2016 // july ncpga

2016 // JULY

O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i O n O f t h e n O r t h c a r O l i n a P r O P a n e g a s a s s O c i a t i O n

NEWSNCPGA

09 // Law vs. Code

06 // National Advertising Campaign…We Are Back!

12 // Summer Board Meeting Recap

3www.ncpga.org

Published for North CarolinaPropane 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

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]

Published by E&M Consulting, Inc. 1107 Hazeltine Boulevard, Suite #350 Chaska, MN 55318 p. 800.572.0011 f. 952.448.9928 www.emconsultinginc.com

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.

NCPGANEWS

2016 // July

FEATURES

DEpARTmEnTS

06 // National Advertising Campaign… We Are Back!

09 // Law vs. Code

12 // Summer Board Meeting Recap

04 // Chairman's Letter

10 // Zoning Rules & Propane Installations, Updated Training

15 // Department of Agriculture Training

16 // National Scholarship Awardees

18 // NCPGA Scholarship Winners

20 // What Is Asset Allocation?

22 // What's Wrong With This Picture?

23 // Supplier Profiles

24 // CUI Acquires Adventure Marketing Group

25 // N.C. Dealers Golf Day – Another Good Time for All!

4 NCPGA News | July

I have just left Williamsburg VA and I am writing this while

a passenger on my way back to NC. If you were not there

you missed a great meeting! This venue had something for

everyone. The golfers reported the course was immaculate

and the weather was perfect. Many members and their

families enjoyed Bush Gardens water park, James Town,

York Town, and I enjoyed the Colonial Williamsburg tours,

and the children I spoke to said the pool was amazing.

On the business side we have active committees and

District Directors that all gave very informative updates; a

PERC Marketing Seminar that featured the first viewing in

the country of the new Blue the Dog national marketing

campaign; and lots of opportunities to network. I am sure

that the Conventions and Meeting Committee would

love feedback on your experience of those of you in

attendance. If you missed it you will get another chance

to join in the fun and networking in a couple months at

Harrah’s Casino Resort in Cherokee Sept 10-13.

I was in attendance for the NC PERF meeting while in

Williamsburg, and was very impressed with how hard

your NC PERF board members work to make sure your

assessment dollars are spent wisely. To date, the PERC

rebate dollars have been exhausted and the PERF board

has funded $200,000 to keep the program running

($100,000 on two separate occasions). The results of our

PERC/PERF marketing efforts have effectively made NC

the #1 top selling tankless hot water state in the country.

One manufacturer reported we accounted for 40% of

their rebates on sales of tankless water heaters.

There are lots of District Meetings planned in August.

Please make plans to attend your local district meeting;

it’s a great chance to see old friends and make new ones

in our industry. We also have important updates and

information that make it worth your while to attend. I am

planning to attend the remaining meetings and would love

to see you there. Scheduled for August 11th in Raleigh is

the Crisis Management Training. In addition, go ahead and

mark your calendars for our annual convention at Harrah's

in Cherokee, NC on September 11th - 13th. Please look for

information on these meetings and training opportunities

from NCPGA in the coming weeks.

I hope that you all have been using these summer

months to spruce up around your offices and plants. I

know that many are doing safety checks on customer

systems. Remember to document all that you do, if not

documented...you didn't do them. Also during these

summer months, remind your employees working outside

about preventing heat stress. OSHA has quick cards you

can print and review with all employees on osha.gov.

I hope you all had a safe and fun July 4th. Always

remember that we are the "Land of the Free because

of the Brave". Our independence and freedoms should

never be taken for granted. Too many have paid ultimate

sacrifices to provide them to us!

Until next month....

Cyndi KiblernCPGA ChAirmAn

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Greetings Members!

