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As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the most recent NPGA Board of Directors meeting held October 16 – 18, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. 

The Marketers Section hosted a ten-year retrospective conversation on lessons learned from the winter of 2013 – 2014. Meeting attendees also enjoyed a fireside chat with the Executive Director of Kentucky’s Office of Energy Policy, PAC events, and much more. NPGA announced the formation of a Legal Action Fund and adopted a new strategic plan. I encourage you to read my report.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

See below to read report or Click HERE to read on NPGA’s Member Dashboard.

NPGA’s Board of Directors met in Louisville, Kentucky October 16 – 18, 2023. The week’s business included Committee and Section meetings, a ten-year retrospective on lessons learned from the winter of 2013 – 2014, a heat pump panel discussion, a fireside chat with Kenya Stump, Executive Director of Kentucky’s Office of Energy Policy; and much more. The PropanePAC hosted an event at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory on Monday night and members enjoyed the Board of Directors reception on Tuesday evening. Here are some of the key policy discussions and updates from NPGA:

Consumer Gas Furnace Restrictions
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the “pre-publication” version of its final consumer furnace rulemaking. NPGA – along with natural gas coalition partners – submitted four separate and extensive comments on this proposal in 2022. The 575-page rule would be effective in late 2028 and eliminate non-condensing gas furnaces and a subset of condensing furnaces.

NPGA has been tracking this rulemaking diligently and is disappointed in the DOE’s action. It would directly harm consumers by forcing costly retrofits or fuel switching, thus disproportionately impacting socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

NPGA has geared up its regulatory, legal, lobbying, engineering, and economic experts, as well as cemented a response coalition. On the Congressional front, NPGA has worked with Representatives Fallon (TX) and Fischbach (MN) to introduce an amendment to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Water bill that would “prohibit any funding to be used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed rule.”

NPGA, NYPGA, and Mulhern Gas Sue New York State in Federal Court
A coalition led by the National Propane Gas Association, the New York Propane Gas Association, and Mulhern Gas of Hudson, NY filed a federal lawsuit against the New York Department of State, New York State Building Code Council, and others on October 12.  The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

The State of New York has banned fuel gas infrastructure and appliances in most newly constructed buildings beginning on December 31, 2025.  NPGA and its co-plaintiffs contend that this action is preempted by, and in direct conflict with, the Federal Energy Policy & Conservation Act (EPCA).  The EPCA expressly preempts state regulations concerning the energy use of appliances, subject to a few narrow exceptions which are not applicable.

Representing NPGA and its co-plaintiffs is the esteemed counsel that represented the California Restaurant Association in successfully overturning the Berkeley, CA gas ban before the US Court of Appeals for the 9^th Circuit.  Additional plaintiffs include national, state, and local groups representing home builders, plumbing contractors, and gas fired products manufacturers as well as plumbing, electrical, and transportation worker unions (including workers who ensure the safety of National Grid customers).  Numerous propane companies operating across New York state also contributed to funding the litigation.  Having unions join is a first – they have no skin in the electrification game other than the best interests of the citizens of the state to prevent an overstrained grid from blackouts in the heart of freezing NY winters.

NPGA Legal Action Fund
NPGA has established a Legal Action Fund to proactively combat illegal governmental overreach that seeks to eliminate energy choice. NPGA is currently involved in seven federal lawsuits and anticipates the need to potentially file more in the coming months.  Recent and ongoing legal battles threatening the survival of the propane industry compelled the NPGA Executive Committee to devote significant, long-term resources to this fight.

The new Legal Action Fund will provide financial resources to use the court system to challenge illegal anti-energy choice laws, regulations, and policies at the federal, state, and local level. Recognizing the magnitude of the challenges the industry faces, NPGA is committing $1 million from its reserves to launch these efforts now. NPGA will seek in the coming years to expand the pool to $2.5 million from reserves, use of budgetary surplus, and/or voluntary member contributions.

A 5-member Legal Action Committee – chaired by Tom Manson of Eastern Propane & Oil – will provide oversight to the Fund.

Strategic Plan 2024-2026
NPGA’s Executive Committee adopted a strategic plan applicable to 2024-2026.  This plan largely tracks the current plan where all priorities are viewed through the top-level lens of protecting energy choice inclusive of propane by positioning it as part of America’s clean energy solution in contrast to electricity alone, and advancing the reputation of safety, reliability, and affordability.

