FEBRuaRy - North Carolina Propane Gas Association

O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e No r t h C a r o l i n a p r op a n e g a s a s s o c i a t i o n
NCPGA
NEWS
2016 // FEBRuary
8 //
March 1st 2016 – You Have to Start
Charging Sales Tax on Service Labor
11 //
2016 Training Calendar
22 //
Resources Available to You
NCPGA
NEWS
2016 // FEBRuary
FEATURES
08 //
March 1
2016 – You Have to Start
Charging Sales Tax on Service Labor
st
11 //
22 //
2016 Training Calendar
R esources Available to You
Departments
06
13
14
18
//
Chairman's Letter
// Teen Drivers
// Crestwood's New Rose Hill Rail Terminal
// Want To Provide Employee Incentives?
First Ask if They're Risk Takers or Risk Avoiders
19
20
21
24
25
26
Published for
North Carolina
Propane Gas Association
5109 Hollyridge Drive
Raleigh, NC 27612
p. 919.787.8485
f. 919.781.7481
DIRECTOR of PUBLISHING
Krystie Dovenmuehler
COPY EDITOR
Carrie Billig
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Jeremy Davis
SALES MANAGER
Marc Lucia
//
//
//
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What's Wrong With This Picture?
Event Recaps
Interview with Ben Lisk, District 4 Director
2016 Calendar of Events
Supplier Profiles
Heating Degree Days
To submit editorial or
request information —
email [email protected]
p. 919.787.8485
For information
regarding advertising
please contact Marc
at 800.572.0011 or
[email protected]
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1107 Hazeltine Boulevard,
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p. 800.572.0011
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Please note: Editorial and contents of this magazine reflect the records of the North Carolina Propane Gas Association (NCPGA). NCPGA has done their best to provide
useful and accurate information, but please take into account that some information does change. E&M Consulting, Inc., publishers and NCPGA take no responsibility
for the accuracy of the information printed, inadvertent omissions, printing errors, nor do they endorse products and services. We take no responsibility regarding
representations or warranties concerning the content of advertisements of products/services for a particular use, including all information, graphics, copyrighted materials,
and assertions included in the advertisements. The reader is advised to independently check all information before basing decisions on such information.
www.ncpga.org
5
C H A I RM A N ’ S L ETTER
Chairman's Letter
Winter greetings to all. At the time of the writing
of this article we are finally getting some normal
and even below normal winter temperatures.
I have just finished participating in the 2016 Propane
Educators' Summit that was held this year in Orlando,
Florida. More than 65 trainers, state association directors
and speakers from all over the country gathered for seminars
and training on January 11-13. John Jessup, David Donahue,
Grant Grimshaw, and myself attended from NC.
We had presentations from ITS (Industrial Training Services),
CETP and certification updates (see David's article for more
info), PERC Safety and Training Task Force updates, a Troops
to Firefighters program overview, Geographical discussions
on hiring and training service technicians, and an update and
round table discussion on other needed training topics for
the propane industry.
The PERC training update was very informative. There are
numerous new programs getting ready to be rolled out, including:
• Propane Distribution Systems for HVAC/Plumbing Professionals.
• Gas Check training program book and DVD for completing the
simplified forms.
• Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training Program.
• Propane Kids - propane on the farm learning and coloring activities.
More information and ordering of training programs can be found
on www.propanemarc.com/ncpga.
After the Troops to Firefighters program overview, we
discussed what our industry is working on to get a Troops
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NCPGA News | February
to Propane program started. John facilitated this discussion
and there is much interest in starting a program that will help
marketers find qualified and trained drivers.
If you are a trainer or safety professional for your company,
I urge you to attend this annual event. Next year it will be
held in Orlando again on January 9-11, 2017. I guarantee
you will thoroughly enjoy it and definitely get your money's
worth out if it.
I hope you are all making plans to attend our next quarterly
meeting in New Bern on March 20-22. Courtney Gendron,
CETP Program Manager, will present on the changes and
additions to CETP.
I am equally excited about attending the 2016 Southeastern
Convention and International Propane Expo in Nashville,
Tennessee on April 8-10. The move from Atlanta to Nashville
is sparking a lot of interest in the expo so make your plans
to attend now! To register or if you have any questions, visit
npgaexpo.org.
As your Executive Committee Chairman, please feel free to
contact me about anything of interest in what we are busy
planning for the spring, summer, and fall. Your NCPGA
board is hard at work on behalf of all of our members. I look
forward to seeing many of you in March in New Bern and in
Nashville in April.
Until next month....
