Remembering Mike - North Carolina Propane Gas Association
Transcription
Remembering Mike - North Carolina Propane Gas Association
NCPGA NEWS June 2012 | A Monthly Publication of the NC Propane Gas Association Michael S. Boggs 1956 - 2012 Remembering Mike C C ATES PROPANE ATES PROPANE ATES PROPANE PLANT PLANT CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION PLANT CONSTRUCTION C YearsServing Serving the the Propane 4445Years PropaneIndustry Industry 44 Years Serving theEastEast Propane Industry Coast Specialists Coast Specialists For: For: Complete Farm Installations Plastic Pipe Installation 1/2” to 8” For: East Coast Specialists Plastic PipeInstallation InstallationSales 1/2” & toRentals 8” Vaporizer Plastic Pipe Installation 1/2” to 8” Vaporizer Installation Sales & Rentals Alternate Energy Direct Distributor VaporizerEnergy Installation Sales & Rentals Complete Computer Aided Drafting Services Alternate Direct Distributor Alternate Energy Direct Distributor New and Used Bulk & Domestice Tanks Complete Computer Aided Drafting Services Complete Computer Aided DraftingTanks Services 2011 Plant Updates New and Used Bulk and Domestic New and Used Bulk & Domestice Tanks NFPA-58 Call Jim 2011 Plant Updates Cates Contact Jim Cates Toll Free -Jim 1-866-604-9161 Call Cates Toll Free- -(919) 1-866-604-9161 Office 732-3702 Office (919) 732-3702 Fax - -(919) 732-3851 Toll Free - 1-866-604-9161 Fax 732-3851 Cell -- (919) 418-1289 Office -(919) (919) 732-3702 Fax - (919) (919)418-1289 732-3851 Cell 510Cornerstone Cornerstone Hillsborough, Cell - Ct., (919) 418-1289h,NC 510 Ct., Hillsboroug NC 27278 27278 www.CatesEnergy.com www.CatesEnergy.com 510 Cornerstone Ct., Hillsborough, NC 27278 www.CatesEnergy.com The North Carolina Propane Gas News John R. Jessup, Executive Director Brenda Cole, Office Manager Jon Carr, Lobbyist, Legal Counsel Ph. 919-787-8485 ● Fx. 919-781-7481 Officers David Parker...................................................President Tim Rice................................................President-Elect Ken Dye.................................................Vice President David Briles...................................................Secretary Cyndi Kibler...................................................Treasurer Amy Jordan Dean.................Immediate Past President District Directors District 2. Mike Fox....................................Waynesville District 3. Greg Eanes..................................Greensboro District 4. Keith Barker...................................Charlotte District 5. Billy Foust........................................Mebane District 6. Don Worsley, II.................................Sanford District 7. Alex Jernigan................................Smithfield District 8. Jo Ann Jezard..........................Elizabeth City District 9. F. Ray Moore..............................Washington Committee Chairs Advisory Board.................................Amy Jordan Dean Convention..................................................Angi Harris Education/Safety..................................Donald Godfrey Finance..................................................George Lipford Governmental Affairs.................................Jeff Ruffner Membership Services...........................Doug Lawrence NC Young Gassers...............................Don Worsley, II Promotion & Public Relations......Colin Wood-Bradley Publication.................................................Mike Groom Technologies/Innovations..................Armistead Mauck Suppliers.................................................Christian Rich Notice As the official publication of the NC Propane Gas Association, the NC Propane Gas News carries authentic notice pertaining to the activities of the Association. In other respects, statements of fact and opinion are made on the responsibility of the authors and contributing writers alone, and do not imply an opinion on the part of the Board of Directors, the Officers, or the Membership. June 2012 Advertisers Apache LP-Gas Trucks, Inc..................................23 Apex Propane..........................................................5 Bergquist, Inc........................................................18 Best & Langston...........................back outside cover Cates Propane Plant Construction...........................2 Charlotte Tank Trucks............................................19 CUI........................................................................22 Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment...............................8 Gas Equipment Co.................................................15 