December 2017 Texas Propane magazine

TexasPropane December 2017

Volume 73 No. 12

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

Membership Has Its Advantages TPGA + NPGA = Remarkable ROI

You’re in Good Hands Staying Local is Your Priority and Ours Have you considered selling your propane business but concerns for your customers and employees are holding you back?

At Pinnacle Propane, our values of Customer Service, Integrity, and Safety emphasize providing the best possible experience for our customers and employees.

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

Matt Terry Acquisitions and Strategic Development 210-560-5418

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.

For more information and a confidential assessment of your business, please call us today.

www.pinnpropane.com

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

TexasPropane December 2017

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 Membership Has Its Advantages: TPGA + NPGA = Remarkable ROI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Complete Combustion and Carbon Monoxide Safety Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Proudly Propane Texas Campaign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Five Facebook Advertising Tips for Service-Based Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Propane Council Makes 2018 Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Departments Highlights from Headquarters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 TPGA Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Inside the Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 People in Propane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Say Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Index to Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Propane with Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Highlights from Headquarters

TPGA: Helping You Every Day Bill Van Hoy TPGA Executive Director

It is difficult sometimes to remember how membership in TPGA and NPGA benefits you. You and your employees go about your day-to-day operations and maybe don’t realize that through our efforts a detrimental bill was killed or a beneficial one passed, or that you save money daily through suppliers, discount programs and our affinity partners.

The article starting on page 6 of this issue will remind you that the TPGA staff is here working for you, and if you are not a member help you learn more about the

benefits the association provides for its members, and what NPGA provides on a national level.

Whether you’re an established business or just starting out, TPGA membership is a smart step toward your success and growth. Being a member of TPGA is an investment in the future of your business and the propane industry. Your investment in our association is something to make you proud, keeps you involved, protects the industry, and provides you with valuable fellowship.

New Member

SUPPLIER TRANSTECH ENERGY LLC Rocky Mount, NC

2017 CONVENTION Sponsors Golf Tournament Targa Resources Lanyards Keyera Energy Convention Tote Bag Enterprise Products Welcome Reception Westmor Industries Midstream Transportation President’s Cocktails Quality Steel Bishop Energy Expo Refreshments BASYS

AFFINITY PARTNERS BASYS • Lone Star Energy Group

2017-2018 TPGA Board of Directors President: John Walter, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109 President Elect: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 Secretary: Harris Baker, Pinnacle Propane, 512-306-0073 Treasurer/Finance Chair: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 1 Director: Jim Vines, Cooper Propane, 903-785-5242 District 1 Alternate: April Welch, WelchGas, 903-577-1446 District 2 Director: Josh McAdams, McAdams Propane, 936-598-7444 District 2 Alternate: Open District 3 Director: Jeremy Gentile, Hill Butane, 409-296-2001 District 3 Alternate: Open District 4 Director: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 District 4 Alternate: Allen Wells, Baygas, 281-332-2660 District 5 Director: Open District 5 Alternate: Open District 6 Director: Omar Garcia, Mr. G Propane, 956-581-1063 District 6 Alternate: Open District 7 Director: Steve Smith, Smith Gas, 830-393-2533 District 7 Alternate: Sharon Seal, Bell Hydrogas, 210-533-7103 District 8 Director: Jack Walzel, Tri-Co Propane, 254-642-3885 District 8 Alternate: Rodney Sladek, Fayetteville Propane, 979-836-7044 District 9 Director: Bill McCullough, Butane Gas, 800-242-69010 District 9 Alternate: Brad Quisenberry, Gene Harris Petroleum, 888-336-4474 District 10 Director: Josh Nowlin, McCraw Propane, 9003-583-7481 District 10 Alternate: Sam Fox, McCraw Oil, 469-261-1148 District 11 Director: Steve Adams, Hardwick LPG, 254-647-3402 District 11 Alternate: Lane Worthington, Sunoco, 325-835-3031 District 12 Director: John Gordon, Bob’s Fuels, 325-647-3619 District 12 Alternate: Laci Jo Stone, Schneider Distributing, 800-901-9109

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

District 13 Director: Open District 13 Alternate: Open District 14 Director: Open District 14 Alternate: Open District 15 Director: Don Heinrich, Slaton Gas, 806-828-6501 District 15 Alternate: Open District 16 Director: Open District 16 Alternate: Open Past President: Ben Wood, Northwest Propane, 972-247-6121 Past President: John Kelly, Kelly Propane, 940-586-1208 Past President: Todd Dorris, Roadrunner Energy, 830-278-5317 Past President: Doug Maclay, United Propane, 972-225-2347 Vice President: Allen Wells, Baygas, Bay Gas, 281-332-2630 Vice President: Matt Terry, JP Energy Partners, 210-560-5418 Vice President: John Gordon, Bob’s Fuels, 325-647-3619 Sr. Vice President: Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, 281-689-3946 Sr. Vice President: Bill Collins, Collins Propane, 972-442-1078 Sr. Vice President: Joe Green, Green’s Blue Flame Gas, 713-462-5414 Assoc. Supplier Service Director: Rusty Walker, Marshall Young Insurance, 817-645-9155 Assoc. Supplier Service Alternate: Don Hankins, Alamo Corporate Group, 817-615-8393 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Director: Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas Sales, 713-851-6155 Assoc. Producer/Marketing Gas Alternate: Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy, 940-665-4672 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Director: Mark Smith, Leran, 512-318-1840 Assoc. Manufacturer/Distributor Alternate: Jim Diehl, Squibb Taylor, 214-357-4591 Assoc. At Large Director: Tracy Wells, Gas Equipment Company, 214-638-8018 Assoc. At Large Director: J.R. Anderson, Gas Equipment Company, Nominating Chair: Doug Maclay, United Propane, 972-225-2347 NPGA Director: Jim Bishop, Bishop Energy, 940-665-3457

from the TPGA Staff

Bill Page

Jackie Debbie

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Texas Propane

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Featured

Membership Has

TPGA + NPGA = R emarkable

ROI

By Kristen Card

6

T

he funny thing about belonging to a really effective trade association is this: The better the organization does its job, the less people tend to think they need it.

