Official Publication of the North Carolina propane gas association

2015 // March NCPGA NEWS

10 // 2015 Farm Show Recap

16 // New Requirements Designed to Protect Dispensers from Vehicle Impact 25 // Register for Spring Meeting

2015 // March NCPGA NEWS FEATURES

10 // 2015 Farm Show Recap

16 // New Requirements Designed to Protect Dispensers from Vehicle Impact

25 // Register for Spring Meeting

Departments 04 // President’s Letter 06 // Executive Director's Letter 07 // Code Compliance 08 // Tips For Reflecting Your Business Value in Your Buy-Sell Plan 14 // The Worst Advice About Alternative Fuels 15 // What's Wrong With This Picture? 18 // Governor's Letter 22 // Interview with Larry Mizell 23 // Heating Degree Days 24 // Supplier Profiles

Published for DIRECTOR of PUBLISHING To submit editorial or Published by North Carolina Krystie Dovenmuehler request information — E&M Consulting, Inc. Propane Gas Association email [email protected] 1107 Hazeltine Boulevard COPY EDITOR 5109 Hollyridge Drive p. 919.787.8485 Suite #350 Carrie Bethel Raleigh, NC 27612 Chaska, MN 55318 p. 919.787.8485 LAYOUT & DESIGN For information p. 800.572.0011 f. 919.781.7481 Jeremy Davis regarding advertising f. 952.448.9928 please contact Marc www.emconsultinginc.com SALES MANAGER at 800.572.0011or Marc Lucia [email protected]

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 3 David Briles NCPGA President I hope everyone is planning to attend the NCPGA Spring Board Meeting at the Marriott City Center in Raleigh on March 22 -24.

The low this morning was 8° Fahrenheit. The low tomorrow 2014 should be required reading for pessimists like myself. Mr. morning is projected to be 2° Fahrenheit. Winter is here! Stephens makes the following observations about America:

PRESIDENT’S LETTER Thanks to all who volunteered for the Farm Show. It was well • The major emerging technologies of our time, fracking, attended and there was quite a bit of foot traffic on our aisle. social media and cancer immunotherapy were developed Lots of folks got a chance to see what propane can do as a in America. motor fuel. • Geology played a role, but was not the deciding factor. Earlier in the month I had a chance to accompany John Jessup China, Argentina and Algeria all have larger shale gas to the NPGA Board Meeting in San Diego – a first for me. I reserves than America. saw several familiar faces and attended a couple of informative meetings. At the Propane Supply and Logistics Meeting, as • Fracking has revolutionized the energy industry worldwide. expected, the focus was on The Great Deflation (crude oil prices falling), the long term impact of fracking on nationwide • The technology behind fracking was not developed by inventories, and avoiding a repeat of the January-February, 2014 federal bureaucracies or by Fortune 500 mega-corporations, supply debacle. The picture is complicated – one slide showed but by entrepreneurs with a good idea and the fortitude over a dozen different economic factors that potentially impact and access to capital to turn dreams into reality. the price of propane – sometimes dramatically. NPGA is in the process of developing a tool to help marketers track propane • Property rights played a role. Private ownership of inventories nationwide. While not yet ready, this tool might mineral rights is not the norm throughout the world. come in handy down the road. • As a result, the world is becoming less dependent on The hot topic at the Governmental Affairs Committee meeting OPEC, greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing and was CETP. Currently, the CETP program is “evergreen,” dictators of companies that are dependent on high meaning no refresher training is required. There was quite a bit priced oil to meet their budget are struggling. of discussion on this topic. Complicating the issue is the fact that laws vary from state to state. The matter was referred back to the Executive Committee, but there will be more discussion Only in America is there a confluence of these factors sufficient about this in the future. to propel new technologies forward.

I hope everyone is planning to attend the NCPGA Spring Board I close with a quote from the last line of his column: “We are Meeting at the Marriott City Center in Raleigh on March 22 – larger than our leaders. We are better than our politics. We are March 24. wiser than our culture. We are smarter than our ideas…”

Also, don’t forget that later on this spring, there will be a Those are good words. Be safe! demonstration of conversion from a gasoline powered engine to autogas. The date and time have yet to be determined.

