LP/Gas articles from July 2003

LP/Gas archives from July 2003

Listen to the coach. (View Point).(Lou Holz)
July 1, 2003... The hotel ballroom roared to life with the applause of 375 propane professionals anxious to hear a national sports icon and one of America's most inspiring speakers at the NPGA 2003 Pinnacle Conference June 3 in New Orleans. Necks craned...

Business plan survey. (In The Know).(propane industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A recent Propane University was held in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland. Before starting the session this survey was given to them to determine the direction of the seminar. Topic: Business Plans Participants: Owners and...

LP/gas stock index.(Illustration)
July 1, 2003... Propane Master Limited Partnership Comparison Company Symbol Quarter Price Distribution Ended (6/13/03) AmeriGas APU March $27.13 $2.20 Ferrellgas * FGP ...

Propane MLP price history.
July 1, 2003... Historic price index Propane stock price history calculated by averaging unweighted prices for AmeriGas, Ferrellgas, Heritage, Inergy, Star Gas and Suburban master limited partnerships. Sources: Public information and A.G. Edwards &...

Weather watch.(Illustration)
July 1, 2003... Heating degree days by state State May Deviation Last 12 Deviation from norm months from norm Alabama 21 -19 2890 -25 Alaska 565 ...

Upcoming events.(propane/gas industry)(Calendar)
July 1, 2003... * July 17-19 South Carolina Propane Gas Association annual convention at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort in Savannah, Georgia. For details contact Corky Clark at 803-865-2284. * July 19-23 Michigan Propane Gas Association annual summer...

Safety leadership must be challenged. (Safety First).(propane industry)
July 1, 2003... Many times our employees wait in need of important safety validation, information and inspiration. Meanwhile, it takes a multi-metaphoric two-by-four across the head before most leaders open up to progressive possibilities or management...

All customers don't offer equal value customers determine business value. (Business Matters).(propane industry)
July 1, 2003... Many in this industry mistakenly believe that the value of their business will go up if only they sold more gallons. This assumption is wrong and we can demonstrate that your choices on customer types (where your tanks are placed and where your...

Is your supply crystal ball cloudy? (Let's Talk).(propane industry)
July 1, 2003... It has been interesting to visit with propane marketers this past winter and at supply seminars that we put on throughout the country. Propane marketers are looking for solutions to their supply, logistic and risk management problems based on...

Federal regulations just keep coming. (Washington Report).(gas transport)
July 1, 2003... Even this Republican administration is creating new regulations for hazmat carriers and others in the propane business. First of all, it introduced a reauthorization bill for the Transportation Equity Act. The proposal would allow Federal...

Stock build (1). (Briefly Speaking).(Clean School Bus Pilot Program)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The House Science Committee has approved a bill to fund a $300 million, three-year Clean School Bus Pilot Program, which could include grants to school districts to try propane-powered vehicles. The bill also includes a $200 million pilot...

Stock build (2). (Briefly Speaking).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Another effort is underway to study energy price spikes. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) introduced the Consumer & Small Business Energy Commission Act, which would study drastic increases in the costs of propane and other fuels and recommend ways...

The letter of the law on employment. (Legal Ease).(social insurance numbers)
July 1, 2003... More than 700,000 Social Security Administration mismatch letters are sent each year. How should an employer respond to one these letter? Does the employee need to be fired? Is the employer subject to fines when an employee uses the wrong...

Will rising health care costs cripple your business? Health benefits becoming a luxury that some employers can no longer afford.(propane industry)
July 1, 2003... Mike Matthews was on the job one day last year when he felt a repeat of an odd feeling in his chest. The same discomfort also had taken place the day before. Now, he wondered whether it could be serious. "I felt a little angina and...

High times: why your business should test for substance abuse.
July 1, 2003... Concerned about drug and alcohol abuse among your employees? You should be. A 1999 study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that 70 percent of illicit drug users age 18-49 are employed full...

Faster, safer, cheaper: bustling cylinder exchange sales push demand for automated filling equipment.(propane industry)
July 1, 2003... Outdoor cooking continues to drive up sales at propane cylinder exchange racks across the country, but the popular American pastime also is pressing cylinder fillers to improve efficiencies to meet growing overhead demands. The typical...

Big business backups: propane-generated synthetic natural gas offers promise for winter crunch.
July 1, 2003... If the nation's natural gas supply remains critically low and sky-high in price this winter as projected, propane dealers may be able to benefit from a niche market that is gathering steam domestically as well as overseas. Synthetic...