“Sometimes, folks will say to me something like, ‘It doesn’t really seem like NPGA [National Propane Gas Association] is doing much,’” notes Jerry Brick, Board President for North Star Energy, LLC. “‘I mean, I haven’t heard about any big achievements lately.’ But the fact is, organizations like NPGA are always working, and often, it’s to head off legislation or regulation that would be awful for the propane industry. So sometimes, their success looks like nothing happened, but it’s really that something devastating didn’t happen.”

“If people would step back and think about what it would be like if NPGA and TPGA [Texas Propane Gas Association] didn’t exist, then I think the benefits of these organizations become clear,” agrees Chad Gray, owner of Dixie LP-Gas in Hillsboro, Texas. “The average non-member doesn’t know a bad bill that’s been defeated was even a possibility. Or that he might have not had to pay that regulatory fine he was slapped with last year if he had had the right help to fight it. Or that he could be saving money every day by using different suppliers or discount programs.

If you’re not a member, then you might never know what you’re missing.”

Sometimes, even members don’t realize the breadth and depth of the benefits available to them through their trade associations. So let’s dig into the two partner organizations serving the Lone Star State’s propane industry – TPGA at the state level and NPGA at the national level – and see what you may be missing out on.

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

s Its Advantages:

“

“

When TPGA District 11 Director, Steve Adams of Hardwick LPG was asked why he is member, he replied.

“To make a difference in this industry.”

December 2017 •

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of Buster Brown Propane Service in New Caney, Texas.

“TPGA agreed – so much so that they actually helped represent us in court. We got our side told, and now the RRC is talking with us and reexamining the rule.”

Both TPGA and NPGA are active in code development and have representatives on the state and national level on the NFPA 54 and 58 committees.

For the last year and half, TPGA has been working with the Railroad Commission of Texas on major rule he Texas Propane Gas Association [TPGA] is an energy overhaul. TPGA members can expect to hear more about the trade organization for the propane industry, founded in rule changes when they are adopted, along with steps to comply 1944. Today, TPGA has 240 members total; about 170 of them with the new rules. are propane retail marketers, while the others are either propane TPGA members exclusively receive a monthly newsletter and suppliers – wholesalers, transportation, equipment manufactura weekly email update called the Monday Morning Messenger. ers/distributors, insurance and other service providers, or affili“The Messenger provides our members with all the news they ates – mobile-home manufacturers, RV parks, campgrounds, disneed to know right now,” Mason asserts. “It hones in on relevant penser operators, and master/journeyman plumbers. legislative information, regulatory changes, compliance filing re“We’re the voice of the prominders, enforcement initiapane industry here in Texas,” tive alerts, upcoming trainings, states Jackie Mason, TPGA’s and grant-funding notificaRegulatory, Legislative, Educations.” tion, & Marketing Director.

NPGA, too, utilizes a va“We’re the boots on the ground riety communication pieces One word sums up why JEC Propane is a member: for our members – at the Capiincluding their weekly NPGA tol, before the state legislature, Reports, which is packed with with the governor, and before critical information on the Ryan Tudyk the Railroad Commission federal level.

[RRC] and other agencies.”

“TGPA members can glean “For example, one of the even more exclusive informabiggest bills TPGA helped tion via the members-only pass was several years ago,” section of our new website remembers Chad Gray. “We [www.txpropane.com],” adds were experiencing trouble with some local entities – cities, towns, TPGA Membership Director Debbie Simpson. “We archive all homeowners’ associations and the like – either banning propane of our monthly newsletters and the Messenger, along with regulause altogether or for particular purposes – like, it’s okay to use tory alerts, waivers and guidance documents, links to forms, and propane to heat your pool, but not to heat your house. During contact information for our entire membership.” the 2011 legislative session, TPGA helped pass legislation, which NPGA also just launched a newly developed membership gave the Texas Railroad Commission the ultimate authority over site complete with member portal where members can login to propane and where it may be used. And now, TPGA is in court download White Papers, a guide to compliance on major federal with us helping wage a legal battle against municipalities who regulation changes, as well as other helpful information. have refused to follow the law.”

“And on TPGA’s new consumer-facing website currently in “We’re in the trenches fighting their fights alongside them,” Maproduction, we will feature a ‘Find a Propane Retailer’ search son concurs. “We do it for the industry and we do it for the intool, which leads prospective customers to a listing of exclusively dividual. We provide comprehensive regulatory information and TPGA member Texas marketers.” compliance assistance for members. If there’s some sort of permitPGA offers plentiful networking opportunities for marketting holdup, we can help them negotiate the red tape; we know the ers, suppliers, and affiliates alike. The Board of Directors and folks to call to help move the process along. And if a member is its eleven committees hold quarterly meetings – one of which is cited, we’re there to help them ameliorate the situation.”

“I was fined by the Railroad Commission a few years ago under the association’s annual conference – that are open to all members a rule I thought should be changed,” recalls Janice Peterson, owner and include a complimentary member dinner – a prime opportu-

T

Comradery.

T

8

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

nity for marketers to talk shop, and for suppliers and affiliates to make key contacts.

“TPGA functions are fantastic for meeting a lot of suppliers face-to-face,” Peterson attests. “They’re all under one roof, and I can get to know them a little, ask them questions, and decide who I want to work with based on information I gather firsthand. I don’t have time to go around and meet all these different suppliers on my own, and I don’t know anyone who does.”

“Networking with fellow marketers is one of my favorite things about being involved in trade associations,” agrees Jim Bishop, owner of Bishop Energy in Gainesville, Texas. “I enjoy comparing notes with friendly competitors on the various issues we face, and I’ve gained some lifelong friends along the way.”

Alex Hinojosa with Hino Gas says his father has been a member of TPGA since the 1970s and introduced him to the association. While he was away from the industry, he missed what TPGA offered. “I missed the knowledge and getting to know other dealers and the friendships and comradery. You learn so much from talking to other industry members across the state. I always learn something new.”

Along with rewarding relationships, TPGA provides members with everyday savings via business-critical discounts on emergency response numbers, workers’ compensation insurance, and materials available through the organization’s for-profit store, Propane Service Corporation [www.propaneservicecorp.com].

