PAPGA Symposium Illustrates the Proven Technology that is Propane AutoGas

For more information, contact:
Shelby L. Metzger
717.441.6040
Shelby@papropane.com

Harrisburg, PA – More than 17 million vehicles are powered by Propane AutoGas worldwide, including 270,000 in the United States. AutoGas is now a proven technology that enjoys environmental, cost and safety advantages over foreign-produced vehicle fuels such as gasoline and diesel.

The benefits of converting public and private vehicles to AutoGas were presented and discussed at a Symposium hosted by PAPGA on July 17th at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College.

‘AutoGas is safe, reliable, abundant and American made’ said Michael Taylor of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), who began an impressive lineup of Presenters.

Chelsea Jenkins of Roush CleanTech talked about the company’s dedication to AutoGas moving forward, stating ‘Unlike other alternative fuels such as E85, Propane can and will survive without Federal incentives’.

Mason Hemphill of Brightbill Body Works demonstrated the quiet start up of a Propane Powered Blue Bird Vision School Bus for all attendees of the symposium. ‘Eventually, School Districts will want to go green, plus buy fuel that is produced and processed right here in Pennsylvania’.

School Districts nationwide are rapidly converting their fleets to Propane AutoGas from Diesel due to the tremendous benefits such as:

  • Up to 30% savings on fuel costs
  • Up to 80% reduction in smog-forming emissions
  • Increased Safety due to lower flammability range and 20 times more puncture resistant fuel tanks
  • 50% quieter engines allowing drivers to better hear and focus on surroundings

FYDA Energy Solutions is converting 30 vehicles per week to Propane AutoGas from a territory that includes Western PA. ‘Over 250 Public Vehicles are now being powered by Propane in Pittsburgh alone, with many more on the way this year’, said Director of Business Development Tim Hooker.

Propane Marketers region-wide are stepping up their efforts to educate Fleet Managers, Business Owners and Consumers as to the benefits of using AutoGas. For the nearest expert in your area, please send us a note and we will have a member contact you. 

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.

Click Here to Follow Us on Facebook
Click Here to Follow Us on Twitter
Click Here to download our Mobile APP

Attachments

PAPGA Symposium Illustrates the Proven Technology that is Propane AutoGas

PA Propane Gas Association 2013 Annual Meeting Wrap-up

For more information, contact:
Shelby L. Metzger
717.441.6040
Shelby@papropane.com

If you were unable to attend the annual meeting at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA, you missed an informative and fun meeting. A HUGE thank you to our sponsors – their support helps to make our meetings successful:

Gold Tarantin Industries, Inc.    
Silver Bergquist, Inc.
Targa Resources
Gas Equipment Company, Inc. Ray Murray, Inc.
Patron Enterprise Products
Venezia LPG Services, Inc.
Industrial Propane Services, Inc. Gas Supply Resources
Truck Sponsor Tank Solutions, Inc.    

Golf Outing Results:

1St place:
Lance Dalton, Mike Norman, Dave Biggs, Rory Greenley

Best Dressed:
Keith McMahon, Gary Wobb, Andy Burik, Ryan DiGuiseppe

Best Sportsman:
Jim Mason, John Ketchum, Tim Hall

No category – just a prize for finishing in the middle:
Norm Cupples, Stephanie Davis, Matt Benner

Worst Driver:
Donnie Schubert, Jay Gorzkowski, Pat Shay, Harold Sweet

High Score:
Jeff Shaffer, Lucy Shaffer, Rick Feiler, Caroline Hensley

Skill Prizes:
Longest Putt: Donnie Schubert
Longest Drive: Lucy Shaffer

Thank you for our Golf Sponsors:

CK Business Consultants, Inc.
Liberty Insurance Agency
PAPCO
Tarantin Industries
Gas Equipment Company
NGL Energy Partners
Quality Steel
Targa Resources
Gas Supply Resources
ProGas, Inc.
Ray Murray, Inc.
Worthington Cylinders

General Session:

Andy Mirchin, Director of Market Development, Paraco Gas shared useful marketing tips on “How to Grow your Gallons”.

Patrick Hyland, Director of Industry Programs, Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) provided an update of PERC activities and reminded everyone of the valuable PERC websites that target specific industry topics.

Milissa Lord, VP of Business Development at A.R.M. Solutions shared her collection expertise and provided all attendees with “10 Best Practices in Collections” packet.

Jeff Petrash, Vice President and General Council – National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) talked about the recent Propane Days in Washington, DC and encouraged support for 2013 along with providing an informative legislative/regulatory update.

