As the exclusive master distributor in the Northeast, F.W. Webb offers fuel dealers and contractors the complete range of Cavagna products, including their popular Kosan regulator. Features & Benefits:
• Durable powder coating
• Stainless steel screws prevent rusting
• Safety locking tab notifies of tampering
• Solid diaphragm for increased tensile strength
• Composite orifice seat that resists frost, with a rib to break up potential ice crystals
• Better protection against freeze-ups
• Developed with continuous research and innovation
• Compact twins with 40% more BTU capacity than competitors
• 25 year life expectancy
• 10 year warranty
We have 12 convenient wholesale locations in Maine! Visit fwwebb.com/locations to find the nearest to you.
How can I add biodiesel to my operation?
If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blends require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet that operates your own fueling site, also an easy switch from a supply and infrastructure standpoint. If you want blended fuel, ask diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodiesel producers also supply blended fuel. own blending, you will need a dedicated biodiesel storage tank and blending system. While there initial cost, the return on investment is often achieved in only six to 18 months.
Every member of MEMA is eligible to sit on one or more of the Association’s Committees. All of MEMA’s operations are based on the “one company, one vote” principle. Each & every member company counts as each has one single vote. The largest member has one vote – the smallest member has one vote. We believe every company’s opinion is important and is weighed equally. Whether your opinion is brought to the table and voiced, however, is up to YOU!
OUR 2021 COMMITTEES & TRUSTS
Advertising Committee
This committee is responsible for advising and assisting MEMA staff with advertising and communication campaigns and management of federally provided NORA advertising funding.
Chair: Claudette Townsend, Dead River Company
Convenience Retailing & Transportation
This Committee is responsible for setting association policy on motor fuel and convenience store issues.
Chair: OPEN
Membership Committee
This committee is responsible for establishing policies that will grow the organization by attracting new members and retaining existing members through clear focus on ensuring and delivering superior value to members.
Chair: Mark St. Germain, St. Germain
Education Committee
This committee is responsible for establishing policies, providing advice, and aiding staff that guides planning and oversight of technical training and management level seminars for MTEC and the association.
Chair: Roger Arsenault, Community Energy
Governance Committee
This committee is responsible for creating a model organization within the boundaries of its founding and operating documents (By-laws and policies) for the purposes outlined in these documents and for the full potential of board members.
Health Trust
This trust is responsible for the planning and management of the Self-Insured MEMA group health, life, dental & vision insurance programs.
Chair: Tim Freeman, Daigle Oil Co.
Convention Committee
This committee assists the MEMA and EMANH staff in the planning and execution of the Annual Northern New England Energy Conference.
Heating Fuels Committee
This Committee is responsible for setting association policy on heating fuels issues including: Propane, Heating Oil, and Liquid Biofuels.
Chair: Charlie Page, Maritime Energy
Workers’ Comp Trusts
This trust is responsible for the planning and management of the Self-Insured Workers Compensation Trust.
Chair: David Thompson, Waldo-Thompson Brothers
Golf Committee
This committee is responsible for the planning, fundraising, and execution of the Association’s annual golf events.
Chair: Jeff Murdy, Renewable Energy Group
Our Team
Executive Board
Michael McCormack ~ Downeast Energy
Claudette Townsend ~ Dead River Company
Marc LaCasse ~ Augusta Fuel Company
Charlie Burnham ~ Charlie Burnham Energy
Matt Poole ~ Colby & Gale
Roger Arsenault ~ Community Energy
Michael Estes ~ Estes Oil & Propane
Max Marston ~ Fabian Oil
Jonathan Mapes ~ H.A. Mapes Inc.
Rob Cort ~ Maine Energy Inc.
Charlie Page ~ Maritime Energy
Mark Gagnon ~ P. Gagnon & Sons Inc.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark St. Germain ~ St. Germain
Robert Luce ~ Valley Gas & Oil Company
Association Board
Jamie Robinson ~ A.E. Robinson Oil Co.
David Babcock ~ Adams & Fogg Oil Equip.
Robert Shibley ~ Bob’s Cash Fuel LLC
Peter Buotte ~ Community Energy Company
Carter Vaillancourt ~ Daigle Oil Company
Deanna Sherman ~ Dead River
Greg Krise ~ Eastern Propane & Oil, Inc.
Jim Pike ~ Energy Kinetics
Judy Delaney ~ Global Petroleum Corp
Tom Schwarm ~ Gould Technologies
William Beck ~ Gulf Oil, LP
Saunya Urban ~ H.A. Mapes Inc. - Alt
Tim Heutz ~ Heutz Commercial Enterprise
Carrie Tomforde ~ Irving Oil
Steve Flewelling ~ Irving Oil - Alt
Jim Carroll ~ J.P. Carroll Fuel Co.
Steve Ness ~ Ness Oil Company
Robert Tracy ~ R.H. Foster Energy, LLC
Jeff Murdy ~ Renewable Energy Group
Elwin Scott ~ Simard & Sons, Inc.
Marc Dorsey ~ Sprague Energy
Michael Tammaro ~ V.L. Tammaro Oil Co.