Cyndi Kibler
NCPGA CHairman
PRESI D EN T/C E O
March 1st 2016 –
You Have to Start
Charging Sales Tax
on Service Labor
The 2015 General Assembly passed several laws that change sales and
use taxes. There is a new bulletin from the NC Department of Revenue
that addresses these changes; sections applicable to the propane gas
industry are highlighted.
Under current law, there is an exemption from sales and use tax for
installation charges when separately stated on an invoice or other similar
billing document given to the purchaser at the time of the sale. This
exemption is repealed and no longer in effect as of March 1, 2016.
Effective March 1, 2016, the 4.75% general State sales tax and
applicable local and transit rates of sales and use tax apply to the
sales price or gross receipts derived from repair, maintenance and
installation services relating to tangible personal property. This
applies even if the service charges are stated separately.
Service contracts are taxable under current law. Effective March 1, 2016,
the definition of a service contract is modified to such that it applies
regardless of whether the tangible personal property is or becomes
affixed to real property. Examples of a service contract include a
warranty agreement (other than a manufacturer’s warranty or dealer’s
warranty provided at no charge to the purchaser), an extended warranty
agreement, a maintenance agreement, a repair contract, or similar
agreement or contract. A “dealer’s warranty” is an explicit warranty
the seller of an item extends to the purchaser of the item as part of the
purchase price of the item.
There is a new definition of “retail trade”, effective March 1, 2016. “Retail
trade” includes a trade in which the majority of revenue is from retailing
tangible personal property or services to consumers. A person engaged
in a retail trade is a retailer and must treat all transactions as retail sales,
including the sale or gross receipts derived from repair, maintenance
and installation services, no matter that such person may install or apply
tangible personal property that becomes part of or affixed to real property.
The foregoing is not intended to be legal advice and may not apply in all
circumstances. NCPGA members should seek independent advice from
an attorney or CPA as to any particular circumstance.
John Jessup
NCPGA PRESIDENT/CEO
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NCPGA News | February
NCPGA
NEWS
John R. Jessup, President/CEO
Dave Donahue, Director of Code Compliance
and Education
Brenda Cole, Office Manager
Jon Carr, Lobbyist, Legal Counsel
5109 Hollyridge Drive • Raleigh, NC 27612
Ph. 919-787-8485 • Fax 919-781-7481
Cyndi Kibler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman
Jeff Wade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman Elect
Jeff Ruffner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Chairman
Billy Foust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary
Joe Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer
David Briles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Immediate Past Chairman
District Directors
District 2: Scott Prewitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . Swannanoa, NC
District 3: Gary Chambers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advance, NC
District 4: Ben Lisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albemarle, NC
District 5: David Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Graham, NC
District 6: Stewart Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Pauls, NC
District 7: Alex Jernigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smithfield, NC
District 8: Dennis (Buddy) Swain . . . . . . . Columbia, NC
District 9: J.C. Burnette . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chocowinity, NC
Committee Chairs
Advisory Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Briles
Convention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Barker
Education/Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald Godfrey
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donnie Bullock
Governmental Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Kazakewich
Membership Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Mizell
NC Young Gassers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stewart Chance
Promotions, Public
Relations & Publication . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaime Alberti
Technologies/Innovations . . . . . . . . . . Armistead Mauck
Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray Billups
Notice
As the official publication of the NC Propane Gas
Association, the NCPGA 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.
C O D E C O M PL I A N C E
2016
Training Calendar
By David Donahue, NCPGA Director of Code Compliance and Education
A new year means a new training calendar. 2016 will be another
real-time reports from any device with a QR reader. QR readers
full year. By now, you should have received your e-blast on the
are a free downloadable app for your smart phones and tablets.
opening of registration for our 2016 training classes. There are a
few changes in 2016 that you need to be aware of. In 2016 our
2016 Updated Proctor Training
classes in the western part of the state will be held in Hickory.
March 1, 2016 will also signal the renewal of the Proctor
We are requesting that any students that you wish to send to
Certificates for those members that are CETP Proctors. What
our more advanced CETP classes have at least one year field
is new for 2016 is that this renewal will be good for 3 years
experience before attending. These would include our 4.1 -
instead of one. The fee will be $75.00 for this 3 year certificate.
Designing and Installing Exterior Vapor Distribution Systems, 4.2 -
That will result in a 50% saving over the annual $50.00 fee that
Placing Vapor Distribution Systems and Appliances into Operation,
was required in years past.
4.3 - Installing Appliances and Interior Vapor Distribution Systems
and 4.4 - Basic Electricity for Propane Appliance Service.
