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.

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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.

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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.

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

Photo: tttuna/E+/Getty Images

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.

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

Photo courtesy of Ferrellgas

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.

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This article is tagged with COVID-19, economics, economy, State of the Economy, supply, supply and pricing, workforce, workforce development and posted in Current Issue, Featured, From the Magazine

Moody’s expects 2020 to be the first year of a strong residential construction recovery led by single-family homes. Photo: jhorrocks/E+/Getty Images

Expect happy consumers but slowing economic growth in 2020

January 7, 2020 By Phillip M. Perry

Full employment and a robust housing market are supporting a decent economy, but uncertainty is building in the nation’s boardrooms.

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This article is tagged with economy, Moody’s Analytics, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, Featured

Media: LP Gas Magazine

Challenges, opportunities test retailers’ business models

January 8, 2018 By Michael Sloan and Eric Kuhle

In 2018, ICF expects the retail propane industry to be characterized by transformation and change.

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This article is tagged with business, domestic demand, economy, Eric Kuhle, ICF, Michael Sloan, propane demand, propane prices, State of the Economy and posted in Current Issue, Featured

Propane retailers help to drive growth with each new delivery of propane. Confidence among businesses and consumers is yet another driver of growth. Photo courtesy of Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp.

2018 boasts positive economic outlook

January 5, 2018 By Phillip M. Perry

Businesses should enjoy a robust 2018, thanks to growing employment rates, rising wages and low borrowing costs.

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This article is tagged with economy, employment, Moody’s Analytics, Phillip M. Perry, Sophia Koropeckyj, State of the Economy, Ventor Consulting and posted in Current Issue, Featured

Photo by Kevin Yanik

2016-17 State of the Economy

January 9, 2017 By Phillip M. Perry

Rising employment, higher wages and continuing gains in housing and business investment help counter concerns about skilled worker shortages.

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This article is tagged with economy, Moody’s Analytics, Phillip M. Perry, propane industry, State of the Economy, Ventor Consulting and posted in Current Issue

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Propane retailers face new market forces

December 16, 2016 By Michael Sloan and Eric Kuhle

It’s important for retailers to understand the new market forces at work.

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This article is tagged with economy, Eric Kuhle, ICF, Michael Sloan, propane market, propane marketers, propane retailers, State of the Industry and posted in Current Issue