Written on: August 22, 2023
Over 240 members of propane associations from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma as well as others gathered in Rogers, Arkansas August 7-9 for the Mid-States Propane Convention. Participants enjoyed a sold-out trade show including additional equipment featured outside, great speakers, a celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Oklahoma Propane Gas Association and an outing to Top Golf sponsored by Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance.
Warren Martin of Kansas Strong kicked off the presentations with “Be Extraordinary! It is all about Consistency.” Listed among the top speakers in America, Martin said participants should never try to be normal. “You will succeed, and you will be miserable!” he said. Martin stressed the importance of understanding the extraordinary person you were meant to be, developing consistency in your life, and learning how problems empower leadership.
The topic “DOT Driver Regulations – Ask the Inspector” was presented by Gary Goeller of Aegis General Insurance who shared an overview of the main compliance tasks one should be aware of and covered the thresholds for compliance.
Brian Pachl of Westmor spoke on the topic “Choosing Equipment to Improve Driver Satisfaction.” Pachl discussed the need for more ergonomically designed equipment based on changing demographics of hazmat drivers. He discussed solutions such as Ergoload, Pathway delivery system, truck design and lighter material options used in production.
At lunch, attendees heard a “State of the Industry” update from the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA)
Chairman Jeff Stewart and NPGA Vice-President, Regulatory and Industry Affairs Benjamin Nussforf who also serves as General Counsel for the NPGA.
Mark Porth, President of the Missouri Propane Gas Association filled in for Bridget Kidd of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) who was unable to attend due to weather to provide an update on PERC and its many ongoing projects.
The topic “Rollover – The Load Shift Factor” was presented by Bob Billen of the Oklahoma LP Gas Research, Marketing & Safety Commission. Billen has worked for Oklahoma State University as a hazardous materials subject matter expert and has developed several hazardous materials emergency response programs.
An Autogas Success Panel and Skeet/Clay Shoot was held on the final day.
The Mid-States Convention welcomed the following trade show booth exhibitors: One Tank, Meridian Liquids, AmeriGas Corporate Development, Squibb Taylor, Inc., MTankCo, TerraVest Industries, Westmor Industries, Nixon & Lindstrom Insurance, Cactus Tanks, Gas Equipment Co., LPG Ventures, Energy Tech Solutions, McGlynn & Associates Insurance Agency, Bergquist, Inc., Roush CleanTech, CHS, Inc., Fairbanks Equipment Co., Tiger Payment Solutions, CUI, Rural Computer Consultants, Inc., White River Distributors, Green LP, Jones Stephens, OtoData, FEI, Alliance Energy Services, and Cargas.
Sponsors of the Mid-States Convention included Nixon & Lindstrom, Diamond Sponsor; Bergquist, Silver Sponsor; Bronze Sponsors Westmor, Quality Steel Corp., and Rural Computer Consultants, Inc.; Red Sponsors Blue Flame Management Co. and McGlynn & Associates Insurance Agency; Blue Sponsors Gas Equipment Co., Cargas, Alliance Energy and CUI; Clay Shoot sponsor Gas Equipment Co.; President’s Reception sponsor Cactus Tanks; Lunch sponsor Callis; and Break sponsor Missouri Propane Safety Commission.
