MEMA MAG
ADVOCACY, LEADERSHIP, & EDUCATION FOR MAINE’S ENERGY MARKETERS
NNEEC 2026 Recap: Building Connections, Sharing Ideas, Shaping the Future And More!
How Maine's June 2026 Primary Election Set the Stage for a Historic November
Propane Truck Parts & Service
Truck & Trailer Painting & Body Work
Oil & Gasoline Truck Sales & Service
Petroleum Trailer Parts & Service
Brakes & Suspension
Certified R-Stamp Facility
Electrical Installation & Repairs
Tank Changeovers & New Builds
State & Federal Inspections
Sub-frame Repairs & Replacement
Meter Calibration & Repair
We now have access to the following:
- Oil Sorbents
- Petroleum Tanks
- Electronic Registers
- Meters
- Mechanical Registers
- Fitting & Controls
- Power Take-Offs
- Hose Reels
- Hose Nozzles
- Fuel Oil & Diesel Additives
- Propane Tanks
- Propane Equipment
- Overfill Protection
- Bottom Loading Equipment
- Pumps
- Petroleum & LP Truck Hose
- Hose Connectors
- Backup Cameras
- Placards & Decals & so much more!!
MEMA News: New Members
Enrollment: MEMA Health
MEMA News: Welcome Back, Colleen
Event Recap: 8th Annual Propane Summit
Event Recap: NNEEC Returns to Bar Harbor
How Maine's June 2026 Primary Election Set the Stage for a Historic November
MEMA MAG is a quarterly magazine designed to engage and communicate with members with useful, timely, and memberrelated content. MEMA MAG will be published four times a year.
Do you have a suggestion for MEMA MAG? Would you like to ADVERTISE? Contact Meghan Sylvester, Communications & Marketing Specialist at MEMA. Email her at msylvester@ maineenergymarketers.com or call 207-729-5298.
Copyright 2026 Maine Energy Marketers Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from MEMA and/or the publisher. Printed in Maine, USA.
FROM THE DESK OF
What a special time to be an American!
As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, we have an opportunity to reflect on the values that have made this country the greatest in the world—freedom, innovation, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Those same values have long defined the energy and HVAC-R industries and the people who make them successful.
Every day, Mainers depend on you to keep their homes warm, businesses comfortable, and, quite simply, to keep Maine running. Whether delivering heating fuels, installing and servicing equipment, or leading the way with the next generation of energy technologies, what you do truly matters.
To help strengthen our industry for the future, MTEC is developing the skilled workforce that will keep our industry strong for decades to come. That's something we can all be proud of!
I'm also delighted to celebrate the tremendous success of this year's Northern New England Energy Conference. Once again, the partnership between MEMA and the Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire proved just how much we can accomplish when we work together.
My sincere thanks to Joe Scully and his outstanding team for their leadership and partnership. I also want to recognize Megan Diver, Hannah Estes, Sarah Nadeau, Meghan Sylvester, and Colleen Decker, whose hard work, professionalism, and attention to every detail made the conference such a memorable event. To all of you—well done!
As summer gets into full swing, I hope you have the chance to enjoy some well-earned time with family and friends. Thank you for everything you do for your customers, your communities, and our industry. We are truly fortunate to represent such an essential profession—
and even more fortunate to live and work in the United States of America as we celebrate this historic 250th anniversary.
Have a wonderful and safe summer.
Best, Charlie
CHARLIE SUMMERS PRESIDENT MEGAN DIVER VICE PRESIDENT
DAVID CUPKA MTEC DEAN
MEET OUR TEAM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CARTER VAILLANCOURT CHAIR OF THE BOARD DAIGLE OIL CO.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
HANNAH ESTES BUSINESS MANAGER
RICK KENNY LEAD MTEC INSTRUCTOR
SARAH NADEAU INSURANCE & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
PAUL SPAULDING MTEC INSTRUCTOR
MEGHAN SYLVESTER MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
COLLEEN DECKER ADMIN ASSISTANT
CASEY CRAMTON VICE CHAIR DEAD RIVER CO.