Charlie Burnham Charlie Burnham Energy Vice Chair
Mike McCormack Downeast Energy Chairman of the Board
Claudette Townsend Dead River Company Treasurer
Hannah Estes Business Manager Sarah Nadeau Administrative Assistant
Christa Fairbanks Insurance Administrator
Charlie Summers President & CEO
Bryan Champagne MTEC Senior Instructor
Dan Weber MTEC Instructor
Jennifer Grace Director of Marketing & Communication
Megan Diver Vice President
Don Hobbs MTEC Instructor
New England Installations, LLC
New England Installaions specializes in Appliance Installation and Repair. Their business began in the early stages of COVID-19, so they are very familiar with and continue to follow CDC guidelines. On their trucks they carry masks, booties for their shoes, gloves, disinfecting tools and before and after entering your homes. With patience and prayer, NEI has been moving towards a level of success that’s exciting. They look forward to putting in the hard work for their clients. This is a continuously changing industry and they feel blessed to be in position with their skills obtained throughout the years. For more information, visit www.neillc.me/about-nei
Evergreen Home & Hearth
Since 2007 Evergreen Home & Hearth has been a Maine, family-owned business providing wood stoves and fireplaces, gas stoves and fireplaces, and pellet stoves as secondary heat sources for your home. They are proud to say that more than half of their sales are derived from Maine made products and more than 90% are from products made right here in the United States. For more information, visit www.mainestoves.com
Quirk Auto Group
Searching for a new vehicle? Your search will be cut short once you visit the Quirk dealerships in Bangor, Portland, Augusta, and Belfast. At their dealerships, they have a great selection of vehicles ready to be test driven immediately with fresh, updated special offers on your favorite brands. Not only do they possess plenty of high quality Chevy, Subaru, Jeep, Ram, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Mitsubishi models, they have top-notch service centers to help ensure the best auto repair and services for all types of vehicles. Looking for a used vehicle? They have a tremendous selection of quality used vehicles at Motor City Used Vehicle Centers in Bangor, Belfast, Augusta, and Portland. Looking for a wholesale to the public vehicle? Visit Cars By Us at 361 Griffin Road in Bangor. For more information, visit www.quirkauto.com
Tri-County Energy LLC
Tri-County Energy started out as a small heating and plumbing company that served Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Sagadahoc County, but has now expanded across the state of Maine. At Tri-County Energy they strive to make your experience more personal, because they care about our customers. Tri-County Energy started May 1st, 2013. Ron Wing has been in the heating and plumbing industry for 24+ years. Erik Robinson has been in the heating business for the past 21+ years. Between the two combined, they have over 40 years of hands on experience! For more information, visit www.tricountyenergyllc.com
Lincoln Laboratory
Lincoln Laboratory was founded in 1958 with a mission of providing corrosion protection for oil tanks and fuel enhancing additives to the oilheat industry. Residential oil tank services were integrated soon after with the establishment of Bond-Tite Tank Service. Their staff is committed to providing the highest quality products and service and, as the oilheat industry has evolved over time, they have adapted to new challenges. They have solutions for performance issues that have accompanied the new ultra low sulfur heating oil and biofuel blends. As the cost to replace residential storage tanks has increased Lincoln Lab has responded with creative warranty protection programs. Bond-Tite Tank Service installs a variety of oil tanks including double wall tanks. For more information, visit lincolnlaboratory.com
ET Products, LLC
ET Products is a premier manufacturer of premium fuel supplements. Established in 1977 their company facilities began as a home office and a small local warehouse. Over the next 40 years they expanded into nearly twenty thousand square feet of office and manufacturing space in Northern Indiana, 4 regional sales offices and our corporate headquarters based outside Chicago, Illinois. Founded upon the core belief that their customers come first, they have built our existing foundation believing when quality and performance count, count on ET Products. We currently serve customers across the United States and Canada in the agricultural, marine, transportation, mining and municipality markets. They offer an expansive line of superior fuel additives for both gasoline and diesel engines servicing both the winter and summer seasons. ET Products continues to be a family owned and operated business that takes pride in its high quality products and customer loyalty. ET stands behind its products and the engines they service. For more information, visit www.etproducts.com
“Mom and Pop stores are not about something small; they are about something big. Ninety percent of all U.S. businesses are family owned or controlled. They are important not only for the food, drink, clothing, and tools they sell us, but also for providing us with intellectual stimulation, social interaction, and connection to our communities. We must have mom and pop stores because we are social animals. We crave to be a part of the marketplace.”
– Robert Spector, author
Dear MEMA Members,
The above quote seems particularly relevant to our industry and where we find ourselves today. You, the more than 300 members that comprise MEMA, are truly the backbone of Maine’s economy. Small, family owned businesses that for generations have not only provided a critical commodity – but the good paying jobs that continue to strengthen our towns, cities, and ultimately, our state. Having grown up in and later run my own small business, I know that small businesses are most often a world within a world, where customers are friends and truly the “connection to our communities.”
Today, in an uncertain world reeling from the effects of COVID, political unrest, and the extreme cold that has gripped much of our country, the reliability and stability of the heating fuels industry shines through and is needed now more than ever. In fact, while government’s reaction to the pandemic has shuttered or severely restricted much of Maine and America’s small business community, the heating oil, propane, biofuels, and motor fuel providers as well as convenience stores have remained on duty – ensuring warmth, food, and critical transportation services of our communities continue, 24/7, uninterrupted.
In these times, and in the future, the team at MEMA remains resolute in our core mission to
“…promote the best interests of the Association and the individual members.”
This means on the legislative front with full time representation in Augusta. In our communities with programs like “Fuel Your Love” which we’ve enhanced this year by partnering with WGME TV and providing an additional 5000 gallons of heating fuel, at no cost, to Mainers in need. And, of course, by working to promote the latest advances in equipment, technology, and bio-fuels. All of this is a tall order, indeed. However, with clear vision, a strong work ethic, and your continued support, we will succeed in advancing and protecting the interests of our great industry and the best trade association in Maine!
I look forward to seeing you in the field.
Best,
Charlie
OPEN TILL MIDNIGHT
The 130th Maine Legislature
As many things in 2020, the 130th Maine Legislature started the First Regular Session differently than any other year. Unlike years past the 130th Maine Legislature wasn’t sworn into office in the House and Senate Chambers at the State House and were sworn in at the Augusta Civic Center instead.
The first day of the new session is when legislators who were elected or re-elected in November take the oaths of office for the Legislature to elect Senate President and Speaker of the House as well as Maine’s Constitutional Officers. The ceremonies at the Augusta Civic Center were pandemic-adapted, everyone that was allowed inside the facility was required to wear a mask or face shield throughout the day and the rooms, tables and chairs were arranged to allow for ample social distancing. The ceremonies, which are usually open to the public, were closed to only legislators, support staff and credentialed State House media to limit exposure of COVID-19.
Typically, the governor is the one who swears in new legislators. In December, the governor was quarantined due to a COVID-19 exposure. The Legislature was sworn in by Andrew Mead, the acting chief justice of the state’s Supreme Judicial Court.
The House of Representatives elected Democratic Rep. Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford to serve as House Speaker. Fecteau, 28, is the youngest person to serve as House Speaker in a legislature across the country and is Maine’s first openly gay speaker. The Senate nominated and unanimously re-elected Senator Troy Jackson as Senate President—a logger from Allagash now serving his ninth term in the Legislature. Jackson is the first resident of Aroostook County to ever be elected to two consecutive terms as Senate president.
The Legislature also elected the state’s three constitutional officers.