Inergy.....................................................................16 PETCO..................................................................17 Plains Marketing...................................................20 Propane Trucks and Tanks......................................9 Thompson Gas.......................................................14 Contents David Parker.....................................................4 John Jessup.......................................................5 Richard Fredenburg..........................................6 Mower Incentives in Media..............................7 Propane Village Open House.....................10-13 Saving for College ..........................................15 Propane Days Washington Issues....................16 Dave Harding, New Summer Intern................18 Marketing Through Branding..........................21 Brissom Contols Visits the Village .................23 Upcoming Events June 12. 2012 Legislative Day, Halifax Mall State Gov’t. Complex Raleigh, NC June 24-26, 2012 NCPGA Summer Board Meeting Shell Island Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC NC Propane Gas Association 3 David Parker, President “PropaneJohn Council” R. cont.Jessup, from page 9 Executive Director Greetings: On Monday May 28th we lost a great friend and associate; Mike Boggs. My heart and prayers go out to his family. Their loss is many times greater than any loss we feel as friends and associates of Mike. My prayer is that God may lighten their burden of sadness and comfort them in this time of mourning. I first met Mike when he came on board with NCPGA and was introduced at one of our board meetings. When Mike joined NCPGA we had never had a person on staff to help with technical questions and the like. Since that time I think most of us came to rely on Mike as a part of each of our companies. We relied on Mike to answer questions that we either couldn’t find ourselves or were too embarrassed to admit to anyone else we didn’t already know the answer. Lot’s of time when I’d call Mike and ask him a question I would begin with; I should know this but I don’t. Mike also stepped up and began teaching a big part of the training classes the Association offered, and I might add was an excellent instructor. My employees commented time and time again on how well he taught a class they had attended. He also did many things that we as members never knew about that benefited our group here in North Carolina. Mike will truly be missed as a friend, a business associate, and most of all as the great person that he was. Mike; may you rest in peace. We held the Grand Opening for our new “PROPANE VILLAGE” and recently renovated training facility on May 11th. We had great attendance! Many members attended as well as several distinguished guests, along with a couple of staff from the National Propane Gas Association. “PROPANE VILLAGE” is truly astonishing in the way it highlights the many facets of our industry. I can honestly say I have never been prouder to be a member of such a great industry; and a member of NCPGA as when we cut the ribbon at this event. I want to 4 Don’t Miss NCPGA’s larly reviewed to ensure every precaution is taken Marketer Technology to protect our customers and their families. No exHello members! Training! ceptions!! Second to safety, is his commitment to the comSign up for Marketer Technology Trainmunity he calls home. Currently, Jenkins Propane May 24 at the NCPGA Training Center! Pittsboro sponsorsbusy Diamond Dawgs Youth BaseMayofwas a particularly and productive month for your ing, association. Learn how to sign up for PERC’s new mower which encourages young adolescents work cutting ceremony Theball; month kicked off with the open house andto ribbon program. Eligible groundskeepers a team individual sportssuccessincentive for together Propane as Village onand Maypursue 11th. their The event was a huge with media can get This up to $1,000 for buying a qualifying goals. legislative He also supports the Silk Club coverage, involvement andHope over Ruritan 100 people in attendance. propane-fueled commercial mower and sharthe Pittsboro Club. He knows wasand followed by twoKiwanis great days of training forthat thebeEducation Summit. ing details with PERC about use and oping invested in thehow community is just as important Participants learned to deal with ‘mean’ people; and, owners and Johntheir Jessup eration the mower for one year This can be managers toptrust 10 ways immediately increase cash flow.ofWe as the discussed customersthe who andtoinvest in Jenkins NCPGA Executive Director with NCPGA’s $500.00 rebate. taught