Harrisburg, PA (October 24, 2019) — The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA), for the first time in history, presented the Distinguished Service Life Award to Hugh A. ‘Bud’ Rich, Jr. of Richgas, Inc., Kane, PA.
PA Propane Gas Assoc Presents first Distinguished Service Life Award Hugh Bud Rich Jr Richgas Kane PA reports BPN Oct 2019
Distinguished Service Life Award is for individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Association or to the propane industry and grants the recipient lifetime membership in the Association. A committee comprised of active Past Presidents and the President determine who warrants such an award. No more than one (1) such award shall be given in any Association year and it shall not be required that an award be given annually.

Based on PAPGA (limited) records, Mr. Rich, Jr. was elected to the Board of Directors in 1968 and stepped down June, 2019, 51 consecutive years. He is a Past President and also was the inaugural President to serve a two-year term, 1971-1973.

“It was my honor and privilege to nominate and present this award to Bud Rich, Jr. He is most deserving to be the first recipient of this prestigious award,’ said Harold Sweet, PAPGA President. “The Board of Directors and members unanimously voted to rename the award the Hugh A. ‘Bud’ Rich, Jr. Distinguished Service Life through a bylaw change.”

Mr. Rich, Jr., received an engraved hand blown blue flame glass award and a personalized wooden bobtail.

The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA) 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. PAPGA continues to focus on education, networking and representing the interest of Pennsylvania’s propane businesses to the government, while assisting members in remaining current on topics vital to the propane industry. The Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association is affiliated with the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) and Women in Propane Council (WIP).