WIP Quarterly Update | Fall 2015 E-mail to Women in Propane listserv on 30 October 2015

NEW SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2016 Several industry volunteers have stepped up to serve in leadership roles on the Women in Propane business council for 2016. Transitions will occur on January 1, 2016, on the Executive Board and within committee leadership. The attached PDF introduces you to the council’s new and continuing leaders announced at the WIP annual meeting in New Orleans earlier this month (a draft version of the meeting minutes is also attached for member review).

The First Ever WIP LEADERSHIP FORUM Introduction PLAN TO ATTEND THE NPGA EXPO…SAVE THE DATES! WIP Leadership Forum at the NPGA Southeast Convention & Expo, LIVE FROM NASHVILLE. Mark April 8-10, 2016 on your calendar and register soon. NEW! The LEADERSHIP FORUM line-up features dynamic speakers, interactive learning and networking to help industry men and women achieve their professional ambitions and to strengthen our businesses. On Friday, April 8, the all-day LEADERSHIP FORUM package

includes four, 75-minute Leadership Training Sessions: o Management Courage – Having the Heart of a Lion

o The Hidden Language of Organizations – Workplace Politics, Power and Influence

o Effective Leadership in Changing Times

o Reality-Based Accountability - Hardwiring Accountability into your Workforce

Presented by business experts Margaret Morford, B.S., J.D., and Lisa Gunderson, B.A.,

who have collaborated with American Red Cross, Chevron, Time Warner, U.S. Marine

Corps and a long list of prominent organizations, to address a wide array of

management and leadership challenges. Morford is CEO of The HR Edge and is often

quoted in Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. Gunderson is certified by

Cy Wakeman to deliver her revolutionary and impactful Reality-Based programs. Details

are available on the NPGA Expo web site: WIP Leadership Forum

WIP | MEET A MEMBER

Michael Hopsicker CEO, Ray Murray Inc. Chairman, National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) Conventions Committee First Vice President, New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA) Recent past Chairman, NPGA Distributors Section and past Member, NPGA Executive Committee Quote: “Partnering with Ray Murray and working in the Propane Industry has been such a wonderful and rewarding experience. I can’t think of a better industry one could choose to make a career!” Fun Fact: : Mike has a passion for the sport of football and it has been a big part of his life. He has played, coached and loved watching his two boys play in both high school and college. He would always help out whenever possible. He even volunteered to

be the “Ball Boy” on the sidelines for his son’s high school teams. For five years he was the “Oldest Ball Boy” in the league! And yes – on occasion when he discovered the balls were pumped up a little too much – he would deflate them to a more desired pressure!

WELCOME NEW CORPORATE MEMBERS New members joining WIP in the third quarter include a California marketer and a manufacturer serving the entire industry.

The Women in Propane Council welcomes Kamps Propane – a family-owned propane company since 1969, with a commitment to prompt and professional service. Kamps Propane has eleven retail outlets in

California from the Sierra Foothills to the Pacific Coast and from Sacramento to San Diego. www.kampspropane.com and Quality Steel Corporation – founded in 1957 with a purpose to “build a better propane tank,” this family and employee-owned business is proud that their tanks are produced 100% in the USA. Several models of tanks are available to fit all needs. www.propanetank.com

UPDATES & REMINDERS

In the News o Butane Propane News editorial by WIP chair Cindy Platz-Belmont here o Indoor Comfort Marketing magazine interview with WIP founding chair Nancy Coop

here o 2015 World LPG Forum introduces Women in LPG Global Network in Singapore (Butane

Propane News article)

Women in Propane group on LinkedIn, join here

Join a WIP Committee NPGA Women in Propane Council WIP@npga.org

Women in Propane Council

Annual Meeting Minutes

October 4, 2015

Attendees:

Bob Barry, Bergquist

Cindy Belmont, Delta Liquid Energy

Kelly Bosak, Ferrellgas

Rosie Buschur, McMahan’s Bottle Gas

Nancy Coop, Ferrellgas

Amy Dean, L G Jordan Oil Co. Inc.