CTEPtobasic andpropane practices class. JohnTo wrap upcombined the month, Propane take principles care of their needs. we ny hadcan Marketer Technology Training. Members learned to offset seasonal demand by pursuing markets for be reached by email at: janderson@jenkinCommercial Mowers and On-Road Vehicles and fleets. The month of May saw NCPGA educating, training, spropane.com. Ë and entertaining over 250 people at the training center. I want to thank all the members who volunteered their time and talents to make all these events happen. “Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.” -Will Rogers, 1879 - 1935 John Jessup Happenings at NCPGA: David Parker NCPGA President commend John Jessup for his vision of “PROPANE VILLAGE”. I also want to thank the Committee that worked hard to see the project through; and a great big thank you to the many sponsors who supported the project. John estimated that 90 percent of the cost of “PROPANE VILLAGE” was accomplished either by donations of money or time by various people and companies who supported it. Several of your officers, fellow members, and NCPGA staff will have returned from “Propane Days” in Washington D.C. by the time you read this. I hope we can return with some good news from the meetings with our legislators in Washington. Don’t forget; District Meetings are coming up. I encourage Owners and Managers to attend these meetings as we will be discussing an issue that can be a tremendous help to all of us in the propane industry in North Carolina. These District Meetings will be some of the most important meetings we’ve had in some time. I look forward to speaking with you at these meetings. I hope each of you have a safe, happy and restful summer! David Parker NC Propane Gas Association June 2012 10 June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association May 2012 5 Richard Fredenburg, NCDA&CS Sharing Inspection Findings With State and Federal Agencies, Using Concrete Blocks for Tank Supports and Clearing Inspections Richard Fredenburg, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services As you can see from the heading of this article, three issues have come up recently that I want to clarify. Sharing of Digital Truck Inspections In doing propane truck safety inspections, we also make note of a number of federal regulations on our inspection forms. Our intent in doing this is to provide a courtesy inspection to help truck operators be in compliance when they are inspected by U.S. Department of Transportation or N.C. Motor Carrier Enforcement officials. If we can help the trucks operate more safely, then we think the extra time spent looking at these items is worth it. We recently met with representatives from the U.S. DOT and N.C. Highway Patrol to discuss the truck inspections we do and the multiple violations we find that are outside of our regulatory jurisdiction. With our new database coming online soon, we will have the ability to share the information we collect with the U.S. DOT, as recommended by the State Auditor’s Office in its December report on our program. The bottom line is that the U.S. DOT and Highway Patrol are interested in this information as a means for improving truck safety on the highway. Both agencies will have access to our data and use what they feel is appropriate for their program. We will not be involved in when or how they go about their inspections. We will issue a warning letter when violations are first found, which will include a list of the courtesy items that are subject to U.S. DOT 6 regulations for your information. We expect truck inspections to be entered from field computers directly to the database by the time you read Richard Fredenburg this. So the best NC Dept of Agiculture and advice we can Consumer Services offer is, if you get a warning letter from us, then you may want to fix any violations noted on the report. Concrete Blocks for Tank Support We have long said that we will accept only solid concrete blocks as tank supports. Please note, this portion of the article does not address poured concrete piers or steel supports of bulk tanks, only concrete blocks for ASME tanks and DOT cylinders to keep them off the ground. We specified that laying open concrete blocks on their side so the axis of the hole is horizontal is not allowed. Concrete blocks are intended to be upright when installed so the load is borne by the solid walls of the sides and ends. Placing a load on the side of a block that is laid down is an invitation to failure of the block. Concrete is phenomenally strong in compression, but unreinforced concrete is notoriously weak in shear, tension and