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Feature Articles

In-depth feature stories examining the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the propane and LPG industry.

  • BPN Showcases Industry Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BPN is featuring companies that support a breast cancer-related organization by donating a percentage of proceeds from the gallons delivered by a “pink” branded bobtail truck. Profiles of the companies and the great work they do will be featured online at www.BPNews.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Koppy’s Propane is the first company to be featured. Koppy's Propane happily supports the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. The PA Breast Cancer Coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy, and breast cancer research grants. Koppy’s Propane donates one cent per gallon delivered from their pink truck. Koppy Propane feels strongly about research and finding a cure for this…
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  • Energy Distribution Partners Acquires CMP Energy In Pennsylvania

    CMP Energy (CMP), a privately owned company based in Philipsburg, PA, has been acquired by Chicago, Illinois-based Energy Distribution Partners (“EDP”). CMP Energy provides propane, home heating oil and HVAC service to approximately 8,000 residential customers across central Pennsylvania. Energy Distribution Partners CEO Tom Knauff stated, “We are delighted to have CMP Energy join the EDP family of companies. CMP has been dedicated to providing exceptional propane and heating oil service to customers in Central Pennsylvania for more than 60 years. We recognize that the Mitchell family has developed a loyal following over that period of time and we look forward to making certain that their company’s legacy will be preserved.” CMP Energy was founded by Robert Mitchell in 1954 as the Mitchell Oil Company….
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  • Ferrellgas Appoints Interim President and CEO Effective Immediately

    Overland Park, KS (September 28, 2016) — Ferrellgas Partners, LP today announced that James E. Ferrell, Company founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, has been appointed as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Ferrell, who founded and lead Ferrellgas from 1969 until 2009, succeeds Stephen L. Wambold who became Chief Executive Officer in 2009. In 1997, Wambold began his career at Ferrellgas as a district manager in Indiana and in 2006 was appointed COO. Wambold stepped down from his role as President, CEO, and member of the Board the same day the company reported a $665.4 million loss for fiscal year ending July 31. The prior year Ferrellgas reported net earnings of $29.6 million, the company announced in a release….
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  • Flint Transit Agency Saves Taxpayer Dollars, Reduces Pollution with new Blue Bird Propane Autogas Buses

    FLINT, MICHIGAN (September 27, 2016) – The recent delivery of 16 alternative fuel buses to the Flint, Michigan Mass Transportation Agency signals the largest rollout of Blue Bird Propane Visions for commercial use. According to Flint MTA, the new alternative fuel buses cut costs, reduce harmful emissions and take advantage of a domestically produced fuel. Compared with the diesel buses they replaced, each bus will cut down on 800 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 35 pounds of particulate matter annually. “Blue Bird Propane Visions buses allow Flint to provide green, affordable public transportation while saving taxpayer dollars,” said Ed Benning, general manager and CEO for Flint Mass Transportation Agency. Flint MTA purchased the buses with Federal Transit Administration funding. The FTA New Model Bus Testing…
    Read More →: Flint Transit Agency Saves Taxpayer Dollars, Reduces Pollution with new Blue Bird Propane Autogas Buses
  • Purchase Of Ozark County LP Gas Marks MFA’s 34th Acquisition Since 2012

    COLUMBIA, MO (September 27, 2016) – MFA Oil Company has acquired Ozark County LP Gas Company, Inc., a propane retailer with offices in Gainesville, Mo. and Mountain Home, Ark. “The acquisition of Ozark County LP fills a market void in our southern Missouri territory and builds on our growing presence in Arkansas,” says Jon Ihler, MFA Oil vice president of sales and marketing. Ozark County LP Gas Company has primarily served the propane needs of residential customers in south-central Missouri and north-central Arkansas for more than 50 years. “Johnna Morgan and her family have built an outstanding business, and we are proud that they have chosen us to carry on their tradition of integrity and service to their customers,” says Ihler. “We will make the…
    Read More →: Purchase Of Ozark County LP Gas Marks MFA’s 34th Acquisition Since 2012
  • EPA Reports Propane Autogas Dramatically Reduces Harmful Emissions Compared To Gasoline

    SWANNANOA, NC (September 26, 2016) — In a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions test, the Ford Transit showed dramatic reductions of harmful emissions while performing on propane autogas when compared to the same engine operating on gasoline. What is the Significance of EPA Testing? EPA testing is required for any alternative vehicle fuel system operating in the United States. Without this complex certification process, alternative fuel manufacturers and vehicle operators would be liable for emissions tampering on vehicles, which can result in significant fines. Not only does this process look at tailpipe emissions directly, but also builds in emissions deteriorations factors to 120,000 miles, meaning the emissions standard will be met for the entirety of a typical vehicle’s lifecycle. The Results Through this rigorous…
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  • Cavagna Group expands new ERP System to include Cavagna North America, Inc.