*****

Bret Stephens writes a weekly column (“Global View”) for the David Briles Wall Street Journal. The column that appeared on December 23rd, NCPGA President

4 NCPGA News | March

Low Hanging Fruit

By John Jessup, NCPGA Executive Director

An estimated 62% of propane heated homes have an electric hot Manufacturers say those increases can be achieved simply by water heater. A recent study found out that 20% of homeowners using more insulation, which might make the storage tank units

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR know they should not waste water, but didn’t know their hot a few inches wider, at a cost of about $50. That increased girth water used any energy to heat. Homeowners need to know that will likely affect space-constrained projects such as multifamily water heating systems are the second biggest user of electricity housing, where a relatively small gas tankless unit may be an in the home, accounting for an average of 18 percent of electricity easier fit than the new, wider tanks. costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But the real jump comes for higher-volume water heaters. The PERF board is working diligently with our marketing company, Warm Thoughts to develop a comprehensive marketing For tanks of 55 gallons or more, the new rules get a lot more campaign to put more burner tips in the field. Specifically tankless stringent. For instance, EF requirements for a 65-gallon electric hot water heaters. Last month, 70 NCPGA propane companies tank heater will more than double, from .88 to 1.98. But the ordered over 150,000 of the new “Propane Matters” bill stuffer only way to get that efficiency out of an electric unit is to use that spotlights hot water heaters and gives our new promotion to heat pump technology. That adds significant costs — 65-gallon win a free tankless Rinnai hot water heater and installation. units start around $2,000 — along with installation concerns. Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) require a higher vertical We are also developing a propane vs electric hot water heater clearance and at least 1,000 cubic feet of space around them. specific website that will highlight the benefits of propane over Plus, without external venting, a HPWH will cool the air within electricity. Consumers will be able to go to the website for that surrounding space, potentially increasing the demand on information, on hot water heaters, finding a propane dealer, and the space-heating system. the environmental benefits of propane over electricity. Joe Holliday, director of business and product development Normally, I agree with Ronald Reagan’s famous quote, “The at tankless water heater manufacturer Rinnai, says the new most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the requirements, which go into effect April 16 for manufacturers, government and I'm here to help.” However, there have been provide a new selling opportunity for construction pros that install recent moves the by the Department of Energy that are going or specify propane water heaters. to help our industry. Below is an informative excerpt relating to our hot water heater campaign from the PERC Smart Brief from "If you're talking about an electric storage tank heater that used Feb. 19, 2015 to cost $300 to $400 now being priced upwards of $1,000, that really closes the gap," Holliday says. "You've got a good “New water heating standards from the Department of Energy potential to convert them to propane, with the lifestyle benefits that go into effect this year are rewriting the price-point differential of tankless." between electric and propane water heaters, especially for tank storage units above 55 gallons. The old "yank and replace" practice won't work when it comes time to replace those large storage tank units. That should The new standards require that all water heaters, regardless of provide plenty of opportunity for you to upgrade those customers size, type, or heating source, be more efficient. For tank storage to high-efficiency propane water heating.” units smaller than 55 gallons, the increases are negligible. The minimum energy factor (EF) on a gas, 50-gallon tank heater will These are just a couple of the exciting programs NCPGA / PERF increase from .58 to just .60; the EF on the same size electric have in store to help dealers sell more propane and help consumers unit will increase from .90 to .95. EF cannot be used to compare save money and be more environmentally conscious. the energy costs of systems using different energy types, such as propane and electricity. An electric storage tank water heater with an EF of 0.95 could have a higher energy cost than a propane John Jessup storage tank water heater with an EF of 0.67. NCPGA Executive Director

6 NCPGA News | March NCPGA CODE COMPLIANCE NEWS

John R. Jessup, Executive Director Dave Donahue, Director of Code Compliance and Education Brenda Cole, Office Manager Class Act Jon Carr, Lobbyist, Legal Counsel By David Donahue, NCPGA Director of Code Compliance and Education

