SEPA hosts 2024 annual convention

Photo courtesy of SEPA

Tyler Misel, director of operations and safety at Georgia Gas Distributors, John Jessup, president and CEO of the Southeast Propane Alliance.
(Photo courtesy of SEPA)

More than 300 attendees were at the Southeast Propane Alliance (SEPA) annual convention June 9-11 at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and Tom Van Buren, chairman of the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), gave industry updates. Attendees participated in committee meetings and several industry professionals were recognized for outstanding contributions.

“This is what our industry is all about,” Perkins said at the event. “Manufacturers, retailers, all the partners coming together to talk about how to move this industry forward. It has been a wonderful week in South Carolina.”

Van Buren said that PERC’s board made strategic and purposeful changes to increase targeted rebates for gallon growth. He said the change embodied the saying “just because it’s the way it’s been done doesn’t mean it’s the way it has to be done.”

“As a marketer in SEPA and for my first association visit as NPGA chairman, what a fantastic event,” Van Buren said. “The passion and commitment from those attending was evident in the meetings discussing and taking action to address critical needs in our industry. Hearing the latest in the development and training enhancements at SEPATEC working with PERC and NPGA ACE program was forward-thinking and impressive. Industry collaboration at its finest.”

Photo courtesy of SEPA

“It’s evident that the meticulous planning and dedication of the convention committee truly paid off,” added John Jessup, president and CEO of SEPA. “The seamless integration of both professional and leisure activities ensured that every participant had a fulfilling experience. From the insightful committee meetings to the engaging board sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, every aspect of the event contributed to its success.”

During the convention, Tyler Misel, director of operations and safety at Georgia Gas Distributors, passed the SEPA chairman role to Angi Harris, chief executive officer at Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment, who will lead SEPA’s board for the upcoming year. Other awards at the event included:

Dealer of the Year
Reagan Bonnette, president, Stringer Oil & LP Gas Company
The Dealer of The Year is recognized by their peers for their work supporting the advancement of the association, its members, and the industry.

Supplier of the Year
Cody Reeves, LPG & NH3 product manager, RegO
The Supplier of The Year is recognized for the work, often done behind the scenes, to benefit and support the association and its members.

Women’s Leadership Award
Cyndi Kibler, owner, Professional Compliance Services
The Women’s Leadership Award honors a female industry member for her business success, career achievements and contributions to the community. The awards hopes to catalyze continued growth of women in the industry.

Photo courtesy of SEPA

Finest Under Forty Award
Peyton Moody, regional manager, Meritum Energy
The Finest Under Forty Award recognizes a rising professional in the industry.

Social Media Wizard Award
Kirsten McAlpin, director of marketing and public relations, Conger LP Gas
A new award, The Social Media Wizard is given to an individual or organization that excels in using social media to craft captivating content, driving exceptional results.

Chairman’s Award
Lenny Hall, EVP of Fuel & Propane Operations, Berico Fuels
Kim Folger, co-owner, Folger Gas

SEPA plans to hold its annual convention at the same location June 15-18, 2025.

SEPA, established in 2021, promotes, protects and encourages the growth of the LP gas industry in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, which account for more than 687 million gallons of propane combined.