6 NCPGA News | July

John R. Jessup, President/CEODave Donahue, Director of Code Compliance

and EducationBrenda Cole, Office Manager

Jon Carr, Lobbyist, Legal Counsel

5109 Hollyridge Drive • Raleigh, NC 27612Ph. 919-787-8485 • Fax 919-781-7481

Cyndi Kibler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ChairmanJeff Wade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chairman ElectJeff Ruffner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice ChairmanBilly Foust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SecretaryJoe Phillips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerDavid Briles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Immediate Past Chairman

DISTRICT DIRECToRS

District 2: Scott Prewitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . Swannanoa, NCDistrict 3: Gary Chambers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advance, NCDistrict 4: Ben Lisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albemarle, NCDistrict 5: David Boyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Graham, NCDistrict 6: Jay Little . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clinton, NCDistrict 7: Alex Jernigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smithfield, NCDistrict 8: Dennis (Buddy) Swain . . . . . . Columbia, NCDistrict 9: J.C. Burnette . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chocowinity, NC

CoMMITTEE CHAIRS

Advisory Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David BrilesConvention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith BarkerEducation/Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald GodfreyFinance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donnie BullockGovernmental Affairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ray KazakewichMembership Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry MizellNC Young Gassers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stewart ChancePromotions, Public Relations & Publication . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jaime AlbertiTechnologies/Innovations. . . . . . . . . . Armistead MauckSuppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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.

NCPGANEWS

Six years ago the U.S. Commerce Department price analysis led to the restriction of funds for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). The marketing world has changed quite a bit since the Electricity and Propane guys were on TV. Social Media has reshaped how we get out news and entertainment and the marketing world has responded. Smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were something only teens were using back in 2009. Now we are all connected via social media.

Since the hiatus in 2009, nearly 40 new propane-fueled products have hit the market, from school buses and commercial mowers to appliances such as the tankless hot water heater that consumers are clamoring to get. Since then we also have had game changing technology that has made the US the leading producer and exporter of propane in the world.

Unfortunately other energy sources were not on hiatus. These past years we have had to endure seeing marketing from competing fuels such as fuel oil, electricity, natural gas, and even a ridiculous geothermal commercial that starts out with a propane tank exploding next to a house. By now many of you have seen the new “Blue the dog” campaign created by the Richards group who is the same company behind the very creative Chic-fil-A cow campaign.

We plan to integrate blue the dog with the already successful marketing campaign we are already using to promote the residential market here in NC. You owe it to yourself to see where you PERC dollars are being spent. Go to the www.propanemarc.com to check out the many “blue the dog” video’s posters, radio ads, and FB posts. This campaign is much more than just a few commercials for Tiny House Hunters on HDTV.

I saw first-hand how consumers reacted to the “Blue the Dog” campaign at a focus group session in Wilmington several months ago. They loved Blue and would watch his commercial again some said they would follow him on social media. After seeing that I was sold. If you have any questions or comments about the campaign please feel free to call me.

John JessupnCPGA PreSidenT/CeO

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Back from the Shadows in 2016

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When it comes to regulatory compliance,

State Statues trumps code every time.

The elected officials craft the statute

(Law) then the regulatory agencies take

that law and write the codes. If you

think reading a code book is difficult you

should try reading State Statues.

Statues are how we get our codes, but

not every statue makes it into the code

book. The law is still the law. One Statue

that affects us daily is: G.S. 119-54 to

119-59. (Article 5 - Liquefied Petroleum

Gases) This is the Statute that gives

the North Caroling Department of

Agriculture the authority to regulate

the Propane Industry. One of the sub-

sections of this law is:

§ 119-58. Unlawful acts.

This is where it makes it illegal to fill or

disconnect another company’s container

without prior notification. This is

something that most propane marketers

are well aquatinted with. What most

companies miss is the first part of that

section of the statute which reads:

7 (b) Every supply tank or container

with its regulating equipment

connected in a service system, shall

be identified while in service by the

supplier with an attached tag, label, or

other marking that includes the name

of the person supplying liquefied

petroleum gas to the system…

What this is telling you is that every

propane system that you deliver too, the

container must be identified with your

company contact information. It does

not matter if the container is customer

owned or company owned. To not have a

tag, label or other identifying marking is a

violation of state law. What some propane

marketers do is on customer owned

containers they service, they have a label

that reads “Serviced by” and on company

owned tanks they place a label that

reads “Owned by”. On a customer owned

container, the most recent provider label

would cover up the previous ones.

Recently, non-compliance with this law

became an issue. Emergency responders

were dispatched to a leaking container

at a commercial account. This was after

hours. Without the propane company

information on the container the fire

department did not know whom to

contact to repair the leak.

To review the go to: www.ncleg.net

On the shortcuts section on the right

side of the page click: Table of Contents

Scroll down to Chapter 119 – Gasoline

and Oil inspection and regulations

Once there, scroll down to Article 5 –

liquefied Petroleum Gases

here you will find some important

statues pertaining to our industry.