5109 Hollyridge Drive • Raleigh, NC 27612 Fuel Piping Prep Class Ph. 919-787-8485 • Fax 919-781-7481 The registration for the Fuel Piping Prep Class is now open. You are now able to register and pay on-line at www.NCPGA.org or download David Briles ...... President the registration form and fax it in. Recently we added the option of Cyndi Kibler ...... President-Elect ordering your books directly from NCPGA instead of going through the International Code Council (ICC) and the North Carolina Licensing Board. Jeff Wade ...... Vice-President If you choose this option, your books will be delivered to you on the day Jeff Ruffner ...... Secretary of the class. If you would like your books in advance of the class you can Billy Foust ...... Treasurer still order your books directly from ICC and the NC Licensing Board by Ken Dye ...... Immediate Past President following the directions provided on the registration form. Classes will be held at the following locations: District Directors April 8: District 2: Scott Prewitt ...... Swannanoa, NC NCPGA Training Center: 5109 Hollyridge Drive, Raleigh, NC District 3: Greg Eanes ...... Burlington, NC July 22: District 4: Brandon Thompson ...... Denton, NC City Hotel and Bistro: 203 Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC District 5: Joe Phillips ...... Creedmoor, NC District 6: Stewart Chance ...... St. Pauls, NC August 19: Courtyard by Marriott: 1530 Cinema Drive, Statesville, NC District 7: Alex Jernigan ...... Smithfield, NC District 8: Donnie Bullock ...... Fayetteville, NC Bulk Barn Class District 9: J.C. Burnette ...... Chocowinity, NC The 2015 Bulk Barn Class will be held April 15th, 2015 at the Pitt County Cooperative Extension Office located at 403 Government Circle, Suite 2, Committee Chairs Greenville, NC 27834. This is new location and is being held earlier than Advisory Board ...... Ken Dye in years past so please take note of the new time and location so as not Convention ...... Keith Barker to miss this training opportunity. The instructors for this class will be: Tony Gay (Tharrington Parts), Wayne Garris (Gas Appliance Service), Tony Education/Safety ...... Donald Godfrey Lefler (Controlled Combustion), Tim Allen (Flue Cured Tobacco Services) Finance ...... George Lipford and Mike Lee (Flue Cured Tobacco Services) Governmental Affairs ...... Ray Kazakewich Membership Services ...... Larry Mizell CETP Classes NC Young Gassers ...... Stewart Chance The 2015 CETP Training Schedule is underway. We have already held our Promotions, Public first Basic Principle and Practice class and our first Bobtail class is this month. Last month I talked about proposed changes to the CETP Proctor Relations & Publication ...... Jaime Alberti and Skills Assessment requirements. These changes were announced at Technologies/Innovations . . . . .Armistead Mauck the National Trainer Conference held at the North Carolina Propane Gas Suppliers ...... Grant Grimshaw Association office in early January 2015. My February article went into detail about these new requirements and promised more information in Notice the weeks to come. As the official publication of the NC Propane Gas At the February NPGA Board Meeting in San Diego, these CETP changes Association, the NC Propane Gas News carries authentic were presented by CETP Chair Eric Kuster. After a lively two hour debate notice pertaining to the activities of the Association. In it was decided to table the changes and send it back to the NPGA other respects, statements of fact and opinion are made Executive Committee for further review. So for now, everything will on the responsibility of the authors and contributing writers remain as it has been. alone, and do not imply an opinion on the part of the Board So, taking a line from an old Saturday Night Live Weekend Update skit; of Directors, the Officers, or the Membership. in the worlds of Gilda Radner’s character Emily Litella: “Nevermind.”

www.ncpga.org 7 Tips For Reflecting Your Business Value in Your Buy-Sell Plan

By Steve Parrish, Contributor

FORBES ARTICLE Here’s an email a business owner might send to their advisor: Appraised value – A buy-sell agreement might state that the value will be determined at the time of a sale by an Jill and I have finally had our business independent appraisal. Sometimes the agreement requires both the buying and selling parties to acquire an appraisal valued and have come to an agreement on how with a third appraisal used as a tie-breaker. An appraisal we want to handle the business if one of us assures a timely and independent view of the value of the were to leave someday. Now what?" business at sale. The issue is expense. Does it make sense for a $1 million business to write out a five figure check to Emails like these represent a crucial point in business exit appraisers every time a partner exits the business? planning. A point at which decisions made will have long- reaching consequences. It is not enough for the owners to Formula value – A common approach, particularly with agree on a value. They must have a buy-sell agreement in professional practices, is to state a formula by which place reflecting that value. And it’s not enough for the owners the business interest will be valued at the time of exit of to agree on how they would buy and sell their ownership an owner. An example might be the average of the last interests but have no agreement on how to value the business. three years of earnings, plus the adjusted book value. This approach generally simplifies the process but can For an exit plan to work, there needs to be a buy-sell sometimes lead to values that aren’t realistic. Consider agreement that reflects both: two businesses with the same “average of the last three years of earning” clause. Even though one has • The valuation of the business increasing earnings over those three years and the other • And the terms of an eventual sale had decreasing earnings, the formula doesn’t distinguish between the two. Reflecting the value In reviewing buy-sell agreements between owners of a Value determined by life insurance – Occasionally I see a business, I commonly see six methods for reflecting the value buy-sell agreement where the business value is directly of the business in the agreement. These methods are not tied to the death benefit of life insurance that has been mutually exclusive, and sometimes, one value may be a back- purchased to fund the agreement. Although it is often up for another valuation method. appropriate to fund buy-sell agreements with life insurance – and helpful to require the insurance to be used to execute Book value – Take assets minus liabilities, and declare the the agreement – it doesn’t make sense to use the death result to be the value of the business. Simple, but is it really benefit for the valuation. The insurance may independently reflective of the business’s on-going value? An exiting owner increase or decrease in value, and in a worst case scenario, is effectively agreeing to take a liquidation value, ignoring it may lapse. the goodwill and earnings value of the business. And it may not reflect adjustments for depreciation, inventory, fair Mutual consent – All too often, a buy-sell agreement market value of assets and diluted value. Simple does not is specific on terms except it’s missing the valuation mean accurate. component. Such an agreement typically states that the parties will mutually agree on a value at the time of Stated value – This approach states a specific value in the exit by a partner. Even though the partners may have buy-sell agreement. It assumes the business has been a perfectly cordial relationship, the advisability of this valued, the owners agree on the value, and they are willing approach is suspect. Time and finances can change to be bound by the stated amount. This approach will work relationships. And outside parties can alter the landscape fine… for a while. The question is, what happens if and as well. Spouses, trustees and creditors may affect how when the value of the business changes? Do the owners a buying or selling party views the value of the business. want to be bound by a value determined five years ago?

