Page 54 - November 2019 Council Meeting Notebook Online

utilization equipment, to inform and educate the public about safety and other issues associated
with the use of propane. ..."

There is $32.7 million budgeted in Program funding that includes $27.4 planned for docketed
projects and program activities, as well as $5.3 million estimated for program salaries, benefit
costs, and IT support costs.

The projects and initiatives described in the following sections are based on a recommendation
from PERC’s Budget and Finance Committee in collaboration with PERC’s Executive
Committee, the staff, and other sources. On July 17, 2019, the Council approved the distribution
of the proposed budget for the limited purpose of soliciting public comment. While the
descriptions to follow provide insight into the overall program plans of PERC, actual funding will
be considered on a docket-by-docket basis for 2020.

Other requirements under PERA included in the program budget initiatives are as follows:

 Not less than 5 percent of the funds collected through assessments pursuant to the Act
will be used for programs and projects intended to benefit the agriculture industry in the
United States. The Council will coordinate its activities in this regard with agriculture
industry trade associations and other organizations representing the agriculture industry.
 The Council shall coordinate its activities with industry trade associations and others as
appropriate to provide efficient delivery of services and to avoid unnecessary duplication
of activities.

PROPOSED 2020 PROGRAM NARRATIVE

WORKFORCE TRAINING & INDUSTRY RELATIONS

Developing a skilled workforce requires engagement with state entities, propane marketers and
propane professionals to increase usage and execution of PERC’s resources and programs.
This will allow us to translate aspirations into tangible results.

We will maintain our presence and participation at state meetings, marketer events, industry
conferences and trade shows, in order to promote and educate the industry on consumer
education efforts, market development outreach, and safety and training programs.

We gained momentum in 2019 by conducting regional meetings and encouraging open dialogue
with state executives and their leadership to discuss opportunities and needs in their regions
across all core PERC functions. Eight region meetings are planned for 2020.

Other notable 2020 programs and events that will increase marketer, state and region
engagement efforts include:
• Can-Do Marketing Training
• CSR Customer Service Training
• Marketer Sales Training
• Sales Summits
• State Marketing Campaigns/Plans