2009 Trade Shows

May 4, 2009

Dear MAPGA Members,

By now, I hope you all have had a chance to unwind and relax after the busy March trade show schedule! Given the state of the industry, we had a strong showing at the Delaware Home Show in Wilmington and Builders Mart in Timonium, Maryland. It was a positive atmosphere for all, which stemmed from each of you and your companies who came out to support MAPGA marketing efforts.

As you know, the purpose of MAPGA exhibiting at these events is to help consumers and industry professional understand propane’s benefits as a clean, efficient, reliable energy solution. Sharing facts with these consumers can help get more propane appliances into customers’ homes and, in the long run sell more gallons for all MAPGA members. More than ever it is now important to have propane experts reaching out to consumers to answer both questions & complaints; in attending these shows, we are able to remind consumers that propane is a low-carbon fuel that can help protect the environment and save money without sacrificing comfort and reliability.

I would like to acknowledge the companies and individuals who participated in these events: Boulden, Amerigas, American Welding & Tank, Eastern Shore Gas, Quality Steel, Tevis Oil & Propane, Schagrin Gas, Ray Murry, Inc., Peter Patrick of Peter Patrick & Associates, Thompson Gas, Tri Gas & Oil and Jonathan Williams of MAPGA. I would also like to give a special thanks to Glenna Kinney of Tevis Oil for all of her tireless efforts as chairman of our marketing committee. She continually sends staff members to assist with set-up and break down and works behind the scenes to forward the efforts of MAPGA marketing. A special thanks also to Peter Patrick for spending an entire day in Wilmington and working to inspire me to enhance MAPGA presence at trade shows.

To reinforce our appearance at these community events I have been sending press releases and photos to your local community newspapers. By increasing consumer awareness of MAPGA’s involvement in the community, we are joining forces with the national effort to increase propane’s visibility among those who influence energy decisions.

Our next event will be the 60th Delmarva Chicken Festival that will be held at the Queen Anne's County 4-H Park near Centreville, Maryland on June 19 and 20, 2009. If you are interested in participating at this event, please feel free to contact me. Watch for updates posted on the MAPGA website to see how you and you colleagues can help! I look forward to welcoming members interested in joining the marketing committee to help MAPGA drive and increase the use of Propane.

Best Regard,

Chris Remmell