LP/Gas articles from January 2002

LP/Gas archives from January 2002

Time for change arrives.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The new year always arrives with the opportunity for a fresh start, even though most of us never do fulfill that resolution to quit smoking or to drop a few belt notches with a smarter, more disciplined regimen. This year could well mark a...

Technology: Can it help your business?(Brief Article)(Editorial)
January 1, 2002... Have you heard of these buzzwords lately: E-commerce, Web-enabled, Internet, intranet? How about these initials: ASP, MRP, ERP, CRM, or ECM? We have all seen ads or heard promises of solutions to all of your problems through technology. ...

MAILBOX.
January 1, 2002... Oil independence The after-effects from the Sept. 11th tragedy force America to think outside the box when it comes to threats to our national security. What once seemed unimaginable must now be considered possible. The Bush...

NOVEMBER WEATHER WATCH.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... NOVEMBER WEATHER WATCH Heating degree days by state State November Deviation Year- Deviation from norm to-Date[*] from norm Alabama 226 -121...

Pipeline safety remains high priority.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Office of Pipeline Safety had scheduled its regional directors meeting for Sept. 11 in Colorado. News of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. that morning changed the agenda in the middle of the meeting. "We...

Deadline extended.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Because interested parties may have been sidetracked with security concerns in the wake of terrorist attacks, the Research & Special Programs Administration has reopened -- until Feb. 1 -- the comment period on its proposed Hazardous Materials...

Driver license renewals.(effect of Antiterrorism Act of 2001)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A new law bars states from issuing or renewing hazmat drivers' licenses until DOT clears applicants as security risks and receive a background check through the Justice Department. But the Patriot Act provision doesn't take effect until DoT...

Weatherization funds.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... States will get $230 million this year from the Weatherization Assistance Program. President George W. Bush signed a fiscal year 2002 funding bill for the Department of the Interior and related agencies with the money. The bill encourages but...

Rules eased.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Rules for weatherizing homes have become more flexible. The Department of Energy announced, effective immediately, it has removed some cumbersome provisions involved in the Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons. From now...

Hazmat safety.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... More stringent checks of hazmat drivers might be coming. Four senators, including Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.), chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, and ranking committee Republican John McCain (Ariz.), introduced the...

Cargo tanks.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Rules for cargo tank motor vehicles are getting an upgrade. RSPA has proposed rules to implement National Transportation Safety Board recommendations and several public petitions to upgrade safety and reduce operating and manufacturing burdens....

Transportation oversight.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... A new Transportation Security Oversight Board will take charge of federal rules governing hazmat transport, though its duties are unclear. The board, which was created by the recently enacted Aviation & Transportation Security Act. Though the...

More inspectors.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Office of Pipeline Safety will get the 26 additional inspectors and enforcement staff it wanted following Congressional approval of a 2002 DOT funding bill. How much will the increased staff help patrol more than 2 million of miles of...

Fuel Cell Fever : Ongoing investment inches propane closer to fuel cell reality.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... Years of hype about "wave of the future" technology that could double propane use in the average home have failed to ignite the enthusiasm of most propane marketers who are still waiting to see their first fuel cell, let alone its impact on...

PERC awards $16 million for research, advertising, safety.(Propane Education & Research Council)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The Propane Education & Research Council is backing further research into fuel cells, additional marketing and communications outreach and a fourth phase of its safety program after voting to spend nearly $16 million in grants and state...

Empire Comfort Systems completes Broilmaster buy.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Empire Comfort Systems has completed the purchase of Martin Industries' Broilmaster gas grill division. John Hart, president of Empire Comfort Systems, said Empire would sell Broilmaster grills through specialty retailers, like the rest of...

Ferrellgas acquires retailer Alabama Butane.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Ferrellgas Partners will add 2,600 customers and more than 2 million gallons to its retail sales volume with the acquisition of Alabama Butane Company Inc. The company, based in Birmingham, Ala., was previously owned by Van McClurkin.

Heritage buys N.C., N.H. propane companies.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Heritage Propane Partners has acquired two more propane companies, Tri-County Propane Inc. of Denton, N.C., and Franconia Gas Corp. of Littleton, N.H. The Tri-County Propane deal gives Heritage 600 more customers and 350,000 additional...

Thompson Gas buys HVAC company, expands service.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Thompson Gas & Electric Service Inc. will begin servicing heating and air conditioning equipment with the recent acquisition of Tri-State Energy Corp. and Tri-State Clean Air Systems Inc. of Hagerstown, MD. Former Tri-State owner James...

PERC unveils 'Energy Savings Calculator' on Web site.(Propane Education & Research Council)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... In an effort to prove the cost advantages of propane to potential customers, the Propane Education & Research Council is making an "Energy Savings Calculator" available to Internet users. The tool allows consumers to select variables,...

DOE updating propane motor fuel station site listings.(Department of Energy)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The U.S. Department of Energy is updating the list of propane vehicle refueling sites it maintains to allow visitors to search for convenient locations to obtain propane motor fuel. The list, which can be accessed at...

Site selection service helps NPGA members scout locations.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... National Propane Gas Association members looking to relocate or expand may take advantage of a site selection service offered through the National Association of Manufacturers Associations Council. The NAM Site Selection Network...

NFPA explains to the public its guidelines for hazmat response.(National Fire Protection Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... The National Fire Protection Association has developed a page on its Web site to provide public access to the guidelines and standards its members follow when responding to hazardous substances. The page, available at www.nfpa.org, was...