2016 and Beyond
At the National Trainers Conference, several other changes to
Classroom Materials:
the NPGA CETP Certification were presented. These changes
ALL the books and skill assessments are new for 2016. So if
have yet to be approved by the NPGA Board of Directors. I am
you had shared books in the past, you will need to purchase
hoping to be able to report on them in next month’s magazine.
the new 2016 editions. If you have any old versions of the
In addition, we are planning to have an extensive CETP update
skills assessments on file, please discard them. The skill
at our Spring Board Meeting, March 20- 22 in New Bern, NC.
assessments must match the edition of the CETP books used.
The Bobtail Class went from 2 books to now only requiring one.
2016 is looking to be another active year for our Association.
Please be sure to check our Calendar of Events and make your
E-Wallet Cards
Starting
March
plans to attend. The Start of the New Year also signals the
2016,
start of the new code cycle in North Carolina. I have already
students completing a class
1,
attended several meetings on the adoption of the new State
will be issued an OnBoard
Energy Code as well as the new Fuel Gas Code. Change is in
eWallet QR Card. This will
the air for the New Year.
allow managers to access
www.ncpga.org
11
Teen Drivers
By Derek Carawan, AAMS
If you are the parent of a soon-to-be
teen driver, you undoubtedly have been
thinking about a lot of things lately. Our
oldest son has been driving for two
years. Even though we are past the initial
“angst,” I remember the emotions that
we were going through all too well. We
certainly did share his excitement when
he started taking drivers education, and
I was thankful that someone else had
the task of being driven by him while he
was training. I mean, they don’t put that
second brake pedal on the passenger
side for nothing. When he got his
learners permit, I pressed that imaginary
brake pedal on my side maybe a hundred
times or more until I finally got more
comfortable with the whole situation. I
mean it was stressful for him too. I do
think that I am a little better prepared for
son number 2’s driving adventures, and
there is just no other way to prepare
yourself for it. You have to experience
it to learn how to deal with it. I’ve put
together some thoughts for you nervous
parents out there. I hope these nuggets
help you navigate the experience.
The items that are top
of mind for this topic are:
• What type of vehicles should
be considered?
• How do you approach the whole
insurance issue?
• What type of situations will the new
driver and vehicle experience on a
regular basis?
My wife and I started a savings program
for both of our kids when they were little.
In addition to depositing money into their
accounts each month, we made them
put some of their allowance, birthday
and part-time job money in them as
well. This account was primarily to fund
their first car. So about 6 months before
his 16th birthday, we started talking
about what type of vehicles might be
worth considering. A good place to
start is safety ratings. You can ask your
insurance agent or go to Edmunds.com
or Kelly Blue Book (KBB.com). I then
started looking on craigslist, Auction
Direct and CarMax to get an idea of what
was available and how much things were
going to cost. Of course the amount of
money that you are able to spend is a
big deciding factor, but let me caution
you on something that many parents do
not think about. If your teen is planning
on driving to school, most likely, their
vehicle is going to get dinged up pretty
bad. So even if you can afford a nicer,
newer car, I would think twice about it.
After three months a couple of his doors
looked like they had been in a rock fight!
Life is hectic enough without having to
worry about whether your kid’s nice car
is going to get damaged every day.
Insuring a teen driver is EXPENSIVE!
Now that we have that out in the open
(I’m sure that was no surprise), one
of the best resources that we found
when trying to navigate this issue is
• Should you add them to your policy or
should they have a separate policy.
• If they are going to drive an older car,
you may just want to put liability on it.
But that means you are on the hook
for repairs in the event of a fender
bender or act of nature because
you opted NOT to have collision or
comprehensive coverage.
• Some insurance companies like
Liberty Mutual in North Carolina have
online safe driver programs that you
can pay to take and in turn you are
eligible for some discounts for the
student driver.
• Michael Berke of Liberty Mutual in
Raleigh reminded me that, “a new
inexperienced driver in the household
significantly changes the overall “Risk
Dynamic” or “Financial Exposure” to
the household. Each circumstance
is different, but coverages to review
would certainly include Bodily Injury
Liability, Property Damage Liability,
and Medical Payments.”
• You may even want to think about
adding an umbrella policy if you don’t
already have one.
F EATU RE
talking to friends who have already
been through it. Some of the things
that you need to find out are:
Finally, take into consideration everything
that the vehicle will be used for. If your
child has to haul around a bunch of
sports gear (hockey for example), you
may want something with more trunk
space or even a small SUV because
putting all of that equipment in and out
of the car can really mark up the interior.
So far our experience has been basically
“error” free. I hope to keep it that way.
Derek Carawan is a LPL Financial Advisor
and LPL Registered Principal / 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 a solicitation to
sell any insurance product or 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. This
information is not intended to be a
substitute for specific individualized tax or
legal planning advice.
www.ncpga.org
13
D EPA RTM EN T
CRESTWOOD’S NEW ROSE HILL
RAIL TERMINAL – MAKING PROGRESS!