ROBERT SHIBLEY......................................BOB’S CASH FUEL
MATT POOLE........................................................COLBY & GALE
ROGER ARSENAULT.........................COMMUNITY ENERGY
MICHAEL MCCORMACK................DIRECTOR EMERITUS
CARTER VAILLANCOURT.............DAIGLE OIL COMPANY
CASEY CRAMTON...........................DEAD RIVER COMPANY
JEFF WEBB....................................EASTERN PROPANE & OIL
MICHAEL ESTES................................ESTES OIL & PROPANE
CARRIE TOMFORDE...............................................IRVING OIL
NATE BAKER RH FOSTER ENERGY
TIM HEUTZ.......................................................RINALDI ENERGY
MARK ST.GERMAIN...............................................ST.GERMAIN
JEFF STANTON..........................SUPERIOR PLUS PROPANE
MATT POOLE TREASURER COLBY & GALE
ASSOCIATION BOARD
JAMIE ROBINSON................................A.E. ROBINSON OIL CO.
DAVID BABCOCK.................ADAMS & FOGG OIL EQUIP, CO. PAM GIORDANO.............................................CETANE ASSOCIATES
PETER BUOTTE....................COMMUNITY ENERGY CO. - ALT.
JIM PIKE................................................................ENERGY KINETICS
JUDY DELANEY..........................GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP.
BRIAN HOLMES..............GLOBAL PETROLEUM CORP. - ALT.
TOM SCHWARM..................................GOULD TECHNOLOGIES
KEITH FINLEY KEITH’S METER SERVICE
STEVE NESS NESS OIL COMPANY
STEVE TEMPLE SAIL ENERGY
ELWIN SCOTT..............................................SIMARD & SONS, INC.
KRISTYN SCHWEITZER....................SPRAGUE ENERGY-ALT.
PAULA PALMER..............................................SPRAGUE ENERGY
MICHAEL TAMMARO...................................V.L. TAMMARO OIL
2026 COURSE SCHEDULE
HVAC PRO SEMESTER CLASS PROPANE/NATURAL GAS
SEP 21 - DEC 10
OIL HEAT
OILHEAT TECHNICIAN TRAINING
Night Course: AUG 24 - OCT 29
EXAM PREP - MAINE STATE OILBURNER (Journeyman & Master)
SEP 2
AC / HEAT PUMP
INTRO TO A/C & HEAT PUMPS
SEP 28 - OCT 2
EPA 608 TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
OCT 5 - OCT 8
MINI SPLIT INSTALLER TRAINING
OCT 12 - OCT 16
ELECTRICAL
LOW VOLTAGE WIRING AND WIFI THERMOSTATS
SEP 24
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS AND COMPONENTS TESTING
SEP 22 - SEP 23
APPLIANCE CONNECTION & SERVICE
NOV 2 - DEC 2
Night Course: AUG 11 - SEP 3
EXAM PREP - APPLIANCE CONNECTION & SERVICE
SEP 1
TANKSETTER & OUTSIDE PIPING
AUG 3 - 7, NOV 2 - 6
DELIVERY TECHNICIAN
JUL 13- 17, OCT 19 - OCT 21
LARGE EQUIPMENT
OCT 22 - OCT 23
OPERATOR QUALIFICATION TRAINING
AUG 10 - AUG 13
NEW MEMBERS
Please join MEMA in welcoming our newest members. Our members are the backbone of our association. The education services, programs, and events we provide are successful based on the solid support we receive from both associate members and members. To learn more about MEMA membership or to become a member, visit maineenergymarketers.com/membership
REGULAR MEMBERSHIP
Suburban Propane
Portland, ME www.suburbanpropane.com
EQUIPMENT, SERVICE & SUPPLY MEMBERSHIP
AireServ of Lewiston
Lewiston, ME www.aireserv.com/lewiston/
Flickering Tips
Arundel, ME www.flickeringtips.com
Gas Equipment Company
Brunswick, ME www.gasequipment.com
Joe Fisher Plumbing & Heating
Leeds, ME (207) 754-2005
Ranor Mechanical Inc
Jay, ME www.ranormech.com
Valley Home Heating
Hermon, ME www.valleymaine.com
Village Center Auto Care
Scarborough, ME www.villagecenterautocare.com
WHOLESALERS
Buckeye Partners
Houston, TX www.buckeye.com
OPEN ENROLLMENT
We are fast approaching open enrollment for the MEMA Health Trust. If you are not participating in MEMA’s health insurance plan, now is a great time to take a look! We are still working on rates for the new plan year, but rate stability has been a hallmark of our self-insured program. While rates have escalated in the commercial market in recent years, especially for small employers, MEMA Health Trust members typically experience rate reductions or no rate change renewals.