The primary changes in the upcoming strategic plan from the current plan are a firm commitment to leading litigation to protect propane and a firm commitment to pursuing advocacy priorities of renewable fuels that increase the usage of propane.

Marketer Section
Marketer Section Chair Daniel Dixon introduced District 5 Director Tom Jaenicke to provide highlights from the district breakouts. Director Jaenicke noted that electrification and decarbonization challenges persist around the country. PERC’s Bridget Kidd gave an update on the activities being pursued by the Council, including National Propane Day and the Leadership in Energy Ambassador Program. To round out the Section meeting, Chair Dixon moderated a panel discussion and retrospective look at the Winter of 2013-14. The panel of experts included DD Alexander of Global Gas, Steve Kossuth of World Fuel Services, and Tom Van Buren of Meritum Energy.

Governmental Affairs Committee
The Governmental Affairs Committee convened to receive updates from NPGA staff and discuss pressing advocacy issues impacting the propane industry. As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state advocacy.

In the legislative session, NPGA staff provided political and policy updates from Capitol Hill. After an unprecedented motion to vacate, the House of Representatives has been without a Speaker for over two weeks, bringing all federal legislative action to a near halt. Once the House elects a new Speaker, NPGA staff believe the association will achieve meaningful results in year-end legislative vehicles, such as appropriations and NDAA.

During the regulatory session, association staff provided updates on the numerous regulatory actions the Biden Administration is pursuing through the Department of Energy, such as the Water Heater Rule, Furnace Rule, Boiler Rule, and Consumer Cooktop Rule. The group also discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Management Program and the path forward on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Hours of Service regulations.

Lastly, in the state advocacy breakout session, NPGA staff updated the group on efforts to expand choice protections to end-use applications, such as furnaces and stoves. Additionally, the task force discussed the growing interests of state officials in specific programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from residential and commercial buildings, including statewide carbon markets and clean heat standards.

PropanePAC
The PropanePAC Steering Committee met and discussed current fundraising efforts, PAC events, disbursements, peer-to-peer engagement, and continued efforts to increase corporate engagement and contributions.

The PAC’s well-attended events in Louisville included the very successful Bourbon and Bats fundraiser. The education event, Propane, Politics and Coffee, featured political expert Jon Deuser, President and CEO of Smith-Free Group, NPGA’s consulting firm for the association’s advocacy work on Capitol Hill. Deuser shared his perspective on the Speaker of the House race and the political landscape in Washington, DC, and made some predictions for the presidential race.

Renewable Fuels Committee
NPGA launched a Renewable Fuels Committee (RFC) over the summer and the group met in person during the Board meeting.  Jeff Stewart led a discussion on the committee’s formation and outlined its objectives and scope. The RFC has 4 sub-committees: Federal Legislative, Federal Regulatory, Codes & Standards, and State Advocacy – those sub-committees track to NPGA’s 4 pillars of advocacy.  The primary overall goal is to guide NPGA on advocacy priorities for renewable fuels.

Technology, Standards and Safety Committee
The Board of Directors approved four proposals developed by the Technology, Standards and Safety Committee. These proposals will be submitted to NFPA for the next development cycle of NFPA 58 “LP-Gas Code.” The proposals will accomplish the following:

• Provide more detail through examples of where hydrostatic relief valves in propane piping systems are required and where they are not
• Expand the range of application for pilot operated relief valves to provide greater options for protecting containers from overpressure events
• Propose to remove the decades-old limitation on the number of bulk storage containers that can be grouped together, based on the adoption more recently of requirements that improve product control and containment
• Editorially correct Table 5.9.4.1 (B) in the Code by removing an incorrect reference to another code section

NPGF Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee elected Lisa Gerwitz (EDP), Jennifer Jackson (AmeriGas), and Ed Varney (Top Line Management/Metsa Tank) Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer respectively.

A fundraising Golf Tournament is planned for Thursday, April 4, 2024 (immediately before Expo in Charlotte, NC). The course and bus transportation have been secured and more information about golfing and sponsorships is forthcoming. Please save the date!

The Scholarship Committee is growing and actively seeking new participation. Members interested in joining can contact Scholarship Program Manager Maril Olson for more information.

