Transcripts from a congressional hearing don’t exactly equate to light reading, but one can gain an understanding about winter supply and distribution challenges facing the propane industry from testimony given last month in Washington, D.C. National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) President and CEO Rick Roldan represented the industry before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, positioned under the Committee... read more
Fundamental solutions for the propane customer, marketer The silver lining in adversity is lessons are learned and people become stronger by overcoming the challenge. Certainly this past winter presented ample opportunity for our industry to learn and become stronger. Arguably, it was the most adverse period in our industry’s history. So, what did we learn and how did this past... read more
A woman approached a stock boy in the produce section of a grocery store one day and asked for a half-head of lettuce. He tried to explain that she needed to buy a whole head, but she insisted. He told her that he would have to ask his manager. He then walked into the back room but didn’t notice that... read more
Fielding the best players will make your propane team a winner In this age of smartphones, online shopping carts and big box stores, a propane retailer needs to field a team of winners to compete successfully in the sales of heating equipment, appliances and other burner tips. The equipment manufacturer, your first baseman, needs to be a solid performer. Each... read more
BL Energie USA, a joint venture of BL Energie Canada and Blossman Services, is now providing Environmental Protection Agency- and California Air Resources Board-certified systems for diesel displacement systems. BL Energie USA will develop, certify, market and sell diesel displacement systems for heavy-duty Class 7 and 8 trucks. Prins Alternative Fuel Systems, the developer of vapor, liquid and direct-injection engine... read more
Software and consulting company Cargas now offers Cargas Energy 2014, an upgraded back-office system to help retail propane operations manage, grow and diversify their delivery businesses. The web-based system is enhanced with a modern design and new features that allow customer service representatives (CSRs) to interact more easily and efficiently with end-use customers. Features include a new home screen with... read more
Supply delivery disruptions. Propane plant fires. Delivery vehicle accidents. These are just three of an infinite number of crisis situations that can unfold for propane retailers. And having a plan to combat these situations in the face of media scrutiny is instrumental to maintaining business as close to usual as possible, says Michael Meath, founder and president of communications firm... read more
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) will host a public hearing May 19 at 9:30 a.m. in U.S. Department of Labor’s auditorium in Washington, D.C. A rulemaking proposal that would extend the deadline for crane operator certification by three years to Nov. 10, 2017 will be discussed. Anyone who wishes to testify must submit a notice of intention to... read more
Kat Cole’s journey to president of Cinnabon and the business strategies that have made the cinnamon roll-making company among the most recognized brands in the country topped the Southeast show’s general session focus. Cole related her stories of success and setbacks to propane industry companies. She talked about the importance of change, partnerships and having the right people in place.... read more