bending. Placing a load on a block that is laid down brings in loads in shear and bending. We recently received notice from a professional engineer saying that he would not approve any installation of blocks laid on their sides for these reasons. The main support for this thinking is that the block manufacturer has not load tested blocks in this arrangement Propane Gas Association NC June 2012 and does not approve of loading blocks on their side. The question has come up about using open blocks properly oriented with a cap block on top. The intent of the cap block in housing construction is to block termites. The load is transferred not through the parts of the cap block over the block opening, but directly through the portion aligned with the walls. If you place the weight of the tank on the part of the cap block that is not supported by a wall, you are again loading the block in a manner that has not been tested. The failure of this even has a name, “punch through.” It can lead to failure of the block below because of sideways forces generated by the cap block failure. Please do not install tanks so that they are supported by open concrete blocks on their sides. Use solid blocks and stack a few of them if you need the height. Inspectors will continue to reject tanks for improper use of concrete blocks. Clearing Inspections for Failure to Use Chock Blocks or Failure to Notify for Disconnect We have been asked how to clear certain types of inspections when the violation has been a momentary failure to comply with a rule that is easily correctable. It is not clear how these violations are cleared. When a driver fails to chock his wheels and gets caught, he or his company will receive a notice of violation, typically a copy of the inspection. The violation is resolved when he drives away, but the paperwork hangs on. We will issue a penalty and we expect the driver to be given training to remind him of the requirements. In this case, and a few others, simply continuing to function may erase all local evidence of a violation. There is no future corrective action to take for that instance. There are actions to take to help prevent a recurrence, and documenting this is probably the best way to clear this type of inspection. You can note the driver training you provided on the inspection copy you return, but the violation itself is already gone. When a company fails to provide written notice before they disconnect a competitor’s tank, there is a fleeting violation. We can investigate the paper trail to see if we can determine if a violation occurred, but examining the tank installation provides no information. A failure to notify cannot be corrected. If you failed to notify before disconnecting and then the disconnection happened, it is too late to notify. You can still inform the competitor so he will know to pick up his tank, which corrects a safety concern. We encourage you to close the loop by returning a dated and signed inspection report. Doing so may have some bearing on the penalty amount should another violation occur. June 2012 Attention Members: If you have any interesting articles you would like to submit to be considered for publishing, please contact John Jessup, Executive Director,NCPGA, by email at [email protected] with a subject heading of Magazine . Thank-you! Media Riding PERC’s $1,000 Mowing Incentive The $1,000 commercial mower incentive program from the Propane Education & Research Council has been written up and disseminated by a slew of media outlets recently. Seven television stations and three papers in the Southeast ran on their websites a story on the incentive by the Nashville Bureau of the Associated Press. The Middle Tennessee Clean Fuels organization also posted the news: “Propane-fueled mowers cost less to operate and produce fewer harmful emissions than gasolinefueled mowers. Propane mowers can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by more than 80 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 50 percent compared with gasoline mowers.” The Propane Mower Incentive Program ran on the websites of a number of trade publications, including Golf Course Industry, Green Media, Irrigation & Green Industry, Lawn & Landscape, Landscape Management, Total Landscape Care, and Turf. Under the program professional mowing firms can save as much as $1,000 on a new propane-fueled mower. The mower must have a 60-inch to 72-inch cutting width and the firm must share details with PERC about its use and operation of the mower for one year. Participating customers can purchase up to 10 eligible mowers and earn incentives up to $10,000 NC Propane Gas Association 7 8 8 