Page 4 - may-june 2020

word from the president
ow! What a difference two months
makes! When I last gathered my
thoughts to share with you, I had
Wno clue what the next four weeks
would hold At that time, we were looking
forward to the Southeastern Convention & Expo
in Nashville in April and then onward to our
Alabama/Louisiana Propane Convention in June!
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus began
causing havoc across the United States and
made its way to Alabama Suddenly, our lives
were changed! This virus brought our plans to a
screeching halt Social distancing and infection
control led to closing schools, businesses, and
working from home for multitudes Many were
left without the ability to work to maintain their
livelihood
Fortunately, the propane industry is
considered essential and most of us have been
able to continue to work while we screen calls
and limit our contact with our customers to
at least six feet We have encouraged our
customers to continue to call as we may answer
those calls from home, and we have taken
aggressive action to encourage our customers to
keep their tanks full One challenge or concern
lingers in that with the high unemployment rate
and economic distress, we also have concerns
and pray that our customers can also pay their
bills to support our continued ability to stay open
and maintain our businesses All the while, we
strive to stay healthy, keep our families healthy,
and maintain excellent customer service and
satisfaction to support our communities and our
industry
COVID-19 has brought us trials and
tribulations; however, it has also challenged us
to be unified to show love and concern for our
fellow man I have witnessed an outpouring of
kindness, support, leadership, teamwork, courage,
strength, flexibility, hope, peace, faith, and love
from all walks of life to support one another
Many have donated continuously to feed the
needy in our communities and utilize their talents
4 Alabama Propane Gas Association | May / June 2020
to make masks or personal protective equipment
for health care workers while essential workers
continue to work day in and day out, above
and beyond to provide the needs of those they
may not even know Even with places of worship
closed, spirituality is growing by leaps and bounds
as homes are now places of worship and praise is
openly displayed from social
media to the parking lots of
hospitals and health care
facilities Staying at home
has offered many the time
to play games, work puzzles,
have conversations, plant
gardens, or complete that
long list of “honey-do” jobs
that have been lost in the uTim Mooreu
hustle and bustle of our
lives
I truly believe that in every challenge there
is an opportunity to become stronger and wiser
so we can be more passionate about fulfilling the
lives we’re meant to experience Life is so much
sweeter when we love deeper and appreciate all
the blessings that God has shared with us We will
get through whatever comes our way, TOGETHER!
This year was not what I was anticipating
while serving as your APGA President; however,
despite these challenges, I have been honored
and blessed to serve you for these past twelve
months that have passed by way too quickly I
want to thank all of our members and your APGA
board for the encouragement and opportunities
to support and grow with our industry I want
to express appreciation to my company, Mor-
Gas, Inc , my wife, Donna, and my family for the
continuous support they have given to me every
day of my life ■