Tube fittings.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Parker Hannifin Corp. has developed a complete line of A-LOK four-piece Instrumentation Tube fittings. The fittings contain the Parker Suparcase stainless steel rear ferrule inside each fittings to create a tight, leak-free connection that...

Product catalog.
January 1, 2002... Milwaukee Valve Co. has issued a 16-page catalog to provide information on pressure ratings, industry applications, construction materials, design elements and size ranges of its manual and actuated valves. For a free copy, call...

Emergency unit.
January 1, 2002... Munters Moisture Control Services introduces its propane-powered Emergency Response Unit, a self-contained package mounted on a trailer and designed to be used when electricity is lost during an emergency. The unit includes a dehumidifier...

Process-control analyzer.
January 1, 2002... Sensor Electronics has designed a new process-control analyzer to monitor ultra-high concentrations of propane, methane, butane or other gases. The analyzer taps into the gas-flow manifold or pipe for continuous sampling. Analyses can be...

Product information.
January 1, 2002... Schlumberger Measurement Division has issued a new CD with complete flow measurement product information. The CD includes descriptions, photographs, specifications, performance data, typical application flow charts and more. It runs on...

Wireless processor.
January 1, 2002... Virtual Solutions Inc. is offering a new portable, wireless transmitter that allows delivery personnel to process ATM and debit cards for payment. The battery-powered unit eliminates the need for credit card transactions and the...

Gas match.
January 1, 2002... U.S. Catalytic Corp. unveils the new Olympian GM-10 Continuous Ignition Gas Match. The refillable continuous ignition system shoots a spark over the gas jet, ensuring the constant lighter flame. Should the lighter flame extinguish, the...

Inergy.(adds advisors and managers)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Inergy has added eight new advisors and managers and promoted two others at the company's Kansas City, Mo., headquarters.

Bob Archer.
January 1, 2002... Bob Archer joined the company's wholesale division as a client advisor for the Midwest region. He previously was a customer service/inventory manager for Praxair Surface Technologies Inc.

Ron Bolster.
January 1, 2002... Ron Bolster joined the company as senior account advisor for the wholesale division. He previously was a senior account manager for Ferrell North America.

Frank Kidd.
January 1, 2002... Frank Kidd is the new trading and risk manager. He previously was manager of propane supply, logistics and trading with Country Energy in Kansas City.

Bryon Muchow.
January 1, 2002... Bryon Muchow has joined the wholesale division as a client advisor for the Midwest region. He previously held a sales position with Hi Roller Conveyors.

Mary Adams.(Inergy L.P.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Mary Adams joins Inergy as administrative manager. She most recently was with Kansas City Equity Partners.

Bill Hancock.(Risk Control)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Bill Hancock is the new manager of risk control. He previously was in purchasing with Farmland Meats Group.

Michael Laurie.
January 1, 2002... Michael Laurie is a new analyst in mergers and acquisitions. A certified public accountant, he previously was with Arthur Andersen.

Lisa O'Donnell.
January 1, 2002... Lisa O'Donnell is a new accounting manager in the finance department. O'Donnell, a certified public accountant, previously was an accounting manager with Aspect Medical Systems.

Julie King.
January 1, 2002... Julie King was promoted from accounting/payroll clerk to contract administrator in the company's wholesale division.

MingChee Ng.
January 1, 2002... MingChee Ng was promoted from receptionist/administrative assistant to customer service representative in the wholesale division.

Valley National Gases.(Deborah Ann Carter-Gordley)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Valley National Gases Inc., a welding and gas supply company based in Wheeling, W.Va., has appointed Deborah Ann Carter-Gordley as vice president of human resources. Carter-Gordley most recently was a principal for Carter & Associates, an...

Propane Resources.(David Webb)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Propane Resources has hired David Webb to work in transportation and dispatch. Webb has more than 15 years of experience in retail propane marketing, in jobs ranging from bulk truck driver to district manager.

Heatilator.(Tracy Shull )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Tracy Shull has been appointed Heatilator's gas products manager for the marketing department. He has more than 15 years of experience with Heatilator, with portions of his career spent in manufacturing, research and development, field service...

Managed Energy Solutions.(appoints Jon Miller)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... Managed Energy Solutions of Tulsa, Okla., has appointed Jon Miller to its propane marketing division. Miller has been marketing propane in the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast regions since 1996 and has experience with price management tools...

CALENDAR.
January 1, 2002... February 6-7 West Virginia Propane Gas Association legislative and membership meeting at the Marriott Hotel in Charleston, West Virginia. For details, call Tom Osina at 703.486-8722. February 9-12 NPGA board meeting at the Hilton...

LP/GAS STOCK INDEX.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 1, 2002... LP/GAS STOCK INDEX Propane Master Limited Partnership Comparison Company Symbol Quarter Price Distribution Yield Ended (12/14/01) AmeriGas APU Sept. $21.56 ...

Propane MLP Price History.
January 1, 2002... [GRAPH OMITTED] Historic price index Propane stock price history calculated by averaging unweighted prices for AmeriGas, Cornerstone, Ferrellgas, Heritage, Inergy, Star Gas and Suburban master limited partnerships. Sources: Public...

Top-flight TECHNOLOGY : New gas-fired heating system improves airplane de-icing process.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2002... If you've ever sat on an airplane after a long night of freezing temperatures, you know the special drill that awaits the crew and passengers before their aircraft can climb into the morning sky. Lingering cold and precipitation cause a...