8 NCPGA News | March FORBES ARTICLE Which value to use • If an owner’s business interest is expected to be substantial Let’s fast forward that email from the top. Again, this is (say, worth more than $5 million), it may be useful to business owner to advisor: require an appraisal as part of the buy-sell agreement. The benefit on an appraisal may exceed the cost. Thanks for the primer on valuation techniques. But which approach should we use in our buy-sell agreement? • Whatever direction you’re leaning, don’t go it alone. Get your advisor team together, and leverage their expertise to come up with an approach that works for you and your partners. While “it depends” is the easy answer, I have a better suggestion. Start with the following principles, and then adjust Steve Parrish: I use my experience to help save business owners a headache or two. as needed for your specific situation. 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 • Generally avoid using book value, value determined by life owners themselves to help them better prepare for their financial future. My blog insurance and mutual consent provisions. There certainly is focused on financial intelligence for business owners. I'll talk about current are exceptions, but the default should be to first question events, experiences I've had with business owners, and a lot about taxes. Steve is these approaches. 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 • You can start by considering a stated value provision. The general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the provision should require that an appraisal be used if the understanding that the author is not rendering legal, accounting, or tax advice. It is stated value hasn’t been updated recently. For example, not a marketed opinion and may not be used to avoid penalties under the Internal the agreement might state the business value is X, but if Revenue Code. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all that value has not been amended in the buy-sell agreement 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 in the last three years, an appraisal will be required. companies of the Principal Financial Group. *Insurance products from the Principal Financial Group® are issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co. (except in NY) • If you decide to use a formula approach, make sure the and Principal Life Insurance Co., Des Moines, IA. Securities offered through Princor formula reflects the realities of your business and industry. Financial Services Corp, Member SIPC (www.SIPC.org), Des Moines, IA 50392

www.ncpga.org 9 2015 FARM SHOW EVENT RECAP

Ken Dye and Don Rich

CyndiDavid KiblerBriles, welcomes Ashley Raines everyone and Angela Raines PamelaCyndi Kibler Garris, welcomes Wayne Garriseveryone and Tony Gay

ShelbyRandy Renfrow,Bell & Joe David Rose Briles, Ken Dye and Ashley Raines StuartRichard Flatow Fredenberg & Courtney and John Gendron Jessup

10 NCPGA News | March EVENT RECAP

Tim Rice and Clayton Pridgen Jamie Lockhart

ScottMike Eggers, Caldarera, Emerson Eric Kuster Deese & and John Randy Jessup Renfrow

MikeKen Dye,Caldarera, John JessupEric Kuster and &David John Parker Jessup

DonaldScott GodfreyEggers, Jaime Alberti and John Jessup BillyClyde Brisson Hall and Eric Bennett

www.ncpga.org 11 NPGA Board Meeting - San diego EVENT RECAPS

Board Meeting David Briles

Supply Update Meeting

StuartStuart Flatow Weidie, & Courtney David Briles Gendron & John Jessup USS Midway