“Propane Service Corp. [PSC] offers compliance forms, decals, and other materials, promotional items, safety signs and materials, and business forms to members and non-members,” Simpson

outlines. “But our members enjoy a 30-percent discount for compliance materials, more for promotional materials, and shipping discounts, too. Our smaller companies typically save over $500 a year through PSC, while our larger members realize annual savings of over $1,000 per year.” TPGA Finance Chairman Josh McAdams of McAdams Propane and Midstream Transportation says he’s recently found out about the savings he could be making by using PSC for his promotional items. “I will be saving thousands by using them for all our advertising needs.”

Additionally, all TPGA members get free access to the organization’s lending video library!

Even the legacies of TPGA companies and their employees can benefit financially from membership: The TPGA Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to helping the children and grandchildren of the Texas propane industry reach their goals of higher education; since 1997, the foundation has distributed 55 scholarships totaling almost $85,000.

Additionally, the NPG Foundation Scholarship Fund offers the opportunity for nonrenewable annual scholarships in the amounts of $1,000-$2,000 to the children of member-company

NPGA Affinity for Savings NPGA offers its members a wide variety of discounted business services through its Affinity Partnership Programs. Some of these benefits are even paid for in full by NPGA, costing members absolutely nothing!

Uniform Program – Special pricing on select uniforms and supplies through NPGA’s uniform partner.

Insurance Solutions – Lower premiums and expanded coverages commensurate with the favorable loss ratio of the organization with a major national insurance carrier.

Discounted Tires – Competitive pricing and savings on many sizes and types from two major tire brands on auto, light truck, and commercial tires through NPGA’s tire partner.

Discount Background Checks – Cost-effective employment background-screening services to help hire better-qualified and safetyconscious workers.

Office Supply Advantage Program – Industry-low pricing on paper and ink/toner, 3% savings on orders over $250, free shipping on all orders, and exclusive monthly offers through a major office supplier.

Collections Program – Accounts receivable management, collections operations, and customer-retention services at the lowest cost per dollar in the collection industry through NPGA’s partner.

HR Solutions – A $500 value. NPGA members get this HR service for free. This HR service offers solutions for employment issues, human resource sample forms, and answers to HR questions directly from an on-staff expert, all for free!

December 2017 •

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employees. Established in 1994, the foundation awarded 92 students a total of $124,000 for just the 2017-18 academic year.

“TGPA is here because of our membership; we value that and we want to honor it,” Simpson concludes. “We want to make sure they know: We’re here for you – to represent your interests, to keep you current, to help you deal with problematic situations, issues, and concerns. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own; we’ve got your back.”

the federal level,” O’Dell states. “More than 50 percent of our budget goes directly to legislative lobbying, regulatory advocacy, education and training. That’s how we spend our members’ dues money, and it demonstrates clearly where our priorities are.”

“NPGA has recently begun distributing a short list of its toppriority advocacy issues, objectives, and progress,” begins Jerry Brick, who also serves as NPGA’s Chairman of the Board. “They’re called 90-Day Criticals because it’s what the organization is focusing on for the next 90 days. For instance, the current list consists he National Propane Gas Association [NPGA] was foundof: ensuring Congressional tax reform is beneficial for marketers ed in 1931 as the National Bottled Gas Association; today, and their customers; working against subsidized natural-gas exits mission is to advance safety and to increase the use of propane pansion; promoting propane as a clean-burning domestic fuel with through sound public policy. The NPGA gathers membership legislators and regulators, and discouraging an ‘electrify everything’ through affiliation agreements mindset; expanding the U.S. with state trade associations Department of Transportalike TPGA – when compation’s short-haul exemption nies join at the state level, they from a 100- to a 300-air-mile must also become members of radius; and monitoring the I always make a connection or discover a possible NPGA. propane supply situation to “Our affiliation agreements make sure our members receive business opportunity. I also appreciate getting to know provide stability for both ordata.” the suppliers through the association, which is big for me, accurate ganizations,” explains Mollie In addition to setting goals, touts Alex Hinojosa, Hino Gas O’Dell, NPGA’s Vice PresiNPGA has had some major dent of Communications. regulatory accomplishments “They also provide a unified as of late: delaying regulatory voice with a consistent mescompliance deadlines and prosage for the industry whenever viding major regulatory relief we’re dealing with legislative with agencies like OSHA and or regulatory bodies at any level, or talking to consumers.”

U.S. DOT. NPGA also has knowledgeable regulatory team accesWith about 2,800 members in all 50 states and 19 foreign sible to members any time on members questions on federal regucountries, as well as 38 affiliated associations, NPGA has four lations or even technical questions on codes. membership categories: propane marketers; suppliers – such as TPGA, too, encourages members to call them with any quesappliance, container and equipment manufacturers or wholesale tions on state or federal regulations or codes. distributors, carburetion installers, producers/wholesalers, trans PGA has a 143-member board of directors which, while porters/storers, vehicle fabricators, and service providers; interunusually large, is uncommonly inclusive, representing all national members; and individual members, many of whom are states, regions, and sectors of the propane industry. The associaretired from the industry. tion’s board and committees meet three times a year at varying “We are the only trade association in the country fully comlocations around the country; NPGA committees include Audit, mitted to lobbying and advocating for the propane industry at Governmental Affairs, Member Services, Propane Supply & Logistics, and Technology, Standards, & Safety.

Additionally, the organization has a mechanism for the It’s not just retailers who benefit from membership in TPGA. Our supplier members get a competitive formation of specific Business advantage as a member. Supplier member benefits include: Councils, created around is• Members are listed on our Supplier tab of our TPGA website (accessible to anyone with internet sues of interest to a particular including retailers) segment of the membership.

• Member referrals (if members call or email us looking for certain products, we refer them to our Current NPGA Business members) Councils include the Women • Networking: Access to TPGA member district meetings, committee meetings & TPGA board meetings In Propane Council, the Cyl• Subscription to our Texas Propane magazine printed and mailed to nearly 1,000 each month inder Exchange Council, and • Discount on advertising in Texas Propane magazine the Benchmarking Council.