Presidential Award:

PAPGA President, Mark Delehanty had the honor to present this 1st time award to an astonished and speechless Rick Feiler of Tarantin Industries, Inc.

Nomination Letter: I would like to nominate Rick Feiler of Tarantin Industries for the 2013 Presidential Award.

I have known Rick for over 6 years and he is not only a colleague, he is a close friend.

To say that Rick exceeds the requirement for this award would be an understatement. Rick is a huge supporter of PAPGA’s activities and is always asking what he can do to lend a hand. His assistance has certainly made my job easier and of course much more fun when he’s involved. Not only in his daily work duties at Tarantin Industries that I’ve witnessed, it’s also his compassionate attitude that is evident in his ‘personal’ life also.

Rick belongs to the Red Rose Riders which is a motorcycle club in which he is the Vice President. This is not just an ordinary bikers club – this club is concerned about others. They organize many rides to benefit others such as a fundraiser for children with illnesses and a memorial ride for ‘soldiers of the law”. Rick has frequently shared pictures with me from these events and there hasn’t been a time when that he doesn’t tear up telling me about the child and the family who he was fortunate enough to have ride with him on his motorcycle.

Not only is he heavily involved in his motorcycle club, Rick is also the incoming President at his local Lions Club in Leola. Rick arranges programs to educate the club on different causes. He recently had Dan Messett’s daughter, Danielle come and speak about her career helping special needs children and also recently had a staff member from his local Domestic Violence Agency.

This type of behavior exemplifies kindness, caring and true concern for others.

Rick inspires me and others around him with his dedication, kindheartedness and true concern of others. On behalf of everyone who has benefited from his phenomenal and extraordinary work ethic and community service, I nominate Rick Feiler for the Presidential Award as I truly believe he is most deserving.

Congratulations to Rick!

The meeting concluded with the Board of Directors Meeting. Congratulations to our –

2013/2014 Board of Directors:

Executive Committee:

Mark Delehanty, President
Phil Smith, Treasurer
Walter Cressman, NPGA District Nine Director
Mike Mutter, President Elect
Harold Sweet, Secretary
Dan Balmer, Vice President
Jim Ressler, National State Director
Beth Donovan, District Director Representative

Edward Gorzkowski, Jr., Immediate Past President

District Directors:

Hugh “Bud” Rich, District 1 Director
Bob Klasen, District 2 Director
Mark Lesney, District 3 Director
Norm Cupples, District 4 Director
Dave Pennypacker, District 5 Director
Greg Smith, District 6 Director
John Cepiel, District 7 Director
Beth Donovan, District 8 Director
Hugh Rich, III, District 1 Director
Glenn Beatty, District 2 Director
John Maruska, District 3 Director
Ken Lundy, District 4 Director
Dan Messett, District 5 Director
Jerry Stanco, District 6 Director
Jay Gorzkowski, District 7 Director
Randy Styer, District 8 Director

Directors at Large:

Dale Aldrich, Director at Large
DeAnn Driscoll, Director at Large
John Murray, Director at Large
Pat Shay, Director at Large
Donnie Schubert, Director at Large

Click on the link below to watch a brief video of the 2013 PAPGA Annual Meeting Activities-
2013 Annual Meeting Video

The next PAPGA Membership/Board Meeting – Thursday, September 26, 2013, Nittany Lion Inn, 200 West Park Avenue, State College, PA

2014 Annual Meeting (Tri-State Meeting – PA, NJ, NY)
The Sagamore in Bolton Landing, June 16-18, 2014 (Monday through Wednesday)

Any questions, concerns or for more information, please contact Shelby at the association office. 717.441.6040 or shelby@papropane.com

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter

Attachments

PA Propane Gas Association 2013 Annual Meeting Wrap-up

RV Safety Tips and Information

For more information, contact:
Shelby L. Metzger
717.441.6040
Shelby@papropane.com

Harrisburg, PA – Millions of Americans will enjoy the benefits, comfort and flexibility of Recreational Vehicle (RV) living this summer with PROPANE being a vital component of most RV energy systems.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association offers the following tips to streamline safety checks and maintenance for your RV’s Propane system.

  • Before each trip, check exterior vents and clear any insects, twigs or other debris that may restrict venting.
  • If you plan to use portable Propane appliances, such as a generator or heater, make sure you provide for proper ventilation per the owner’s manual.
  • Make sure your RV has at least one Class BC fire extinguisher and operational propane, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.  EXIT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY IF ANY OF THESE DETECTORS GO OFF.
  • Never attempt to repair any propane-related component yourself.  Have your system inspected at least annually by a trained propane marketer/technician. They can better detect incorrect tank pressure, leaks and other potential hazards and address them properly.