12 NCPGA News | March PERF Hot Water Subcommittee Meeting EVENT RECAPS

Rich Goldberg, Daren Parker, John Jessup & Kemp Johnson

www.ncpga.org 13 The Worst Advice FEATURE About Alternative Fuels

By Joe Thompson, President, ROUSH CleanTech

When it comes to the use of alternative fuels and advanced for yourself how well the buses at Student Transportation vehicles, folks are often quick to offer their opinion. Here’s a of America in Omaha started last winter in a news program breakdown of the top five worst pieces of advice I’ve heard on ABC-affiliate TV channel 7 here. During that same time when it comes to considering alternative fuels. period, the diesel buses had to be started and warmed for 30 minutes to one hour before operation, because of fuel- 1 Compare miles per gallon. related issues. MPG is an ineffective measurement because alternative fuels don’t burn at the same rate as gasoline or diesel. 4 Alternative fuels void vehicle warranties. Instead, focus on cost per mile and track the savings This may or may not be true, so be sure you’re clear before against your current gasoline or diesel solution. This will you choose. Ask your authorized dealer or installer how a provide an “apples to apples” comparison between all the new fuel system affects warranty. If you’re buying direct fuels — that’ll give you a true reading of your total cost of from a manufacturer, the warranty may stay in place. For ownership of the vehicle. Remember, it’s all about total cost example, ROUSH CleanTech vehicles maintain Ford’s of ownership, not simply miles per gallon. factory warranty. But, note that a company can “represent” their warranty; be sure to verify that the warranty stays in 2 You must install expensive private refueling stations. place with the manufacturer. With fueling stations in every state and thousands across the country, alternatives like propane autogas provide a 5 There is one alternative fuel that is perfect for everyone. strong network of public refueling infrastructure for fleets Every fleet has its own specific fueling needs. One size without private stations. Also, if private refueling is desired, does not fit all. When it comes to alternative fuels, put in installing a propane autogas station costs less than any the time and research to find the ideal fuel solution for your other fueling station, including gasoline or diesel. fleet. Ask yourself, “What do I need my fuel to do for me?”

3 Alternative fuels don’t perform well in cold weather. Picking the right fuel and the right technology partners will During last winter’s polar vortex, Blue Bird Corporation be based on your specific fleet operations. Listen and learn had alternative fuel buses that provided easy starting, heat from others that have made the switch, contact your local within minutes, quiet operation, and no performance issues Clean Cities — and make the commitment to domestically in weather as cold as -27 degrees Fahrenheit. You can see produced, cleaner burning fuels.

SuperShuttleStuart Flatow picks& Courtney up airport Gendron passengers in shuttles Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority provides clean and affordable fueled by domestically produced propane autogas. transportation to the disabled in propane autogas fueled paratransit shuttles.

14 NCPGA News | March W

What’s Wrong With This Picture? H AT'S WRONG?

// Answers are on page 26

www.ncpga.org 15 FEATURE New Requirements Designed to Protect Dispensers from Vehicle Impact By Richard Fredenburg, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