Tim Esterling, Westmor Industries

Lisa Gerwitz, AePex Energy

Kim Godlewski, IPS Equipment Inc.

Jill Hopkins, Sheldon Gas

Tom Jaenicke, ATomiK Creative Solutions

Angela John, BP

Hayley Karicofe, AmeriGas

Meghan Keivel, NPGA

Tracy Kirkman, Ehrhart Energy

Milissa Lord, A.R.M. Solutions

Leslie McCraw, Blue Rhino

Sam McTier

Tammala Parris, AmeriGas

Natalie Peal, BPN

Harold Poland, NGL Energy Partners Retail

Liv Poland, Poland & Associates LLC

Diana Price, AmeriGas

Jane Stroupe, AmeriGas

Teresa Wade, Trinity Industries

Pat Walker, Triple R Gas

Leslie Woodward, Fairview Fittings & Mfg Inc.

Belmont called the meeting to order at 3:04 pm, welcomed attendees and began self-

introductions. Following the self-introductions, Belmont gave an overview of the

meeting.

Committee Reports

Treasury

Tracy Kirkman, Treasurer, introduced herself and gave her accounting background prior

to delivering the Treasurer’s report.

WIP has continued our strong growth patterns this year. Income continues to be well

above expenses with fat black bottom lines. 7/31 YTD ended with $20,325 in revenue

and a net bottom line of $8,687! Our strong financial backing comes not only from our

unique membership fee program but also from our generous and committed sponsors

which this year include AmeriGas, Propane Concepts, Ferrellgas, Ehrhart Energy,

Viking Propane, and Aepex and Delta Liquid Energy. The council recently was awarded

a Presidential Grant from PERC in support of the pilot program for the nationwide

mentor network being introduced next year.

With the addition of two new industry wide programs, we are in the process of

revamping our FY16 budget by breaking out general income and expenses and specific

programs. The additional transparency proves our solid commitment to all our

programs and to NPGA as a whole. Line item Income streams and expenses are now

broken out into our three main areas of “general expense”, “Leadership Forum” and

“Mentor Network”.

While our council is only half way through our fourth year, we continue to be financially

self-supporting. Amazing for a new council which is also providing programs for the

entire association! Although growing pains have been experienced, the vision for the

future is excellent and the council’s financial governance is prudent. Our success is due

not only to our super fantastic volunteers but also our individual and corporate members

and our sponsors.

Tracy also commented that she is looking for someone who is interested in filling the

Treasurer position in 2017.

Marketing

Hayley Karicofe, Committee Chair, delivered the Marketing Report. The committee’s

overall objective was to build relationships with common industries and organizations

with a goal of promoting WIP at various events and in newsletters and publications.

Hayley reported eight additional state associations are supporting WIP’s message. The

committee also created a calendar of events brochure for FY2015 and distributed to

associations, majors, suppliers, industry publications and at industry meetings. A WIP

logo was developed to be used in conjunction with NPGA announcements and events.

The following items were created and distributed to suppliers/LP/BPN, the list serve

and/or state associations: a save the date notice announcing upcoming meetings, a

thank you advertisement to thank sponsors and members for their support throughout

the year.

A Time to Join/Time to Renew ad was created to remind current members and entice

new members to join. Committee details were added to the website to encourage

members to join a committee. Detailed biographies of upcoming speakers were created

and appeared in advertisements throughout the year to encourage and increase

participation at each WIP event.

The advertising/marketing campaign is working and publications are beginning to reach

out to use to learn more about the council. Propane Prophets approached us to run a

mission/join us ad. Indoor Comfort Marketing magazine requested a profile of the

Council in their magazine interviewing Nancy Coop, Founding Chair.

The Marketing Committee 2016 goals include creating advertisement and brochures to

announce the Leadership Forum in Nashville at the NPGA Expo in April 2016. A logo

and communication for the Leadership Forum was created for registration, publications,

the website, press releases and all other communication about the Leadership Forum.

The Knowledge Exchange and the Mentor Network each will have a dedicated

marketing plan.

