North Carolina Propane Gas Association Celebrates 60 Years

In 1948, following World War II, a small group of industry pioneers planted the seeds of the North Carolina Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association. As the nation’s population and prosperity grew, the housing boom, stimulated in part by easily affordable mortgages for returning servicemen, spurred the need for fuel in areas off the gas mains. This was a vital opportunity for the burgeoning propane gas industry. Annual sales of propane increased to more than 15 billion gallons following the war, and it is now an $8 billion industry in the United States alone.

That first handful of Tar Heel State trailblazers included early presidents W.S. Lander (1948-1954), M.L. Baily (1951-1952), Ralph T. Morris (1952-1953), S.L. Fagan (1953-1954), and R.S. Steele (1954-1955). As these individuals and other dedicated industry founders built their businesses, they also laid the foundation on which the current-day association stands. Now known as the North Carolina Propane Gas Association (NCPGA), the organization has grown from an original membership of 75 members to more than 470 companies providing heat to nearly 300,000 homes and employing more than 2000 people.

These founding members began meeting in their homes, then in small rental spaces, and eventually purchased a townhouse in Raleigh in 1989. They operated from this location until 2007 when a 10,000 sq ft building was acquired. The NCPGA headquarters now boasts a training facility, warehouse, “Propane Village” outdoor living product showcase, a staff of four, and a full-time lobbyist.

The guiding principles in those early years were to help fellow industry members start and maintain profitable businesses, ensure the comfort and safety of their customers, fight unfair codes and regulations, and provide friendship and support to one another. These principles are just as pervasive in the organization today.

According to Ralph Morris, who was one of those founders and served as president of the organization in 1952, “The association started as a way to share ideas to help each other make sure that we kept our customers warm and safe, and our businesses profitable. Over the last 60 years it has evolved into a world-class organization with great influence in our communities, as well as on state and federal legislation. I am very proud to have spent my life in the propane industry and consider many of its members to be my family.”

Ralph, who is retired and lives in New Bern, started work in 1939 at North Carolina Gas Co., which provided “piped city gas” to customers in Lexington and Thomasville. His first job was to ride by bicycle reading gas meters in Lexington, and then take the bus to Thomasville where he retrieved another bicycle and read meters there. In 1946 Ralph started his own propane gas company, Eastern Rulane Sales Corp.

Jeff Wade agrees with Ralph when it comes to pride in what the association has accomplished. Jeff, with Rand Wade Oil in Snow Hill, is the current NCPGA chairman of the board. He is unabashed in expressing his admiration for NCPGA and how it brings the state — and often the nation — together. “Our members have been influential on many of the legislative concerns our industry has faced. Whenever there is an issue or volunteers needed, you will often find an NCPGA member front and center,” said Jeff. “We have repeatedly shown up for issues affecting the industry at both the state and national level in meetings with our legislative leaders. We owe much of our industry’s success and growth over the last 60 years to that dedicated group of men who started meeting in their homes in the 1940s. We are just carrying on their legacy and determined spirit.”

As far as the future of the NCPGA, Jeff’s goals for the year ahead are to work with the association’s committees, board of directors, and staff to continuously increase the value of membership in NCPGA and to legislatively stand up for the equality of the propane industry nationally and statewide.

John Jessup, president and CEO of NCPGA, credits the support of members who work tirelessly for the state and industry for the extraordinary success and excellent track record that propane enjoys in the state. “Jeff is absolutely right. Whenever there is an industry issue or a need to pitch in, you’ll find an NCPGA member. I have been with the association for seven years, and I am repeatedly astounded by the dedication of our members. We support each other through difficult times, and we celebrate the good times and victories together,” John says with pride.

“During the recent Hurricane Matthew emergency, which significantly affected many of our members, we sent out a request for funds and volunteers to help with cleanup. Within a week, funds were offered to help with disaster relief and massive cleanup efforts were under way. Anytime there is a need, our members rally to help fellow members, even if they are competitors. That is what is so special about this group. Whether it’s floating tanks that need to be retrieved due to flooding, or crawling under houses to remove mold for propane customers, our members are there for each other.”

Brenda Cole, member services and meeting manager, joined the NCPGA team in 2009 and very quickly realized that the organization was something special. “When I attended the first meeting and saw that it started with the invocation and pledge of allegiance, I was inspired and frankly, hooked. As I have gotten to know our members, it is clear that this is a family. The members, with the full support of their families, work together as a team to make the association something to really be proud of.”

NCPGA was incorporated in September of 1957, though it had its humble beginnings nearly a decade before, and will celebrate its 60th anniversary at its annual convention Sept. 17-19 at the Myrtle Beach Grande Dunes. Industry members are encouraged to join NCPGA in celebrating this successful milestone.

—Rita Pecilunas