• Permission to include the TPGA logo in ads, websites, flyers and signage “The Benchmarking Coun• Subscription to all TPGA communications including our monthly and weekly newsletters cil gives members a chance to • And more… meet in small groups to discuss business practices and search

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TPGA Supplier Benefits

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

for new ideas with other marketers who have similar challenges, but who aren’t direct competitors,” explains Christine Hutcherson, NPGA’s Member Services Director.

“They tend to talk more openly with these peers, and share what works for them in terms of obtaining drivers, retaining workers, HR issues, administrative duties, sales tools and techniques, you name it. The Benchmarking Council continues to grow, and we hear nothing but great feedback about what members get out of their participation.” and an Autogas Pavilion.”

NPGA’s all-membership meetings garner the same sort of NPGA also hosts Propane Days every summer, the premier rave reviews, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and advocacy event for the industry. A few hundred propane marketconnecting members with even more professionals and resources ers fly into Washington, DC, each year for two days of federal they can use. issue briefings, guest speakers, and face-to-face meetings with “You rub elbows with people you just wouldn’t get to any other way,” Brick affirms. “You interact with colleagues from all over the country, finding commonalities and sharing experiences. Back in 2013-14, I have been an active member of the TPGA from the beginning. I treat my dues as part of doing when propane supply got rebusiness. There is no way I could get done what the association does for me and our industry for ally tight for us up in South what I pay in dues.

Dakota, I had people I could call, people I worked with to get the supplies I needed, beThrough the association my company has a voice and constant representation in Austin. cause I had met them through While I am doing day-to-day business the association is monitoring potential rules, guidelines NPGA.” and legislation that could affect all of our businesses.

Next April, the association will host its biggest event of the Through TPGA’s members and networking opportunities there are tremendous opportunities year, the Southeastern Convention & International Proto share and gain knowledge from others in the profession. Members are there to help other pane Expo [www.npgaexpo. members at any time of need. This type of friendship and support is invaluable to me as a org]. The expo is the world’s person and as a business. largest propane-related tradeshow, with over 250 exhibitors I feel that anyone and everyone within the propane business or related industry should be a and more than 4,000 particimember of this association. No excuses or exemptions. After becoming a member it is my pants. Non-members may attend, but NPGA members rehope that all members would become active and participate in all TPGA events and activities. ceive substantial discounts on Together we are stronger and have more influence on pertinent issues when we all participate registration and exhibit rates. and work as a team.

“We’re excited about the 2018 Expo,” O’Dell effuses.

John Walter “It’s going to be held in AtlanSchneider Distributing Co., Inc. ta, and the theme is Connect.

Learn. Enjoy. We feel sure at2017-2018 TPGA President tendees will easily accomplish all three! Highlights include a keynote by CBS sportscaster Greg Gumbel, a highly enlightening Leadership Forum, December 2017 •

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congressional representatives and their staffs.

“It’s our chance to show off on Capitol Hill,” notes O’Dell.

“There’s propane in almost every district in the US. So for almost every office visit, we can walk into their office and say, ‘Here’s a propane marketer from your district.’ Members of Congress listen differently when it’s their constituents talking.”

NPGA communicates with its membership via a weekly newsletter, NPGA Reports, which features inside info about the latest federal regulations, agency announcements, current safety and technical dockets, and common consumer questions and answers.

NPGA is also in the process of rolling out a new website, designed to be more intuitive, searchable, and user-friendly than ever.

“We want our members to be able to find information quickly,” Hutcherson asserts. “When members wonder ‘What is NPGA doing with my dues?’, we want them to be able to see it easily and clearly. The website also features a robust members-only section, with a cool new member dashboard, and an entire suite of materials designed just for our membership.”

S

o, at the end of the day [or the article, as the case may be], what does all this advocacy and information and networking and discounts and members-only-this and exclu-

sive-access-that boil down to? What’s the bottom line for why associations matter to the propane industry, and why people in this business should support them?

“It’s a simple equation, really,” quips Mollie O’Dell. “We do our job so that they can keep doing theirs. Our profession is advocating before Congress and federal agencies; marketers’ profession is safely delivering propane to customers. They can’t be focused on tiny nuances in the rules that could have a dramatic effect on their livelihood; they’ve got to go out and sell some product. We all need to keep doing our jobs – that’s why you join a trade association.”

“If the associations weren’t there, then who would do what they’re doing?” Janice Peterson concurs. “Who would help us? We have to make a living, and we have employees who depend on us to help them make a living. We can’t just shut down and go lobbying at the Capitol, or go fight for what’s right with the Railroad Commission. We have businesses to run. Our presence here is important, and that’s why their presence there is important.

Deductible

Did you also know membership dues are tax-deductible as a business expense offering your business even more savings? 93% tax-deductible for TPGA dues and 81% for NPGA dues.

Become a Member Today Why become a member of TPGA? Because you can't afford not to!

Regulatory Navigation

Networking opportunities throughout the year at Association events. Exclusive content delivered weekly and monthly.

Discounts and Freebies. Scholarship program.

Our members are in the know about upcoming regulatory changes, future enforcement actions and other important information, through the Monthly Newsletter, Monday Morning Messenger, and Regulatory Alerts.

Each legislative session TPGA is at the Texas Capitol monitoring industry issues and ensuring your interests are protected. In addition, we introduce legislation to help you achieve your business goals and objectives.

Save Money

TPGA Is Your Champion

What Are You Waiting For? Let us help you alleviate your concerns with the Texas Railroad Commission, and City and State officials.

TPGA is there for you!

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Advocacy

Texas Propane Gas Association 800-325-7427 info@txpropane.com www.txpropane.com

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

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Safety Talk

Complete Combustion and Carbon Monoxide Safety Meeting USING PORTABLE CO DETECTORS:

If your company provides portable CO detectors, it is important that you are trained in their use.

Always follow manufacturer instructions. Keep in mind: 3 Portable CO detectors should be at or close to room temperature before testing the air.

3 Samples should not be taken if the air temperature is above 125°F. Thus, it may not always be possible to check flue gases directly without additional equipment.