Women in Propane Council
Over 30 members attended the Women in Propane Council meeting in Louisville where there was lots of good news to report:

1. The council is comfortably in the black with over $60,00 in the bank.
2. Membership is at an all-time high with over 30 corporate and over 90 individual members.
3. Through the Leadership Lens podcasts are so popular, they are now aired every three weeks.
4. The Leadership Lens Webinar series continues to draw good audiences.
5. The Association Engagement program is on a roll: there are currently 16 WIP ambassadors covering 14 associations to spread the word on Women in Propane.

To find out more about this dynamic group, check out the WIP website HERE.

As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the most recent NPGA Board of Directors meeting and Propane Days, held June 4 – 7 in Washington, DC.

NPGA’s Marketer Section discussed issues of importance to all propane industry members and heard from experts about renewable propane technology, workforce trends, railroad safety, and gas stove policies. Association members also visited Capitol Hill and elected new officers. I encourage you to read my report.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

See below or click HERE to read the full report on the NPGA website.

Jeff Stewart Appointed as NPGA Chair; NPGA Officers Sworn In

From June 4 – 7, NPGA hosted its annual Board meeting and Propane Days Capitol Hill meetings. The week kicked off with State Propane Gas Association Presidents and Executive Directors from around the country meeting with NPGA leadership to discuss pressing policy issues, both federal and across the states, with the largest emphasis on combatting anti-gas laws, regulations, and codes. The PropanePAC hosted an evening reception at Tudor Place, an historic Washington, DC property once home to descendants of Martha Washington.

On June 5, at the Marketers’ meeting, NPGA hosted Dr. Paula Gant, President of GTI Energy.  GTI Energy is a leading research organization that manages a tremendous collection of propane-related emissions data and is currently leading research in a renewable propane technology called Cool LPG.  NPGA Board members and guests also heard from Tucker Perkins who provided an update on PERC’s activities and Mike Rush, head of safety and operations for the American Association of Railroads, who spoke about the policy aftermath of the East Palestine, Ohio incident and the threatened labor strikes from last fall.  NPGA moderated a gas stoves policy panel with coalition partners representing the natural gas and appliance manufacturing industries.  NPGA’s final pre-Board meeting speaker was a representative of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, who shared data on workforce trends.

Outgoing Board Chair Michelle Bimson Maggi presided over the Annual Meeting and summer Board Meeting. She gave remarks on her year in leadership and presented awards and citations. Steve Kaminski, NPGA’s President and CEO, spoke to the Board about NPGA’s increasing role in using litigation to combat laws that threaten propane usage and predicted the need for litigation to ramp up throughout the year.

The NPGA Board of Directors then selected its officers for the upcoming year: Mr. Jeff Stewart of Blue Star Gas as Chair, Mr. Tom Van Buren of Meritum Energy Holdings as Chair-Elect, Mr. Mike Hopsicker of Ray Murray as Vice Chair, and Ms. DD Alexander of Global Gas as Treasurer.

             

Newly appointed NPGA Board of Directors Chair Jeff Stewart presented a gavel to outgoing Chair Michelle Bimson Maggi. He then closed the meeting with a challenge to all members of the propane industry to lead by example by maximizing their own usage of the product that provides our livelihoods.

Propane Days

On June 6 and 7, members of the propane industry headed to Capitol Hill for Propane Days. NPGA’s legislative staff briefed the group on conducting successful meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. Association members also learned about the propane industry’s top policy initiatives on Capitol Hill, which range from protecting consumer energy choice to the Farm Bill reauthorization and annual appropriations.  Attendees then held a series of individual Capitol Hill meetings with over 200 Members of Congress in both the House and Senate.  Feedback was positive—Members of Congress and their staff were receptive to hearing our messages and learning more about the propane industry from companies operating in their districts. NPGA thanks everyone who participated in these advocacy efforts and the state executives who were instrumental in scheduling the meetings.

On the evening of June 6, NPGA hosted a barbeque reception in the Rayburn House Office Building. Hundreds of Congressional staff from across the country and approximately a dozen Members of Congress attended the reception, including representatives of districts in Arizona, California, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, and Virginia.

These Capitol Hill meetings were extremely timely as Congress was slated to vote on two distinct gas stove-related bills, one on June 6 and another on June 7. Having local boots on the ground was important and effective in communicating propane’s messages to a significant number of lawmakers.