Hayley also commented that she is looking for someone who is interested in filling the

Marketing Chair position in 2017.

Membership

Leslie McCraw, Membership Chair, delivered the Membership report. It’s been an exciting year for the Membership Committee. As of October 2, 2015 we have 967 members including (WIPI) Individual memberships and our individuals under WIPC Corporate Membership, plus the non-voting members. We started the year with 19 Corporate Members. We have a goal for 2015 of 12 new corporate members. McCraw reported that to date we have 9 New Corporate Members, for a total of 28 Corporate Members. There are two prior year members that need to renew. The new Corporate Members are: Crestwood Services, Paraco Gas, Central Coast Propane Inc., Westmor Industries, Irish

Propane, Manchester Tank & Equipment, A.R.M. Solutions, Kamp’s Propane and Quality Steel. We have enrolled a total of 22 new individual as of October 2, 2015. There are 12 individuals that have not renewed; final renewal notice has been sent. The Membership Committee has great momentum; we currently have a membership drive underway, and have a number of good prospects on our contact listing. It’s been an exciting year as we actively focus on membership growth - both Individual and Corporate level – and strive to achieve our 2015 goals. Programs & Events Lisa Gerwitz, Programs & Events Chair, gave the Programs & Events Committee report.

In 2015, the Committee hosted a number of events including: a no-host luncheon at the

NPGA Board Meeting in San Diego, CA, a professional development seminar in Atlanta

given by Robbin Jorgenson on the topic of Negotiating Skills. The feedback on Robin’s

session was favorable with a few comments about wanting more content. Participants

received much information in a short amount of time. The committee also hosted a

roundtable session focused on Leadership in Atlanta that garnered a large audience

with lots of personal insight. The response was favorable to the first male speaker

featured in the roundtable discussion. In Reno, WIP delivered a Customer Service

training session facilitated by Kelly Bosak and Sarah Knight. The turnout was excellent

and people are still talking about the session. The same Customer Service session was

delivered at the Mid States show with the same response.

The 2016 events hosted by the Committee include a Leadership Forum at the SE Expo

in Nashville. The Leadership Forum will feature two professional, nationally knowns

speakers. Participants in the Leadership Forum will pay $150 to attend the sessions

and also have access to a networking lounge and a headshot photo. All attendees are

able to attend the roundtable session and networking reception. Gerwitz reported

sponsorships are secured for the leadership forum speakers and networking reception.

Gerwitz also announced the speakers at the roundtable session will be Tod Brown with

Blue Rhino and Angela John with BP. They will speak about being mentors. Alison

Abbott with the WLPGA is also expected to join the roundtable session to provide an

update on Women in Propane worldwide. There are a number of items still in the works

for the Leadership Forum.

Advisory Board Update

Nancy Coop, Founding Chair, delivered the Advisory Board report. Coop gave a

general background on how WIP’s Steering Committee transitioned into an Advisory

Board. The current board is comprised of individuals from every part of the industry.

The Board meets twice a year.

Since the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Advisory Board has met once, in May of this year.

Comprising ten industry leaders, the Advisory Board functions as a sounding board and

provides strategic advice to the leadership of the WIP business council.

Meetings are held telephonically twice per year and often result in bringing actionable

ideas forward as well as strategies for the council to consider. The contribution of the

Advisory Board to the success of the business council is immeasurable.

Advisory Board meetings include a review of council activity since the last meeting and

open discussions on topics of concern to the council. At the last meeting, the group

discussed the following:

Steady membership growth within the corporate category

o Option to provide tiered-membership categories for various-sized

corporations

New avenues for funding

o Alliance with PERC

o Focused presence in Nashville

o Corporate sponsorships

Perception of the council as exclusive when reality is inclusion

o Recognized as a communication issue

o Expand communication reach to address positively

Vision for future

o Initiatives being developed to benefit the entire propane industry

The Knowledge Exchange: WIP Mentor Network

Leadership Forum presented by WIP

o Funding of programs plus operational and marketing plans

Introduction of 2015 WIP Officers

The 2016 slate of officers was announced and a biography of each person was given.