The development of Crestwood Midstream’s new rail terminal in
Rose Hill – just east of the Dixie Pipeline – is moving along nicely.
According to Crestwood’s Southeast Marketing Representative
Max Johnson, the company targets a March opening.
“We’re pleased to report that the five-spot rail rack has been built
and just needs to be piped to the storage tanks,” said Johnson.
“And the two-spot truck rack has only minor work left to be done.
It should be ready for testing in February. In addition, the can
pumps and compressors have been installed to ensure faster
offloading and loading times.” Johnson also added that the
asphalt driveway and landscaping should be completed in later
January or early February.
The facility’s 240,000 gallons of storage will enable fast loading
of up to 40 trucks per day while eliminating long wait times in
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NCPGA News | February
the peak periods. The potential for convenient rail service seven
days a week will bring marketers greater product reliability.
Andy Ronald, vice president of commercial development and
national accounts for Crestwood said, “The Rose Hill facility will
bring valuable supply to North Carolina marketers from multiple
shale gas origins. With its strategic location, it will mean value
and peace of mind for marketers who serve customers in the
eastern half of the state.”
Propane and NGL marketers who want more information on the
Rose Hill Rail Facility or a tour of the operation should contact
Johnson at [email protected] or by phone at
816.329.5316. Pricing structures are available for varied regional
uses, from summer-only plans to winter allocation. Johnson and
Ronald encourage North Carolina marketers to consider their 2016
supply plans now and to not let his opportunity pass.
12,900
Foster Fuels, Inc. is offering a propane
bobtail truck for sale. The truck has low
miles and has been used as a spare
and purge truck for many years.
Please contact Dale Henderson or
Justin Bomar at 1-800-344-6457,
[email protected] or
[email protected].
Ford – F700
Year – 1993
Miles – 54,124 (miles are actual we promise)
Transmission – 5 speed with hi and lo rear
Engine – 5.9 cummins
Tire Size – 9 R 22.5
Pump – Blackmer
Meter – Neptune
Tank Size – 2000 gallon
Tank Model – 331 MC, ASME-U
Tank Year – 1971
New clutch and runs and pumps good.
Arc-resistant Jacketed CSST
Approved for use in North Carolina
As of January 1, 2016 CSST with an Arc-resistant jacket listed by an approved
agency for installation without direct bonding, is approved for use in North Carolina.
This is a new addition to the North Carolina Fuel Gas Code (2012) 310.1.1.
2012 NC Fuel Gas Code
310.1.1. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST). (120312 Item B-3)
D EPA RTM EN T
PROPANE BOBTAIL
FOR SALE
$
310.1.1. Chapter 8 CSST. (141209 Item B-11)
310.1.1. CSST. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) gas piping system
at the point where the gas service enters the building. The bonding jumper
shall be not smaller than 6 AWG copper wire or equivalent.
CSST with an arc-resistant jacket listed by an approved agency for installation
without the direct bonding, as prescribed in this section, shall be installed in
accordance with Section 310.1. and the manufacturer's installation instructions.
The delayed effective date of this Rule is January 1, 2016.
Remember: you need to be trained and certified on the use of
Arc-resistant Jacketed CSST
www.ncpga.org
15
F O RBES A RTI C L E
Want To Provide Employee Incentives?
First Ask If They're Risk Takers or Risk Avoiders
By Steve Parrish, Contributor
I’ve been asked to speak to an industry
group about the advantages and
disadvantages of various incentive
programs for privately-held companies.
They want me to address “golden
handcuff” benefit packages that go
beyond the standard salary and cash
bonus approach.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, golden
handcuffs are incentives, often deferred,
designed to be so enticing that they keep
targeted employees locked in place and
invested in the company’s success.
The group wants to help its member
companies recruit talent, retain employees
and reward profitable performance. While
this organization has had speakers address
ESOPs, deferred compensation, stock
options and other plans, the members
have expressed confusion as to how to
sort through these packages.
Risk taker or risk avoider?
It’s not easy to determine the right
incentive package for a company. The
CEO wants the program to be affordable;
the CFO wants it tax-efficient; and the
HR director wants it easy to manage. But
first and foremost, the incentive program
must be effective.
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NCPGA News | February
Unless a golden handcuff plan can
inspire, reward and retain employees, the
program is just one more burdensome
and under-appreciated benefit.
A good start to assessing golden
handcuff programs is to consider the
risk tolerance of the targeted employees.
Are they generally risk takers or
risk avoiders?
Consider these examples. If your target
group for an incentive plan is your
company’s C-suite of executives, it
makes sense to have risk built into the
program. For companies willing to share
stock ownership with this executive
group, a stock option plan may fit. In
situations where the owners want
the execs to share in the equity of the
business but not in the ownership, a
more appropriate design might be a
nonqualified deferred compensation
plan that measures the company’s
contribution based on stock value.
