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BPN Staff

Compiled by BPN Staff

 

  • Safety

    September Designated “School Bus Safety Month”

    (September 7, 2018) — The Senate recently passed a resolution (S.Res.603) designating September 2018 as “School Bus Safety Month.” The Resolution was introduced by Sen. Debra Fischer (R-Neb.). Every school day in the United States, approximately 500,000 public and private school buses carry more than 26,000,000 children to and from school. With school buses comprising the largest mass transportation fleet in the United States, School Bus Safety Month offers the Senate and the people of the U.S. an opportunity to recognize and thank all of the school bus drivers and the professionals who are focused on school bus safety and security in our country. More than half of all K–12 students ride a school bus, totaling 260,000,000 miles for each of the 180 school days...

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  • Feature Articles

    Ray Murray Inc. Acquires Whippany, N.J. Hearth/Outdoor Product Distributor

    (September 6, 2018) — Ray Murray Inc. (RMI; Lee, Mass.) said Aug. 22 it had concluded an asset purchase of MASDA Corp., a leading hearth and outdoor products distributor based in Whippany, N.J. Details regarding the transaction were not released. RMI notes the addition of MASDA strengthens its position in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and makes it one of the largest wholesale distributors of hearth and grill equipment in the U.S. RMI has more than 80 employees, including field sales professionals across the eastern half of the U.S. The company also maintains strategic distribution facilities in Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. “This acquisition combines two prominent and well-respected distributors of hearth and grill productions,” said Michael Hopsicker, RMI president and CEO. “It will provide...

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  • Feature Articles

    NPGA: Unvented Heaters Will Continue to Be Available

    In an update on efforts regarding securing favorability for unvented heaters in U.S. construction codes, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports the appliances will continue to be relied upon by propane customers as a safe and reliable means for space heating. The association explains that every three years the International Code Council (ICC) develops a new edition of the most widely used model construction codes in the U.S. and, like clockwork, the fuel gas industry is faced with yet another challenge to the continued use of unvented room heaters. The ongoing cycle has proved no exception, since the same individual who has submitted proposals to bar the appliances being installed in residential occupancies in the past has done so again, based on his contention...

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  • Feature Articles

    Year-Round Benefits From World LPG Association Membership

    In addition to organizing the annual World LPG Forum, the World LPG Association (WLPGA) offers a number of other activities and resources that are available to propane professionals and consumers year-round. Headquartered in France, the WLPGA has the primary goal of adding value to the global LPG industry by driving premium demand for LPG, while also promoting compliance to good business and safety practices. The group’s activities include global outreach and advocacy; technology exchange; good practices; market development, outreach, and promotion; and member services. Member benefits include unique global networking opportunities; possible assistance with specific lobbying actions; privileged access to industry intelligence; access to dedicated network groups run by WLPGA; and preferential rates to attend and/or exhibit at the World LPG Forum and other industry...

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  • Feature Articles

    Early Corn Harvest May Lower Crop Drying Demand

    An early harvest could result in lower crop drying demand for propane this year, market sources tell S&P Global Platts, since this year’s U.S. corn crop appears to be ahead of schedule. “In our draw area [south of the U.S. Corn Belt], corn is ahead of last year and will be harvested earlier than normal,” an agriculture market source said. “Dryers will not use much gas this year as the corn should dry down on its own.” Propane is used as a drying fuel during the fall harvest season, which has typically been the start of the propane demand season. The consultancy notes that the corn crop tends to lose 2% of its moisture content per day in September and 1% per day in October...

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  • Feature Articles

    Energy Distribution Partners Acquires Carolina Propane in Orangeburg, SC

    (August 30, 2018) — Energy Distribution Partners (“EDP”), based in Chicago, Illinois, has acquired Carolina Propane Gas Corporation of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Carolina Propane was established by the Watford family in 1994 and has served residential, commercial and agricultural customers for nearly 25 years. Several members of the Watford family had deep propane experience prior to launching Carolina Propane, and started the company with a commitment to offering superior service at fair prices to residents in Orangeburg and the surrounding area. The company’s main headquarters is in Orangeburg and its second location is in St. Matthews. Carolina Propane was founded by Tommy and Allen Watford. According to Tommy Watford, “Allen and I agreed that it was time to retire, but we wanted to ensure that...

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  • Feature Articles

    World Forum Coming to Houston

    For the first time in four years, the World LPG Forum is being held in the United States. The 2018 edition of this globe-trotting annual conference and exhibition is to be held October 2-4 in Houston. Like the previous gatherings, the 31st World LPG Forum will feature displays of the LPG industry’s latest products and services, presentations of technical and market information, and opportunities to meet industry professionals from around the globe. Organized by the World LPG Association (WLPGA), it will draw officials from LPG companies, governments, and other organizations from many countries. “Across the world our product is basically the same, but not all businesses are run in the same way,” said James Rockall, CEO and managing director of WLPGA. “There is a real...

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  • Feature Articles

    PERC Helps Marketers Engage With Multi-Generational Audiences

    While all generations have similarities, significant differences define each one. The word generation (or a cohort in social science) signifies the entire body of individuals born and living at about the same time, most of whom are approximately the same age and share similar historical, cultural, and sociological references and experiences. These subcomponents of society also are identified as having common beliefs, ideas, preferences, problems, and attitudes that are used to define the traits that represent a generational group. The contemporary characterizations used today to define these groups derive from demographers William Strauss and Neil Howe (among others), whose acclaimed 1991 book, “Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069,” theorizes a recurring generation cycle in American history, outlined in a series of generational...

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  • Feature Articles

    Golf Fore Education Tournament To Benefit NPGF Scholarships

    (August 27, 2018) — The NPGF Scholarship Fund (NPGF/SF) and Scholarship Committee are inviting those attending the National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) fall board of directors meeting, to support the scholarship fund by taking part in the Trinity Containers 2018 Golf Fore Education tournament. The tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 29, at Wildcat Golf Club in Houston, prior to the NPGA board meeting. Players will receive a box lunch, refreshments, and many Greens Giveaways throughout the day. Greens fees and a cart are included, as well as bus transportation from the Four Seasons hotel to the golf course and back. Beginning at noon with a shotgun start with a scramble format, the tournament is followed by an awards ceremony that will have prizes for...

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  • People

    Women in Propane Council Becomes National Chapter of a Global Network

    The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Women in Propane Council (WIP) has signed an agreement to become an official National Chapter of the Women in LPG Global Network (WINLPG), which is managed by the World LPG Association (WLPGA). WINLPG supports and helps empower women in the industry by providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, and role models to enable a change in organizational attitude to become more inclusive for all genders at all levels. As a National Chapter of WINLPG, WIP agrees to support WINLPG’s three pillars of objectives: support and retain women in the industry via a unique global network; promotion and advocacy via role models, case studies, international media, and events; and educate and attract women to the industry. WIP is a successful, existing network...

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