PLACES TO CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE:

The efficient combustion of propane requires a ratio of 1 part propane to 24 parts air. If this ratio is off or equipment is not working properly, propane may not combust completely. Incomplete combustion can be dangerous. It is your job to understand how to detect incomplete combustion and respond swiftly.

SIGNS OF INCOMPLETE PROPANE COMBUSTION: 3 E xcessive water vapor — Can be harmful to appliances’

venting systems.

3 S oot — Potentially damaging to property.

3 Aldehydes — Toxic gas detectable by a sharp, penetrating

odor, a metallic mouth taste, or a burning sensation in the nose and eyes.

If any of these are present, follow your company’s guidelines for action.

Incomplete combustion may also result in the release of carbon monoxide.

Some propane companies handle carbon monoxide detection, while others refer calls to the fire department. If your company does address these issues, use the following guidelines:

Always test different areas in the house or building to determine the highest CO level.

Tests for CO should occur: 3 In the air at head height 3 Near gas appliances 3 Close to heating ducts 3 Near appliance diverters and fire doors on appliances in basements or utility rooms If an appliance is suspected as the source of CO, it may be turned off before your arrival. Take readings before it is restarted, 1–2 minutes after it is restarted, and 15 minutes after it has been on to ensure accurate CO detection.

Discussion Topics 1. While servicing a dryer, you notice soot around the dryer vent. How do you respond?

2. Your customer asks about carbon monoxide and ways he can protect his family. What safeguards do you recommend?

WHEN TO CHECK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE AT CUSTOMER LOCATIONS:

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be deadly. However, because CO is odorless and colorless, it can be difficult to detect. Check for CO if any of the following conditions exist: 3 A customer complains of chronic headaches or nausea.

3 Houseplants are dying.

3 There is a chronic odor and the source or cause cannot be located.

3 Excessive water vapor forms on cool surfaces in the house.

3 The odor of aldehydes is present.

14

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

LEARNING ACTIVITY Have participants stage a mock CO check at their building.

Discuss where and how to test, and actions necessary if CO is detected.

For more information about complete combustion and carbon monoxide, visit propanesafety.com.

Source: Basic Principles and Practices of Propane (PERC)

ProCOT Corner

Proudly Propane Texas Campaign

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) adopted the Proudly Propane Campaign earlier this year to compliment the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s national consumer campaign.

One component of the campaign is social media marketing. In July, ProCOT launched its Proudly Propane Texas Facebook page. Since then, it has attracted

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nearly 12,000 followers.

ProCOT is educating consumers on the many advantages of propane using a combination of non-paid and paid seasonal messages, everything from pool heaters to high efficiency furnaces, as well as consumer interest pieces to engage customers. Based on the success of PERC’s contests, ProCOT held a Face-

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

book contest in November to give away a propane fire pit from RealFlame. These types of events garner a larger following, helping the industry get its message out organically.

“Like us” on the Proudly Propane Facebook page and share our page on your company’s Facebook timeline so your customers can like us and hear all about the benefits of propane inside and outside the home.

Don’t have a company Facebook page? Create one of your own with this helpful tutorial from PERC. Setting up a Facebook Business Page for Your Propane Company https://youtu. be/mmyKsTuwtbo Additionally, ProCOT has implemented a remarketing campaign designed to the grab the attention of web surfers in Texas searching green living, energy efficiency and a series of other key words.

They search and ProCOT’s ad pops up and drives them to www.proudlypropanetexas.com.

It is reported that print advertising has the highest retention and recall behind television so the Propane Council of Texas is also running ads in Texas Monthly magazine, one in September and one in December. Texas Monthly is distributed to over $2.1 million Texans.

The Propane Education & Research Council is launching a new consumer campaign in 2018. Based on PERC’s direction, the Texas Council will identify its plans for 2018.

December 2017 •

Texas Propane

17

Inside the Industry

People in Propane Alton Cary Tomerlin, Jr, of San Angelo, passed away on October 30, 2017. Mr. Tomerlin served in the U.S. Army after graduating from the New Mexico Military Institute. He later became coowner of C&M Fuels, delivering propane to drilling rigs, owning a Texaco station and finally opening up his own propane company with his wife, Dorothy, in 1971, Concho Propane. Cary’s last request was to be transported to the cemetery in his propane-fueled Studebaker. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Promote Customer Safety with This Carbon Monoxide Brochure

The chill of winter is in the air and customers are upping their gasfueled appliances. It is important time to remind them about carbon monoxide (CO) safety.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) has a Carbon Monoxide Brochure full-color quad fold brochure to educate propane consumers on what to do if they suspect that carbon monoxide (CO) is present, ways to reduce risks of CO poisoning, how CO detectors can

improve safety, and identifying some of the signs of improper appliance operation that can generate high CO levels.

The brochure comes 100/pk. Order yours today by going to www.propanecouncil.org/productcatalog.

Deadline to Sign Up for ProCOT Duty to Warn Safety Mailing is Here!

Deadline is December 8, 2017 The end of the year is near! Have you sent out comprehensive safety information to your customers? Every year, the Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) offers Texas propane retailers an opportunity to take part in their Safety Mail-

ing Program, a duty to warn consumer education project that assists marketers in mailing propane safety information to their residential customer once a year.

Last year, ProCOT distributed 165,000 safety mailers on behalf of marketers.

ProCOT covers the postage! Participants are only responsible for a $35 fulfillment fee and less than 7 cents per address list processing fee.

ProCOT uses a Texas version of the popular national scratch-n-sniff brochure to educate consumers on a variety of safety topics.

Participants receive a postage statement and a notarized affidavit as evidence of their mailing for their duty to warn files.

They additionally are comforted in the knowledge that their customers received key safety information that will help them and their families handle propane with care.

To learn more or sign up, visit http:// pct.ginnysprinting.com.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Help consumers find you with a new website from the Texas Propane Gas Association. Attention: TPGA Members!

Submit your locations now to the TPGA Member Only Find a Propane Retailer Texas tool.

Please complete a separate digital form for each of your individual locations you have in Texas. This site is NEW and has not existed before now. So if you are thinking you have submitted your information before, you haven’t.

Most the information TPGA has on our members is their mailing address for their main office. It is important that you complete this form with your physical address so consumers can find you.

