LP/Gas articles from February 2008

LP/Gas archives from February 2008

Crusade against cancer: new industry group PROS4CARE to promote prostate cancer awareness.(View Point)
February 1, 2008... Bill Powers is one of the lucky ones. Ten years ago this month, the 44-year-old was transitioning from his duties as president and CEO of Star Gas Partners to overseeing the heating oil division of its parent company, Petro, the largest heating...

Chemical facility antiterrorism bill planned.
February 1, 2008... U.S. Rep. Bonnie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee and a Mississippi Democrat, plans to introduce new chemical facility anti-terrorism legislation by the end of February. The legislation aims to effectively provide...

New Mexico seeks regulation of propane.
February 1, 2008... Two proposals have been introduced in the New Mexico legislature to study the possible regulation of the propane gas industry by the state's public regulatory commission. The bills aim to ensure that New Mexicans, particularly those with...

Weekly filing option added to fuel credit.(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... President Bush has signed into law a measure that makes an important technical change for those who qualify for the 50-cent-per-gallon credit for alternative fuels--including propane--sold for use in a motor vehicle. Those qualifying for...

Court denies NPGA's requests on chemical facility standards.(VitalSigns: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)(National Propane Gas Association)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... A U.S. district court judge denied the National Propane Gas Association's (NPGA) request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Chemical Facility...

LP/gas stock index.(VitalSigns: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)
February 1, 2008... [PROPANE MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP COMPARISON] Quarter Price Company Symbol Ended (1/17/08) Distribution AmeriGas APU September $33.95 $2.44...

Heating degree days by state.(WeatherWatch)
February 1, 2008... [HEATING DEGREE DAYS BY STATE] DEVIATION DEVIATION FROM LAST 12 FROM STATE DECEMBER NORM MONTHS NORM Alabama ...

DOT proposal affects entry-level drivers.(United States. Department of Transportation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a proposed rule on Dec. 26 to revise the training requirements for entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV). Drivers applying for...

Gas pains.(VitalSigns: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)(Cartoon)
February 1, 2008... YOU'RE AT LEAST 30,000 BTUs THANKS... I THINK YOU'RE HOT TOO! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

FMCSA provides new registration tool.(Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The recently updated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Web site provides a new tool for registering with FMCSA or obtaining operating authority. Registration is available through the online "Help Me Register" feature. This is...

Propane's presence grows at builders' show.
February 1, 2008... The propane industry is working closer with the National Association of Home Builders to promote propane at the International Builders' Show, which will be held Feb. 13-16 in Orlando, Fla. To motivate builders to visit the industry's booth,...

WLPGA calls for research papers.
February 1, 2008... The World LP Gas Association is inviting the worldwide propane industry to submit original research papers to be presented at the second LP Gas Global Technology Conference on Sept. 26 in Seoul, Korea. Suggested research topics include power...

Retailers, builders get free HPB Expo passes.
February 1, 2008... The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association is offering two-day complimentary show passes to propane retailers and homebuilders who attend the HPB Expo in Atlanta on Feb. 29 and March 1. The show, which opens Feb. 28, attracts more than 14,000...

Award nominations now being accepted.
February 1, 2008... Nominations for the Propane Exceptional Energy Fleet Awards are being accepted. The awards recognize the achievements of on-road and off-road fleets that use propane for their vehicles and promote awareness of propane. Nominations, which...

Safety brochures focus on natural disasters.
February 1, 2008... A new suite of emergency response brochures have been published on how to help keep families that use propane safe before, during or after a natural disaster. Nine brochures have been developed to cover specific instructions when faced with a...

Paraco makes key acquisition in Mass.(Paraco Gas Corp. to acquire Uxbridge, operations of AmeriGas)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Paraco Gas Corp. announced the acquisition of the Uxbridge, Mass., operations of AmeriGas. Paraco assumes distribution of propane to 1,500 AmeriGas residential, commercial and industrial customers in towns and municipalities throughout...

Truck Enterprises opens new facility in Virginia.(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Truck Enterprises has opened a new full-service facility that, the company says, offers customers a large selection of new Kenworth trucks, enhanced service and easy accessibility. A member of Kenworth's dealer network of nearly 300 locations...

