Missouri propane council elects industry leadership

Several local propane professionals recently were elected to serve as directors and officers of the Missouri Propane Education & Research Council (MOPERC) at the group’s winter meeting Jan. 8 in Ridgedale, Missouri.

The slate of new leaders was approved at MOPERC’s fall meeting in Jefferson City, Missouri, and includes representatives from across the state who serve in various capacities.

Nick Goodrich of Goodrich Gas in Crocker, Missouri, was elected chair of the council, with Mark Porth of CHS in Lawson, Missouri, as vice chair and James Greer of MFA Oil in Columbia, Missouri, as treasurer.

Five incoming directors also were appointed to three-year terms: John Baucom of Prairieland FS in La Belle, Missouri; Kelsey Bright of Thompson Gas in Kansas City, Missouri; John Brokes of Big River Propane in Hannibal, Missouri; James Greer of MFA Oil in Columbia, Missouri; and Jeff Reitz of Central States Bus in Fenton, Missouri.

Outgoing directors Roger Hoff of Hoff Brothers LP-Gas in Perryville, Missouri, and Jenny Bryne of Doke Propane in Bolivar, Missouri, were recognized for their service to the council.

Directors continuing on the council are:

• Luke Fitzpatrick of MFA Oil in Jefferson City, Missouri.
• Marty Lerum of Propane Resources in Mission, Kansas.
• Kent Metcalf of Queen City Gas in Ozark, Missouri.
• Tim Peach of AmeriGas in Bolivar, Missouri.
• Samantha Reed-Persons of Reed Oil in Doniphan, Missouri.
• Derek Poe of AmeriGas in Branson, Missouri.
• Wayne Terpstra of Custom Truck One Source in Kansas City, Missouri.
• David Young of Gas Equipment Co. in Sunrise Beach, Missouri.

Steve Ahrens of Jefferson City, Missouri, serves as MOPERC president. MOPERC is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the Missouri legislature to administer a statewide check-off program. Proceeds are used for industry training, consumer safety, appliance rebates and market development programs. The council is composed of 15 volunteer directors and is administered by executive staff.

MOPERC has helped thousands of Missouri homeowners replace water heaters, furnaces and other appliances with new, more energy-efficient models. The council also created a Lawn Equipment Assistance Fund (LEAF), which has helped Missouri lawn contractors and landscape companies acquire propane-powered lawn mowers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving on operational costs. The council’s Clean Bus Replacement Plan has pledged $1 million over 10 years to help schools replace diesel buses with clean, quiet and cost-effective propane models.

*Featured image: arthobbit/iStock/Getty Images