Federal tax relief bill promises help for propane marketers. (Washington, D.C.).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The $350 billion tax relief bill, signed into law recently by President George Bush as the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, could spell significant bonuses for propane marketers. It will allow propane marketers and others to...

Inergy buys West Coast NGL business from EOTT Energy. (Kansas City, Missouri).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Two major deals--one on each coast--will mean an even larger national presence for Inergy, the country's eighth-largest propane marketer. Inergy plans to purchase the West Coast natural gas liquids business of EOTT Energy for $10.1...

AmeriGas buys Louisiana sites, Chicago exchange business. (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... AmeriGas Partners has purchased three Louisiana sites from Suburban Propane and most of a large cylinder exchange and bulk delivery business in Chicago. The company's newest retail locations are in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Abbeville....

PERC approves 10 grants totaling $1.38 million. (New Orleans, Louisiana).(Propane Education & Research Council )
July 1, 2003... The Propane Education & Research Council has approved 10 grants for more than $1.38 million to invest in projects it hopes will lead to new markets, as well as improved safety and training for industry members. The grants were approved at...

Kansas law opens door for creation of state PERC. (Topeka, Kansas).(Propane Education & Research Act)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has signed into a law the Kansas Propane Education & Research Act, which gives the state legislative authority to create the Kansas Propane Education and Research Council, also known as KanPERC. Kansas now joins 30...

IDEX Corp. buys turbine flow meter manufacturer. (Westminster, South Carolina).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... IDEX Corp. has purchased Sponsler Co. Inc., a precision turbine flow meter manufacturer based in Westminster, S.C. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The 50-employee company supplies flow meters and associated electronic devices to...

Ferrellgas acquires propane part of Washington oil company. (Liberty, Missouri).(Ferrellgas Partners; Pettit Oil Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Ferrellgas Partners has purchased the propane operations of Pettit Oil Co. Inc. of Washington. Pettit Oil sold about 2 million gallons to about 2,100 customers each year.

Software developer joins Citrix to ensure compatibility. (Tinton Falls, New Jersey).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Clear Computing Inc., a developer of operations management and dispatching software, has joined Citrix Systems Inc. to ensure compatibility of their products with the Citrix server-based equipment. Clear Computing said the partnership would...

McKnight Cylinder installs new powder coat line. (Ruffs Dale, Pennsylvania).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Propane cylinder refurbisher McKnight Cylinder has installed a new powder coat line for 33-pound motor fuel cylinders to 420-pound, 100-gallon cylinders. The painting process, which involves applying a dry polyester electrostatically and...

Experts sought to discuss issues facing industry. (Indianapolis, Indiana).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... The Midwest Propane Gas Association is looking for experts to take part in a panel discussion at its 9th Annual Midwest Propane Gas Convention and Trade Show in Indianapolis, April 16-18, 2004. Dubbed "Patterns for Tomorrow," the meeting...

WPGA fundraiser nets $2,310 for scholarships. (Reno, Nevada).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... The TEECO Products Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA) Scholarship fundraiser raised $2,310--more than doubling the amount of last year's effort. The scholarship fund provides grants to college-bound children of those in the propane....

Pressure calibrator. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... TTI Inc. introduces its PC6 Pro pressure calibrator. The PC6 Pro calibrator head can be supplied by itself or as a complete kit with pneumatic or hydraulic pump, NPT fittings, pressure hose and carrying hose. It not only applies accurate...

Layout tool. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Hoss Products, based in Santa Maria, Calif., introduces a new tool for laying crash posts that takes the guesswork out of were the posts should be positioned. The layout tool ensures correct placement of posts around a variety of propane...

Stubby nut drivers. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Klein Tools has added two stubby nut drivers to its line of professional hand tools. The #610-1/4 and #610-5/16 stubby nut drivers are designed for tight spaces and on hard-to-reach fasteners. They have custom-grip handles for better...

Flame temperature analyzer. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Control Instruments announces it has changed the name and look of its flame temperature analyzer, for lower flammable limit monitoring, from the 670 Series of Analyzers to the PrevEx Flammability Analyzer. There are four models of the...

LPG dispenser. (Products).(liquid propane gas)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Clean Fueling Technologies presents its PRO-4100 series LPG dispenser, with the flexibility to be used for retail cylinder fill, private auto refueling or on-site forklift cylinder refilling for large users. Its components include the Liquatech...

Emergency supply kits. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Seton introduces two sets of emergency supply kits--one for personal use, the other for industrial use--with supplies recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The personal kit contains a first-aid kit, hard hat, duct tape,...