Of course, it is not just premiums that make MEMA’s health plan a great value. Our plans often have lower out-of-pocket costs for members and offer great savings on prescriptions
and other health care services. Many prescription medications are available with $0 copays!
And don’t forget to check out our life, vision, and dental plans.
If you are a current participant in our benefit plans, this is a great time of year to review your options and employee data. Are beneficiaries up to date? Have all eligible employees been offered coverage or enrolled? Are employees educated on the many valuable benefits provided to them?
If you wish to consider the MEMA health plan, call, or email Sarah at (207) 729-5298 or snadeau@ maineenergymarketers.com. It is not too early to begin the process!
WELCOME BACK
Colleen first joined the MEMA team in 2021, bringing valuable industry experience from her time as an administrative assistant at Fieldings Oil & Propane and as an apprentice oil burner technician. During her first tenure with MEMA, she expanded her technical expertise by earning both her Journeyman Oil License and Commercial Driver's License (CDL). She also became one of our CDL theory instructors, helping prepare the next generation of professional drivers.
In the spring of 2025, Colleen returned to Fieldings Oil & Propane as Service Dispatcher while continuing to teach CDL theory for MEMA. We're thrilled that she has now returned to her familiar role as Administrative Assistant, where her knowledge of the association, our members, and the energy industry makes her an invaluable part of the team.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Colleen will continue teaching our CDL theory training courses and will assist MTEC instructors with hands-on lab instruction, further supporting the development of Maine's future energy workforce. Please join us in welcoming Colleen back to MEMA. We're delighted to have her on the team once again!
8th Annual Propane Summit Delivers a Day of Education, Innovation, and Industry Connection
On April 29, more than 100 propane professionals from across Maine gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn for the Maine Energy Marketers Association's 8th Annual Propane Summit. The one-day event brought together technicians, managers, business owners, regulators, and industry partners for a full schedule of education, networking, and hands-on learning focused on advancing safety, compliance, and technical expertise.
This year's Summit featured the strongest level of industry support in the event's history, with a record
number of sponsors helping make the day possible. We extend our sincere thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, The Granite Group; Event Sponsors Federated Insurance, Hews Company, TerraVest Industries, F.W. Webb, Dan Davis Sales, Hiltz Propane, and Ray Murray, Inc.; and Supporting Sponsors Bangor Savings Bank and PGANE for their continued commitment to Maine's propane industry.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear from an outstanding lineup of speakers covering timely topics that impact propane businesses every day. Sessions focused on propane safety,
regulatory updates, emergency response, equipment operation, combustion analysis, hydronic water treatment, digital documentation, and emerging innovations within the industry.
Highlights included a safety and documentation presentation from Paul Craver of P3 Propane Safety and Phil Saraceno of Federated Insurance, licensing and regulatory updates from the Maine Fuel Board, and a Propane Education & Research (PEP) Program update presented by Gary Haines of PGANE and Dale Hersey of the Maine Fuel Board.
Summit attendees in morning education session.
A SPECIAL THANKS TO.....
OUR SPONSORS
THE GRANITE GROUP
FEDERATED INSURANCE
HEWS COMPANY
F.W. WEBB
TERRAVEST INDUSTRIES
DAN DAVIS SALES
HILTZ PROPANE
RAY MURRAY, INC.