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association May 2012 June 2012 12 June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association May 2012 9 North Carolina Propane Gas Association Propane Village Contributors, 2012 Cornerstone Society ($ 6000-$15,000) Scott Groves - CUI Distribution & Equipment Doug Lawrence – CUI Distribution & Equipment Ric Mitro - Rinnai Mike Waller - RH Peterson Steve Ward – Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Heritage Fellowship ($2001-$5999) Billy & Ann G. Brisson – Controls, Inc Amy Jordan Dean – LG Jordan Oil Co. Dale Gardner – Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Dick March – American Tank & Welding Daren & David Parker – Parker Gas Co. Mike Pivonka – Flame Engineering Founders’ Club ($-1000-$2000) Steve Barton – Gas Equipment Company Billy Foust – Foust Fuels Jim Hill -Monessen Hearth Hugh Hinton – Sterling Transport Frank Horne Jr. - Gas-Fired Products Charlotte Mitch Johnson - JCO Marketing / Travis Industries Kemp Johnson – KB Johnson Oil & Gas Company Kevin Craft – Amerigas Keith McGowan – Jenkins Gas Co. Chad Morris -Vantage Hearth Diane Thomas – Enterprise Products Daniel Williamson (DJ) – CHS, Inc Rickey Watkins – Apex Propane Brian Wright / Tracy O’Brien – Ferrellgas Supporters ($300-$999) Tim Carrere – Apache LP Trucks Lacy Compton – Carolane Propane Jeff Faucher – Blue Rhino Kelly Hendershot – Leran Gas Products Paul Harris – Propane Trucks and Tanks Michael & Anita Holder – Controls, Inc Kyle King – Optimal Turf Care Lora Marti – Inergy Propane John Robert Mattocks – Williams Energy Group Armistead Mauck – Cherry Energy 10 Supporters, cont. ($300-$999) Matt Parrish - Sodco Turf Producers Ashley & Angela Rains – Boon Hill Propane Judson Pope – Pope Transport Company Jeff Ruffner – Energy United Propane, LLC Mike Rutherford – Rutherford Equipment Jeff & Betty Jo Wade – Rand Wade Oil Company Lane Walter - Walane Gas Co. Eddie & Donna B. West – Controls Inc. Robert H. White - R.D. White and Sons Friends ($50- $299) Brad Bobbitt – Super Flame Gas Co. Donnie Bullock – Williams Energy Group David Briles – Briles Oil & Gas Co Ray Brinn – Super Flame Gas Co Brian Campbell – Cape Fear Transport Felton Crews – Blossman Gas Wade S. Dunbar III – Wade S, Dunbar Agency, Inc. Tony Gay – Tharrington Parts Max Gouge – Industrial Propane & Petroleum, Inc. Mike Groom – ON Hold:32 Harold W. Johnson, Jr. – K.B. Johnson Oil & Gas Co. Cyndi Kibler – Professional Propane Services, LLC John Langston – Best & Langston George Lipford – Phillips 66 Wayne McLamb – McLamb’s LP Gas Supply F. Ray Moore – F. Ray Moore Oil Co., Inc. Ralph T. Morris Ron Munyon Greg Narron – PETCO George Nassar – Quality Steel Clarence Rice – CUI Distribution & Equipment Christian Rich – Digital Insurance, Inc. Steve Simmons – Central Gas & Appliance Bobby Smith – Smith Brothers Gas Co. Missy Tietjens – Alliance Energy Casper Hill Timberlake, III Harold Vanderveer Lane Walter – Walane Gas Co. Edward West & Michael Holder – Controls, Inc. Burl Williamson – B.J. Williamson Peter Wilson – Inergy Propane NC Propane Gas Association June 2012 NCPGA PROPANE VILLAGE Official Open House June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association May 11, 2012 11 Senator Brent Jackson with David Parker Propane Village Open House and Training Events NCPGA held an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for Propane Village on May 11th. The event was huge success with media coverage, legislative involvement and over 100 people in attendance. This was followed by two great days of training for the Education Summit. Thank all the members who volunteered their time and talents and contributors, (see page 10), who made the event such a success! Jon Williams, Asst. Sec for Energy, NC Dept of Commerce June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association 13 $AVING FOR COLLEGE Tax Benefits The money that you invest into a 529 plan acts much What’s Wrong with Pictures? likeThese other types of investment accounts. But, the s the school year winds down, I thought that it earnings in 529 accounts will not be federally taxed. would be helpful to spend some time talking Most states do not tax these earnings either. In order about one of the most popular ways to save for to get these tax advantages, the withdrawals must be college or other post high school education choices. used for tuition, room/board, books and certain fees Be advised that there are several ways that this can incurred for a post high school education. be done. Each method has its purpose and benefits. State sponsored 529 plans have become a way to put aside If you decide