NPGF golf tournament planned for March 29.
February 1, 2008... The NPGF scholarship golf tournament will take place March 29 at Atlanta's Cobblestone Golf Course, in connection with the Southeastern Convention. For more information about the tournament, visit www.npgaexpo.com. Forms should be submitted by...

Gas Processors Association.(PEOPLE)(Gas Processors Association to appoint Stuart McCalman)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Stuart McCalman has been named director of government affairs for the Gas Processors Association (GPA). This is a newly created staff position that is responsible for the organization's legislative, regulatory and safety issues relating to...

Midland Manufacturing.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Kevin Woloszyk has been hired as Midland Manufacturing's new quality assurance manager. Woloszyk comes to Midland with 15 years of experience in the quality-assurance field. Most recently, he spent four years as a quality and manufacturing...

OPW Fueling Components.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... Brandon Grote has been named product manager of OPW Fueling Components' OPW Dispensing Products division. Grote will be responsible for new product development, product rationalization and product marketing. He will report to Rahul Deshmukh,...

Elster Gas North America.(PEOPLE)
February 1, 2008... * John Hughes has been appointed director of operations for Elster Meter Services. Based in Cartersville, Ga., Hughes will be responsible for managing all plant manufacturing operations for the refurbishment, repair and reverification of gas...

Vertrax.(PEOPLE)(Vertrax to appoint John Jennings, Chris Blasi and Keith Myers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... * John Jennings, Chris Blasi and Keith Myers are among the company's new hires to Vertrax Client Services. They have extensive experience in GIS, logistics and IT solutions. * Josh King and Raghu Mummadi have joined the already-established...

Safety procedure reviews.(IN THE KNOW)(Propane Resources surveys retail propane marketers)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Propane Resources surveyed 392 retail propane marketers from across the United States asking them the following questions about safety procedure reviews. We received responses from 45 companies. Here is what they had to say. Outcomes: ...

Events.(VitalSigns: INDUSTRY NEWS & NUMBERS)(Conference news)(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... * MARCH 3-4 New York Propane Gas Association annual spring conference at the Century House in Latham, NY. Contact Barbara Roach at nypga@ localnet.com or 518-383-3823. * MARCH 3-5 Gas Processors Association Convention at the Gaylord Texan...

HPBExpo scheduled for Feb. 28-March 1 at Atlanta's World Congress Center.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)(Hearth, Patio & Barbecue HPBExpo )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue HPBExpo is North America's largest indoor/outdoor living show with more than 450 exhibitors who display and demonstrate hearth products, pools and spas, casual furniture, barbecues and accessory products. This...

Barbecue.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)(Report)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Barbecue [HOMEOWNERS] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Of the 68 percent of people who own gas grills in the United States, 94 percent choose propane for their cooking needs. 77% of U.S. households own a grill or smoker 98% of those...

Hearth.(Data Points: PROPANE INDUSTRY NUMBERS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Hearth [HOMEOWNERS] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 50% of U.S. households own a fireplace or stove [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 80% of those households own a fireplace 39% of those households own a gas fireplace 15% of those...

Gassing up your propane sales: finding success in selling means emphasizing service and avoiding price-based pitches or bad-mouthing competitors.(SALESMANSHIP)(Cover story)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With today's heated competitive climate over ever-tightening American energy dollars, being an order-taker" and sitting back waiting for the telephone to ring has gone the way of the malt shop, bell-bottoms and...

Campaign lays foundation for connecting with builders: PERC's change in strategy considered key to growing, promoting industry in tight market.(CHANNEL MARKETING)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For seven years propane has steadily gained strength in the minds of consumers throughout the United States. Once a fuel virtually unknown outside rural America, 73 percent of people now say they are aware of...

Retailers rankings: profiles of the largest propane retail marketers in the United States.(TOP 50 PROPANE RETAILERS)(Company overview)(Company rankings)
February 1, 2008... [1] AmeriGas P.O. Box 965 Valley Forge, PA 19482 Phone: 610-337-7000 * Fax: 610-992-3242 Web site: www.amerigas.com Founded: 1959 Owners: Publicly held Outlets: 629 States: 48 Customers: 1,300,000 ...

Capital needs often overlooked: retail startup must meet capital requirements, expectations for success.(Business Matters)
February 1, 2008... Last month we addressed the financial fundamentals of a retail propane startup. The objective is to grow sales and gross margin to the scale that the business achieves profitability and then begins earning a sufficient return on equity capital...

