A survey of NJPGA members in 1999 provided the Foundation with its initial project ideas. They included the following:

1.) This consumer and member-oriented web site intended to provide industry information for members, non-members, consumers, legislators and the media.

2.) NJPERF conducted an Industry Economic Impact Study. Information gleaned from this survey enables the Association to accurately represent the impact of the propane industry on New Jersey’s complex economy to legislators, regulators, the media, the public and itself. Economist Don Scarry, Ph.D. of New Jersey Economics developed the survey instrument, collected and analyzed the results of this detailed, confidential survey sent to all propane industry members in New Jersey.

3.) NJPERF funded Code Officials Training seminars held in 1999 through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Continuing Education Seminars for construction code officials. Instructional services were rendered by Gerard C. Stocker, P.E. and the seminars covered the 1998 edition of NFPA #58, as well as material on the safety of propane, its uses, and its history. Also addressed were the State law on LP-Gas and current state regulations. Six seminars have been presented to local building, fire, plumbing, and mechanical code officials. Each seminar had approximately 50 attendees, and the locations included East Brunswick, Lambertville, and Atlantic City.

4.) NJPERF has also secured funding to support two newsletters per year to assist the Foundation with this important line of communication to industry members.

Since its inception in 1999, NJ PERF has taken on numerous marketing strategies, particularly to the builders industry in NJ, including sponsoring regional activities, sponsoring and exhibiting at the annual Atlantic Builders Convention, advertising in various publications and radio and developing NJ propane industry marketing CDs for distribution. Other marketing efforts include a special Penn State promotion and a significant sponsorship and presence at the “QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning” at Solberg Airport, Readington, NJ. NJ PERF has provided and continues to provide ongoing Certified Education and Training Program classes for propane employees in New Jersey. An updated Economic Impact Study was conducted in 2005, and an industry website has been developed and enhanced for industry members, consumers and the general public. The Regulator newsletter continues to be published and distributed biannually.

We invite your input for the next round of projects. Please send it to NJPERF Headquarters at njpga@hq4u.com.

Sincerely,

Larry Horowitz
NJPERF President