Log onto the TPGA Members Only section of www.txpropane.com to submit your locations so consumers can find you.

You need to complete a separate form in a separate web browser tab for each manned location you have.

The extended deadline for submissions is December 8, 2017.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity exclusive to TPGA members.

2018 National Propane Trainer’s Conference

Consumer e-Learning Custom Module Center Share Safety with Your Customers

Do not forget the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)’s Consumer eLearning Custom Module Center enables propane marketers to create customized propane safety modules to share with your customers with your logo. Use your personalized propane safety modules on your website. Several winter-related modules you can add include: carbon monoxide safety, running out of gas, Using Space Heaters Safely, RV Safety and year round favorites

like what is propane, what to do if you smell gas, appliance maintenance and more.

Download and customize these modules at https://propanecustommodulecenter.com/.

A re Y ou

GAMBLING W ith your insurance?

January 16-17, 2018 Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, TX The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) invites you to the 2018 National Trainer’s Conference on January 16-17, 2018 at the Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk.

The conference will provide propane industry safety trainers with various best practices aimed at enhancing the skills needed to convey important information that allows for greater student retention of complex technical concepts.

Attendees will also learn and receive hands-on training about many of PERC’s training tools such as Blended Learning, Refresher Training, Safety Presentations, HVAC/Plumber training and much more. Bring your laptop.

There will also be a panel discussion of propane professionals to discuss topics such as training challenges, CSR training, state specific compliance issues, and insurance issues.

Other topics include updated information on CETP Certification and current regulatory activities.

Register and learn more by visiting www.propanecouncil.org and clicking on events.

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

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December 2017 •

Texas Propane

19

Marketing Minute

5 Facebook Advertising Tips for Service-Based Businesses

By Tamara Weintraub If you’re a service-based business, you may be struggling with the right approach to online advertising.

Unless you have an emergency-based service, you may not be getting the calls and leads you want from a PPC (Pay Per Click) campaign. Facebook advertising can be an effective platform that can help you generate the results you want.

Let’s dive into why this is the case and some best practices for advertising your service business on Facebook.

prove your ads are driving interest from your target audience – and you can continue to target those specific users to remind them of your business and potentially get the conversion later on.

If you don’t have a physical location or someone dedicated to answering phone calls, choose a program that helps you drive online leads or appointments—like a Website Clicks or Lead Ads campaign.

If you have a robust website that provides additional, helpful information about your business and a lead intake form or phone number, a Website Clicks campaign might be most effective. If your website is not ideal or set up to capture leads, you can opt for a Local Awareness or Lead Ads campaign that allows you to generate leads or calls directly from Facebook.

1. Know Your Consumer Buying Journey

If you’re responsible for delivering a service, whether at someone’s home or at your location, having a great web presence and online reputation are important to your prospective customers. Consumers want to feel comfortable and confident when hiring a service provider. So, it makes sense that these buyers typically spend more time thinking about their purchase decision, and it’s usually not with the first business that shows up in the paid ads on a search engine.

Instead, potential customers may take some time to check out multiple businesses, look at websites and reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations, compare prices, and more. And, because many service purchases aren’t immediate, busy consumers may forget about them while they go about their day. So, with tactics like Facebook advertising, local service providers can effectively remind people of their services and convert more interested leads.

2. Actively Manage Your Facebook Page

If I hear about a new business from a connection on Facebook, I’ll immediately check out that business’ Facebook page. If their presence is lackluster – few status updates, no responses to posts, and negative reviews – chances are high I’ll move on and forget about them. Having a robust, active Facebook page is paramount – and it can make or break your Facebook

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4. Target Ads to Your Ideal Consumers

advertising campaign.

Even if your ads are not directly driving people to your Facebook page, viewing it is the quickest way for them to check you out when they see your ad. Make sure all your business information is complete, that you post regular updates—like tips, offers, specials, photos—so users will form a positive view your business at first glance. You should also respond to any negative reviews and comments you receive on your posts or page. Doing so won’t just help your organic presence, but is fundamental to your advertising success.

3. Get Results: Choose Your Goal Wisely

While Facebook ads look a lot like display ads and work to grow brand awareness and interest from users, many Facebook campaigns can generate tangible results for a service business. Selecting a Facebook campaign goal that can capture leads or drive web or in-person visits can help you generate inquiries and leads. But remember that leads are not the only result your ads can drive, nor the only indicator of success. Page likes, engagements, and even impressions are all factors that

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

There are a lot of powerful targeting capabilities on Facebook, so it can be a challenge to decide exactly what’s best for your advertising campaign. Start by getting back to basics and understanding who your target audience is. For a home service business, there are few key consumer demographics and targeting tactics to think about: Where your customers live: First, a local service provider should determine the ideal geographic area to target. Looking at your typical service area and how far you’re willing to stretch that area is the first step in targeting your Facebook ads to local prospects. Facebook allows you to choose one or more locations to target. It can include specific zip codes or a radius around a specific location, a city, state, or country.

Desired income level, age range, and more: Many of Facebook’s advertising programs allow you to show your ad to users in specific demographics or who have desired traits. For example, if your services have a higher cost, such as pool installation or home remodeling, Facebook’s financial demographics can help

Marketing Minute you narrow your audience to people who would be more willing to pay for your services. You can also select an age range— such as users over the age of 18—specific interests, and more to find that sweet spot of your ideal customer.

Relevant niche demographics: Users that provide information like their homeowner status or life events can be a goldmine for service providers. For instance, if you are a business who only wants to target new homeowners, you can do so if they’ve provided that information to Facebook. This enables your ads to show only to people who have an actual use for your services, and may already be in the market. You can also exclude certain users based on their demographics, interests, and more if they’re outside your target audience and you don’t want your ads to show to those users.

Retargeting and custom audiences: If you’re already getting a lot of visits to your website, you can opt to retarget them on

Facebook to remind them of your business. But if you’re using Facebook to drum

up new business, one of the best ways to do this is to target ads to the people who

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December 2017 •

Texas Propane

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Marketing Minute are most likely to work with you. This can include your current Facebook fans, people who have previously contacted you, newsletter subscribers, and others who haven’t made a purchase for one reason or another. You can also leverage Facebook’s “lookalikes” capabilities, which uses its data to create a list of new prospects that “look like” the people on your list and target them with your ads.