Former Senator Shenna Bellows won the race to replace outgoing Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. Bellows is the first female to hold the position of Secretary of State in Maine. Bellows’ election as Secretary of State created a vacancy in State Senate District 14 and a special election was held in March of 2021.
The Legislature voted to re-elect Aaron Frey, a Bangor Democrat, as attorney general and re-elected Henry Beck, a Biddeford Democrat, as state treasurer.
Former Secretary of State, Matt Dunlap was elected to serve a fouryear term as state auditor. State auditor is not considered a constitutional officer, but is also elected by the Legislature.
It was expected that the House and Senate would hold floor sessions at the Augusta Civic Center, in order to allow for more distancing, in January. However, the presiding officers chose not to do so. As anticipated this unusual legislative session has started to pick up as legislative staff members work through the process of writing the legislative documents.
In late December, the Maine Legislature released bill titles submitted by legislators and State Agencies. This is the first step in the annual bill drafting process and is an early indication of the subjects that will be addressed by Maine legislators this session. While there are fewer bill requests in 2021 than recent years, more than 1,600 potential legislative proposals were submitted. The Office of the Revisors of Statues has started printing those bills and we have started to learn more details about the actual bills, however, there appears to be a
number of “concept drafts” proposed this session and those bills we won’t know the details on until the public hearing is scheduled and the bill sponsor shares the concept. A concept draft contains only a summary of the proposed legislation. It is not a fully drafted bill or resolve but it is submitted for printing and reference to committee in the same manner as a fully drafted bill or resolve.
Legislators proposed 1,689 bills for the Maine Legislature to consider. MEMA has identified bill titles and bills that are of potential interest— including many that address climate and energy issues. Legislators have submitted numerous climate-related bills this session and proposals are also expected to be submitted by Governor Mills to implement recommendations from the state’s newly-approved Maine’s Climate Action Plan, including, adapting to sea level rise, expanding the use of electric vehicles, encouraging carbon sequestration, and addressing the siting of renewable energy.
Other proposed bills would reverse the plastic bag ban law from the 129th Legislative Session, capping Maine’s minimum wage, allowing the
Sale of Ethanol-free Gasoline and as anticipated, COVID-19 will be a focus for Maine legislators during the 2021 session. Bills relating to COVID-19 range from vaccine policy to financial relief for businesses hardest hit by pandemic restrictions, as well as protecting the rights of COVID-19 patients. There are at least 20 pandemic-related bills that have been filed, while an additional five bills that address COVID-19 and public education. Maine legislators are not alone in pursuing coronavirus-related legislation. More than 3,445 bills have been brought forward in state legislatures since the onset of the pandemic last year, according to a database created by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
MEMA will be sure to update you as the Legislature progresses through the Session and will continue to update MEMA’s Legislative Bill Tracking page with updates on all these priority bills.
In a “typical” year, January is usually marked by introductory committee meetings and the full body meeting to assign bills to committees. That happened without the full bodies of the Legislature working in person. Committees met virtually and the process of bill assignment was turned over to the Maine Secretary of the Senate Darek Grant and Clerk of the House Robert Hunt. These two positions are allowed to refer bills when the Legislature is in recess for more than four days.
Bills are moving to Public Hearings in committees at a faster pace. Committee Meetings are well underway. Legislative committees will continue holding public hearings, work sessions and other meetings virtually but with some members located in their traditional State House rooms. Testimony from the public is welcome on any of these bills.
More bills have been released as the legislature moves through its work.
On behalf of our members, MEMA looks forward to working with legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle as well as Governor Mills
in 2021. We know that this is a critical time for Maine people and Maine’s economy as we continue to feel the impacts of COVID-19. It is critical that our newly elected and re-elected leaders work together to address important issues that affect Maine’s heating oil, propane, biofuels and motor fuels providers as well as convenience store owners. If you have any questions about the Maine Legislature, please contact Megan Diver at mdiver@maineenergymar keters.com.
Governor Mills proposed biennial budget
Governor Janet Mills released an $8.4 billion biennial budget proposal that avoids making deep cuts to balance the budget in large part because of emergency short-term federal funding provided in the stimulus bill passed by Congress in December. While the proposal does provide some additional funding for Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nursing homes, addiction treatment and services for adults with disabilities, the overall budget is largely flat-funded.
Maine government finances were ahead of what was anticipated going into the COVID-19 pandemic last March. This positioned the state well for the revenue losses triggered by restrictions on business ordered by the Governor to slow the spread of the virus. In addition, the revenue losses were not as severe as expected, and early financial support from Congress for state government and
Megan Diver
individuals helped alleviate the impact of the virus on Maine’s government finances.
Maine’s current two-year, $8 billion budget will expire at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. The Legislature must approve a new budget before then to avoid a state government shutdown.
The Legislature’s budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee has been meeting almost monthly since March of 2020 and has been monitoring the financial ups and downs caused by COVID-19.
In March 2020, Mills and the Legislature worked quickly to pass a supplemental state budget that reduced state spending while setting aside $184 million in the state’s budget stabilization fund. That money has yet to be used, and the next budget proposal from the Governor also leaves this money in the “rainy day” fund intact.
Initial revenue forecasts showed state government could see a revenue shortfall of more than $1.5 billion over the next three fiscal years, including the current fiscal year. But those predictions have proved to be high by about 50 percent. The latest forecast suggests revenue losses on the order of $255 million for the current fiscal year – about half the original projection of $528 million. Revenue losses for the following two fiscal years, 2022 and 2023, were also downgraded sharply.
THE GOVERNOR’S PROPOSALS INCLUDE:
• $3 million to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) to fund the Health and Environmental Testing Lab, the Health Inspection Program, the Maine Immunization Program, and the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (biennial);
• $5 million for Maine CDC for COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and support services for people who need to stay in isolation and quarantine (supplemental);
• To further fulfill the State’s commitment to vulnerable Maine people, $6 million to fund Section 29 services for adults with developmental disabilities in their homes and communities, adding 30 more slots per month (biennial); and $45 million for MaineCare rate increases for nursing facilities, residential facilities for children and older Mainers, services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other providers as rates are renewed, per state and federal requirements (biennial);
• $7.5 million for mental health and substance use disorder services, including funds for community mental health and $2 million for the OPTIONS (Overdose Prevention Through Intensive Outreach, Naloxone and Safety) Initiative to dispatch mobile response teams in every Maine county to communities with high rates of drug overdoses (biennial);
• $45 million for K-12 public education, making progress toward a minimum teacher salary of $40,000 and allowing local districts to manage in-person, remote, and hybrid learning options during the pandemic. If approved, the increase in the State’s commitment to GPA from 51.78 to 51.83 percent will be the highest level of state funding for education ever (biennial); and
• $1.8 million to facilitate the expansion of broadband into areas with inadequate service (supplemental).
