2026 could prove to be a year of growth. Quality Steel’s Ohio facility is shown here. (Photo: Shirnae Richardson)

State of the Economy: Forecast for 2026

December 15, 2025 By Phillip M. Perry

A modest uptick in economic growth, beneficial legislation and lower interest rates should help companies boost profitability in 2026.

This article is tagged with December 2025, economy, State of the Economy, tariffs, Washington D.C. and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Propane Market Metrics: North American industrial truck retail orders

June 15, 2025 By LP Gas

The Industrial Truck Association unveiled the results of an economic impact analysis conducted by Oxford Economics, underscoring the…

This article is tagged with economy, Industrial Truck Association (ITA), June 2025, propane market metrics and posted in Current Issue, From the Magazine, Propane Market Metrics

Lower interest rates are a good sign for the 2025 economy. (Photo: alicat / E+ / Getty Images)

2024 State of the Economy: Predicted ‘growth year’ for 2025

December 18, 2024 By Phillip M. Perry

Businesses can look forward to a gradually improving operating environment in 2025, thanks to lower interest rates, moderating inflation and steady if unspectacular growth in the nation’s overall economic activity.

This article is tagged with business, December 2024, economy, employment, propane delivery, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, From the Magazine

Higher consumer confidence predicted for 2024 can only help propane retailers. (Photo courtesy of Co-Alliance Cooperative Inc.)

2023 State of the Economy: Tricky terrain

December 6, 2023 By Phillip M. Perry

High interest rates and slower economic growth will put increasing pressure on business profits in 2024, but market upsides exist.

This article is tagged with December 2023, economy, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Photo of propane tank fill by Kristin Schmit/Heartland Co-op

2022 State of the Industry: Propane retailers face raging forces

December 19, 2022 By Brian Richesson

In the nearly three years since propane retailers first stared down a global pandemic, they now face a host of economic factors impacting their operations.

This article is tagged with economy, Electrification, employees, Environmental messaging, Europe, Proctor Gas, propane gallons, propane retailers, renewable propane, State of the Industry, steel prices, supply and pricing, Top Propane Retailers and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Higher costs for wages and energy are among the pressures that could lead to an economic downturn in 2023. (Photo by LP Gas staff)

Economists predict slowdown in 2023

December 16, 2022 By Phillip M. Perry

After two years of frenetic commercial activity fueled by a post-pandemic recovery, strengthening headwinds will tap the brakes on a robust economy.

This article is tagged with economy, employment, Europe, State of the Economy, workforce and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Supply chain shocks prove need for changes

March 17, 2022 By Brian Richesson

The supply chain has been anything but stable, compelling the National Propane Gas Association to welcome a supply chain expert to its winter meetings.

This article is tagged with COVID-19, economy, National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), supply and pricing and posted in Blue Flame Blog

2021 State of the Economy: Positive vibes

December 21, 2021 By Phillip M. Perry

The economic forecast for 2022 promises a largely favorable operating environment for businesses of all sizes despite labor and supply-chain challenges.