BANGOR SAVINGS
PGANE
OUR PRESENTERS
LESLIE ANDERSON
MARK ANDERSON
BYRON BREDA
BRUCE BRISTOW
PAUL CRAVER
PETE DWYER
SCOTT HALEY
GARY HAINES
DALE HERSEY
BRYAN LUCIUS
DAVID NEWMAN
TOM PROTASEWICH
KAREN ROSS
PHIL SARACENO
KEVIN SHEA
OUR VENDORS
DAN DAVIS SALES
EMERSON SWAN
F.W. WEBB
FEDERATED INSURANCE
HEWS COMPANY
HILTZ PROPANE
MTEC
MAINE FUEL BOARD
PGANE
RAY MURRAY, INC.
TERRAVEST INDUSTRIES
THE GRANITE GROUP
US BOILER CO.BURNHAM
One of the day's most engaging presentations was Bruce Bristow's interactive session, What Was the Question?, where attendees reviewed actual photos submitted to Maine Fuel inspectors and attempted to guess the technicians' accompanying questions. The lighthearted format sparked plenty of discussion while reinforcing valuable code and inspection knowledge.
Additional technical sessions explored propane regulator design and troubleshooting, emergency response best practices, combustion analysis and carbon monoxide safety, hydronic system water treatment, and the latest digital documentation technology through a live Presto-Link demonstration. Together, the presentations provided attendees with practical tools and knowledge they could immediately apply in the field.
Throughout the day, attendees also connected with exhibitors showcasing the latest products, equipment, and services supporting the propane industry. Thank you to Dan Davis Sales, Emerson Swan, F.W. Webb, Federated Insurance, Hews Company, LLC, Hiltz Propane Systems, MTEC, Maine Fuel Board, PGANE, Ray Murray, Inc., TerraVest Industries, The Granite Group, and US Boiler Co. – Burnham for participating in this year's vendor showcase.
As the Propane Summit continues to grow, so does the opportunity for Maine's propane professionals to learn from industry experts, share experiences with peers, and strengthen the relationships that keep our industry moving forward. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, exhibited, and sponsored this year's event. We look forward to building on this momentum at the 9th Annual Propane Summit in 2027.
SAFETY PAYS LITERALLY
Building Connections, Sharing Ideas,
Shaping the Future
Northern New England Energy Conference Returned to Bar Harbor.
Energy professionals from across Maine, New Hampshire, and the Northeast gathered in Bar Harbor June 22–24 for the 2026 Northern New England Energy Conference (NNEEC), three days of education, networking, and industry recognition.
The conference opened Monday evening with a Welcome Reception, giving attendees the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and meet with exhibitors before the Awards Dinner.
During the dinner, MEMA celebrated several membership milestones through its Longevity Awards, recognizing the enduring partnerships that continue to strengthen both the association and the regional energy industry. Representatives from member companies in attendance accepted awards on behalf of their organizations, while a complete list of this year's Longevity Award recipients appears on page 18. Jon Courtney of Courtney Policy Group and Alex Laforest
of Boston Steel, a Tremcar USA Division, accepted awards recognizing their companies' 10 years of MEMA membership. Abir Akhand of Altria, Woodrow Cross II of Cross Insurance, and Roger Marran of Energy Kinetics accepted awards for 25 years of membership, while Nate Baker of R.H. Foster accepted the association's impressive 60-year membership award.
The Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire (EMANH) also recognized Eastern Propane & Oil as its 2026 Member of the Year. The award honored the company's outstanding commitment to the association and the industry, including its support of EMANH's events, training programs, and legislative initiatives. EMANH also recognized the leadership of Immediate Past Chairman Brandt Lambert for his years of dedicated service to the association, as well as Eastern CEO Tom Manson, who played a key role in the organization's legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts this year. Manson worked closely with the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office on regulatory issues, provided testimony before a State Senate committee, and helped draft legislation supporting the industry's priorities.
The evening concluded with a waterfront reception overlooking Frenchman Bay, where attendees enjoyed live acoustic music by Isaiah Bennett.