Article 5A – Propane Assessment Act,

is our State Check-Off law.

Code books do not always contain

everything you may need to know.

Make sure you are also aware of the

State Laws that directly apply to the

Propane industry.

Law vs.Codeby david donahue, nCPGA director of Code Compliance and education

10 NCPGA News | July

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This month, I am going to focus on a question that comes up occasionally concerning how zoning rules and lP-Gas Code rules for propane installations mesh, especially for dispensers. Also, we’ll discuss what training materials and code updates mean to you.

Zoning RulesSome municipalities have zoning rules that restrict the location of certain hazardous occupancies. They may also have restrictions because of aesthetic concerns. Either way, they are rules of the municipality. Our rules pertaining to locations and separations for a propane tank or a dispenser do not trump the zoning rules. They shouldn’t.

For instance, a zoning rating of R-1 generally means the area is restricted to single-family residences. Those living there expect a quiet setting free

of industrial noise and hazards. It also separates them from the congestion of commercial activities. Could a propane bulk plant, with proper separations, be installed?

A bulk propane plant would intrude on the neighbors’ expectations for quiet and separation from hazardous materials. Such an installation may not violate the rules we enforce. However, it would violate the zoning rules. As such, that bulk plant would not be allowed by the municipality. Even if we approve the site, the municipality may prevent its installation, based on its zoning rules.

Because zoning rules vary from place to place and we typically don’t know what they are for every location, we often make site approval decisions without regard to zoning rules. That’s why it is important for you to be sure you know

by richard Fredenburg, north Carolina department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

the zoning restrictions before you spend money on a site you cannot use the way you want.

Some cities look at the hazards involved, real or perceived. One city decided it would allow gasoline stations along one road, but would not allow propane dispensers at these stations. Again, we cannot and will not “go to bat” to ask that a dispenser installation be allowed in that situation. We would, however, respond to questions from the city about a propane dispenser meeting our rules at that site. If the store can get a zoning waiver or variance that allows the dispenser, then we will issue a license and perform our normal inspections.

We recently had a case where the town said the dispenser would violate a storage requirement, part of an aesthetics concern. The town considered the propane tank to be storage. Storage had to be beside and behind the face of the building or behind the building. A meeting was held on site and the owner decided that relocating the dispenser was the best choice. Please keep in mind that we do not consider what money has already been spent when making decisions on the appropriateness of an installation.

This situation had some other concerns, too. One was the high volume of traffic that passes the site. Even though the site could just meet the separation requirements, the inspector and local police had concerns about the safety of the site.

Zoning Rules and Propane Installations, Updated Training

"Some municipalities have zoning rules that restrict

the location of certain hazardous occupancies.

They may also have restrictions because of aesthetic concerns."

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Lastly, even when zoning allows for a dispenser, not all sites are appropriate for one. I remember a particular gas station with a small lot and a very congested parking area that had a dispenser. The tank and point of transfer did not meet separation requirements from the building, the property lines or a dumpster. The dispenser was removed when it was finally determined the station could not comply with the rules.

Training UpdatesCodes change, and consequently, training needs to be updated to recognize those changes. Carrying out training activities based on superseded code can impact safety and put you in violation.

The next edition of the lP-Gas Code comes out later this year and goes into effect in North Carolina on Jan. 1,

2017. There will be some changes that will affect the practices of a variety of situations. I won’t go into them now, but you can expect some information in the months ahead.

The new code will bring some significant changes. If you continue to operate according to the 2014 code, some portion of your activities could be in violation. You should ensure that any training you receive for your activities after Jan. 1, 2017, will include the new rules.

The Propane Education and Research Council just released a new version of dispensing Propane Safely. This reflects updated information for dispensing Autogas. As far as the current LP-Gas Code is concerned, Autogas dispensing is no different from any other propane dispensing. However, the equipment is

different, which means that low emission rules may apply. This would allow for transfers closer than normal if certain practices are followed. See section 6.28.5 for details. You will learn about this if you get training according to the new dispensing Propane Safely course. There will be much more about Autogas in the 2017 edition of the lP-Gas Code.

ConclusionCheck your safety training content to be sure you are getting appropriate training. Also, be aware of the zoning rules for the locations for your installations. A little research can save a lot of headache.