The 2014 edition of the LP-Gas Code Protection shall be in the form of posts. won’t be until a technical justification has new requirements to protect The posts shall be: for their use is accepted. dispensers from impact by vehicles, • Constructed of steel. which includes placing guard posts in a • Concrete filled. There are some changes possibly specified manner. • Not less than 4 inches in diameter. coming in the next edition of the code • Spaced not more than 4 feet, on center. that could reduce the stringency of the Until this edition came out, we allowed • Set not less than 3 feet deep in a concrete criteria, but that is not assured yet, as it an alternative to posts where no specific footing of not less than 15 inches in diameter. has not completed the change process. instructions were stipulated in the code. • Set with the top of the posts not less than Also, there was a study funded by This time, the code contains very specific 3 feet above ground. the Propane Education and Research instructions, which we are enforcing. The • Located not less than 3 feet from the Council on the protection provided new requirement is only for dispensers protected equipment. by concrete-filled posts. The results placed or upgraded after Jan. 1, 2014, of that study cast some doubt on the and is not retroactive to older dispensers. There is an option for alternative designs, effectiveness of such posts. Again, but they have to meet some very some changes have been proposed, but Please note that this change to the stringent criteria. The height and spacing only for exchange cabinets. If accepted, code came by way of the National of the alternate protection does not they would not apply to dispensers. Propane Gas Association’s Technology, change. According to the equivalency Standards, & Safety Committee. rules in section 1.5, supporting technical We have no choice but to enforce the The trade association proposed and documentation for how an alternative requirements as shown in the latest supported the rule change, intended design meets the criteria would have to edition of the LP-Gas Code. Likely there to offer specific instructions where be provided to our office. will be significant costs associated with vagueness had prevailed. installing new dispensers, and there If the container or dispenser is more may be resistance at some locations to The changes are found in section than 10 feet from the thoroughfare or put them in. That is not justification for 6.25.3.13, the general installation parking location, then section 6.25.3.15 ignoring the requirements. provisions for vehicle fuel dispensers applies: “Dispensers shall be protected and dispensing stations. This applies to from physical damage.” Also, you may I am not sure the industry anticipated all dispensers of a certain description use the options shown in our memo the costs of this change when it sought set after the effective date and is about protection from vehicles posted clarity in the code. We’ll see how the for vehicle fueling or cylinder filling; on our website. propane industry and the dispenser powered or gravity fill. locations respond to our inspections if I’ll point out here that there are a we find that they did not meet the new If either the dispenser container or a number of places where posts have rules. There is no doubt that the cost separate dispenser is within 10 feet of a not been set in a footing, but on an of an installation went up with these vehicle thoroughfare or parking location, anchor plate bolted to the pavement. rules, but safety probably increased, then the protection requirements apply. You can see an example of such a too. Figuring out the cost to benefit of This means that if vehicles could pass post in the What’s Wrong With This the two methods will be difficult, as within 10 feet of it, such as on their Picture? feature in this issue. We have the installed equipment has a good way to or from gasoline pumps at a not received any supporting technical safety record. It is largely the operation convenience store or to get to the justification for these designs in our of a dispenser where serious safety parking spaces at a store, then the office. I have shared photos of where concerns are noted. But that is the rules apply. Also, if the dispenser is in a these posts have failed. No bolted- subject of another article. parking lot, the rules apply. down posts are allowed at this time and

16 NCPGA News | March

etter L s '

February 23, 2015

overnor EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 69 G TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE

WHEREAS, the uninterrupted supply of fuel oil, diesel oil, Section 3. gasoline, kerosene, propane, and liquid petroleum gas to The waiver of regulations under 49 CFR Part 395 (Federal Motor residential and commercial establishments is an essential Carrier Safety Regulations) does not apply to the commercial need of the public during the winter, and any interruption in drivers' licenses and insurance requirements. the delivery of those fuels threatens the public welfare; and Section 4. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol shall enforce the WHEREAS, the periods of extreme cold weather this month conditions set forth in Sections 1, 2, and 3 of this Executive have increased the demand for those heating fuels, and Order in a manner which will implement this rule without severe weather conditions have hindered the uninterrupted endangering motorists in North Carolina. delivery of those fuels to residential and commercial customers, thereby justifying an exemption from 49 CFR Section 5. Part 395 (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations); and Upon request by law enforcement officers, exempted vehicles must produce documentation sufficient to establish their WHEREAS, 49 CFR § 390.23 allows the Governor of a loads are being used for relief efforts associated with the state to suspend the rules and regulations under 49 CFR cold weather. Parts 390-399 for up to 30 days if the Governor determines that an emergency condition exists; and Section 6. This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for thirty (30) days or the duration of the emergency, WHEREAS, under N.C.G.S. §§ 166A-19.3(6) and 166A- whichever is less. 19.70, the Governor may declare that the health, safety, or economic well-being of persons or property in this State IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name require that the maximum hours of service for drivers and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at prescribed by N.C.G.S. § 20-381 be waived for persons the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this twenty third day of transporting essential fuels. February in the year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in hundred and thirty-eight. me as Governor by the Constitution and the laws of the State of North Carolina, IT IS ORDERED:

Section 1. The Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, shall waive the maximum hours of service for drivers prescribed by the Department of Public Safety pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-381.

Section 2. Notwithstanding the waiver set forth above, size and weight restrictions and penalties are not waived.