    (Brescia, Italy) — Cavagna Group recently announced the expansion of its new ERP system to include its subsidiary, Cavagna North America, Inc., located in Somerset, New Jersey. Cavagna Group has partnered with SAP, the market leader in enterprise application software. “The implementation of SAP represents the company’s single largest technology infrastructure investment in our 70 year history. This strategic investment will provide us the opportunity to sustain growth and ensure future success in an evolving digital economy,” said Ezio Cavagna, Group President. “As we launch SAP in North America, we recognize that it will optimize our information exchange globally. The resulting efficiencies will allow Cavagna to provide our customers with the highest quality LPG and Compressed Gas products in the world,” said Richard Darché, president,…
    Read More →: Cavagna Group expands new ERP System to include Cavagna North America, Inc.
  • Mulhern Gas Company Celebrates 5th Generation Family Propane Business

    HUDSON, NY – Mulhern Gas Company is pleased to announce the addition of Richard “Rick” Cummings, IV, to their staff based in Hudson, New York. In joining the company, Cummings represents the fifth generation of the Cumming’s family at Mulhern Gas. Mr. Cummings is a 2011 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, NY, and a 2015 graduate of Colgate University in Hamilton, NY, where he received an honors degree in Geology. His work at Colgate has subsequently been published by the Geological Society of America. Mulhern Gas Company is a full-service propane provider service with customers in Columbia, Greene, Dutchess, and Rensselear Counties. Mulheron was founded in 1918 by Thomas J. Mulhern as a coal provider. The company later moved into fuel oil distribution…
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  • Smith Gas Co. Celebrates 88 Years in Business

    Established in 1928 by William M. Smith, Smith Gas Co. Inc. celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2016 and has become a landmark on Third Street in Floresville, Texas. To celebrate this extraordinary milestone, owner Steve Smith, grandson of William Smith, invites customers and community members to the company’s “Open House” during the entire month of September. Smith Gas Co. will be offering a variety of great deals, prizes, refreshments, and propane, of course. If your mindset is, “I don’t use propane, I don’t need to go there,” think again. Smith Gas offers an extensive selection of elite stainless steel cookware, fire pits, and gas grills, not to mention kitchen utensils and gift baskets. Smith Gas will commemorate its 88 years in business throughout the month…
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  • Oregon Sheriff’s Office Saves Thousands By Converting Fleet to Propane Autogas

    The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) in Albany, Oregon, converted its vehicle fleet to operate on a bi-fuel system that runs on propane autogas as well as gasoline. To date, converting the vehicle fleet to also run on clean-burning propane autogas has saved the agency nearly $24,000 in fuel costs in 2015, said Randy Camp, general manager of CoEnergy Propane. CoEnergy Propane has offices in Albany and Redmond, Oregon. Last month, CoEnergy Propane also presented a $6,700 check to Benton County during a Board of Commissioners meeting. The check represented the 50-cent per gallon Federal rebate that is available for vehicles that operate on propane autogas. “There are other entities now that are looking at converting to propane autogas all over the state,” Camp said….
    Read More →: Oregon Sheriff’s Office Saves Thousands By Converting Fleet to Propane Autogas
  • Palmetto Gas Grows Gallons With Outdoor Living Product Showroom

    Palmetto Gas (Ridgeland, S.C.), a Blossman Gas company, recently expanded its store to incorporate an 1800-sq-ft dedicated “Outdoor Living and Hearth Showroom.” The addition features an array of outdoor living and fireplace products including direct- and vent-free fireplaces, an entire gas log wall, fire pits, propane gas heaters, grills, and more. Al Brownrigg, store manager, indicated the company saw an opportunity with an empty bay to expand into outdoor living products for the builder/contractor market. The plan is to market directly to the homeowners in the Ridgeland/Hilton Head communities. Palmetto Gas recently held a "Contractor’s Night" with more than 50 contractors in attendance. “They loved seeing our products on display rather than in a catalog. Two of our largest builders, H2 Builders and Randy Jeffcoat,…
    Read More →: Palmetto Gas Grows Gallons With Outdoor Living Product Showroom
  • Blue Bird Showcases Range of Commercial Propane Autogas Buses at BusCon 2016

    INDIANAPOLIS (September 19, 2016) — Commercial bus fleet operators looking for innovative, quality, and affordable transportation will find many options at the Blue Bird booth (501) at BusCon 2016, (Indiana Convention Center, Sept. 19-21) where the bus industry meets each year for business. Blue Bird will showcase a full range of small and medium-sized buses delivering excellent fuel economy, enhanced driver visibility and improved passenger comfort. “At Blue Bird, we’re proud of our 90-year history of building buses to the most stringent safety and quality standards,” says Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “Our commercial line customers always get the best of the best in terms of chassis and body construction and safety, so they can transport their passengers comfortably and safely, year…
    Read More →: Blue Bird Showcases Range of Commercial Propane Autogas Buses at BusCon 2016

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