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Tuesday's educational sessions focused on issues shaping the future of the energy industry, from international trade and alternative fuels to federal transportation regulations.
Michael Pizziferri, Senior Officer for the Consulate General of Canada in Boston, discussed the importance of the U.S.Canada energy partnership and cross-border trade. He noted that Maine exports more goods to Canada than to its next 16 foreign markets combined, underscoring how closely Maine's economy remains tied to its northern neighbor. With tariffs, supply chain reliability, and energy security continuing to dominate industry conversations, his presentation reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong economic partnership between the two countries.
Senior Officer for the Consulate General of Canada in Boston, Michael Pizziferri, presenting during the morning education sessions.
Brian Renaud and Andrew Falco of Growth Energy followed with a look at the potential expansion of E15 in New England. Their presentation examined market opportunities, retailer implementation strategies, and the role E15 could play in providing consumers with a lowercost fuel option while increasing ethanol demand throughout the region. The discussion also addressed infrastructure needs, consumer acceptance, and whether expanded E15 sales could provide retailers with a competitive advantage in the Northeast.
Joe Arduca, recently appointed as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Division Administrator for Maine after serving in the same role in Vermont, concluded the morning with an overview of emergency regulatory exemptions and Hours of Service waivers. Beyond explaining
Educational sessions focused on issues shaping the future of the energy industry, from international trade and alternative fuels to federal transportation regulations.
how waivers are issued during fuel shortages, severe weather, and other emergencies, Arduca emphasized his commitment to strengthening communication with Maine's energy industry. He encouraged attendees to work proactively with FMCSA and state officials so that challenges experienced during last winter—when Maine was the only New England state without a timely Hours of Service waiver during severe weather—can be avoided in the future.
MEMA LONGEVITY AWARDS
60 YEARS
Mechanical Services, Inc. R.H. Foster Energy, LLC J.P. Carroll Fuel Co. Altria Client Services, Inc.
50 YEARS
25 YEARS
Cross Insurance
Dan Davis Sales Energy Kinetics
Jamison Energy
10 YEARS
Bob Miles & Son, Inc.
Courtney Policy Group
Liberty Oil & Propane Equipment Co.
Tarantin Industries, Inc.
The Allumbaugh Agency
The Granite Group
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Beyond the educational sessions, the conference provided numerous opportunities for attendees to connect with peers from across the region. Dealers, suppliers, marketers, regulators, and industry partners spent the conference discussing legislative developments, exchanging ideas, and strengthening professional relationships.
Throughout the event, attendees visited with 21 indoor and outdoor exhibitors showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies supporting the energy industry. The exhibit areas remained a hub of activity as attendees explored new equipment, met with suppliers, and learned about emerging innovations.
Although heavy rain forced the cancellation of Tuesday morning's Golf Scramble at Kebo Valley Golf Club, the weather cleared in time for participants on the Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching Tour to enjoy an afternoon on the open water, taking in Maine's iconic coastal scenery. The day concluded with the Vendor Blender before attendees headed into downtown Bar Harbor to enjoy dinner at local restaurants.
Reflecting on the conference, MEMA President Charlie Summers noted, "One of the greatest strengths of this conference is bringing people together to solve problems. The conversations that happen here continue long after everyone goes home."
Thank you to everyone who made this year's conference a success. We look forward to seeing you next year from June 21 to 23, at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Gold Sponsor
Reynolds American
Silver Plus Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Irving Dead River Company
Phillip Morris, Inc.
Sprague Energy
Warm Thoughts Communications
Lanyard Sponsor
H.O. Bouchard
Bronze Plus Sponsor
Cross Insurance
Bronze Sponsors
Apis Point Energy
F.W. Webb Eastern Propane & Oil
Hedge Solutions
Liberty Oil & Propane Equipment Co.