• The combined budgets add $61 million to the Budget Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the Rainy Day Fund, across the three Fiscal Years to help the State weather the pandemic and as a hedge against future fiscal crises. If approved, these budgets would increase the Budget Stabilization Fund to more than $320 million.
• The Governor also proposes adding $25.5 million to the Medicaid Stabilization Fund to budget for MaineCare.
• The Governor has also submitted to the Legislature proposals for Highway Fund budgets, including a supplemental proposal for Fiscal Year 2021 and a biennial proposal for Fiscal Years 2022-2023. The supplemental proposal is balanced and utilizes $21.8 million in balance forward generated in Fiscal Year 2020. The biennial proposal, also balanced, comes in at $676 million, and when combined with anticipated federal funds and bonding, maintains essential levels of service.
EMEMA Revives Maine Energy Facts
ven though Maine is primarily a liquid fuels State with well over 70% of people using oil, propane, and kerosene for their home heating choices, the industry is feeling the punch of what’s to come. It is MEMA’s job to make sure that Mainers stay safe and warm during the coldest temperatures and the most effective way to do that is with liquid home heating fuels.
For decades MEMA has been fighting legislation attacking the fuels industry regardless of the fact that the majority of Maine residents are set up to heat their homes with liquid fuels. Alternate choices such as heat pumps and electrification have been popularized and encouraged, yet the liquid fuels business has stayed steady and continues to look past the trends and stick to the facts.
We are not here to attack the methods of home heating. In fact, many of our members install and service heat pumps. Recent research shows that heat pumps can contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions, however, depending upon the size and layout of a house, current heat pump technology may not be sufficient to heat your home. Unfortunately, that is the case with many Maine homes, which is why MEMA likes to train MTEC technicians on all equipment in their HVAC-Pro class, including heat pumps.
It is essential that MEMA educate the general public about their energy choices regardless of what they are. MEMA believes it is vital for consumers to have all the facts before deciding which heating units are best for their homes. It is important that they get the facts about the heating fuels industry and the green story that continues into 2021.
BioFuels is a prime example. Many consumers are not even aware that there are alternative fuels that are better for the environment available today and can be used in their homes with little or no upgrades at all. Or, that many sectors of the industry (including MEMA) have signed onto a path towards a net zero future that will require little to no heating system updates or waste.
Most Mainers don’t even know that their home heating systems are already running on Ultra Low Sulfur (ULSHO) oil that is cleaner and burns more efficiently in their tanks. Many don’t know that this was a law put forth by MEMA members. We have updated policies and continue to study bioblend technology to ensure that the environment wins in the end and that consumers don’t have to spend the money to upgrade to heating technology that has not been adequately tested overtime and could wreak more havoc on the environment during its process of construction.
It is abundantly clear that the consumer is in need of true and accurate Maine Energy Facts. The question for MEMA is - how do we do it?
In 2016, MaineEnergyFacts.com page was launched as an effort from Blaze Marketing during the natural gas fights. The majority of the site was a factual comparison between oil and natural gas. It was launched, populated with initial content and updated only once a year during the Fuel Your Love Event.
This year a decision needed to be made about what to do with the site. Do we try to combine it with the MEMA site or do we keep it its own vessel to reach consumers perhaps in a less biased more neutral way than the MEMA brand?
So we made the call, overhauled the site, updated the logo design, added content about Propane, heat-pumps, biofuels, and finally populated it with Fuel Your Love videos. It has also housed the Fuel Your Love Nominations form where WGME TV is directing their viewers to search the page. Over the next year, we hope to fill the site with usable content for our members to share with their clients and allow their audience to view it directly. It’s all about education.
This site has a full internet presence with a YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. The Facebook account has gone through several growth campaigns - including five years worth of Fuel Your Love video boosts, the Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages are slender to say the least. Nonetheless, having them will allow MEMA to crossrun ads as well as stream video on the website without slowing down page load time (which then flags Google to place us lower on the search engines).
For suggestions and questions about the launch of this page, we invite you to reach out to Jen Grace at MEMA, (207) 729-5298 or jgrace@ maineenergymarketers.com.
FUEL YOUR LOVE
Since 2016, the Maine Energy Marketers Association (MEMA) and its members have celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving away free oil to homes across the state. It’s our way of delivering some love to our fellow Mainers. The Fuel Your Love program is designed to give the gift of fuel to people in need. It’s something recipients say the world needs more of. Kindness.
Anyone who lives in Maine knows that winter brings cold days. This winter has been fairly mild so far, but Maine people also know February and March can be the coldest and the snow falls are the greatest. On average, temperatures dip into the low 20s during February. Even the warmest days struggle to break 30 degrees. These cold temperatures make it difficult for many people to pay for the oil they need to heat their homes.
The home heating oil industry is crucial to Maine residents and an important part of our local economy. 73% of Maine households use oil fuel, kerosene or propane as their primary source of heat in winter. Maine’s oil heat industry companies – many of which are small, family-run businesses – employ hard-working people in every one of the state’s counties.
Dozens of struggling residents won’t have to worry about how they’ll keep their homes warm throughout one of Maine’s coldest months after Valentine’s day – their oil tanks will be topped off for free.
MEMA sponsors and organizes the Valentine’s day deliveries. Each oil company that joins the campaign for Fuel Your Love provides the oil, trucks and driver services to spread the love through the state. Without the participation of MEMA members, Fuel Your Love simply would not be possible. We are so grateful to our members for their commitment to this event and grateful for the opportunity to give back to our communities with programs like this!
2021 Fuel Your Love Expansion and partnership with WGME Channel 13
COVID-19 pandemic has had an affect on all of us in some way or another. The Maine Energy Marketers Association wanted to take the Annual Fuel Your Love campaign and make this year, unlike those in the past, after all the past year hasn’t been anything like previous years.
In partnership with WGME Channel 13, MEMA has launched Keep Fueling Your Love.
WGME is asking their viewers to submit nom inations for the Keep Fueling Your Love Fund and give a Maine person/family the opportunity to receive help with heating their home this winter.