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David Boyd, Buddy Swain and D.J. WilliamsGary and Laurie Strange with Brenda Cole

Jaime Alberti and Jay Little Seminar, Your Marketing Dollars at Work

1st row L to R, Harry Tarsi, Gary Strange, Laurie Strange, Cheryl Prewitt. 2nd row L to R, Will Prewitt and Jordin Sember

SUMMER BoARD MEETING — WILLIAMSBURG, VA

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Ashley and Keith Barker

Ben Gutkin, Warm Thoughts Communications

Real Troublemakers Harry Tarsi and Brenda Cole

Cyndi Kibler and Betty Jo WadeFirst place Team, Clyde Hall, Brenda Hall, Phil Farris and Grant Grimshaw

Summer Board Meeting, Williamsburg, VA Sam Newberry and Sara Graham


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Kathy Ruffner, Cyndi Kibler and Jeff Ruffner

Youth crafts

Ray and Jaime Alberti with daughters Natalie and Lillian

Youth Entertainment

Glitter Girls! Jackson Jessup

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DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE TRAINING, fERRELLGAS, RALEIGH, NC


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LINDSAY DAVIS // Heritage Propane Scholarship

Lindsay Davis recently graduated from East Montgomery High School in Biscoe, North Carolina. She

participated in many clubs and organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National

Honor Society, Save Our World Club, Yearbook Staff, and Students Encouraging Educational

Development. In addition to being an active member of her church, she also volunteers in local

missions such as Faith and Vision and the Family Crisis Center. Lindsay will be attending Campbell

University in Buies Creek, North Carolina to study Pre-Pharmacy with plans to continue her studies

in Pharmacy school. After college, she hopes to pursue her career as a Pediatric Pharmacist. Her

father, Russell Davis, is a Propane Delivery Driver with AmeriGas in Biscoe, North Carolina.

MEGAN FALLOWS // Heritage Bertelsmeyer Scholarship

Megan Fallows plans to attend East Carolina University, where she hopes to major in biology

with a possible minor in business and then obtain her master's degree in biology at NC State.

Her future goal is to help zoos take care of their animals and work with the animals to better

understand them. Winning this scholarship provides Megan with a sense of accomplishment

and helps her to realize that she is doing the right thing and moving in the right direction. It

also gives her even more pride and proudness in her mother and what she has done with her

job and how far she has come. Megan's mother, Darlene Fallows, is a CRR for AmeriGas in

Fremont, NC.

ALEXANDER DALY // Trinity Containers Scholarship

Alexander Daly is a 2016 graduate of Croatan High School in Ocean, North Carolina. While

attending Croatan, Alex was a member of DECA and the National Technical Honor Society.

Throughout his youth, he was very involved in athletics, as a player and even a coach. Alex

will be attending Elon University this fall. He is enrolled in Elon’s College of Arts and Sciences

where he plans to major in Computer Science. He is excited to begin college this fall. Receiving

the National Propane Gas Foundation Scholarship is an honor. Alex’s mother, Lynn Daly, is a

Trainer for AmeriGas.

North Carolina AwardeesNational Scholarship Winners:

17www.ncpga.org

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JULIA HAYNES // North Carolina Propane Gas Association; Romaine G. Holt Scholarship

Julia Abigail Haynes is the daughter of Jeff Haynes and Melinda Stroupe. Julia has been dancing

at Relevé Performing Arts Center since she was three. She has discovered her true passion

and that is being a performer. While at East Henderson High School she was a part of National

Honors Society, was an NC Scholar and was awarded the Kiwanis Fine Arts award for dance.

She also participated on the Dance Team, NCTC, Chamber Chorus, Interact Club, Orchestra,

Varsity Cheerleading, and was on Homecoming Court all four years of high school. Julia plans to

attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) College and Conservatory in NYC

this fall where she will be majoring in Dance Theatre. Her father is a Customer Care Specialist

for Blossman Gas in Asheville, NC.

HEATHER HUGHES // John D. Jenkins Scholarship

Heather Hughes is a senior dental hygiene student at Halifax Community College in Weldon, NC.