to use the money for something else, significant savings that may receive favorable tax treatment. such as a car purchase or a vacation, then you may These plans come in two forms, Prepaid Tuition Plan and find yourself getting hit with not only federal income College Tuition Plan. The College Tuition Plan is what I taxes, but a 10% penalty as well. If you participate in will focus on in this article. a plan sponsored by the state that you also reside/pay state taxes in, you may be eligible for a state income tax Yes, there are many plans that you can choose from, reduction. but it is worth looking at the North Carolina plan, particularly if you paymonth’s North pictures: Carolinathe state taxes. Doesn’t to College Answers to last relief valve Sally on the left is go completely blocked. Will it operate if Our states plan is both very easy to sign up for and Sally’s parents have 529valve, plan that set uplooked for their necessary? It is unclear what the substance is that’s filling the space inathe but itthey certainly ranks well the other plans that are available. daughter. haveonbeen contributingthe topoint the plan cakedamong and solid. A protective cap might have prevented this.They The gate the right-what’s of Regardless of the plan that you choose, you can set for 10 years now. What happens to the money if Sally locking the padlock? NFPA 58 6.18.4.1(2) requires limitation of unauthorized access. I don’t think this up monthly or you canatjust lock isbank reallydrafts limiting access all.contribute as decides not to go to continue her education after high money comes available. They are very flexible this way. school? This can unfold in a number of ways. cont. p21 Thanks to James Lambert of NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services for this month’s pictures. BY DEREK CARAWAN A 14 14 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association May 2012 June 2012 2012 JuneMay 2012 PropaneGas GasAssociation Association NCNC Propane 21 15 With this month’s Propane Days in Washington, DC, NPGA willFuel” be cont. highlighling affecting An increased use of our cleanerindustry. domestic fuels is “Domestic from page 15 main issues a bipartisan-supported issue, said Alleyn Harned, • and Tax Extenders: is pushing hard to gain executive enactmentdirector of the Propane GAS Act, would of Virginia Cleanwhich Cities, who attended the event. NPGA Why? Because they recog- extend theimportance alternative fuel, and infrastructure tax dozens credits for five years. fuel As an alternative, works with of alternative fleets. Fleets nize the of thevehicle, passage ofrefueling this legislawe are also seeking to convince Congress to extend these tax credits for 2012. We need to make sure that all throughout the country are interested in increased tion to their company s bottom line. The incentives alternative fuels have parity with the tax code. from this bill will encourage propane autogas ve- use of propane autogas, and alternative fuel incenhicle purchases, translating into more propane sales tives enable the market. Gasoline and diesel haveadministers traditionally experi-of • across Pipeline Advocacy: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) a policy the country. “light handed regulation” of pipelines transporting propane, which means that the agency is much less agenced a marketplace monopoly when it comes to During our trip, our group met with a total of 73 gressive in its oversight compared withwith the Sen. electricity natural gas sectors. Considering the importance of and corporate fleet vehicle sales. Yet congressional offices. We spent time Tom orconsumer the pipeline infrastructure to the competitiveness of propane, NPGA believes that it is time to replace light Carper (DE), Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX), Rep. with propane autogas we have a domestic, clean handed withand more federal of regulated pipelines. cost-efficient fuel that is currently available, Adam regulation Smith (WA), topassertive legislative aidesoversight who, and and fleets across the country have taken notice since like myself, think domestically produced alterna2005 when incentives were first introduced. • tive Estate Tax: a permanent estate taxthe policy of complete repeal as contemfuels, such as NPGA naturalstrongly gas and supports propane autogas, To arrive a meeting Capitolgiven Hill the withcurrent an plated by in several legislative in the If fullatrepeal is noton possible are key transitioning theproposals current state of House our na-and Senate. industry manufacturer, distributer and end user political environment, NPGA supports an extension of the 