Mini excavators. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Ditch Witch offers five new mini excavators to its line of underground construction equipment. The models range in size from .9 metric ton to 4.5 metric ton with digging capabilities ranging from 4 feet 11 inches to 13 feet deep. The Ditch...

Pressure relief device. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co. Inc. introduces its One-Time Crimped (OTC) pressure relief device for compressed gas applications. Like its One Time Unit, the OTC is a one-piece, sealed pressure relief assembly which is replaced in the event...

Video recorder/transmitter. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Sequent Technologies presents Paladin Quattro, a VHS-quality rack mount or table-top video recorder/transmitter that uses existing networks to deliver streaming video over the Internet. Using patent-pending technology, the single device...

Cylinder body. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Brindle Products presents the new Model GGB-192 Series, 20-pound cylinder body for handling 192 20-pound cylinders. Slide-out trays eliminate the need for liftgates, with all cylinders accessible from the ground. The bodies can be...

Service crane. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Stellar Industries Inc. introduces its Model 4420 telescopic service crane for medium-lifting range. The crane has a 16,000-foot/pound capacity and can lift a maximum of 4,000 pounds at four feet. A planetary winch system has a...

Small order fasteners, plugs. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Niagara Caps & Plugs offers its "Red-E-Pak" small-quantity cartons of nylon fasteners, sealing plugs, PnC Series plug and cap designs with a custom flare, and electrical connector dust caps and plugs. The Red-E-Paks are one-fifth the size...

Process gas chromatographs. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... ABB Inc. presents its Analyze IT Process Gas Chromatographs (PGC2000 Series) brochure, with eight pages of illustrations and descriptions of ABB Analytical and Advanced Solutions Industrial IT Process Gas Chromatographs. The line, formerly...

Ultrasonic flowmeter. (Products).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Fuji Electric, part of TTI Inc., presents its M-Flow to its line of transit-time ultrasonic flowmeters. The M-Flow offers menu-driven programming through a built-in keypad with no PC required. Standard options include analog output,...

NPGA.(National Propane Gas Association)
July 1, 2003... The National Propane Gas Association's board of directors elected a new slate of officers at NPGA's annual Pinnacle Conference held June 1-4 in New Orleans. Doug Auxier, president of Auxier Gas in Batavia, Ohio, was elected chairman....

Aeropres Propane.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Aeropres Propane of Bossier City, La., has named Shirley Andrews vice president. A 26-year propane industry veteran, Andrews has served as the manager of field administration for Aeropres since March 2001, supporting its corporate and branch...

Horizon Propane.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Horizon Propane, based in Westlake, Ohio, has named C. Michael Walters as its director of safety and education. At Horizon--formerly known as Level Propane--Walters will be responsible for enhancing driver safety and training programs,...

TEECO.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... TEECO Products has promoted Mike Gould to director of sales and marketing. Gould will oversee the company's sales and marketing activities, identify and target opportunities, develop new markets and promote sales growth. He previously...

EnergyNorth Propane.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Don Duff, a longtime propane industry veteran, died on March 27 after a long battle with cancer. Much of Duff's 30-year career in the propane industry was with EnergyNorth Propane and its predecessor company, Concord Gas, where he held was...

Trinity Industries.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Lee D. McElroy, a 46-year veteran at Trinity Industries, died May 15 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. An active member of the National Pro-pane Gas Association's board of directors, McElroy retired from Trinity...

Oseco.(Oklahoma Safety Equipment Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., based in Broken Arrow, Okla., has named Sharon White as its new inside sales manager. Her primary responsibilities include management and training of the company's inside sales staff, ensuring efficiency...

Inergy.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Inergy has appointed Arthur B. Krause to its board of directors. Krause, 61, is a former executive for Sprint. In addition to general director responsibilities, he will also serve on Inergy's audit committee. He joined Sprint in 1971...

Ferrellgas.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Ferrellgas has named Jeff East as the company's area manager of the company's North Texas Area. East partnered with Ferrellgas in 2002 as general manager for ProAm Texas Inc.--Ferrellgas' most recent acquisition. East currently sits on the...

Actaris Metering Systems. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Trusted custody transfer from the dawn of the petroleum age Since the 1890's, the Neptune trade name has been known for accuracy, reliability and field-serviceability. Today, with its home in Actaris metering Systems, the Neptune product...

Allison Transmission. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Saving your time, money and reputation Allison Transmission Division is the leading supplier of automatic transmissions for commercial trucks. For more than 60 years, Allison Automatics have contributed to greater productivity for vehicles...