Adding 'additional insureds': safety should be last umbrella for insulation from liability exposure issues.(Safety First)
February 1, 2008... Is it safe to add additional insureds to your policy? The answer is yes, if you want access to the terminal or the opportunity to continue doing business with that commercial customer. However, it is advisable to choose your additional insured...

Jury gives runaway verdict: plaintiffs awarded $50 million in case where gas water heater explodes.(Legal Brief)
February 1, 2008... Occasionally, I will read about a case that will demonstrate the importance of humanizing large manufacturers, gas companies and/or their insurers. Recently, I became aware of such an action that was tried in a Baldwin County circuit court in...

Climate-change focus heats up: a new energy law is in place; a cap-and-trade plan is under consideration.(Washington Report)
February 1, 2008... With the energy bill now written into law, the environmental, energy and business communities are turning their attention toward climate-change legislation. So what does this mean for 2008? House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John...

Thread and gasket sealant.(Product Showcase)(Gasoila Chemicals offers PLS 2)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Gasoila Chemicals offers PLS 2, a thread and gasket sealer that provides a tough seal in the most demanding industrial settings. It can be used safely in LPG applications. The sealer is effective from -100 degrees Fahrenheit to 600 degrees...

Gas monitors.(Product Showcase)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ultima XL/XT Series gas monitors by MSA provide HART Field Communications Protocol running over 4-20mA output. These units offer convenient setup, calibration, diagnostics and sensor disconnect under power within a...

Lift truck.(Product Showcase)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hyster Co. presents the Fortis line of lift trucks, each of which is offered with multiple powertrain configurations to meet specific application requirements and business objectives and to optimize productivity,...

Stripper/cutter.(Product Showcase)(Klein Tools to added its new QTR-Turn non-metallic cable stripper/cutter )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Klein Tools has added its new QTR-Turn non-metallic cable stripper/cutter with Klein-Kurve handles to its existing line of strippers and cutters. The QTR-Turn cable stripper/cutter quickly and easily removes the outer jacket of non-metallic...

Truck tires.(Product Showcase)
February 1, 2008... The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. introduces commercial-duty light-truck tires that address regulations established by the federal TREAD Act. The company has four new load-range E tire models: Unisteel G949 RSA and G947 RSS all-position tires and...

Calibration services.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Gas and petroleum processors using data loggers or chart recorders to ensure temperature, humidity or pressure conditions stay in acceptable ranges now can get added protection from Dickson Co. Compliance-Max calibrations combined with a Buddy...

Catalytic heaters.(New Products)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Bruest HotCat catalytic heaters provide efficient pipeline freeze protection for natural gas lines with precise, real-time temperature control. Bruest HotCat units have no moving parts and are self-contained for easy installation. The direct...

Gas furnace.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Heil QuietComfort DLX 80 gas furnace incorporates timesaving installation and service features into a reliable design. It is offered in 50 MBtuh to 150 MBtuh capacities. A double-wall door and thermal-lined,...

Gas stoves.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... Evolution Trade Group LLC announces the addition of the Nestor Martin to its distribution product lines. The Nestor Martin product line features contemporary freestanding wood burning and direct vent gas stoves with high quality and distinctive...

Smoke detection system.(New Products)(AirSense Technology)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... AirSense Technology introduces MatrixScan, a virtual smoke detection system. Aspirating smoke detector signaling architecture has enabled the company to develop a cross-matrix system to provide fully localized detection with relatively few...

Gas furnace.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... The Comfortmaker SoftSound IIS 80 gas furnace offers the comfort and efficiency of a two-stage operation in a durable design. A direct hot surface ignition system features an advanced silicon nitride igniter for reliable starts. The primary...

Gas furnace.(New Products)
February 1, 2008... The Tempstar PS92 gas furnace has a dual-vent design to allow one- or two-pipe installation. It features multi-speed pre-lubricated PSC blower motors, an induced-draft blower and in-shot burners, and it includes a single-stage gas valve and...

Georgia gas distributors: former NPGA board chairman continues 'vision'.(Snap Shot: COMPANIES TO WATCH)
February 1, 2008... Gerry Misel's roots are strong in Georgia. He grew up in Sandy Springs, about one mile from the office he oversees as president of Georgia Gas Distributors Inc. From a "basic, little propane company" that his father bought in 1957 to the...