This is a way for families to obtain free deliveries of heating oil, propane, or kerosene, especially those families that don’t qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The fuel cost will be paid for by MEMA.
The Keep Fueling Your Love Fund will provide fifty homes in Maine with 100 gallons of heating fuel. Those who receive a gift of warmth are only asked to spread a little extra kindness this year. Financial donations are being accepted to allow MEMA to continue this new tradition in years to come.
Support in 2021 was provided by the companies below:
Augusta Fuel Company (of Kennebec County)
Colby & Gale (of Lincoln County)
Dead River Company (of Androscoggin, Oxford, and Penobscot Counties)
At CHS, our priority is supplying your propane needs today and tomorrow. With extensive assets and terminals throughout the supply chain, we have the network to meet your demands. Plus, our industry-leading online supply tools and risk management programs are more valuable than ever. That’s how we build long-term relationships to meet your propane needs.
Visit CHSpropaneinsights.com, contact Eric Brandt at eric.brandt@chsinc.com or call 866-839-7145 to start planning your supply needs today.
FUELING THE NEXT GENERATION VIDEO SERIES
Since the Pandemic first hit in early 2020, Maine schools remain one of the most affected public sectors. This is especially true for tech schools such as Portland Arts Technology High School (PATHS) where much of their curriculum requires hands-on training.
This too presents a serious dilemma for MTEC, since many of our students are sent to us from tech schools like PATHS and Region 10. This on top of the sudden halt of school career and education fairs as well as new school protocols for allowing in-person speakers to present in-class to the students. This was a platform that MEMA and MTEC used for reaching a broad range of students and staff about opportunities in the trade as well as the Maine Fuels environmental story, such as Ultra Low Sulfur Oil, Propane, and the prospect of upcoming bio based fuels.
So, the question was posed. As schools recollect and learn to learn in new ways, how can MTEC reach its prospective student body in a way that can be used in conjunction with and independently from the school systems? Fulfilling a goal to recruit and incur new students for the HVAC-Pro program as well as reach out to students, teachers, and the general public with education about how the Maine Energy Dealers play a role in a carbon net-zero future is imperative to MEMA.
After multiple discussions with the PATHS HVAC teacher Paul Chapin, it became clear that he was succeeding most elegantly by making instructional videos for his students. As a result, the Education Committee decided that MEMA should create a video series that would succeed in bringing MTEC to the students, their teachers, counselors, and parents.
This video series, which has already begun filming by Praxis Video will follow at least one student through the HVAC course - start to finish and will be filmed in documentary style. The video series will run for six months with six episodes ending in a long single documentary inclusive of all the footage.
The series is titled The Next Generation and will touch on important subjects such as the economic impact of the industry, workforce development, the importance of the HVAC trade and trades in general, as well as the role fuel dealers and HVAC professionals currently play and will play in Maine’s environmental story.
We hope you will tune in to the series, which rolled out in late February, and share the videos heavily across all social media platforms.
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Winter always has its demands, which means we tend to face a handful of seasonal challenges. Among these, is often the occasional nuisance frozen regulator. Buckets of hot water are employed, regulators are swapped out and methanol levels are questioned. Sometimes the problem is fixed and sometimes the problem persists. Sometimes warmer weather postpones the problems, only until old man winter rears up again.
Regulator freeze ups often have very little to do with the regulator itself. In almost every case there are other circumstances outside the regulator that are the true causes of the issue. In this article we will take a closer look at some of these causes and possible solutions.
Regulator freeze ups happen when there is excessive moisture in LP gas. The freeze up occurs when moisture in the gas condenses, then freezes on the cold surface of the regulator nozzle. The nozzle becomes cold when high pressure gas expands as it exits the nozzle into the regulator body.
These conditions can happen in older as well as newer LP-Gas containers when heating demands are higher during colder temperatures. Freezeups can also occur in pigtails that are kinked or bent. This results in the free flow of the LP-Gas being restricted. Freeze-ups can occur when the moisture, gas flow and temperature combine to create a substandard condition. Freeze-ups can occur at temperatures above 32º F.
Any container suspected of having excessive moisture should be treated with the proper amount of methanol.
What to look for when you encounter a frozen or frosted regulator
• Has the container been purged properly?
A very important step which must not be overlooked by LP-Gas marketers is the importance of properly purging new LP-Gas containers. Attention to this important procedure will promote customer satisfaction and greatly reduce service calls on new installations.
• Has methanol been added to the container properly?
Whether in a new installation or existing installation LP-gas should be treated properly with Methanol to neutralize moisture. Remember when purging your tank, it is recommended to neutralize the moisture in the LP-Gas cylinder. A rule of thumb for neutralizing moisture in an ASME container calls for the introduction of at least one pint of genuine
absolute anhydrous methanol* (99.85% pure) for each 100 gal. of water capacity of the container.
***Do not use methanol to remove ice from the inside of a frozen regulator. Methanol could cause severe damage to the diaphragm and seat disc.***
• How is the regulator placed?
Make sure your regulator is installed higher than the container connection. This will ensure that any liquid droplets that could be formed in the pigtail will drain back into the container.
• Replace your twin stage regulator with a two-stage system
Two-stage systems can greatly reduce the possibility of freeze-ups and resulting service calls as the expansion of gas from tank pressure to 11” w.c. is divided into two steps, with less chilling effect at each regulator.
• Check for restrictions in your piping system?
Freeze-ups can also occur when there is a restriction of flow in the inlet piping. Check to make sure your pigtails and hogtails are not kinked or bent. This will cause the free flow of the LP-Gas to be restricted. If you are experiencing a large vapor load use a hogtail or pipe properly with schedule 80 piping per NFPA 58 requirements.
• Using new regulators and new pigtails and hogtails on every new installation will also help to reduce the chances of freeze ups.
Following these steps will help to avoid or troubleshoot any frozen regulators you may encounter. Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns. I am always happy to help and to work with the manufacturer to come up with solutions.
Matt Wotton Fuel Products Market Manager
The Granite Group
FMI please visit: www.regoproducts.com/lpg/ RegO’s L-545 Serviceman’s Manual www.thegranitegroup.com/my-granite-access/knowledge-warehouse/ PERC/BATTELLE - Recommended proper use of methanol
RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP
RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP BIODIESEL 101: YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BIODIESEL ANSWERED
BIODIESEL 101: YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BIODIESEL ANSWERED
Switching your operation to biodiesel blends is easy. But if you’re new to the fuel, understanding what it is and the terminology associated with it can take a little while to learn.
