortable with your fami Consider purc rator can keep propane gene

If you’re in the market for a new propane Star-certified range model, which uses less energ or oven, choose an Energ y y than stand ard models.

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ane.com

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The key to a smooth, peaceful winter — for you and your customers — is preparation. You can start getting ready now, by encouraging your customers to prepare for winter early, too. Now is the perfect time to remind your customers about your winter preparation services, such as early fills, inspections, and more.

20

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

To help you get this message to your customers, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has created a multi-faceted outreach campaign. With it, you can talk to your residential customers directly and through mass media, to encourage them to start thinking about winter today.

All of the materials are available for you to download from the Resource Catalog at Propane.com. Search for winter preparedness, and you’ll find all this:

LINK TO VIDEOS

•Videos you can share on social media or your website.

•Two spots to air on local radio.

•An ad template for local newspapers.

•A print ad template for other local publications.

•Social media posts to share with customers.

•Bill stuffers for your invoices or other mailings.

•A guest column/op-ed for local newspapers.

•A Frequently Asked Questions sheet to share with customers.

“One thing that will make this campaign even more effective is the ability to customize the pieces,” said Gregg Walker, director of external communications at PERC. “You can add your logo to the ads and videos, add your contact information to the radio spots, and more. You get high-quality materials, with that personal touch, too.”

BILL STUFFER Walker added that just like customers, propane providers should act now. “Download the materials today at Propane.com, customize them, then put them to work,” he said. “Fall and winter is the busiest time of year, so the sooner you start preparing, the better.”

Download now at https://propane.com/resource-catalog/resources/ winter-prep-outreach-collection

KEEP ING YOU COMF OR TAB LE, ALL WI NTER LONG

October 2019 •

Texas Propane

21

Featured

Texas Winter Outlook According to Farmer’s Almanac Now that it’s October and we can hopefully laugh about the ridiculously hot summer we all just endured, let’s turn to one of our country’s oldest forecasters to glimpse what’s to come. The Old Farmer’s Almanac, founded in 1792, says that this coming winter for Texas and Oklahoma will be milder and drier than normal, with below average snowfall in places that normally receive snowfall.

The coldest periods, it predicts, will be in mid- to late November and early January, and from late January into early February. The best chances for snow are in early December, early to mid-January and mid-February.

The far Western reaches of Texas are categorized in a different area for the Almanac, with El Paso and its surroundings considered the “Desert Southwest”.

This area, the Almanac predicts, will have a colder than normal winter, with cold

22

weather predominant from mid-December to mid-January. The Eastern portion of this region (which would be West Texas) is predicted to have higher than average precipitation and snowfall.

While this may not seem good news

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

(and with the caveat that on average, the Farmer’s Almanac is about 80 percent accurate), it additionally predicted that next summer will be cooler and rainier than normal. That would be a nice retreat from this summer.

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Contact John S. Porter, CIC Mark D. VanDover, CIC Miles T. McFann

1305 South First Street • Lufkin, Texas (936) 634-3326 • 1-800-223-1289 Emails: john.porter@lumbermen.net • mark.vandover@lumbermen.net mmcfann@austin.rr.com • www.lumbermen.net

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Stephen Kaminski will join the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) on October 28 as the new president and CEO taking the place of Rick Roldan.

Steve currently serves as chief executive officer of the American Association of Poison Control Centers, which is a trade association representing the country’s 55 regional poison control centers. Previously, he served as general counsel and senior vice president of the American Humane Association as well as serving as vice president of Discovery Communications. He was an associate with the law firm of Covington & Burling, LLP, and he also was a Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Arthur J. Gajarsa of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Washington, D.C. Steve has significant experience in successful advocacy before Congress, federal agencies, and working to scale up state initiatives; implementing national public affairs campaigns; overseeing standards and certification programs; designing, building, and launching new programs and tools for members and new revenuegenerating programs for associations; building deep ties with partners and relevant stakeholders; and overseeing internal operations and governance. In our meetings with him, Steve is passionate and driven, but approachable and collegial.

Steve is originally from rural Michigan. He has a degree in chemical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

He has a 13-year-old daughter and lives in Arlington, Virginia. In his spare time enjoys cooking, playing soccer, and watching football.

ProCOT Names Board of Directors for 2019-2020 Term

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT), the PERC foundation for the Lone Star State, is proud to announce our board of directors for 2019-2020.

Chairman, Bill Collins, Collins Propane President, Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane President-Elect, Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane Treasurer, Allen Wells, BayGas Secretary, Harris Baker, HBH Systems Sean Caney, Douglass Distributing Curtis Renfrow, Gulf Coast LP Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Josh Nowlin, McCraw Oil Ben Wood, Northwest Propane John Walter, Schneider Distributing Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor Jack Walzel, Tri Co Propane Bill Clinkscale, United Propane TPGA Legislative Efforts Ongoing

Even though the Texas legislature is not in session, work on the legislative front by your TPGA team is ongoing.

The association continues to keep legislators up to date during the interim.

Last month, TPGA Executive Director Bill Van Hoy met with Rep. Hugh Shine in Temple at a fundraiser. The state representative represents Texas House District 55 (Temple, Belton, Troy, Little River-Academy, Rogers, Holland, Bartlett, portions of Killeen-Fort Hood and East Bell county).

The retired U.S. Army Colonel most recently served as vice chairman of the House Business & Industry Committee. TPGA looks forward to working with the representative in the 2021 legislative session.

Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Programs How Texas’ Program Stands Out

For over a decade, the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) has implemented its popular Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program.