Tremcar
Entertainment Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Star Sponsors
TerraVest
W.B. Hill
Westmor
Exosent Engineering
WIPFLI
Advertising Sponsor
Bar Sponsor
MA I NE
Augusta
PRIMARY UNLIKE OTHER
How Maine's June 2026 Primary Election Set the Stage for a Historic November
y June 18, nearly ten days had passed since Mainers cast their ballots, yet malfunctioning voting machines or contested defining characteristics of Maine elections:
Enationally watched U.S. Senate contest, an open congressional seat in the 2nd District, and every legislative seat on the ballot, Maine voters were tasked with reshaping the state's voters were choosing nominees to succeed a governor who could not seek another term.
Both parties fielded crowded candidate slates, making it unlikely that anyone would receive the majority needed to avoid rankedchoice tabulation. As expected, neither the Democratic nor Republican gubernatorial primary produced an outright winner on Election Day.
Instead, election officials spent more than a week collecting ballots from municipalities, verifying results, and redistributing votes according to voters' ranked preferences before announcing the final nominees.
Ultimately, former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree secured the Democratic nomination, while former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Bobby Charles emerged as the Republican nominee. Their victories officially launched what promises to be one of the nation's most competitive gubernatorial races this fall.
While Mainers have become familiar with ranked-choice voting since its first statewide use in 2018, the 2026 primary highlighted both its strengths and its frustrations.
Unlike traditional elections, rankedchoice voting requires a candidate to earn a majority of active ballots." "
Unlike traditional elections, ranked-choice voting requires a candidate to earn a majority of active ballots. If no candidate reaches 50 percent after first-choice votes are counted, the lowest-performing candidates are eliminated one by one, with their supporters' next choices redistributed until someone reaches a majority. This process is designed to produce consensus winners, but it also means that election night often becomes election week.
Several high-profile races—including both gubernatorial primaries and the Democratic primary for Maine's 2nd Congressional District—required multiple rounds of tabulation. State election officials repeatedly emphasized that the additional time reflected transparency and accuracy rather than problems with the election itself.
National attention also focused on Maine's 2nd Congressional District.
With incumbent Congressman Jared Golden opting not to seek reelection, the district suddenly became one of the country's most competitive open House seats. Republicans quickly coalesced around former Governor Paul LePage, who was unopposed in the GOP primary.
The Democratic contest, however, required ranked-choice voting before former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap secured the nomination.
"If the June primary demonstrated anything, it is that Maine remains one of America's most closely watched political battlegrounds—not because of its size, but because of the outsized influence its elections continue to have on state and national politics."
The November matchup between Dunlap and LePage has immediately become one of the nation's most closely watched congressional races.
Although much of the attention centered on the governor's race, the U.S. Senate contest also carried vast national significance.
Republican Senator Susan Collins advanced without opposition, while Democrats nominated Graham Platner after a closely watched campaign that attracted national media coverage. Political analysts quickly identified the race as one that could help determine control of the U.S. Senate in 2027.
Beyond the statewide races, the primary marked a significant changing of the guard in Augusta.
Every seat in the Maine House and Senate will appear on the ballot, and term limits, retirements, and open seats have created opportunities for dozens of newcomers to seek office. Several legislative primaries also required ranked-choice tabulation, while a handful of races moved into recounts because of razor-thin margins.
For interest groups, municipalities, and businesses, the election signaled that the 133rd Legislature will feature many new faces, requiring renewed relationship-building and policy education ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
The June primary accomplished more than selecting nominees. It offered a preview of
the political themes likely to dominate the fall campaign: affordability, energy policy, housing, workforce shortages, health care, and the future direction of Maine's economy. It also reaffirmed that ranked-choice voting has become an integral part of the state's political identity—even if it requires patience from candidates, election officials, and voters alike.
As November approaches, Maine once again finds itself at the center of national political attention. Competitive races for governor, Congress, and the U.S. Senate will draw millions of dollars in campaign spending, extensive media coverage, and frequent visits from national political figures.
If the June primary demonstrated anything, it is that Maine remains one of America's most closely watched political battlegrounds—not because of its size, but because of the outsized influence its elections continue to have on state and national politics.
Megan Diver is the Vice President of the Maine Energy Marketers Association.
J. GARRIE MURRAY 33RD
Thursday, August 27, 2026
AcademySM