Awards and Citations

At the NPGA Board Meeting, outgoing Chair Michelle Bimson Maggi awarded Chair’s citations to five individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the industry: Christina Armentano of Paraco Gas, Tom Clark of the Rocky Mountain Propane Association, Daniel Dixon of Energy Distribution Partners, Nash McMahan of Tri-Gas & Oil, and Warren Patterson, formerly of AmeriGas. She shared through personal, heartfelt, and funny remarks how each person exemplifies excellence in the propane industry.

NPGA awarded the State Director of the Year award to the late John W. Brooks III.  John served in every capacity for the Missouri Propane Gas Association and Missouri’s PERC. At the time of his passing, he had recently accepted the nomination to serve his 17th year as Missouri’s State Director. Brian Brooks accepted the award on behalf of the Brooks family.

NPGA awarded the Bill Hill Award to Deb Grooms, recently retired Executive Director of the Iowa Propane Gas Association, in recognition of her years of dedicated service to the industry.

 

 

 

John Cadenhead, outgoing Chair of the Technology, Safety, and Standards committee, and DD Alexander, outgoing Chair of NPGA’s Propane Supply & Logistics committee both received Committee Chair awards.

NPGA Welcomes New Directors

Connor	Alexander	Global Gas	Producer & Wholesaler Director
Jim	Blake	Eastern Propane	Rhode Island Director
Angela	Branchi	Grammer Logistics	Transportation & Storage Director
John	Corallo	Home Gas	International Section Director
Frank	Edwards	Coles Energy	Ohio Director
Amanda	Gage	Intermountain Trucking	Utah Director
Heather	Granzin	AmeriGas Propane LP	Chair, Propane Supply & Logistics
Mike	Hayden	Co-Alliance	Indiana Director
Stephanie	Hennen	Lakes Gas	District 3 Director
Ray	Kazakewich	R.E. Michel Company	Distributor Director
Paul	Ladner	AmeriGas Propane LP	Director-at-Large
Cinch	Munson	Oberon Fuels	Producer & Wholesaler Director
Rita	Pecilunas	Otodata	Manufacturers Director
Ryan	Roper	NGL Energy Partners	Producer & Wholesaler Director
David	Schmidt	Fisher LP Gas Equipment	Manufacturers Director
Jeff	Stanton	Superior Plus Propane	Connecticut Director
Nicole	Sullivan	Anderson Propane Services	Director-at-Large
Erich	Wolf	Cavagna Group	Chair, Technology, Safety & Standards
Mark	Zimora	Tankfarm LLC	Services Section Director

 

In compliance with the Association’s election procedures, you are hereby notified of the report of the Nominating Committee, which has nominated candidates for the 2023-2024 Board of Directors Elections. The nominations received were unanimously approved at the Board of Directors meeting on March 30, 2023.

In accordance with the Bylaws, members of the Association are hereby advised of your right to name additional candidates for any office. Additional candidates may be nominated by 10 more members, in good standing, filing a written nomination with the Secretary, which will automatically add their name to the list of nominees submitted by the Nominating Committee. (Please note: District Directors must be eligible to serve in the district they are being nominated for.)  The deadline to submit is 5pm, Monday, May 8, 2023. Click HERE for Nomination Form

Nominees must be PAPGA members in good standing. The written nomination must include the nominee’s name, company, address, phone, email, and the Board position to which the nominee is being nominated. Nominations received after 5pm on Monday, May 8, 2023, cannot be considered.

Ballots will be sent via email through Election Buddy to PAPGA members having the right to vote on or about May 19, 2023. Electronic voting must be completed no later than 5pm, Friday, June 16, 2023.

2023 Board of Director Elections Slate of Nominees

District Directors: Two-Year Position

District 1           Shelby Bennett, AmeriGas Propane

District 2           Mike Salansky, III, Stuck Enterprises, Inc. 

District 3           Jonathan Kammerer, Ferrellgas

District 4           Randy Witmer, Koppy’s Propane

District 6           Greg Smith, Bluhm’s Gas Sales

District 7           Jay Gorzkowski, Modern Gas Sales

District 8           John Cepiel, Independence Propane

Directors at Large:  Voted on Every Year

Dale Aldrich, Bergquist, Inc.                                       Brian Doran, Alliance Energy Services

Pat Shay, Tarantin Industries, Inc.                             Jim Wiltshire, FW Webb

The Nominating Committee will certify the results of the election. The candidate receiving the most votes will be elected. The new Board will take office at the end of the Board of Directors meeting at the Annual Meeting on June 22, 2023.