Switching your operation to biodiesel blends is easy. But if you’re new to the fuel, understanding what it is and the terminology associated with it can take a little while to learn.
That’s why we created this Q&A on what your need to know about biodiesel.
That’s why we created this Q&A on what your need to know about biodiesel.
What is biodiesel?
What is biodiesel?
Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel that is renewable and biodegradable. It is a cleaner-burning, drop-in replacement to petroleum diesel fuel. In addition to vehicles, it can be used in heating systems to warm buildings.
What is biodiesel made from?
Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel that is renewable and biodegradable. It is a cleaner-burning, drop-in replacement to petroleum diesel fuel. In addition to vehicles, it can be used in heating systems to warm buildings.
What is biodiesel made from?
Biodiesel is primarily produced from animal fats, inedible corn oil, recycled cooking oil and vegetable oils. Skilled producers can create high-quality biodiesel that meets customer specifications from a variety of feedstocks, something that’s known as feedstock neutrality.
How can things like canola oil and beef tallow be turned into fuel?
ensure quality. B20 has a nearly identical ASTM specification to No. 2 ULSD, for example.
That’s why we created this Q&A on what your need to know about biodiesel.
B20? What’s that?
The amount of biodiesel mixed into petroleum is the product’s blend level. This is commonly abbreviated to “B” and then that number. B20 is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel, for example. B5 contains 5 percent biodiesel.
How can things like canola oil and beef tallow be turned into fuel?
Keeping it to a high-level explanation, biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification in which those oils or fats are converted to what are known as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which is the chemical name for biodiesel. Biodiesel has ASTM standards that
Biodiesel is primarily produced from animal fats, inedible corn oil, recycled cooking oil and vegetable oils. Skilled producers can create high-quality biodiesel that meets customer specifications from a variety of feedstocks, something that’s known as feedstock neutrality.
Keeping it to a high-level explanation, biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification in which those oils or fats are converted to what are known as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), which is the chemical name for biodiesel. Biodiesel has ASTM standards that ensure quality. B20 has a nearly identical ASTM specification to No. 2 ULSD, for example.
What are the advantages of biodiesel?
This is an easy one. There are several ways fleets and retailers can benefit from biodiesel. Here are some of the big ones:
are some of the big ones:
How can I add biodiesel to my operation?
This is an easy one. There are several ways fleets and retailers can benefit from biodiesel. Here are some of the big ones:
How can I add biodiesel to my operation?
How can I add biodiesel to my operation?
How popular is biodiesel?
Performance — Fleets throughout North America wouldn’t use biodiesel blends if the fuel didn’t perform. In some areas, biodiesel actually outperforms petroleum diesel. For instance, the ASTM specification for biodiesel requires a minimum Cetane number of 47, compared with the ASTM diesel spec of 40. Higher Cetane equals a shorter ignition time and better performance. Also, the removal of sulfur in ULSD took the lubricity out of the fuel. A B2 blend can double the amount of lubricity in the fuel. Modern diesel engines rely, in part, on fuel to aid in the lubricating process.
If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet also an easy switch from a supply and infrastructure standpoint. diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodiesel own blending, you will need a dedicated biodiesel storage initial cost, the return on investment is often achieved in
If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blends don’t require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet that operates your own fueling site, biodiesel is also an easy switch from a supply and infrastructure standpoint. If you want blended fuel, ask your current diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodiesel producers also supply blended fuel. To do your own blending, you will need a dedicated biodiesel storage tank and blending system. While there is an initial cost, the return on investment is often achieved in only six to 18 months.
Performance — Fleets throughout North America wouldn’t use biodiesel blends if the fuel didn’t perform. In some areas, biodiesel actually outperforms petroleum diesel. For instance, the ASTM specification for biodiesel requires a minimum Cetane number of 47, compared with the ASTM diesel spec of 40. Higher Cetane equals a shorter ignition time and better performance. Also, the removal of sulfur in ULSD took the lubricity out of the fuel. A B2 blend can double the amount of lubricity in the fuel. Modern diesel engines rely, in part, on fuel to aid in the lubricating process.
Performance — Fleets throughout North America wouldn’t use biodiesel blends if the fuel didn’t perform. In some areas, biodiesel actually outperforms petroleum diesel. For instance, the ASTM specification for biodiesel requires a minimum Cetane number of 47, compared with the ASTM diesel spec of 40. Higher Cetane equals a shorter ignition time and better performance. Also, the removal of sulfur in ULSD took the lubricity out of the fuel. A B2 blend can double the amount of lubricity in the fuel. Modern diesel engines rely, in part, on fuel to aid in the lubricating process.
U.S. biodiesel consumption rose 135 percent between 2011 and 2016, the most recent year stats are available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.2
Performance — Fleets throughout North America wouldn’t use biodiesel blends if the fuel didn’t perform. In some areas, biodiesel actually outperforms petroleum diesel. For instance, the ASTM specification for biodiesel requires a minimum Cetane number of 47, compared with the ASTM diesel spec of 40. Higher Cetane equals a shorter ignition time and better performance. Also, the removal of sulfur in ULSD took the lubricity out of the fuel. A B2 blend can double the amount of lubricity in the fuel. Modern diesel engines rely, in part, on fuel to aid in the lubricating process.
Anecdotally, countless public and private fleets are using the fuel, including FedEx, Florida Power & Light and the city of New York.
If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blends don’t require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet that operates your own fueling site, biodiesel is also an easy switch from a supply and infrastructure standpoint. If you want blended fuel, ask your current diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodiesel producers also supply blended fuel. To do your own blending, you will need a dedicated biodiesel storage tank and blending system. While there is an initial cost, the return on investment is often achieved in only six to 18 months.
Emissions — A B20 blend has been shown to reduce particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 10 percent and unburned hydrocarbons by more than 20 percent in heavy-duty highway engines. A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent compared with petroleum diesel.1
Emissions — A B20 blend has been shown to reduce particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 10 percent and unburned hydrocarbons by more than 20 percent in heavy-duty highway engines. A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent compared with petroleum diesel.1
How popular is biodiesel?