Take a few moments to review the guide for more tips – Propane and Your Recreational Vehicle Guide.  We recommend keeping a copy in your RV along with sharing these tips with your family, traveling companions and neighbors.

“The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is dedicated to educating and training our RV friends on propane safety.” said Shelby Metzger, Executive Director for PAPGA. “Contact your local propane marketer with any questions or if you need service.”

“For more propane safety information and to access the Interactive Consumer Safety Modules, please visit our website – PApropane.com.  I recommend downloading our free smartphone app and also urge you to follow us on our various social networking platforms,” said Metzger. “Thank you for taking the time to view this important safety information.  Have a safe and fantastic summer.”

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.

Click Here to Follow Us on Facebook
Click Here to Follow Us on Twitter
Click Here to download our Mobile APP

Attachments

RV Safety Tips and Information

Spring Outdoor Living Safety Tips

For more information, contact:
Shelby L. Metzger
717.441.6040
Shelby@papropane.com

Harrisburg, PA – After another blustery winter, warm weather and a return to outdoor living can’t come soon enough. For homeowners with outdoor propane appliances, the wait is finally over. Portable fire pits, patio heaters, and gas grills make outdoor living spaces comfortable places to gather now even before the last snow drifts have melted.

For many people, getting these outdoor areas ready for early-season entertaining is top priority on spring-cleaning to-do lists.

  • Before bringing out portable appliances and firing up the propane grill, PAPGA & PERC (Propane Education & Research Council) offer the following tips to help homeowners get the most from their outdoor appliances safely:
  • Keep burnable materials like dry grass, wood, or debris at least 10 feet away from propane tanks and cylinders. Never burn wood, coal, or anything other than propane in a propane fire pit.
  • Never store tanks or cylinders inside buildings, including garages or sheds.
  • Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appliance you’re using, including where to put the unit, how to connect it to a cylinder, and how to use, clean, and store it. Fire pits and heaters need varying amounts of clearance, depending on the model. In general, allow at least three feet of clearance on all sides.
  • Have your fire pit inspected by a professional every year. Click Here to find the nearest service provider in your community.
  • Before lighting your propane grill for the first time in the spring, check the cooking grid and warming rack to be sure both are in their proper place. Clean the grid, the interior of the grill, and the burner (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) with a wire brush or scraper to remove any built-up food. And remember – always keep the top open when lighting the grill until you are sure it is lit.
  • If the igniter fails to light the grill after two or three tries, turn off the gas and replace the igniter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • When it’s time to refill or replace a propane cylinder, stow it upright in your vehicle in a well-ventilated area, not the trunk. Return home directly after refilling.
  • Replace any tank that has holes, dents, rusted weak spots, cracks, or other damage, or is past its expiration date.

If you are interested in more outdoor living ideas, tips and information, please visit this link.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.

Click Here to Follow Us on Facebook
Click Here to Follow Us on Twitter
Click Here to download our Mobile APP

Attachments

Spring Outdoor Living Safety Tips

Propane Small Cylinder Storage Tips

For more information, contact:
Shelby L. Metzger
717.441.6040
Shelby@papropane.com

Keep Your Family Safe this Fall & Winter
Harrisburg, PA – Many Pennsylvanians will be looking to store small propane cylinders in the coming weeks in preparation for the winter months. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association invites you and your family to review some important safety tips before selecting a spot for your tanks.

Click here to view an interactive online safety module about Small Cylinder Storage and Transportation. This and other important Consumer Safety Modules have been produced by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC).  

The module is full of important information. Here are a few highlights:

  • Never store a cylinder in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, shed or tent
  • Do not smoke or have any spark-producing electrical tools in the area while transporting a cylinder
  • Do not under any circumstances try to repair or modify valves or regulators on a small cylinder or appliance
  • If you smell gas, immediately put out all open flames, leave the area and call 911

The safety module takes just a few minutes to complete and ends with a short quiz. We encourage you to view this safety information and learn more about keeping your family safe this fall & winter.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is a member-focused trade association providing services that communicate, educate and promote the propane industry in Pennsylvania. The association was formed in 1947 to offer opportunities to learn through training and networking with peers, and to aid with legislative issues that contribute to operating a safe and successful industry.

Attachments

Propane Small Cylinder Storage Tips