The program opened immediately following Labor Day, just in time for peak propane

24

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Inside the Industry usage and the perfect time to reach out to customers about propane safety.

While there are a few different national Duty to Warn Programs that probably send you solicitations, the Propane Council of Texas’ program is unique in a couple of different ways.

1) Low cost. A majority of the costs like the costs of the brochures and postage are incurred by the Propane Council of Texas. Texas

propane marketers are only responsible for minimal mailing fees, which include a fulfillment fee of $35 per propane company, and list processing fees of .08 cents per address. Now that’s cheap!

2) Texas compliance. In addition to the low cost, the Texas program is unique because in Texas the Railroad Commission requires that every propane customer be provided with the Limited Liability Consumer

Safety Notification statement. ProCOT includes this required specific statement outlined in the LP Gas Safety Rule in its Texas Duty to Warn scratch-n-sniff brochures exclusively available to mailing program participants.

3) Documentation. All ProCOT Duty to Warn participants will receive a confirmation package with a mailing summary, postage statement and notarized affidavit attesting to the mailing.

Register now before the first cold snap at www.propanecounciloftexas.org.

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AVIATION

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Inside the Industry Annual Pros4Care Golf Benefit

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 started by propane executives with a mission of raising awareness of prostate cancer and financially assisting patients who need help.

One in 9 men will develop the disease.

With early detection, many lives can be saved. We will once again have special guests, including Dallas Cowboys legend Flozell Adams.

Pros4Care is inviting you to participate as a player, team or sponsor. This is a great

opportunity to bring colleagues, customers or family members to be a part of such an important cause.

Please register and learn more about Pros4Care at https://pros4care.org/events/.

Questions can be answered by Ed Varney, Chairman of the Pros4Care event.

He can be contacted at: 469-525-6030, edvarney@pros4care.org.

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 ob-

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

Let the company that knows your business, protect your business

worker’s compensation • general liability • auto insurance property insurance • health insurance & employee benefits risk management services

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

jective 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 for the golf classic will begin at 11 a.m. The Shotgun Start will be at 1 p.m. Box lunches will be provided on each cart. Dinner and prizes will immediately follow the tournament. Credit cards will be accepted at the door.

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

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*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.

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October 2019 •

Texas Propane

27

Classifieds PetroStar Equipment Resources Purchase & Sale Pre-Owned Propane Tanks 5,000 gallons to 90,000 gallons FOR SALE (2) 30,000 gallon, 250 psi, stubbies (2) 18,000 gallon, 250 psi, skidded

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

Contact: Jim Oliver 936-755-6108 petrostar@pdq.net

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

2003 Kenworth T300 2500 gallon Propane Tank, 301K miles, 6 Speed

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

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Asking $40K Contact: Steve or Wanda (361) 364-2284

Calendar OCTOBER

7 PERC Webinar: Digital Ad Placement https://www.candotraining.com 14 Columbus Day Pros4Care Golf Tournament McKinney, TX 15-17 Sunbelt Ag Expo Moultrie, GA 16-18 Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE) Expo Louisville, KY 22 LPG Charity Fund Fall Golf Classic Humble, TX 28-29 Propane Incident Management Training (Propane Emergencies) College Station, TX 29-30 TPGA Board & Committee Meetings College Station, TX

NOVEMBER

4 PERC Webinar Digital Ad Measurement https://www.candotraining.com

Index to Advertisers 12-13 PERC Council Meeting Naples, Fl 19-21 Power-Gen International New Orleans, LA 28-29 TPGA & PSC closed for Thanksgiving

DECEMBER

1 Duty to Warn Deadline 2 PERC Webinar Online Reviews: Soliciting & Responding https://www.candotraining.com 10 Propane Living Newsletter Winter Deadline 24-25 TPGA & PSC closed for Christmas

JANUARY 2020

BAM Propane Consultants 26 Bergquist 16 BLT Tanks 11 Cunningham Gas Products 22 Ferrellgas 26 Fisk Tank Carrier Inc. Outside Back Cover Gas Equipment Company 23 Insurors of Texas 26 JARCO 21 Lone Star Energy Group 27 Longhorn Propane 28 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 23 Marshall Young Insurance 15 Meeder Equipment Co. 13 MK Gas 5 Otodata 17 Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover Propane Service Corporation 24 Rural Computer Consultants 25 WESROC/ANOVA 17 Westmor Industries 25 White River Distributors 27

Find Us On Social Media

1 TPGA & PSC closed for New Year’s Day

Click LIKE on the Texas Propane Gas Association Page

Texas Propane Gas Association

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

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Power Buggies Turn to Propane

A variety of light construction applications are increasingly turning away from corded equipment and now offering engine-driven solutions, many powered by propane.

for crews. Multiple manufacturers now include propane as an option for both tracked and wheeled buggies, allowing work to be completed in all types of terrain. Â

One such item available to contractors are power buggies.

There are a variety of manufactures that offer power buggy products.

To research options, simply google propane power buggy. These clean burning machines can be perfect for moving concrete, stone, demolition, and mulch. They additionally work well in tight spaces.

They can remove much of the back-breaking labor (and injuries that accompany it) that jobsites require.

Power buggies are used to move materials in and out of sites, from wet cement to debris. This makes propane’s low emissions profile a major advantage on jobsites that include work indoors or in semi-enclosed spaces where emissions from gasoline or diesel would be dangerous

30

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Don’t Wait Until You’re Knee Deep in Winter Out of Gas Calls Sign Up for the Texas Duty to Warn Safety Mailing Program now at www.propanecounciloftexas.org

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800-355-3475