Kelly Bosak, Chair

Laurie Irish-Jones, Vice Chair

Cindy Belmont, Past Chair

Tracy Kirkman, Treasurer

Hayley Karicofe, Marketing Chair

Brilynn Johnson, Programs & Events Chair

Jackie Hopkins, Programs & Events Vice Chair

Aubree Barbosa, Membership Chair

Loren Fenton, Membership Vice Chair

World LPGas Forum Update

Nancy Coop, Founding Chair, introduced Alison Abbott who is the Communications

Director of the World LP Gas Association. Alison was with us via video that she

recorded during her attendance at the World LPG Forum in Singapore. Alison shared

the following in her update.

“The World LPGas association and our industry recognize that a gender imbalance is

not optimized. There are opportunities for LPGas to address the issue of attracting,

retaining and developing women in our industry. We recognize as the World LPGas

Association we’re in a unique position to address this. This change is being driven by a

global network that will recommend the activities and actions to make the change.

Women LPG is a network for women and also for men who have an interest in the LPG

industry and support our objectives. Yesterday we had a fantastic kick-off meeting. We

had a keynote by Anita George from the World Bank and had an interactive Q&A

session. Then we will tak the results from the Q&A and that will be the basis for our

activities going forward. We have also gained an enormous amount of international

interests. I’ve been invited to speak t the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves in Ghana

in a few weeks and then to Brazil to address the dealer meeting of Ultrgaz. I will send

you an update on our activities and hope to do that in person in Nashville next year.

Nancy has my contact information so feel free to contact me with any questions.”

Overview of 2016 WIP Initiatives

The Knowledge Exchange: WIP Mentor Network

Kelly Bosak, Vice Chair, introduce Sarah Knight who is the project manager of the

Knowledge Exchange. Sarah was with us via video and provided an overview of the

program.

“This is an exciting program that we are dedicating to creating and developing members

of WIP and NPGA. The program will center around building relationships with mentors

and mentees, pairing them up, partnering them together and hopefully watching some

dynamic relationships form. The goal is to better not only the mentee but also the

mentor and highlighting some of their skills and knowledge they can pass on to their

mentee. In addition it will be a huge benefit to the industry as we continually strive to

get stronger and better for our future. The committee members are Paula Wilson,

Lindsay Allison, Rebecca Fowler and myself. Cheers to a good year ahead!”

After the introductory video, additional details were shared about the Knowledge

Exchange. WIP has engaged an expert in the mentoring field named Dr. Liz Selzer who

has her PhD in mentoring. It is important to understand that the launch of this program

in Nashville is meant to be a pilot. At the end of the pilot we will re-calibrate the

program and be ready to roll it out the following year. The program will use software

that will pair the mentor and the mentee together based on the goals of the mentee.

The formal relationship will be from April through October each year. The mentor and

mentee will attend a half day training session in the afternoon on April 7 in Nashville.

The mentee will be required to pay a $200 fee to participate. WIP will solicit for mentors

and mentees in the coming months. Almost everyone raised their hand when asked if

they knew someone who could benefit from this program.

Leadership Forum

The Leadership Forum was discussed in greater detail with announcing the professional

speakers to be Margaret Morford and Lisa Gunderson. Both have a dynamic

background of public speaking on topics that pertain to today’s workforce. The

Leadership Forum logo was unveiled. Nancy Coop thanked the Ferrellgas Marketing

Department for developing the logo. Almost everyone raised their hand when asked if

they knew someone who would benefit from attending the Leadership Forum.

General Discussion (New Business)

There was no general discussion or new business.

