Welcome to the family

The calendar on the wall says its September, but that can’t possibly be right. Where did summer go?

Patrick Hyland

It seems like I just got done finding summer jobs for my son and daughter, home from college and scrounging for cash. Both have already returned to their school campuses. And what about that Little League baseball team that I didn’t think I had time to coach? Did we really play almost 30 games?

There’s also a long list of things I meant to do before this hot, dry summer ended. It’s no surprise to those who know me best that much of that list is still intact.

I did intend to introduce several individuals who joined the LP Gas family as members of our Editorial Advisory Board last May. These individuals play a crucial role in providing guidance and insight to make sure this magazine lives up to its commitment to be the industry’s most trusted information source. They help generate story ideas and lend a critical eye in evaluating the finished product each month.

Most are familiar faces in the propane industry, having contributed their time and talents to various industry groups over the years. They were chosen to represent all factions of our industry, and I consider each of them a leader and visionary in the propane industry.

They are:

David Day, vice president and COO of Standard Manufacturing Inc. in Central Bridge, N.Y. David brings the experience and insights of the many equipment and service distributors who play such an integral role in serving our industry.

Dale Delay, president of Cost Management Solutions in Kingwood, Texas. Dale is an expert on propane supply and hedging, having worked with a number of large wholesale companies in his 25 years in the oil and gas industry. He also served on the Propane Education & Research Council.

David Lowe, a propane consultant in Grand Rapids, Mich. David worked his way up from driver to owner of his family’s retail operation, and also served as manager for several larger marketers in his 20 years in the industry.

Daryl McClendon, director of acquisitions for Ferrellgas Partners. This past president of both the National Propane Gas Association and the Propane Education & Research Council is a respected manager and propane businessman with both large and small retail operations for 25 years.

Daniel Myers worked for 25 years as chief lobbyist and chief staff executive for the National Propane Gas Association until his retirement in December of 2002. He has kept ties to the propane industry as a consultant and through the NPGA’s Marketers Management Forum and the Propane Education & Research Council.

Joseph Rose, president of Propane Plus in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. Joe has served 20 years as safety director, operations director and president of several propane retailers in the Northeast.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Lisa Bontempo as our new Washington columnist, beginning this issue. Lisa is a familiar face to our industry members, having served as legislative affairs director for NPGA from 1995 to 2003. She also raised funds for and managed Propane- PAC from 1990-95.

I know these trusted industry professionals will help ensure that LP Gas continues to meet your expectations as the propane industry’s premier information source.

Patrick Hyland

Editor

phyland@advanstar.com