American Welding & Tank. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... An uncommon commitment to excellence. American Welding & Tank has been producing high-quality propane tanks and pressure vessels since 1917. With plants strategically located in Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Utah, AWT has positioned itself to...

Cavagna North America. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Quality and Value Since 1931 The Cavagna Group began operation in 1931 and continues to grow today worldwide. Since its foundation, the group has become a world leader in the forging and machining of brass and stainless steel and supplying...

Cenex[R] Propane. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... A powerful network of support and innovative solutions Cenex is one of the largest retail/wholesale propane networks in the nation. Cenex's powerful propane infrastructure provides you with the buying power to ensure reliable supplies,...

ConocoPhillips. (Corporate Capabilities).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introducing Your ConocoPhillips North American Propane Marketing Team ConocoPhillips' experienced propane sales representatives understand your business and are ready to provide you with reliable propane supply...

CSX. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Delivering The largest railroad on the East Coast, CSX serves every major city east of the Mississippi River. With BTU Rail Direct, the transportation giant is giving the LPG industry a flexible new way to distribute propane and butane....

Fueling Technologies Inc. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Fueling Technologies Accurate (99.5%) wireless inventory for LPG & AST bulk storage tanks Leading Edge Technology Fueling Technologies was founded in 1998 to meet the need for affordable and accurate inventory management....

H&H Sales Company. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Commited to quality H&H Sales Company Inc. specializes in fabricating custom service and delivery vehicles, bulk tank trailers and LP gas and in-plant gas cylinder handling and storage equipment. Based in northern Indiana, H&H Equipment...

Inergy Services. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... We want to be your business partner. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Inergy is one of the fastest-growing propane gas marketing and distribution businesses in the country. Inergy Services provides wholesale propane supply, price...

Jamerson McLean Corp. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Insuring the propane industry for 26 years. Jamerson McLean Corporation wrote its first propane account in 1976 and continues to grow countrywide. The LPG industry accounts for 90 percent of Jamerson McLean's current customer base. Between...

Kamco Products Ltd. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Kamco Products Ltd. is a family-owned and operated company that is proud to manufacture polyethylene-coated copper tubing for natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, fuel oil, potable water and various industrial applications. Since 1996, Kamco...

Manchester Tank. (Corporate Capabilities).(Manchester Tank and Equipment Co.)
July 1, 2003... The Economics of Innovation Manchester Tank is a company specializing in the manufacture of pressure vessels. More than 50 years of service to an international market has brought Manchester to the forefront in our industry. Manchester...

Marshall Gas Controls. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Marshall Gas Controls, a division of the S.H. Leggitt Company, is proud to offer a new line of LP products for residential and commercial applications. A leading manufacturer of regulators, hose assemblies and accessory items for the LP...

NGL Supply, Inc. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... NGL Supply, Inc....providing flexible and reliable supply for the propane industry in the Midwest, Gulf Coast, and Northeast United States. Founded in 1967, NGL Supply, Inc. (NGL) has grown into a leading and sophisticated supplier of...

Perfection Corporation. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Leading the Way in Gas Distribution Products. Throughout its more than 50-year history, Perfection has been developing new products that address industry needs and provide safe, easy-to-install solutions. Founded in 1944 as a pipe nipple...

RegO[R] Products. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... RegO[R] Products--A Tradition of Excellence RegO[R] Products offer the most extensive and diverse line of quality valves and regulators available to the LP-Gas industry. We strive for the same "Tradition of Excellence" started over 93...

Rinnai Corporation. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Whole-home heating and water heating solutions for the cost & energy-conscious family. The Rinnai Corporation has been marketing and distributing an innovative line of ductless heaters and tankless hot water heaters in North America for...

Robertshaw. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Robertshaw's long history of innovation started in 1904 with the invention of a seamless metal bellows that led to the first home and auto thermostats. Today, Robertshaw products--including level controls, vibration monitors and switches,...

Sherwood Valve. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... High-quality gas control products Sherwood has been producing high-quality gas control products for nearly a century, and is known today as an ISO 9001 manufacturer whose products consistently meet the highest of industry standards,...

Trinity Industries Inc. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Manufacturing metal vessels, transport barrels for the world Trinity Industries' logo represents more than 60 years of continuous manufacturing and metal fabrication experience. Trinity is recognized as a leader in the markets that it...

Worthington Cylinders. (Corporate Capabilities).
July 1, 2003... Leading the Pressure Cylinders Market. Worthington Cylinders, a Worthington Industries company, is the world's leading global supplier of pressure cylinders, offering the most complete line of pressure cylinders in the industry, including...