18 NCPGA News | March www.ncpga.org 19 20 NCPGA News | March NCPGA NEWS

JANUARY February March April May June

Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – December 12, 2014 January 13, 2015 February 11, 2015 March 12, 2015 April 15, 2015 May 13, 2015

July At ugus September October November December

Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – Artwork Date – June 12, 2015 July 14, 2015 August 12, 2015 September 14, 2015 October 14, 2015 November 12, 2015

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$ Contact E&M Consulting, Inc. regarding Advertising Sales 12-ISSUE RATE Business Card 160 800.572.0011 / 919.341.4158 // [email protected] Non-Members add $50.

www.ncpga.org 21 Member Q&A Larry Mizell INTERVIEW Membership Services Chair District Manager of Carolane Propane Gas, Durham, NC

Where do you call home? with (Jimmy Mizell, Jr.) and (Johnny Where would you like to visit? With my recent engagement to Jessica Respass) continue to enjoy working in I want to take a cruise to Alaska. Daigle, I have been transitioning from the propane industry. What characteristics do Thomasville, NC to Goldsboro, NC. What is your job now? you admire most in others? What was your first job? District Manager of Carolane Propane Attitude. A positive attitude means a During high school I worked for Gas of Durham, NC. lot to me. I enjoy being around people Hollowel’s Drug Stores delivering that are optimistic and have an uplifting What do you like most about your job? medications and working the soda sense of humor. Communicating and coaching my team fountain. At the beginning of college I to provide exceptional service and How long have you been started working part-time at Suburban achieving our multitude of goals. involved in NCPGA? Propane delivering agriculture gas. I have been most active during the past What do you find most What are some things two years. challenging about your job? you do in your spare time? The ever changing regulations imposed What are the skills you I enjoy fishing, even when I do not on our industry. use most in your career? catch anything. I find it very relaxing. Communications, positive attitude, I also enjoy activities with the family, Give us an idea of what strong work ethic and willing to listen. cooking and church. an average day includes: My day consist of morning meetings What is your greatest Do you have any with the team, providing support, achievement to date? favorite sports teams? dispatching, reviewing reports & emails It’s not one thing. I have several Since I grew up and all my family is while along assisting customers. achievements through my life thus far. from Greenville, NC, I pull for East My greatest ones have yet to occur. Carolina University. “Go Pirates” What is the best advice you ever received? If you could spend 10 minutes with Do you have a gadget “Success is doing what you know is right, your hero/idol (alive or deceased), you can’t live without? not what others may think is great!” what would you do? Yes, two of them, my i-Phone and GPS. It’s not one person. I would like to have One keeps me up-to-date with what is What advice would you give someone the opportunity to work along side my going on, scheduling and needing to be entering the industry today? family again. Each one of them have done. The other gets be where I need Understand what comes first, safety been an intricate part of not only my to be without getting lost. in knowing you have done everything personal life but also my career in the correct in taking care of your How did you get into propane industry. customers. Secondly, make sure your your line of work? customer’s are happy and value your What is something unusual or funny Since my grandfather (Oscar Mizell) service and finally, keep things simple. that no one knows about you? started out in the business, it has I use to ride motorcycles. Driven by a been a family career choice. I started What was the last book dare, I once attempted to jump over a working for my father back in 1989 or movie you enjoyed? pond. I am glad I knew how to swim. delivering product, service and My last book was “It’s Your Ship.” working in the office. My father (Billy Mizell) and Uncle (Jimmy Mizell, Sr.) What did you do after high school? have since retired although I along Attended Pitt Community College and starting working at Suburban Propane.

22 NCPGA News | March

Heating Degree Days

Asheville (KAVL): Jan Feb Y-T-D 2015 861 768* 3183* 2014 1059 680 4295

Charlotte (KCLT): Jan Feb Y-T-D 2015 759 653* 2660* 2014 906 543 3398

Greensboro (KGSO): Jan Feb Y-T-D 2015 820 737* 2958* 2014 968 639 3818

Elizabeth City (KECG): Jan Feb Y-T-D

* * 2015 679 655 2316 Wholesale Prices 2014 850 604 3349 11/17/14 $0.949 Raleigh (KRDU): Jan Feb Y-T-D 12/08/14 $0.722 2015 775 706* 2767* 12/22/14 $0.663 2014 872 598 3479 01/19/15 $0.599 02/16/15 $0.721 (Source: http://www.wunderground.com/) *up to February 24th Y-T-D begins July 1 (Source: http://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_wfr_dcus_SNC_w.htm)

www.ncpga.org 23 Meet Steve Ward

Your Title Director of Sales/Technical Product Specialist Owner/President of Company Dale Gardner Headquarters Raleigh, NC Services/Products Offered Full line of Propane Gas Equipment and Appliances Area of Service Coverage Eastern U.S. Seaboard Years in your Industry 45 years Years in your Company 34 years