During her junior year, Heather made both the Dean's list and President's list and received the

Who's Who award. After graduating with an associate's degree in May of 2017, Heather plans to

further her education by earning a bachelor's degree and eventually a master's degree in dental

hygiene. Heather is grateful to receive this scholarship as it will help her become a successful

dental hygienist. When not studying, Heather can usually be found at a country music concert

or playing fetch with her dog. Heather is the daughter of Randy Hughes, the branch manager of

Quality Gas Services in Merry Hill, NC.

LANDRY MOORE // CHS Foundation Scholarship

Landry Moore is a 2016 graduate of Cleveland High School in Clayton, North Carolina where

he excelled both academically and athletically. Landry was a member of the National Honor

Society and an Academic All-Conference Performer. He graduated with a 4.35 GPA. Athletically,

he starred in both basketball and baseball, earning Team MVP honors and was a two time

All-Conference Athlete. Landry will further his education at Barton College in Wilson, North

Carolina where he will major in Education with plans to become both a teacher and baseball

coach. He was also recruited and will play baseball for the Barton College Bulldogs. Landry's

father, Shawn Moore, is a Customer Service rep for Best and Langston in Goldsboro, NC.

DARA HOBSON // Bob & Linda Mayer Scholarship

Born in the small town of Walkertown, Dara Hobson has done her best to stand out. She is

involved at Walkertown High School, becoming a captain of the Cheer Team, receiving Most

Valuable Player and the All American Award. Also involved in the drama department, Dara was

president of her schools Drama Club, and performed in multiple All County events. She also

is president of her Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter, single handily

planning an annual community service project; along with holding leadership positions in TSA

and Key Club, and participates in community service with Crosby Scholars, Girl Scouts, and

Walkertown Civic Club. Her father, Michael Hobson, is a Supervisor for Blossman Gas in

Greensboro, NC.


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Elijah Carrico // Amerigas ScholarshipSon of Steve Carrico, Amerigas

Attending Sandhills Community College and will pursue a Culinary Arts Degree

Kara Collins // Amerigas ScholarshipDaughter of Paul Pipkin, EnergyUnited

Attending UNC Wilmington Nursing Program

Felicia Daley // NCPGA ScholarshipDaughter of Jimmy and Tabatha Daley –

both of Blossman GasAttending UNC Charlotte Nursing Program

Meghanne Edwards // Woody Tew Memorial Scholarship

Daughter of Jarrod Edwards, Marshville PropaneAttending UNC Wilmington and

will major in Biology

Nicholas Eanes // Margaret James, James Oxygen Supply Co. Scholarship

Son of Greg Eanes, Alamance OilAttending Guilford Technical Community College

in Computer Info Technology Program

Joanna Fletcher // J.B. Congleton Scholarship

Daughter of David Fletcher of Thompson Gas and Granddaughter of Harold Fletcher, Gardner Marsh

Attending NC State and Majoring in Industrial Engineering

Kevin Tyler Jones // Jernigan Oil NCPGA Scholarship

Son of Debbie Jones, Jernigan Oil Co.Attending Chowan University

Environmental Biology Program

Taylor Mashburn // Kiersten Yow Scholarship

Daughter of Robert Mashburn, McNeill Oil & Propane

Attending East Carolina University and majoring in Exercise Physiology

Joshua Merrill // Bob Timberlake Scholarship

Son of Charlie Merrill, Rutherford EquipmentAttending UNC Chapel Hill and

pursuing a Business Degree

NCPGA Scholarship Winners:

DistributionW h at ’s i n i t f o r Yo U ?n Offers you as the advertiser the opportunity to reach a diverse

group of professionals within the convenience industry.

n NCPGA offers advertising rates to fit everyone’s budget.

n Reach a wider audience of those reading the digital edition exclusively on the ABYC website.

n As an advertiser, you will receive a FREE copy of this magazine.

Looking for a way to get your business in front of the north CaroLina's ProPane industry?

1,200+ MAILED TO

a d v e r t i s i n g a l lo W s Yo U to :n Market to a well-defined group of your potential buyers.

n Gain maximum exposure to members that read this magazine to

gain important information related to their industry and profession.

n Introduce your new products and/or services.

n Build and maintain your product and/or service awareness.

n Educate readers to ways of using your products and/or services.

n Communicate features & benefits.

n Open the door for your sales reps.

n Generate sales leads.

n Direct traffic to your web site.