The fact is executives usually have
knowledge and control over key aspects
of the companies they serve. They
understand the risks involved and can be
motivated by risk-based incentive plans.
Say, instead, the business involves
construction engineering and the
company wants to recruit, retain and
reward its engineers and key field
personnel. These essential employees
may understand blueprints and CAD
programs but not income statements
and balance sheets. Their training and
personalities are more likely to lead them
to be motivated by less risky incentives.
For this group, a possible incentive is
an executive bonus insurance plan. The
company contributes to a plan which
supplements life, retirement and longterm care coverage for these employees
and their families. While such a program
can include restrictions and incentives, it
would not necessarily include as much risk.
Next steps
By starting with a review of the employee
group’s risk profile, you can narrow the
field of incentive program choices. You
can further filter through possible plans
by considering three questions:
• What are their specific risk characteristics
that apply given the nature of your business and
employee base?
• Who makes up the particular employee group
you are targeting for the incentive plan?
Below is an example of how this process
could work.
Risk Takers
What?
• Employees willing to accept significant financial
risks for the potential of a big payday
• E mployees who are not only sold on the
company’s mission but in a position to influence
the company’s success
Who?
• Executives and sales staff
• Millennials with little to lose but a lot to gain
How?
• Nonqualified stock options
Incentive-based benefit plans are
neither standardized nor entitlements.
The possible program choices are many,
and the various design possibilities are
endless. By starting with a consideration
of your target group’s risk propensity,
you can begin to sort through program
choices. Your company can leave
confusion behind and start focusing on
effective solutions.
Steve Parrish: I use my experience to help save
business owners a headache or two. I have more
than 35 years’ experience as an attorney and financial
planner, and I’ve worked with hundreds of business
owners to solve problems, exit their businesses or
retain their top talent. I work all over the country with
financial advisors and business owners themselves to
help them better prepare for their financial future. My
blog is focused on financial intelligence for business
owners. I'll talk about current events, experiences
I've had with business owners, and a lot about taxes.
Steve is a National Advanced Solutions Director with
the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.
While this communication may be used to promote
or market a transaction or an idea that is discussed
in the publication, it is intended to provide general
information about the subject matter covered and is
provided with the understanding that the author is
not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice. It is
not a marketed opinion and may not be used to avoid
penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. You should
consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors
on all matters pertaining to legal, tax, or accounting
obligations and requirements. *JD is an educational
degree and the holder does not provide legal services
on behalf of the companies of the Principal Financial
Group. *Insurance products from the Principal Financial
Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance
Co. (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Co.,
Des Moines, IA. Securities offered through Princor
Financial Services Corp, Member SIPC (www.SIPC.org),
Des Moines, IA 50392
F O RBES A RTI C L E
• Among the many incentive plans available, how
can you most effectively provide incentives to this
targeted employee group?
• Restricted stock units
• E mployer-paid nonqualified deferred compensation based on profit and stock value metrics
Risk Avoiders
What?
• The type of employee who would prefer a 5
percent return with zero chance of a loss versus
a potential 15 percent return with a chance of a
5 percent loss
What’s Wrong
With This Picture?
• T he type of employee who prefers an annual
incentive (even though the upside potential
is limited) versus an incentive that varies in
frequency but with a potentially higher payout
• A
n employee concerned about the potential
insolvency of the company
Who
• Professional and administrative staff
• Non-executive staff
How
• Executive bonus plans funded with cash value
life insurance
• S upplemental insurance programs such as life,
disability and long-term care plans
// Answers are on page 26
• E mployer funded nonqualified deferred
compensation plans that are based on an
annual bonus pool
www.ncpga.org
19
Ev e n t R ec a p
National trainers conference, January 11-13, ORLANDO, FL
Cyndi Kibler and John Jessup
Courtney Gendron
Convention and Meeting Committee
A well deserved break at the 2016 National Trainers Conference
20
NCPGA News | February
Convention and Meeting Committee (l to r) Amy Dean, Bob Barnum,
Jaime Alberti, Scott Eggers, Angi Harris, Brenda Cole and Ken Dye
Where do you call home?
Albemarle, North Carolina
& the surrounding area.
What was your first job?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car Management
Trainee Program What are some things
you do in your spare time?
Watching my son's traveling baseball
team and golf.
Do you have any favorite sports teams?
Carolina Panthers and Jordan Spieth.
Do you have a gadget
you can’t live without?
No, sir How did you get
into your line of work?
Third generation family-owned
oil business.
What is your job now?