Sincerely,
Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association

Hugh Rich, III
President, Board of Directors

 

The Pennsylvania State Senate has recently passed legislation reintroduced by Senator Gene Yaw, prohibiting local governments from dictating the energy choices of their constituents.

Senate Bill 143 passed the Senate by an overwhelming 40-9 vote on March 8. It will now go to the House, where it will be referred to the House Local Government Committee.

This same legislation passed both the House and Senate last session but was unfortunately vetoed by then Governor Tom Wolf. With a new Democrat Majority in the House and a new Governor (Josh Shapiro), the prognosis for this bill is less clear. Therefore, it is VITAL you email your local House member to support the legislation.

During debate on the bill in the Senate, one Senator pointed out that local governments should not be allowed to impose financial hardships on their citizens, by requiring conversions to electricity, without any funding mechanism. This is just one key reason why this legislation is needed.

Please send your letter TODAY!  Let PAPGA know what response you receive, so we can count votes and build a groundswell of support to persuade the Committee Chair to advance the bill.

You may share this with others – team members, customers, family, and friends. Once you click the link below – you’ll be taken to the ‘Legislative Action Center’ where you’ll find a pre-written letter. Please review the message content before sending and feel free to add your own story to personalize your letter.

Click HERE to send letter.

As your elected State Director, I wanted to provide you with an update on the activities at the most recent NPGA Board of Directors meeting, held January 30 – February 1, 2023, in New Orleans.

NPGA’s committees and sections held meetings and discussed issues of importance to all propane industry members. I encourage you to read my report.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you.

Sincerely,
Kara Tucker
Koppy’s Propane

See below or click HERE to read the full report on the NPGA website.

2023 Winter Board of Directors Meeting Highlights

NPGA hosted a panel on renewable propane production, moderated by NPGA President & CEO Steve Kaminski and featuring Gary Grimes of World Energy, Curtis Powers of Chevron/REG, Warren Patterson of UGI, and Tucker Perkins of PERC.  They discussed matters ranging from factors dictating whether renewable propane produced as a byproduct is sent into the market or used internally, to feedstock diversity, to production processes.

Steve Kaminski hosted a lively fireside chat with Shannon Watt, the Canadian Propane Association President & CEO.  They discussed matters ranging from electrification policies to cross-border supply and logistics.

Guest speaker Stan Hayes, CEO of Operation BBQ Relief, discussed the non-profit’s widespread efforts to provide hot meals in the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods, and how the propane community has played an important role.  If you want to help, please go to: https://operationbbqrelief.org/

Section & Committee Meeting Updates

Marketers Section

The Marketers Section held virtual breakout sessions across our eight districts in advance of the Board of Directors meeting. During these meetings, marketers discussed regional legislative and regulatory concerns facing the industry. Section Chair, Daniel Dixon, reiterated that all marketers are invited to participate in these district breakout sessions.

District 8 Director Thomas Manson provided a summary of the district reports. PERC’s Eric Kuster updated attendees on the Council’s recent activities of note. The Section also hosted a panel on disaster and emergency preparedness. The panelists encouraged all propane marketers to adequately prepare for, and communicate during, a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

Additionally, the Marketers Section is now soliciting applications to serve on NPGA’s Executive Committee for the upcoming Association year.

Governmental Affairs Committee

The Governmental Affairs Committee met for its winter meeting to discuss pressing advocacy matters impacting the propane industry. As is customary, the Committee broke into three task force sessions – federal legislative, federal regulatory, and state.

In the legislative session, NPGA staff provided updates on success from the 117^th Congress, including securing access to funding opportunities in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, extending the Alternative Fuel Tax Credit, and recent wins in the FY23 Appropriations and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). For 2023, NPGA will continue Appropriations and NDAA strategies and advocate for propane’s inclusion in this year’s Farm Bill and FAA reauthorization.

During the Regulatory Breakout, association staff briefed members on various rulemakings from the Department of Energy, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security. Association staff focused on recent accomplishments and previews of anticipated rulemakings and regulatory strategy for 2023. Highlights included an upcoming CFATS rulemaking, FMCSA hours of service clarifications, and consumer cooking appliances efficiency standards.