Back Cover $509 $439

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Full Color Ad Size 1x 12x

ADvertising opportunitiesADvertiser’s goAl

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Contact Advertising Sales today800.572.0011 / 919.341.4158or rob@emconsult inginc.com

NCPGANEWS


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by Gary Strange, ClU, ChFC, President and CeO, Capital east Strategies, llP

Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s

Adventures in Wonderland, once said, “If

you don’t know where you’re going, any

road will get you there.” This is certainly

true when it comes to investing: If

you don’t know where you’re headed

financially, then it is not as vital which

investments make up your portfolio. If

you do have a monetary destination in

mind, then asset allocation becomes

very important.

The term “asset allocation” is often

tossed around in discussions of investing.

But what exactly is it? Simply put, asset

allocation is about not putting all your

eggs in one basket. More formally, it is

a systematic approach to diversification

that may help you determine the most

efficient mix of assets based on your risk

tolerance and time horizon.

Asset allocation seeks to manage

investment risk by diversifying a portfolio

among the major asset classes, such as

stocks, bonds, and cash alternatives.

Each asset class has a different level of

risk and potential return. At any given

time, while one asset category may

be increasing in value, another may be

decreasing in value. Diversification is a

method to help manage investment risk.

Asset allocation and diversification do

not guarantee a profit or protect against

loss. So if the value of one asset class or

security drops, the other asset classes

or securities may help cushion the blow.

Dividing your investments in this way

may help you ride out market fluctuations

and protect your portfolio from a major

loss in any one asset class. Of course,

it is also important to understand the

risk versus return tradeoff. Generally,

the greater the potential return of an

investment, the greater the risk.

As a result, the makeup of a portfolio

should be based on your risk tolerance.

Generally, you should not place all your

assets in those categories that have

the highest potential for gain if you are

concerned about the prospect of a loss.

It is essential to find a balance of asset

classes with the highest potential return

for your risk profile.

What Is Asset Allocation?

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Other factors that are important to

developing an asset allocation strategy

are your investment goals and time

horizon. When you are considering how

to diversify your portfolio, ask yourself

what you want to accomplish with

your investments. Are you planning to

buy a new car or house soon? Do you

aspire to pay for your children’s college

education? When retirement rolls

around, would you like to travel and buy

a vacation home? These factors should

all be considered when outlining an

asset allocation strategy.

If you require a specific amount of

money at a point in the near future, you

might want to consider a strategy that

involves less risk. On the other hand, if

you are saving for retirement and have

several years until you will need the

funds, you might be able to invest for

greater growth potential, although this

will also involve greater risks.

Whichever asset allocation scenario you

decide on, it’s important to remember

that there is no one strategy that fits

every type of investor. Your specific

situation calls for a specific approach

with which you are comfortable and

one that could help you pursue your

investment goals.

Securities offered through Cambridge investment research, inc., a broker/dealer, member FinrA/SiPC. Advisory services through Cambridge investment research Advisors, inc., a registered investment Advisor. Cambridge and Capital east Strategies are not affilated.

Gary Strange is licensed in VA, nC, nJ and SC to offer insurance products, and life insurance (including variable life), annuities (including variable annuities), and is securities registered in nC, VA and SC and adviser registered in nC. laurie Strange holds her masters in Accounting and Finance and is insurance licensed in north Carolina.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. ©2016 Emerald Connect, LLC

// Answers are on page 26

What’s Wrong With This Picture?

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Meet Dale Gardner

8209 Brownleigh DriveRaleigh, NC 27617

[email protected]

gardnermarsh.com

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: 21 years

Years in your Company: 21 years

Years in NCPGA: 11 years

Where you Live: Raleigh, NC

Where you Grew Up: Connecticut

Family: Wife: Suzanne, children: Chris, Chase, Madison, Gabrielle, Austin, Grayson 31, 21, 17, 14, 12, 7 years old

Personal Interests: WINE!, golf, coaching, WINE!, all sports, travel, traveling for WINE!, poker

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.

Meet Mike Groom

2301 Stonehenge Drive Suite #203

Raleigh, NC 27615919.847.5432 office

[email protected]/propane

Your Title: Owner

Headquarters: Raleigh, NC

Services/Products Offered: Gardner Marsh is a Value Added Distributor that offers a 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: 45 years

Years in NCPGA: (since birth!) 45 years as an adult.

Where you Live: Raleigh, NC

Where you Grew Up: Raleigh, NC

Family: Daughters Angi Harris & Laura Kedzierzawski and their husbands Paul and Kurt (all work for me!) and 7 grandkids!