Manager of propane division of
South Central Oil Co., Inc.
What do you like most about your job?
Meeting new people, creating
savings and customer service in our
local areas.
What do you find most
challenging about your job?
Time management for myself and
the employees.
Give us an idea of what
an average day includes:
How has your business grown?
How has it changed over the years?
How long have you
been involved in NCPGA?
Numbers of actual customer base has
fluctuated between products we carry
from oil, kerosene, now propane.
Our company has for a few years.
Grant & Cindi with Professional
Propane Services have been extremely
beneficial to us entering this side of
the heating business industry. So
when we noticed their involvement
with NCPGA, we definitely want to
further explore how this association
can benefit companies like ours
throughout North Carolina.
What is the best
advice you ever received?
"Gratitude begins where our sense
of entitlement ends" from Pastor
Steven Furtick.
What advice would you give someone
entering the industry today?
There are some amazing people
you will meet in this industry from
sales reps, to service managers, to
association members etc. Ones
that are truly passionate about their
jobs and furthermore, creating
opportunities within the industry for
other people.
What was the last book
or movie you enjoyed?
Empire of the Summer Moon (book)
pertains to the rise and fall of the
Comanches, the most powerful Indian
tribe in American history.
What did you do after high school?
Attended college at Wingate University.
Where would you like to visit?
Moraine Lake (Canada).
What characteristics do
you admire most in others?
Ambition.
I N TERVI EW
Member Q&A
Ben LISK
South Central Oil Co., Inc. - District 4 Director
What are the skills
you use most in your career?
My training has always been sales
related. This industry allows for sales
and being personable to coincide.
What is your
greatest achievement to date?
Becoming a father to my son, Jackson,
& daughter, Jameson.
If you could spend 10 minutes
with your hero/idol (alive or
deceased), what would you do?
Honestly, I would simply request to
chat again with my physically deceased
grandfather. His name is Jim; he was
always my idol growing up.
What is something unusual or funny
that no one knows about you?
I quote the movie Dumb & Dumber
at least 5 times a week during
work hours.
Thank you for allowing me to be
part of your interview portion of the
NCPGA News magazine.
Scheduling, shifting, meetings,
training, growing while grinding!
www.ncpga.org
21
F EATU RE
Resources
Available to You
By Richard Fredenburg, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
We maintain a lot of propane-related
information on our website. I thought
now might be a good time to remind
you about what is there. While most of
it is intended for propane companies,
some information will be useful for
propane customers.
This first list includes industry-specific
topics of interest, including interpretations
of LP-Gas Code requirements. These cover
a range of subject matter from additional
discussion where code requirements are
vague to information or links for where
you can find other resources to help
you meet code requirements. They may
be North Carolina-only requirements,
interpretations or information.
• Operations and Maintenance Procedures
Information – Mainly a link to the Propane
Education and Research Council Operations
and Maintenance Manual and site-specific
information and emergency shutdown equipment
specified, but not listed, in the O&M Manual.
• Information on the assumption of service
from another propane company – A
sample notification form for disconnecting a
competitor’s tank when you are taking on that
customer, notification as required by state law
and in writing as required by state regulation.
Also, a sample complaint form and link for
submitting a complaint online when the notice
of disconnect is not provided.
• Electric meters – Are they a source of
ignition? Our interpretation on this subject.
• Seal Break Reports – A Weights and
Measures requirement when a meter seal is
22
NCPGA News | February
broken. You will find a sample form and online
submittal link.
• Fences – Our interpretation of what qualifies
as appropriate fencing.
• Guidelines for protection from vehicle
impact – It seems the code is changing on this
requirement with each new edition. Watch
here for the latest rule.
• LP-gas inspections have gone electronic. –
A quick description.
• Anchoring tanks in flood-prone areas –
North Carolina has different flood concerns
in different regions, based on past flooding
experiences. This information will help you
comply with anchoring rules.
• Failure of backflow check valves – A simple
statement to be aware that these valves
continue to fail.
• Cylinder exchange cabinets – A listing of the
violations we find at exchange cabinets and
some reasons behind the rules.
• Submittal requirements for LP-gas bulk
storage facilities – This is what we expect
to see when you supply information about a
tank(s) larger than 4,000 gallons, single or
aggregate, you want to install.
• Fire safety analysis information – This should
be everything you wanted to know about
providing an FSA for your site. Links to sites
where you can download the FSA Manual.
• LP-gas laws and regulations – The rules that
govern LP-gas installations and activities.
• Defining "important building" –
Our interpretation on this term.
• Extension requests – How and when to request
an extension to ward off the inspector when you
are not yet ready. Also a link for online requests.
• RIN or Re-tester Identification Number –
How to get your RIN or find someone nearby
who has one.