2011/2012 estate taxa framework thatan provides tion s security and economy. an exemption of $5 million per spouse, indexes the exemption for inflation (making the exemption $5.12 sends a powerful message to Members of Congress, Denison Landscaping s Josh Denison, who curmillion 2012), and puts in place a maximum tax rateRoldan, of 35 percent for estates areAssostill said Richard National Propanethat Gas rently in runs propane autogas in his Maryland federal fleet, estate subject to tax. met with Rep. Jason Altmire (PA). I wanted to let ciation s president and CEO. This is how change Congressman Altmire know that I would seriously happens in Washington. If passed, the Propane GAS Act could help fleetDOE conversion and have propane and au- Development • consider Paritya in Energy Research Programs: NPGA is seeking parity natural gas andinother alternative office fuels ininDepartment of Energy (DOE) programs applicable to togaswith vehicles running my Pittsburgh alternative fuels.ifThere some existing programs the near future theseare incentives are in place, saidwithin DOE that while including other alternative fuels, continued on page 18 atDenison. the same time are excluding propane. May 2012 16 16 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association May 2012 June 2012 June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association 17 17 MEET NCPGA’s SUMMER INTERN, DAVE! Hello! My name is Dave Harding and I will be this year’s summer intern here at the North Carolina Propane Gas Association. I am very excited about this opportunity to learn more about the propane industry. I am a student at Duke University where I play on the offensive line for the football team. I will be graduating in December with a degree in Public Policy Studies and a minor in Arabic. The son of missionaries, I grew up in the country of Jordan before moving back to my most recent home in Orlando, Florida. Earlier this summer I organized a trip Dave Harding, NCPGA Summer Intern for the Duke offensive line to drill water wells in rural Ethiopia. After making it back safely I decided to search for an internship that would provide me with experience working on legislative issues in the state government and the NCPGA seemed like a perfect fit. I look forward to meeting you at a NCPGA event in the near future! Best, Dave Harding Marketing 101 Tip June, 2012 Branding Too many of us look at the Nike “swoosh” and think, “What a great idea!” Whenever you see that logo, there is no doubt in your mind that this symbol means Nike. Granted, that kind of recognition requires many millions of advertising dollars to generate the impressions necessary to ingrain that message into all of our minds. Most of us do not have that kind of capital. But what we do have is creativity. Starting today, take a careful look at your company name. Take an objective look at how effective it is. Is it relevant? Does it represent what we are as a company and what we do in the market place today? Do you, as the leader of your company, make sure that you place this brand on everything that you touch? Is it on every company vehicle and do cont. p21 18 800.448.9504 NC Propane Gas Association Providing solutions for our customers through training, technical knowledge, and choice of quality equipment. May 2012 June 2012 June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association NC Propane Gas Association 19 19 $AVING FOR COLLEGE (cont from p.15) • Sally can use the benefit at a later date • The parents can change the beneficiary from Sally to a sibling or other relative Other Considerations • Having a 529 may affect eligibility for financial aid. • If you want to save money for “other” expenses such as a car for your teenager, camp, music lessons, then consider an UGMA or UTMA account. • Some plans are sold by financial advisors, while others can be bought directly, which may help avoid certain commissions and fees. • In general it makes sense to invest more conservatively as the child gets closer to the point when they will need the money. Money invested in an age based portfolio account “self-adjusts” by becoming less risky as the child’s 18th birthday gets nearer. • The money that you contribute to the plan can generally be withdrawn penalty and tax free. • A 529 plan can be an excellent tool for estate planning. • For more information visit: www.cfnc.org/save www.savingforcollege.com Derek Carawan is a LPL Financial Advisor and LPL Registered Principal with Carawan Financial Partners, Inc. / Securities offered through LPL Financial/ Member FINRA/SIPC and may be reached at, www.carawanfp. com, 919-870-8181 or [email protected] These views are those of the author and should not be construed as investment advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal planning advice. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Marketing 101 Tip, Branding cont. from p 18 those vehicles exclaim that name vividly and proudly? Do you have it on everything from your letterhead to every label, every sign, every pen, etc., etc. that your company uses and places into the marketplace? beneficial. Competition is fierce and chances are your competitors are thinking about these things. Remember, while you may not be able to get the worldwide recognition that Nike can get, you can get Do the colors make sense? Are they vibrant and do they recognition within your marketplace. It requires a stand out in a crowd? How recognizable is your name calculated effort to make that impression over and over again. The results may not be evident in the short term to both your customers and your potential customers? How about your logo? Do you have one? Does it but they will surely have long term benefits that can be make sense and is it recognizable? Do you have it on substantial. everything that you could possibly get it on to? Remember, once upon a time nobody knew of the Nike If you go through this analysis (and this short list is not “Swoosh” and McDonalds “Golden Arches”. Somebody meant to be exhaustive) and find that you are lacking; had to conjure them up and make them relevant and you you should consider putting some effort into this area had to see them over and over again to make them stick. and making some changes. Some of the decisions may be tough. It could be that a name change, color change, Good Luck! logo change, etc. may need to be made but confronting Colin Wood-Bradley these issues sooner rather than later maybe very 20 20 NC Propane Gas Association May 2012 NC Propane Gas Association June 2012 June 2012 NC Propane Gas Association 21 Improved Training Module for Construction Pros Now Online An improved interactive training module from PERC includes updated material, research studies, a news feed, and other upgrades that can help marketers connect with construction professionals and homeowners. The five training tools — the Heating Energy Cost and Carbon Calculator, the Propane Products and Appliances Directory, the Propane Energy Pod tool, the Virtual Home, and the Comparative Heating Map — are designed to reside on your propane company website, together or separately, delivering the latest research on residential propane applications to the people who need it most. Marketers can customize the module, choosing versions that target builders or homeowners. Construction professionals have incorporated previous versions of the module into their own sites or linked to it through the Propane Education & Research Council’s buildwithpropane site. Webmasters seeking to add the upgraded Interactive Training Module to their own sites should visit the instructions and access the webmaster’s best practices guide. Fleet Managers Hear Propane Autogas Positives at ACT Expo Fleet managers heard plenty of positive reviews of propane autogas during the Fleet Recipes for Winning Project Development seminar at the 2012 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo last week in Long Beach, Calif. John Roberts, vice president with Schwan’s Home Service, discussed his firm’s use of propane autogas to fuel 3,462 of the vehicles it operates to deliver meals to millions of customers in 48 states. Schwan’s began using autogas more than 30 years ago in response to gasoline shortages. Roberts said autogas is abundant and less expensive than gasoline, and its lower emissions are a great benefit. Michael Britt, vice president of vehicle engineering with UPS, updated managers on the package delivery company’s Canadian operations that use 600 trucks that run on propane autogas. Fleet managers can find many vehicles that are fueled by propane autogas. The ACT EXPO drew more than 2,000 executives from alternative fuel providers, manufacturers, governments, fleet operators, and other firms. Bring your company out for a tour of NCPGA’s Propane Village! Last month we welcomed Billy Brisson and the staff of Controls, Inc. 22 year. Show me another effort that has potential to NC Propane Gas Association June 2012 produce these results. boost our nation’s economy while generating up to The good news is that during our trip to Wash42,000 new jobs and reducing crude oil and petro- continued from page 16 May 2012 June 2012 NC NC Propane PropaneGas GasAssociation Association 23 23 North Carolina Propane Gas Association 5109 Hollyridge Dr. Raleigh, NC 27612