Cindy thanked the leaders of the WIP Council for their service and thanked everyone for

attending the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:35 pm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mollie O’Dell 30 October 2016 MODell@npga.org

Women in Propane Council Announces 2016 Officers Washington, DC – Several propane industry leaders will begin one-year terms on the National Propane Gas Association’s Women in Propane Council beginning January 1, 2016. During NPGA’s Fall Board Meeting, Kelly Bosak, Affirmative Action Officer at Ferrellgas, was named Chair of the business council and Laurie Irish-Jones, CEO of Irish Propane and Irish Carbonic, was named Vice-Chair. Tracy Kirkman, part owner of Ehrhart Energy, will continue in her role as Treasurer. The council’s current Chair, Cindy Platz-Belmont of Delta Liquid Energy, will take on the post of Immediate Past Chair in 2016. Founding Chair Nancy Coop of Ferrellgas will remain on the Executive Board. Women in Propane (WIP) also announced committee leadership transitions in the coming months. Brilynn Johnson, AmeriGas Propane, will become Chair of the Programs & Events Committee and Jackie Hopkins, Sheldon Gas Company, will become the committee Vice-Chair. Aubree Barbosa, Ferrell North America, will Chair the Membership Committee and Loren Fenton, also of Ferrell North America, will serve as its Vice-Chair. Hayley Karicofe, AmeriGas Propane, will continue as Chair of the Marketing Committee. WIP Council Chair Kelly Bosak states, “The programs we are launching in 2016 are best in class and will offer leadership development and legacy-building opportunities. I believe the companies of those attending the 2016 programs will benefit in the way of a competitive advantage with their greatest asset, their people!” Bosak goes on to say, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a board full of super women to introduce this programming to you!” Executive Officers

Kelly Bosak, Chair | Kelly Bosak has responsibility for the Staffing function and is the Affirmative Action Officer at Ferrellgas. Bosak’s department supports about 300 hiring managers across the nation. During her 13-year career at Ferrellgas, Bosak has earned the Ferrellgas Humanitarian Award for saving a young boy’s life after a plane crash, the James E. Ferrell Leadership Award and was selected to the 2012 Class of Forty Under 40 by Ingram’s Magazine. She is the Vice President of her Rotary Club and is passionate about raising awareness and funds to find a cure for ALS, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s disease. Bosak holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management with a minor in Spanish

from Kansas State University. She also maintains the profession SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) credentials. She spends her free time with her husband and 8-month old son.

Laurie Irish-Jones, Vice-Chair | Laurie Irish-Jones is the CEO of Irish Propane and Irish Carbonic located in Buffalo, New York. Irish-Jones holds both Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate degrees. She has had the pleasure and opportunity to work with both of her parents and three of her four sisters. They have been working as a team since the 1990’s. Irish-Jones enjoys charity work and is the chairperson for the Hope Chest Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival which supports paddling teams of breast cancer survivors. She serves

on the board of The Center of Entrepreneurship at the State University of Buffalo, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership Council and is the past president of the International Beverage Dispensing Association and the New York Propane Gas Association. Irish-Jones is married to Tim Jones and has four children. She loves the Adirondack Mountains and spends as much time as she can at their camp with their large extended family.

Tracy Kirkman, Treasurer | Tracy Kirkman is an owner of Ehrhart Energy and heads up Administration and Finance for the company. Ehrhart Energy is a third generation family owned fuel distributor in upstate New York selling about 3.5 million gallons of propane a year. Kirkman earned a B.A. in Mathematics and has worked in the insurance industry as an associate actuary for 10 years. She started her working career in the family business painting 100-pounders and bulk tanks and also spent 5 years teaching high school and college mathematics.

For the Trumansburg community, Kirkman serves on the board of Trumansburg Area Churches, the board of Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce, and is president and founder of Trumansburg Robotics Inc. Her spare time is spent with her husband and son hiking, playing the flute, and dancing Irish Step. Membership Committee

Aubree Barbosa, Chair | Aubree Barbosa is the Rail Manager for Ferrell North America, a division of Ferrellgas. Barbosa started with Ferrell North America in 2005 as an area product coordinator and took over as Rail Coordinator in 2007, then Rail Manager by 2009. A graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas, Barbosa has a B.A. in Strategic Communications. A Kansas resident with her husband Nick and her son Brock, she likes to cook, plan theme parties for friends and family, and cheer on her local sporting teams – Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and the KU Jayhawks.