While there are a vast number of targeting options available through Facebook, you don’t want to narrow your audience too much, as this could severely limit the amount of engagement with your ads and drive up the cost of impressions.

5. Command Attention with Great Ads

Creating an eye-catching and effective Facebook ad is crucial to getting results from your campaign. Remember that your ads are competing in the News Feed with status updates from friends and family, other businesses (including competitors), articles and videos from news outlets, and more, so it’s easy for your ad to get lost among all that content. Here are a

22

few things you need for your ad to work.

An engaging image: Although Facebook doesn’t allow “before” and “after” images, you can still use great imagery that stands out in the News Feed. Using your own images not only makes your ads look more authentic, but they’ll be differentiated from every other stock photo image in the News Feed. If you don’t have the ability to take high-quality photos for your ads, use an image that’s a good representation of your business and encourages someone to take action. Finally, make sure your imagery follows all of Facebook’s image rules and recommended ad sizes for the type of campaign you’re running.

Short, yet impactful messages: If you are running any specials, holding an event, or offering any unique services, include them in your ad’s headline and description. Your message should quickly describe your service and differentiate your business from your competitors. Remember that any longer descriptions will be truncated on mobile devices.

The right call to action: Select a call to action that makes the most sense for

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

your ad and your business. If you’re trying to generate onsite appointments or service estimates, using a CTA like “Book Now” or “Contact Us” might work best to get people to submit an inquiry through Facebook or on your website. Meanwhile, CTAs like “Call Now” and “Get Directions” are ideal for businesses trying to drive people through the door.

Your Facebook Advertising Strategy

If you’re not sure what will work for your business, try testing different programs, targeting techniques, and creative, then review your results to see what’s resonating most with your target audience.

Alternatively, using a trusted partner can help you take the guesswork out of advertising your business on Facebook.

Tamara Weintraub is a Content Marketing Manager at ReachLocal and writer for the ReachLocal blog, Tamara Weintraub helps local businesses reach more customers online with helpful tips about online advertising, social media marketing, and Web Presence Optimization.

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December 2017 •

Texas Propane

23

PERC News

Propane Council Makes 2018 Plans Council to adopt integrated communications program across all propane markets training programs, the Partnership with States program, ongoing development of propane-fueled products, and an integrated marketing communications program that will unify all homeowner and business-tobusiness outreach under a consistent brand.

The assessment rate of $0.005 per gallon of odorized propane, which took effect October 1, is expected to generate revenues of $41 million. The budget includes $30.2 million for program activities.

2018 Budget Summary

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), meeting in early Novem-

ber in Tampa, Fla., approved a $41.7 million budget for 2018 that will include safety and

In 2018, the focus of PERC’s homeowner advertising program will move from improving perceptions of propane to promoting adoption of propane appliances.

The media buy also will shift, with most of the investment going into highly effective and measurable digital advertising. Plans

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PERC News call for the creation of conventional advertising creatives, including print and radio advertisements, for use by marketers and state councils and foundations.

“The 2018 budget is designed to capitalize on opportunities to spur gallon growth by compelling homeowners and business owners either to switch to propane or to add propane equipment to a home or business that already runs on our fuel,” PERC President and CEO Tucker Perkins said. “The budget also provides continued support for our safety, training, and research programs as well as key industry engagement efforts.”

In other Council business:

• The Council approved a slate of outreach programs aimed at driving adoption of propane-fueled equipment in the residential, commercial, autogas, outdoor power equipment, and forklift markets.

• The Council approved the 2018 partnership agreement with the National Propane Gas Association and the GPA Midstream Association. The agreement helps the Council fulfill its statutory obligation to coordinate its activities with industry organizations.

The Council approved the following funding requests: Docket 20987 — 2017 Propane Farm Incentive Program — $300,000 Docket 21301 — Online Propane Autogas First Responder Safety Training — $71,900 Docket 21357 — 2018 Propane Autogas Technician Training — $107,446 Docket 21302 — Cylinder Requalification — $150,000 Docket 21310 — 2018 Propane Industry Trainer’s Conference — $30,000 Docket 21355 — 2018 Industry Outreach — $440,000 Docket 21379 — CETP NFPA 58 2017 Updates, E-Learning, and Refresher Training — $143,017 Docket 21384 — 2018 CETP Support — $81,465 Docket 21261 — Laboratory Evaluation of the M-Trigen Micro-Combined Cooling, Heating and Power System (mCCHP) — $50,000 Docket 21439 — Maricopa County Propane Fire Pit Program — $34,576 Docket 21375 — 2018 Residential & Commercial Market Outreach — $2,149,800

“The 2018 budget is designed to capitalize on opportunities to spur gallon growth by compelling homeowners and business owners either to switch to propane or to add propane equipment to a home or business that already runs on our fuel,”

Docket 21342 — 2018 Outdoor Power & Equipment Outreach & Marketing — $930,000 Docket 21343 — 2018 Propane Autogas Market Outreach — $1,300,000 Docket 21377 — 2018 Agricultural Market Outreach Program — $1,100,000 Docket 21387 — 2017–2018 Propane Mower Incentive Program — $500,000 Docket 21257 — Fuel Sampling Program 2017 — $100,000 Docket 21356 — 2018 Partnership with States — $1,500,000 Docket 21433 — Propane Catalog Maintenance and Support — $225,872

Docket 21436 — 2018 Advisory Committee & Program Support — $490,000 Docket 21437 — 2018 Partnership Agreement between PERC, GPA and NPGA — $1,319,500 Docket 21441 — 2018 Propane Market Intelligence and Assessment Program — $305,000 Since July, PERC approved 97 state rebate requests totaling $2,074,706.76, with 21 programs including requests for a total of $386,725.70 from the PERC Partnership with States program.

The Council will next meet February 14 in Santa Barbara, Calif.