• Name plate concerns – Information about
requirements and links to sites for information
and forms when certain tank maintenance or
repair activities are performed.
• Logging Maintenance Activities –
Our interpretation on maintenance logs.
• Violations that result in immediate penalties –
These are the violations you want to avoid,
unless you want to help support the schools.
• Fire Protection Analysis for enclosures for
LP-gas tanks – An explanation of what must
be considered when performing the FPA and a
suggested format.
• Delivery Ticket Requirements – A listing of
items that must be shown on delivery tickets.
• Hot-air balloon containers filled by pilots –
Our position on allowing hot-air balloon pilots
to fill their own propane containers.
• Equivalency – There are ways to allow for
alternatives to prescribed code requirements,
equivalencies. Here is how you justify your
request for equivalency.
• Underground tanks for elevated buildings –
Some code-allowed relaxation on separation
requirements when the building is not in
contact with the ground.
Most of these items change only when
the rules change. However, sometimes
we get good questions on these topics
that cause us to rethink requirements.
Feel free to ask or suggest if what you
Next, there is a similar page intended
to
provide
customers
and
consumers
information about a variety of propane topics:
• Description of different valves available
on grill cylinders
• Proper storage of propane containers
• Safety alert concerning misuse of propane
cylinders – anhydrous ammonia alert
• Disposal of old grill cylinders
• Propane use at flea markets, farmers markets
and festivals, including dispensing
• Underground propane tank corrosion
protection and removal/abandoning
• Inspection of residential and commercial
propane tanks
• Grilling safety
• Frequently asked questions concerning home
delivery of propane, grill cylinder filling and
replacement, and inspections on residential
and commercial tanks
See these at www.ncagr.gov/standard/
LP/LPgasConcerns/ConsumerConcerns
AndFAQs.htm
• Safety concerns about turkey fryer use
• Links to PERC education brochures about
heaters, winter storms, hurricanes and
extreme heat as related to propane safety
All of the topics listed are shown
because there were inquiries about them
from either the industry, customers,
consumers or inspectors. We continue to
take calls and emails with questions and
respond to them directly. We may also
refer them to our web pages for more
complete answers to their questions, or
to direct them to a form to submit or a
link to find what they need.
F EATU RE
see can be improved. There are also
some notices at the top of the page to
notify of recent actions or concerns. See
all of these at www.ncagr.gov/standard/
LP/LPgasConcerns/index.htm.
Another reason for some of the items is
that they are a way to establish that we
have officially made an interpretation or
set a policy about a particular subject.
I encourage you to visit our websites.
You might learn something where you
have a question. You might even see
that we should cover another topic.
If so, I hope you will take the time to
contact me to make a suggestion.
As always, questions on this interpretation
are welcome. You can call me at 919-707-3231.
The question you ask may be the key that helps
to clarify our interpretation and help others
looking at the website to understand
the requirements.
www.ncpga.org
23
C A L EN DA R O F E V EN TS
24
BOARD MEETINGS / CONVENTION
Mar. 20-22
Spring Board Meeting
DoubleTree by Hilton New
Bern Riverfront, New Bern
June 17-21
Summer Board Meeting
Williamsburg Lodge,
Williamsburg, VA
Sept. 10-13
Annual Convention
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
Resort, Cherokee
Join us at the NCPGA
Spring Meeting!
TRAINING
Feb. 16-17
Basic Principles CETP Class
NCPGA Training Center
Mar. 1-3
Bobtail CETP Class
NCPGA Training Center
April 8-10
Southeast Convention
Nashville, TN
April 12-13
Basic Principles CETP Class
Hickory, NC
April 25-27
Bobtail CETP Class
Hickory, NC
May 3
Bulk Barn Class
Greenville, NC
May 10-12
Vapor Distribution 4.1
Hickory, NC
May 17-18
Serviceman School
Raleigh, NC
May 23-25
Propane Days
Washington, DC
May 24-26
Vapor Distribution 4.1
Greenville, NC
June 2
Fuel Piping Prep Course
NCPGA Training Center
June 7-9
Vapor Distribution 4.1
NCPGA Training Center
June 28-30
CETP Basic Electric
NCPGA Training Center
July 12-13
Basic Principles CETP Class
NCPGA Training Center
July 19-21
Vapor Distribution 4.2
NCPGA Training Center
July 26-28
Bobtail CETP Class
NCPGA Training Center
Aug. 4
Fuel Piping Prep Course
Greenville, NC
Aug. 9-10
Basic Principles CETP Class
Hickory, NC
Aug. 11
IRC Managers Training
NCPGA Training Center
Aug. 16–18
Bobtail CETP Class
Hickory, NC
Aug. 25
Fuel Piping Prep Course
Hickory, NC
Aug. 30–Sept. 1
Vapor Distribution 4.3
NCPGA Training Center
Oct. 4-5
Basic Principles CETP Class
Hickory, NC
Oct. 18-20
Bobtail CETP Class
Hickory, NC
Nov. 1-2
Basic Principles CETP Class
NCPGA Training Center
Nov.15-17
Bobtail CETP Class
NCPGA Training Center
NCPGA News | February
March 20-22, 2016
Doubletree by Hilton Riverfront
New Bern, NC
Look for Registration
Information Soon!