Loren Fenton, Vice-Chair | Loren Fenton is a Distribution Manager at Ferrell North America. She has been at Ferrell North American for 5 years and recently became responsible for overseeing all of the company’s pipes and storage facilities. Fenton is married and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is excited about joining the WIP leadership team and sees it as an opportunity to network and expand her industry knowledge.

Programs and Events Committee

Brilynn Johnson, Chair | Brilynn Johnson is the Regional Sales and Marketing Director for the Western Region of AmeriGas Propane. She is based out of Lincoln, California and oversees the sales and marketing efforts of the 9 most western states. An AmeriGas employee since 1997, Johnson is a third-generation propane professional and holds the propane industry close to her heart, as it was a huge piece of her childhood. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Sacramento State during her tenure with AmeriGas. She’s incredibly passionate about not only the propane industry but also her close family ties, spending all of her available time with her husband and six-year old daughter.

Jackie Hopkins , Vice-Chair | Jackie Sheldon Hopkins has worked at Sheldon Gas Company in Suisun City, California the past 11 years as a Customer Service Specialist. The company was founded in the late 1920’s by her great grandfather and is still family owned and operated by her aunts, father and uncle. Hopkins is Vice President of the county Soroptimist Club, heading up its fundraising efforts. In 2012, she was honored with the club’s Fellowship award for her dedication, time, and volunteer work. Hopkins developed her ability to work as a team leader during her participation as a key soccer player on successful women’s teams in high school and

college, winning the league MVP in her final year of play. She is an avid San Francisco Bay Area sports fan and attends games whenever she can. Her new love is her nephew Jace Edward who was born in August. Marketing Committee

Hayley Lynn Karicofe, Chair | Hayley Karicofe began her career in the industry in April of 2005 as Area Sales Manager for AmeriGas Propane. In 2012, Karicofe implemented an outbound call center in Prince George, Virginia to support the financial goals of the company. Karicofe also manages sales professionals in Virginia and West Virginia. Her position includes implementing marketing and PR campaigns within her area as well as training, mentoring and coaching approximately 30 employees. Karicofe began working with the Women in Propane Council in the fall of 2013 as its Marketing Chair with a goal to raise the industry’s awareness of WIP through a targeted advertising and PR campaign. She holds a business degree from Blue Ridge Community

College and is currently working on earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Sustainability from Mary Baldwin College. THE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE: WIP Mentor Network

Sarah Knight, Project Manager | Sarah Knight is Manager of Customer Service Implementation for Ferrellgas. In this role, the 12-year propane industry veteran oversees the standardization and implementation of Ferrellgas’ various customer service initiatives, as well as managing a team of customer care specialists. Knight is active in the propane industry, serving as a member of the Iowa Propane Education & Research Council Board of

Directors as well as Project Manager for the team developed to launch the WIP council’s nationwide mentor network pilot being introduced to the industry in 2016. The Iowa City, Iowa native is a 1997 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Relations. She and her husband, Chris, reside in Solon, Iowa, and have two children.

### Women in Propane Council The Women in Propane Council was established to provide positive opportunities for all members of our industry to support the advancement and success of women in every scope of business operation and professional development. More than 900 propane industry professionals, including men and women, are currently members of the Women in Propane Council. For more information, visit www.npga.org/WIP. National Propane Gas Association NPGA is the national trade association of the propane gas industry with a membership of approximately 3,200 companies, including 39 affiliated state and regional associations representing members in all 50 states. Although the single largest groups of NPGA members are retail marketers of propane gas and propane autogas, the membership includes propane producers, transporters and wholesalers, as well as manufacturers and distributors of associated equipment, containers and appliances. More than 55 million households and businesses use propane gas for space heating, water heating, cooking, outdoor recreation, and other uses. Propane gas is also used in millions of installations nationwide for commercial heating and cooking, in agriculture, in industrial processing, and as a clean alternative engine fuel for over-the-road vehicles and industrial lift trucks. For more information, visit www.npga.org.