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Governor. Author, journalist, and film producer Robert Attendees of the State Executives Meeting
Bryce presented his take on the future of hydrocarbon and the Marketers Section District Breakouts learned
fuels in both the U.S. and globally. Bryce described about a highly efficient gas heat pump technology that
the changing energy requirements and the ability of a is available for propane as a fuel gas and may be avail-
cross-section of fuels to meet those needs in 2030 and able at reduced costs through the PERC – Alternative
beyond. Technology Demonstration & Research Program. More

The Women in Propane (WIP) Council held its information is in these materials:
fall meeting, where WIP Chairwoman Whitney O’Toole • Propane Fuel Source
presented Nancy Coop with the WIP Founder’s Award. • Heat-Chain
Ms. O’Toole also provided the WIP update during the
Board of Directors Meeting and shared updates from • AC Integration
the previous quarter, including that WIP now has 27 The NPGF Scholarship Committee discussed
corporate members, is expanding its State Ambassador the upcoming Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 18,
program, and is currently planning its second annual re- 2026 at the GreyStone Golf Club in Dickson, TN, pro-
treat. The Young Professionals Council held a business gram finances, and elected officers to a two-year term.
meeting and hosted Nightcaps & Networking, a social The scholarship application window opens on Decem-
event open to all. ber 15 and closes on February 15. Help spread the
NPGA’s Member Services Committee hosted word about this opportunity for the children of NPGA
a panel on using AI in your everyday work life, illus- member company employees.
trating how this technology can work in many areas of NPGA recognized the leadership of Mike
your business including admin, operations, customer Hopsicker with a tailgate-themed Chair’s Reception
service, and marketing. Panelists included Taylor Alex- on Tuesday evening, complete with wings, pretzels,
ander (Global Gas), Steve Gasser (Vivid Image), Nathan and memorabilia from Mike’s college football career.
McShinsky (Eastern Propane Gas), and Freddie Ridler Friends and family, including Ray Murray, Christina
(Rural Computer Consultants). Each panelist shared Armentano, and son Jeff Hopsicker, celebrated Mike’s
personal examples of how AI had improved their work- time as Chair of NPGA. NPGA welcomed several new
flow, freed up time to address more important issues, Directors to the Board:
and provided tips on using it safely and effectively. The • Bert Turn, FEI, Distributor Section Director
presentation closed with discussion and a Q&A session,
and ideas for taking small steps to utilize AI and learn • John Hearn, TerraVest, Manufacturer’s Section
about its capabilities. Director

The Supply and Logistics Committee heard • Eron Ferguson, Fairbank Equipment, Kansas State
an update from RBN Energy President Rusty Braziel, as Director
well as a briefing on recent action by the International • Chris Tews, Dale Gas & Oil, Wisconsin State Director
Maritime Organization and the Federal Energy Regula- Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as
tory Commission.
your NPGA State Director. To read my full report and
The Manufacturer’s Section discussed the up- check out photos of the cocktail cruise sponsored by
coming Joint Review of the United States-Mexico-Cana- Ray Murray, Inc. and PGANE; the Propane, Politics, and
da Trade Agreement. Coffee event with Vermont Lt. Governor John Rodg-

The Producers/Wholesalers Section and the ers; the tail-gate themed Chair’s Reception honoring
Transporters Section discussed upcoming programs Mike Hopsicker; and more, click here or visit https://
and opportunities with the Federal Motor Carrier Safe- www.npga.org/member-dashboard/state-director-re-
ty Administration. port-fall-2025/.■

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