D.L.Morrison Welding & Construction L.P. MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Testing & Inspecting MC 330 & 331 Transport & Bobtail Repair & Re-furbish Storage Installation Compressor Repair 217 Morrison Hill Lane • Gainesville,Tx. 76240 Ricky Taylor 940-727-8608 • Mason Day 940-727-1355 Fax 940-612-2055 E-mail ricky_taylor62@yahoo.com December 2017 •

Texas Propane

25

Say Cheese

Sean Caney, Douglass Distributing, and his wife Amy attend the TPGA Charity Reception at Hotel Valencia in San Antonio. The charity auction raised funds for the TXPGA Disaster Relief Fund and the TPGA Scholarship Foundation.

Katy McKnight and District 12 Alternative Director, Laci Jo Walter, Schneider Distributing, catch up between meetings at the TPGA Board & Committee Meetings.

Young Gassers Arynn McAdams and Sharisse McAdams, McAdams Propane, are happy after their auction win supporting the TPGA Scholarship Auction at the TPGA Charity Reception.

TPGA President John Walter and Joann Walter, both from Schneider Distributing, place the winning bid on a Nolan Ryan autographed photo donated by the Missouri Propane Gas Association to benefit the TXPGA Disaster Relief Fund. Thank you for your support!

District 11 Director, Steve Adams of AAA Butane & Hardwick LPG, and his wife Mary Kaye enjoy catching up with fellow industry members at the November TPGA meetings in San Antonio.

Ryan Tudyk, JEC Propane, and Jeff Severson, BAM Propane, discuss supply and other industry shop talk at the TPGA Board & Committee Meetings in San Antonio this past November.

Jimmie Grant, Martin Gas; Alex Hinojosa, Hino Gas; and April Welch, WelchGas, enjoy a laugh at the TPGA Member Dinner at Casa Rio on the Riverwalk this past November.

26

Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Associate Service Alternate Director Don Hankins, Alamo Corporate Group, and one of TPGA’s Vice Presidents, Allen Wells of BayGas, at the TPGA reception held in conjunction with the TPGA Board & Committee meetings.

Page Van Hoy, TPGA; TPGA Vice President Matt Terry, Pinnacle Propane; TPGA Past President Doug Maclay, United Propane, with wife Harriet; Anita Collins & Sr. Vice President Bill Collins, Collins Propane; and Brent Rogers, Quality Steel.

TPGA Board Secretary Harris Baker and TPGA Vice President Matt Terry, Pinnacle Propane; Rob Chalmers and Chris Hill, both with Pico Petroleum, reminiscing at the member dinner in San Antonio.

Jan Peterson, Buster Brown Propane; TPGA Past President John Kelly, Kelly Propane; Sr. Vice President Joe Green, Greens Blue Flame Gas; and District 4 Director Mark Peterson, Buster Brown Propane, enjoy the beautiful balcony at the TPGA meeting host hotel, the Hotel Valencia, this past November.

Anna May Etheredge, Bishop Energy; Amy & Brad Quisenberry of Gene Harris Petroleum; and Tracy Wells of Gas Equipment Company dining at the TPGA Member Dinner held in connection with the TPGA Board & Committee Meetings in San Antonio.

TPGA President John Walter and Steve Johnson, Blue Sky Propane, catch up on business at the TPGA meetings in San Antonio.

December 2017 •

Texas Propane

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

Calendar December

1 Winter Propane Living newsletter subscription deadline 8 ProCOT Duty to Warn Registration Deadline 13 Annual DFW Clean Cities Meeting Arlington, TX

January 2018 1 TPGA office closed for New Year’s Day

16-17 National Propane Trainer’s Conference San Antonio, TX

Index to Advertisers 18-19 NPGA Benchmarking Council (Groups A-F) West Palm Beach, FL

Bergquist 21

22-24 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) Chicago, IL

D. L. Morrison Welding 25

25-26 NPGA Benchmarking Council (Groups G-L) West Palm Beach, FL

Longhorn Propane 28

February

Meeder Equipment Co. 15

BLT Tanks 17 Cunningham Gas Products 22 Gas Equipment Company 23 Insurors of Texas 18 Lone Star Energy Group 24 Lumbermen’s Insurance Agency 5 Marshall Young Insurance 19

11-13 NPGA Board of Directors Meeting Santa Barbara, CA

Metsa Inc. 13

14 PERC Council Meeting Santa Barbara, CA

Propane Service Corporation 21

The fUeL Manager

Pinnacle Propane Inside Front Cover White River Distributors 23

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COMING Next Issue

Cybersecurity for Businesses December 2017 •

Texas Propane

29

Propane With Purpose

Propane Provides Year-Round Water Park Fun to Middle of Snow Country

It’s no secret that propane brings the heat. Propane is one of the most efficient and clean methods to warm things up in rural settings, be it a house, a business, a stove or a fireplace.

Jay Peak Resort turned to propane to provide the efficiency and cleanliness that they needed in their remote Vermont setting. The premier ski resort in the Northeast Kingdom sits just two miles from the Canadian border and is blessed with lots of natural snowfall.

About seven years ago, the resort began adding significant infrastructure to its base-area amenities. It more than doubled the number of condos and townhomes on the mountain, added a NHL-sized ice arena, a golf course, and a year-round indoor water park that includes several large slides, a stand-up flowrider and a kids’ play area. Presently, the resort boasts 300,000 annual skier visits, and 350,000 water park visits a year.

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Texas Propane • www.txpropane.com

The ski resort turned to propane for most of the upgrades and additions. Natural gas was not available in the region, and the management team felt propane delivered cheaper and cleaner energy than heating oil.

To maintain a constant 83-degree temperature in the water park, the resort utilizes a central boiler room that includes twelve AERCO Benchmark 3.0 propane boilers, each with a 3 million Btu capacity.

The ten restaurants and snack bars additionally use propane for cooking. Another upgrade has been changing out the wood fireplaces in individual condos and townhomes with propane fireplace.

And while propane provides a steady hand for the big jobs, it also creates the smaller comforts. It is used to power fire pits at each hotel, along with patio heaters on chilly nights.

TexasPropane THE MAGAZINE FOR THE TEXAS PROPANE GAS ASSOCIATION

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The Official Publication of the Texas Funeral Directors Association

TexasPropane June 2017

Volume 73 No. 6

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