Personal Interests: Golf, Bowling, Sports, Nascar, Reading, Motorhoming, tailgating with family & friends at races and football games

Favorite Sports Teams: NC State, Carolina Panthers, Red Sox

Interesting Facts: I love to pack up the motorhome and just drive. Have seen 80% of the USA while motorhoming. Collect pre-1970 Baseball Cards.

Other Info: Gardner Marsh has been serving the LP Gas Industry for 53 years. We have a very dedicated staff to service the needs of all LP Gas Dealers.


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CUI Acquires Adventure Marketing Group

CUI announces the purchase of Adventure Marketing

Group (AMG) based out of Nixa, MO.

This expansion allows seamless distribution to dealers in

the Midwest from the newest of 4 distribution centers,

Nixa, MO. Other CUI warehouses include the headquarters

in Simpsonville, SC, Ocala, FL and Cullman, AL.

CUI will retain all AMG employees and will integrate Hearth,

Grill and Equipment product lines to the entire dealer base,

including the newest brand to the offering, Rinnai.

Larry McBee will join the CUI sales force in this territory,

which now totals 23 dedicated appliance and equipment

specialists. Support is offered from an industry leading 16

person customer service department, a separate technical

services group of 5 NFI certified professionals, and a

dedicated 5 person warranty and claims division.

Contact information for CUI

Tom lentz, President, Appliance division 864-423-9338

Andy Camp, President, equipment division 770-601-3308

larry mcbee, midwest Territory manager 864-380-0543

Toll Free 800-845-5301

800-922-7407

800-338-2710

www.cuiheat.com

ADvertisers inDex

Apache LP Trucks, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Best & Langston, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

BLT Tanks LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover

Crestwood Services LP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

CUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Gardner Marsh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover

Gas Equipment Co., Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Petroleum Tank Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Rutherford Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Warm Thoughts Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

WESROC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

NCPGANEWS

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N.C. DEALERS GOLF DAYAnother Good Time For All!

31st Annual

Liftmoore Truck CranesVenturo Truck Cranes

Southeastern Freight LinesTarga Resources

CHS, Inc.Cavagna Group

Waccamaw TransportTidewater TransitBB&T Insurance

Enterprise ProductsPropane Trucks & Tanks

Puryear Tank Lines

Sterling TransportGas Equipment Co.

PETCOApache LP TrucksTharrington PartsCUI Distribution

Worthington IndustriesRutherford Equipment

Leran Gas ProductsGardner Marsh Hilco Transport

BASE Engineering

Plains MarketingCrestwood Services

On Hold: 32Harper IndustriesLiquid Controls

Quality Steel Corp.Coastal Energy

Centennial EnergyNGL Supply Terminals

Professional Propane Services, LLC

— Contributing Suppliers that made this event possible: —

Closest to the pin on par 3’sGreg Narron #4Michael Furr #6

Ed Congleton #10Herb Schmidt #14

1st

Tim CarlsonMike Norman

Jason RiceLandon Wallace

2nd

Brandon NarronMike WilliamsMac Hudgins

Chris AllenScott Hines

3rd

Jeff LanierJoe Clay Jones

Beth LanierRay Brinn

Matt Waters

The 31st Annual N.C. Dealers Golf Day was held on May 26, 2016 with 71 golfers attending. They enjoyed an abundance of food, drink, golf, fellowship, and great weather.Of those participating, the following were prize winners:

N.C. DEALERS GOLF DAYAnother Good Time For All!

1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place


What’s Wrong With This Picture?What’s Wrong With This Picture?Continuing in our “series” of enclosed tanks, here is one in a neighboring state. This tank is shoe-horned into a cramped space between a store, a kerosene tank, a retaining wall for a hill, and a compressor for the store. There are at least five violations; too close to an important building, too close to other fuel, too close to the centerline of a fuel retaining wall, too close to a source of ignition, and enclosed. That AC unit to the lower left may not be a violation. Oh, did I mention that there are three even larger tanks of gasoline in the same enclosure with the kerosene?

NCPGANEWS

North CarolinaPropane Gas Association 5109 Hollyridge DriveRaleigh, NC 27612

Presorted STDU.S. Postage

PAIDHelmer Printing

2016 // july ncpga

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