Lastly, in the State breakout session, association staff provided an overview of the 2023 state legislative landscape, including opportunities to expand energy choice protections, safeguard gas cooking equipment, and secure industry exemptions from product stewardship initiatives. The group also discussed efforts taken by local governments to ban new gas infrastructure and encourage the electrification of buildings. NPGA is currently tracking such activity by more than 100 municipalities and counties across 15 states. These ordinances seek to eliminate propane’s ability to serve as a fuel option for new construction.

Propane Supply & Logistics Committee

RBN’s Todd Root gave a presentation on the current winter heating season and focused on the driving factor for the remainder of the season: exports. NPGA staff Ben Nussdorf and Kate Gaziano provided updates on several regulatory matters. Ms. Gaziano discussed FERC’s pipeline affiliates regulation and provided past NPGA action and the plan moving forward. Mr. Nussdorf requested information and routes to supply points during emergencies to provide to FMCSA to fill the knowledge gap within the agency and provided an update on the five-year special exemption request NPGA submitted to FMCSA. NPGA is still awaiting the decision from FMCSA on the special exemption and has marketing materials and informational webinars set for when the decision is released.

Technology, Safety & Standards Committee

The Board approved Technology, Safety & Standards Committee proposal Tdc-1908, a proposal to be made to NFPA 58 that would clarify misconceptions that some authorities have regarding a “required color” for tracer wire that is buried with underground plastic pipe to enable the pipe to be located easily and avoid damage when excavation activities are occurring. The proposal will clarify that there is no required color for the tracer wire. This proposal will be submitted for the 2026 edition of NFPA 58.

PropanePAC

The PropanePAC Steering Committee met to discuss last year’s successful fundraising and engagement efforts and the PAC’s impacts during the 2021-2022 election cycle. Committee members brainstormed different opportunities to increase involvement with the PAC through peer-to-peer outreach and education. Additionally, the Committee discussed efforts to grow the PAC by achieving the $250,000 fundraising goal for the 2023-2024 election cycle.

In addition to the meeting, the PropanePAC hosted a reception on Bourbon Street, open to all association members and attended by more than 200 people. Events like this help generate awareness of the PAC’s vital role as one of the association’s most critical advocacy tools.

NPGF Scholarship Committee

The National Propane Gas Foundation (NPGF) Scholarship Committee met in New Orleans with more than 30 members and guests attending. The Committee provides financial oversight, raises funds, and reviews applications for the scholarship program.

NPGF finances are healthy and the committee passed a budget for the coming year. Attendees also received updates on 2022’s successful fundraising activities and the scholarship application and selection process.  The current application for the 2023 – 2024 academic year closes on February 15.

The transition to a Standing Committee of NPGA is moving forward. As part of the transition, new members are encouraged to join the Scholarship Committee, and the meeting was well-attended by those interested in learning more.

Please contact Maril Olson, NPGF Scholarship Program Manager, for additional information.

Women in Propane Council

Over 40 enthusiastic attendees were at the recent WIP Council meeting in New Orleans where the meeting was led by new Chair Paula Summers of Vision Financial Group. There is lots of good news to report:

• the organization is on solid financial ground and membership is up;
• there has been positive feedback on the new WIP podcast series Through the Leadership Lens;
• a second webinar is scheduled for February 17^th at 1:00 pm ET on Attracting and Retaining Youth in the Propane Industry;
• DiSC continues to be an important program for developing career skills;
• WIP ambassadors are working with over 13 state associations;
• Expo Leadership Forum with Kathleen Votaw Quinn and Roundtable Discussions with Tucker Perkins and Bridget Kidd are confirmed; and
• the Knowledge Exchange program will be promoted via sign-up campaigns.

To find out more about this dynamic organization and the programs and events on offer, go to www.womeninpropane.org. And remember, WIP is for everyone!

NPGA Welcomes New Directors

• Kevin Bennett, DCC Propane, Colorado State Director
• Brian Brooks, Brooks Gas Co. Inc., Missouri State Director
• Alex Gallard, Blue Star Gas, Washington State Director
• Lance Dalton, Quality Steel, Manufacturers Section Director
• Bruce Thompson, Thompson Energy Insurance Services, Services Section Director