Emissions — A B20 blend has been shown to reduce particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 10 percent and unburned hydrocarbons by more than 20 percent in heavy-duty highway engines. A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent compared with petroleum diesel.1
Emissions — A B20 blend has been shown to reduce particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by more than 10 percent and unburned hydrocarbons by more than 20 percent in heavy-duty highway engines. A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory, Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 72 percent and fossil fuel use by 80 percent compared with petroleum diesel.1
Business — These days, it’s common for companies and governments to have sustainability plans that apply to both their operations and their vendors. Walmart, for example, has a stated goal of reducing emissions in its supply chain by one gigaton by 2030. These organizations want to fill up their vehicles with renewable fuels that help them reduce their carbon footprints — and they expect the same from fleets they work with.
U.S. biodiesel consumption rose 135 percent between 2011 and 2016, the most recent year stats are available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2
Business — These days, it’s common for companies and governments to have sustainability plans that apply to both their operations and their vendors. Walmart, for example, has a stated goal of reducing emissions in its supply chain by 1 gigaton by 2030. These organizations want to fill up their vehicles with renewable fuels that help them reduce their carbon footprints — and they expect the same from fleets they work with.
Anecdotally, countless public and private fleets are using the fuel, including FedEx, Florida Power & Light and the city of New York.
Business — These days, it’s common for companies and governments to have sustainability plans that apply to both their operations and their vendors. Walmart, for example, has a stated goal of reducing emissions in its supply chain by 1 gigaton by 2030. These organizations want to fill up their vehicles with renewable fuels that help them reduce their carbon footprints — and they expect the same from fleets they work with.
Business — These days, it’s common for companies and governments to have sustainability plans that apply to both their operations and their vendors. Walmart, for example, has a stated goal of reducing emissions in its supply chain by 1 gigaton by 2030. These organizations want to fill up their vehicles with renewable fuels that help them reduce their carbon footprints — and they expect the same from fleets they work with.
How can I add biodiesel to my operation?
If you’re a fleet and want to start using B20, just pump it into your diesel vehicles. Biodiesel blends don’t require any vehicle upgrades. If you are a retailer or a fleet that operates your own fueling site, biodiesel is also an easy switch from a supply and infrastructure standpoint. If you want blended fuel, ask your current diesel supplier if they can get you product. Some biodiesel producers also supply blended fuel. To do your own blending, you will need a dedicated biodiesel storage tank and blending system. While there is an initial cost, the return on investment is often achieved in only six to 18 months.
Contact REG at (844) 405-0160 or connect@regi.com or regi.com
year stats are available from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2 Anecdotally, countless public and private fleets are using the fuel, including FedEx, Florida Power & Light and the city of New York.
Contact REG at (844) 405-0160 or connect@regi.com. regi.com
at (844) 405-0160 or connect@regi.com. regi.com
or
GHG
Here
GHG
with Mike Estes from Estes Oil & Propane
What Does the Path to Net Zero Look Like For Dealers in Maine? Interview with Mike Estes, from Estes Oil & Propane
MEMA: Over the next 10 to 30 years, state policy makers across the Northeast (and elsewhere) have plans to diminish carbon-intensive fuels through methods of electrification and carbon taxation. This includes home heating oil. As a Maine Dealer, aside from the obvious ramifications for our industry, what problems do you foresee this creating for our Maine fuel customers?
Mike Estes: As of today, because of our cold climate, there is not an available fuel for us to sell without creating substantial cost to the industry. Dealers would need to install tank heaters for bulk storage plants, any outside tanks, truck heaters or build heated garages for oil trucks to prevent the blended fuel from freezing in cold temperatures. Although additives are being looked into, as of right now, they do not exist.
MEMA: Estes Oil is one of the few dealers in the State of Maine who currently delivers a Bio-blend (B20). In your experience, how have the consumers responded to this offering?
Mike Estes: We deliver biofuel because as a dealer we believe we can deliver a clean fuel which is better for the environment at about the same cost as heating fuel. I know that I am in a unique position as I have bio available to me in Southern Maine that other dealers in the State do not have.
MEMA: Do you see potential for more consumer demands for bioblends from other dealers in Maine’s future?
Mike Estes: As far as consumers go, we have been able to get a few new customers interested in B20, but, the majority of our customers, even though they know about it, don’t ask questions. With State policy in Maine calling for a 40% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 80% by 2050, and because of the lack of affordability for renewable sources, I really believe that our cost-effective solutions with biofuel will make our customers more accepting of our fuel. For this to happen, the success of EL into our marketplace will be a major step forward.
MEMA: If other dealers in the State of Maine adopted B20, what effect would that have to a cleaner future?
Mike Estes: If everybody in Maine was using B20 blend in their heating oil now, we would be reducing our CO2 emissions by 8 metric tons a year, which would equate to 1.7 million cars being taken off the road, which is far faster than converting everybody over to hybrid or electric cars and at a substantially lower cost to the consumer.
MEMA: What effect would that have on the fuel industry long term? Do you see any other ways to move towards a carbon free future that will satisfy the policymakers and consumer base following suit?
Mike Estes: Well, right now, I see our only path forward for higher blends of bio is going to be the success of Ethyl Levulinate (EL) integration into our market. What that does is give us a regional fuel not counting on rail service to deliver from the Midwest farm areas a fuel that would operate in cold temperatures, and a fuel that will trigger an economic pathway that would allow us to repurpose our forest industry into a renewable future. For EL to be a viable fuel, we must first be able to fix the problem with the swelling of gasket materials used in our present heating fuel equipment.
MEMA: What is the next step after State-wide implementation of B20?
Mike Estes: Right now, I think our best approach is to continue to work with NEFI to identify the problems that we need to overcome to get to a B20 blend. Once we have that, we can price out the cost of upgrades necessary to provide this product. This includes identifying the problems and working with State and Federal legislators about how we can get compensated for some of the costs and most importantly solve the supply issues that would occur even if we would go to a B5 blend today.
MEMA: If Maine chooses not to adopt Biofuels, what does our future look like?
Mike Estes: Well, no one really knows. But, if we do not meet 2030 goals, then the Maine DEP gets to write the rules to get us there. Does this put us out of business? Probably not, but with those rules, gallons would continue to be reduced with legislation like in California, which mandates that no fossil fuels would be allowed to be used in new construction.
MEMA: What steps do dealers have to take to begin implementation of Bio in Maine?