SUPPLIER PROFILES Years in NCPGA 35 Years Where you Live Raleigh, NC Where you Grew Up Bertie County, NC Family Linda (wife), 2 children, 4 grandchildren 8209 Brownleigh Drive Raleigh, NC 27617 Personal Interests Cooking, Gardening, Spending time with the Grandkids, 919.787.8214 Searching for the best Tropical Island [email protected] Favorite Sports Teams UNC & ECU gardnermarsh.com Other Info I am a member of the NPGA TS&S Committee, PERC Council, AdHoc Gas Committee for NC Building Code Council

Meet Mike Groom

Your Title President Headquarters Raleigh, NC Services/Products Offered Message and Music On-Hold recordings Area of Service Coverage US, Canada, Caribbean Years in your Industry 20 years Years in your Company 20 years Years in NCPGA 10 years Where you Live Raleigh, NC 2301 Stonehenge Drive Suite #203 Where you Grew Up Connecticut Raleigh, NC 27615 Family Wife: Suzanne, children: Chris, Chase, Madison, Gabrielle, Austin, Grayson 919.847.5432 office 30, 20, 16, 13, 11, 6 years old [email protected] Personal Interests WINE!, golf, coaching, WINE!, all sports, travel, traveling for WINE!, poker onhold32.com/propane Favorite Sports Teams Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Eagles Interesting Facts I was given up for adoption when I was two, lived in a foster home until I was adopted at 6 years old. Have since found both sides of my birth family.

24 NCPGA News | March 2015 Spring Meeting Registration

Raleigh Marriott City Center 500 Fayetteville Street — Raleigh, NC 27601

Name ______Address ______

Spouse/Guest ______City/State/Zip ______

Company ______Phone ______

Email ______Fax ______

Sunday – March 22 6:00 PM until Meet and Greet: Dutch Treat # attending ______Hotel's Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen

MOnday – March 23 10:00 - 11:00 AM Captain's Choice Golf Tournament $92 per person ______x $92 = ______Lonnie Poole Golf Course Includes cart, green fee, range balls, 4 drink tickets 1509 Main Campus Drive at NC State University Mulligans will be sold for 2/$20 (proceeds to PAC)

Golfer Handicap

11:30 AM Lunch/Trolley Pub $47 per person ______x $47 = ______4:30 PM Board Bus $133 per person ______x $133 = ______5:00 - 6:30 PM Dinner at Arena Club Restaurant 7:00 PM Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Includes transportation, dinner, 2 drink tickets and game or I will drive to the PNC Arena $110 per person ______x $110 = ______Includes dinner, 2 drink tickets and game

TUESday – March 24 7:00 - 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast # attending ______8:00 - 10:30 AM Seminar - NCPGA Online Marketing Boot Camp # attending ______10:30 - 10:45 AM Break 10:45 - Noon General Membership Meeting # attending ______

Credit Card # ______Exp. ______Card Verification Code ______

Cardholder Name ______Cardholder Signature ______

Check # ______VISA ______MasterCard ______Discover ______American Express ______

Due to the pre-purchase of hockey tickets, there are no refunds or exceptions to the March 13th deadline.

Total $

Make your check payable to NCPGA and mail with this registration form by March 13th to: North Carolina Propane Gas Association 5109 Hollyridge Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612 ph. (919) 787-8485 fax (919) 781-7481 or you may register online at www.ncpga.org What’s Wrong With This Picture? // Answers Advertisers Index

Air-Call Communication ...... Inside Front Cover

Apache LP Trucks ...... 26

Best & Langston ...... Back Cover

BLT Tanks LLC ...... 17

CUI ...... 9

Crestwood ...... 15

Gardner Marsh Gas Equipment Co ., Inc ...... Inside Back Cover Left: These posts are held in place by bolts through an anchor plate. Experience has shown that such a small anchor plate will not resist Gas Equipment Co ,. Inc ...... 13 much force from a vehicle. The separation between the posts and the tanks offers little protection, as some of a post’s value for protection is Petroleum Tank Corporation ...... 19 in its deflection while the plate stays in place. No technical justification for the design of these posts was provided, so their use is not allowed, Rutherford Equipment ...... 23 as described in the accompanying article in this issue. Warm Thoughts Communications ...... 5 Right: This exchange cabinet is so close to the curb that the curb does not prevent impact by a vehicle. The acceptable distance from the curb is 3 feet, to accommodate the overhang when backing in.

Photos provided by Randy Renfrow

26 NCPGA News | March

Presorted STD U.S. Postage NCPGA PAID NEWS Helmer Printing North Carolina Propane Gas Association 5109 Hollyridge Drive Raleigh, NC 27612