Several local propane professionals have been elected to serve as directors and officers of the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council (MOPERC).
The Council recently installed its new leadership at the group’s winter meeting in Ridgedale. The slate was approved at the MOPERC fall meeting in Jefferson City and includes representatives from across the state who serve in various capacities.
Officers elected were:
• Chair—Mark Porth, CHS, Lawson;
• Vice chair—James Greer, MFA Oil, Columbia;
• Treasurer—John Baucom, Prairieland FS, La Belle.
Five incoming directors were appointed to three-year terms:
• Steve Clayton, Gas Equipment Company, Earth City;
• Ray Phillips, Growmark Energy, Ozark;
• Luke Fitzpatrick, MFA Oil, Wardsville (reappointed);
• Samantha Reed Johnson, Reed Oil, Doniphan (reappointed); and
• Wayne Terpstra, Thompson Gas, Riverside (reappointed).
Outgoing directors were recognized for their service to the council. They were Marty Lerum, Propane Resources, Mission, Kansas; and David Young, GEC, Sunrise Beach. Outgoing chair Nick Goodrich, Goodrich Gas, Crocker, was also recognized for his year of leadership.
Directors continuing on the council are: Goodrich; Kelsey Bright, Thompson Gas, Kansas City; John Brokes, Big River Oil, Hannibal; Kent Metcalf, Queen City Gas, Ozark; Tim Peach, Pinnacle, Quincy, Illinois; Derek Poe, AmeriGas, Branson; Jeff Reitz, Central States Bus, Fenton.
Steve Ahrens, Jefferson City, serves as MOPERC President.
MOPERC is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the Missouri legislature to administer a statewide check-off program. Proceeds are used for industry training, consumer safety, appliance rebates and market development programs. The council is composed of 15 volunteer directors and is administered by executive staff.
Since its inception, MOPERC has helped thousands of Missouri homeowners replace water heaters, furnaces and other appliances with new, more energy-efficient models. The council created a groundbreaking Lawn Equipment Assistance Fund (LEAF), which has helped dozens of Missouri lawn contractors and landscape companies acquire propane-powered lawn mowers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and saving on operational costs. The council’s Clean Bus Replacement Program has pledged $1 million over 10 years to help schools replace diesel buses with clean, quiet and cost-effective propane models. A new, zero-interest financing program is also available for districts that lease-purchase bus fleets.
According to the U.S. Census, approximately 9% of Missouri’s households use propane for heating, hot water and cooking. Recognized for its environmental benefits, propane is also widely used in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and transportation as a safe and versatile energy source. Propane, called “autogas” around the globe, is the world’s most popular alternative energy.