Mike Estes: The use of Biofuel must be dealer driven because the supplier will not spend money where commitment does not exist. Even if available at low amounts of B5 or B2—anything dealers would buy into would be creating more demands on our wholesalers and if they know demand exists, they will be more likely to upgrade their infrastructure.
MEMA: Is offering Bio as an option enough to achieve our Net Zero goals or do you feel we need to mandate it to all dealers like we did with Ultra-Low-Sulfur back in 2018?
Mike Estes: Based on all studies today, the only path to a net zero future by 2050 is if we can bring EL to the market. EL may have to be mixed with other biodiesel products to get there, and, as I said earlier, we need to figure out a way to replace the gaskets in our heating equipment, gaskets in our bulk plant pumps, gaskets in our oil truck pumps, and even the rubber hoses we use to fuel houses. Although gasket ma-
terial exists today to fix these, what we have not yet figured out is what our conversion plan is and how much it would cost.
MEMA: What steps is Estes Oil & Propane taking to educate their consumers about Bio?
Mike Estes: We have taken the approach to thank our customers for choosing Bio-heat. We have done YouTube commercials, direct mailings, upgraded our websites, used mail stuffers, and we have removed all verbiage about heating oil and replaced it with Bio-heat.
MEMA: Can you map out for us what the steps look like in a Statewide plan for all dealers to implement a Net Zero future to save the industry?
Mike Estes: We cannot map out that path until we identify the obstacle which we now have. The question of mandate or incentive based program is front and center of everybody’s mind. Once we identify the infrastructure downfalls then we must wrap our minds around whether this can best be achieved with a mandate or an incentive-based program. Both programs are being used effectively in the country today.
MEMA: What can MEMA do for the dealers in the State of Maine to lead this pursuit?
Mike Estes: MEMA needs to be engaged now more than ever in the legislature at both the State and Federal levels because the reality is most legislators believe that we, the Oil Dealers, do not have a path forward and this mindset MUST be changed.
COPING AT THE WORKPLACE
It’s the start of another week. For many of us, that means trudging downstairs to a make-shift office, in our sweats, with the dog following close behind. It means balancing 8th grade algebra and 5th grade spelling tests in the middle of Zoom calls and emails to clients. It means a routine that is casual but boring. It means anxiety every time we turn on the news or look at the notifications flashing across our phones. It means cooking every meal, stocking up on hand sanitizer and coming up with a contingency plan in case the grocery store is still out of toilet paper. It means walking out of the house with our keys, our wallet, our phone and yes, our mask. This is what we have been doing for almost a year now and quite frankly, the novelty has worn off. We are living in a world overwhelmed by an international health crisis, incredible political unrest and acts of hate never before experienced by our generation. In short, it is impossible for our current situation not to be taking a toll on our mental health. Even the strongest among us are suffering.
When we think of company wellness programs we often jump right to diet plans, exercise routines and biometrics. While all of these are no doubt important, programs focused on our physical health almost always take precedence. Now, more than ever, we need to reframe our thinking and make mental health a priority. In fact, this is the perfect time to do so since the stigma attached to seeking support for depression and anxiety has lessened due to a universal understanding that this year has been incredibly difficult. Everyone has dealt with loss; the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of the freedom to safely go where we’d like, the loss of routine and maybe most significantly, the loss of our sense of security.
Ways to cope
So what can an employer do to help its employees cope? Thankfully, a lot! First and foremost, adopt policies which encourage a healthy worklife balance, thereby lowering stress. Consider allowing telecommuting and flexible hours. Encourage employees to take short breaks during the day and set boundaries for working from home. For example, if you previously wouldn’t have expected emails to be answered on weekends make sure employees know this is still the case, even though there is now easy access to work accounts at home.
Secondly, for employees who are physically coming to work, listen to their concerns and act on them. Communicate rules around social distancing, mask-wearing, temperature checks, etc. Set up schedules for conference rooms and eating areas. Invest in extra cleaning services and set up hand sanitizer stations. Your employees are the heart of your company so their concerns must be addressed, no matter how minor they may seem.
In addition to these actions, consider implementing programs that support mental health. One-on-one health coaching is perhaps the most effective way to truly help your employees, as it addresses issues that are personally significant to the participant. It can be argued that every one of us could benefit from a chat. Think about it. Have you ever been upset or stressed but, once you talk to someone, you feel better? That person didn’t “fix” your problem. In fact, nothing regarding your problem has changed. What changed is your outlook and your ability to cope with it. Sometimes it just feels good to have someone listen. Coaching provides that ear plus the expertise and resources to deliver legitimate help. People who are emotionally well are happier, healthier and better able to function on both a personal and professional level. Investing in the mental health of your employees not only benefits the individual but it benefits the company as a whole. It’s a win-win.
Consider a coach
Corporate Fitness & Health, Diversified Group’s wellness company, has seen a huge uptick in the implementation and utilization of their coaching program over the last year and is proud of the number of people they continue to help. Coaching sessions are virtual so employees can talk in the privacy of their own homes. Topics discussed and the level of support provided is based entirely on the individual and his/her needs. Some participants want information about at-home workouts and diet-plans. Some ask for stress management tips and others need real, one-on-one depression/anxiety support. Whatever the request, coaching allows people to be heard and their feelings to be acknowledged. This alone contributes greatly to emotional wellbeing.
While coaching offers the most personal touch, there are other ways to bring mental health support into the workplace. Things like seminars,
guided meditations, yoga classes and mental health assessments can help individuals navigate these stressful times. By offering your employees this type of support you are showing that you care about all aspects of their health. You are also setting the stage for a post-COVID world when our mental outlook is undoubtedly better but there are still people in need of help. Putting programs in place now will ensure that they are in place for those who need them in the future.
This year, set a goal for your wellness program to make mental health a priority knowing that, by doing so, you will not be dismissing physical health. In fact, quite the opposite since the first has a direct effect on the second. Less stress means lower blood pressure. Happiness means less comfort-eating. Confidence means more motivation to exercise. Less anxiety means better sleep and better sleep means lower risk for chronic conditions. It’s all connected. Focus on emotional health and the rest will fall into place.
Consider this quote by Dr. Seuss; ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Today is that moment. These are tough times and the moment has come to trust change, challenge the norm and support your employees in new and relevant ways.
Please feel free to reach out to Diversified Group or Corporate Fitness & Health for more information on bringing mental/emotional support to your employees.
Diversified Group: 888-322-2524
Corporate Fitness & Health: info@cfandh.com or 800-423-5591