Your Title:
S U PPL I ER PR O F I L ES
Meet Anna Rector
Gulf Coast & Southeast NGL Marketer
Owner/President of Company: Angela John - Senior Vice President, NGL Marketing
Headquarters:
Houston, TX
Services/Products Offered:
Wholesale Propane Sales, Structured Products, Pre-buy Contracts
Area of Service Coverage:
Dixie Pipeline and Louisiana Fractionators
Years in your Industry:
10 Years
Years in your Company:
14 Years
Years in NCPGA:
Newly Joined
Where You Live:
Houston, TX
Where You Grew Up:
Oblong, IL
Family:
Married with 4 daughters
Favorite sports teams
Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals
Interesting facts: Played the clarinet for the Notre Dame Hockey Pep Band
201 Helios Way
Houston, TX 77079
713.323.7421
[email protected]
ngl.com
Other Info: BP has been marketing and trading NGLs for over 40 years, employing more than 60
employees in trading, marketing, logistics and analytics. BP offers physical solutions for
ethane, propane, butane, y-grade, condensate, natural gasoline, ethylene, propylene,
and more. BP participates in all facets of the NGLs value chain including production,
processing, supply aggregation, trading, marketing, logistics and risk management. BP
trades approximately 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of NGLs globally, optimizes roughly
11 million barrels of NGL storage in North America, and markets an additional 250,000 bpd
outside of Mont Belvieu and Conway. With an established customer base, BP has access
to multiple consumers and markets and is a supplier on most major NGL pipelines, which
enables us to offer both reliability and flexibility to our customers.
Meet Ray Kazakewich
100 Rego Drive,
P.O. Box 247
Elon, NC 27244
336.449.7707 office
rkazakew
@regoproducts.com
regoproducts.com
Your Title:
Sales Manager
Owner/President:
Gary Boone
Headquarters:
Elon, NC
Services:
Manufacturer of Rego regulators & valves
Area you cover:
North America
Years in your industry:
Since Birth
Years in your company:
18 Years
Years in NCPGA:
14 Years
Where you live now:
Greensboro, NC
Where you grew up:
Cherry Hill, NJ
Family:
Not that I am aware of, no kids either.
Personal interests:
Softball, Golf, Running
Favorite sports team:
Philadelphia Phillies, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Interesting facts about you:
If I wasn’t in the propane business, I would own an automobile restoration shop.
www.ncpga.org
25
Advertisers Index
Apache LP Trucks, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Best & Langston, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover
BLT Tanks LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC
CHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Coastal Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Controls Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Crestwood Services LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
CUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, IBC
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Gas Equipment Co., Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Metsa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
This cylinder has gone past rust and is in the severe corrosion
condition. Shame on any driver who fills it! It may look like this
on the bottom, too. In that case, it could take off like a rocket
when it is being filled due to the extra pressure while filling it.
Petroleum Tank Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rutherford Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Tri-State Distributors, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
WESROC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Heating Degree Days
Asheville (KAVL):
Dec
Jan
Y-T-D
2015/16
421
785*
1882*
2014/15
639
861
3984
Charlotte (KCLT):
Dec
Jan
Y-T-D
2015/16
301
*
672
1437*
2014/15
590
759
3254
Greensboro (KGSO):
Dec
Jan
Y-T-D
2015/16
364
732*
1610*
2014/15
651
820
3698
Elizabeth City (KECG):
Dec
Jan
Y-T-D
2015/16
244
*
617
1217*
2014/15
467
679
3184
Raleigh (KRDU):
Dec
Jan
Y-T-D
2015/16
295
680*
1424*
2014/15
622
775
3484
(Source: http://www.wunderground.com/)
*up to January 25th
Y-T-D begins July 1st
26
NCPGA News | February
Wholesale Prices
$
10/19/15
0.532
$
11/09/15 0.533
12/21/15 $0.443
01/18/16 $0.381
(Source: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_wfr_dcus_SNC_w.htm)
NCPGA
NEWS
North Carolina
Propane Gas Association
5109 Hollyridge Drive
Raleigh, NC 27612
Presorted STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Helmer Printing