Issuu

THE VOICE AND RESOURCE FOR IOWA’S FUEL INDUSTRY

2022 Legislative Priorities pg. 4 State of the Association p. 6 Casey's First COO pg. 12 Molo on the E15 Mandate pg. 10 VOLUME 75, NO.1 2022 JAN / FEB

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

ON THE COVER The 2021 Iowa State Legislative Session was one of the most active in recent FUELIowa history. From a biofuel mandate to bottle bill reform, our association, lobbyist, and members were active at the

FE A TUR E S 3

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

2022 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

STATE OF THE ASSOCIATION

State Capitol, advocating for industry priorities.

IN TH IS IS S UE

10430 New York Ave Suite F Urbandale, IA 50322 p (515) 224-7545 f (515) 224-0502 info@FUELIowa.com www.FUELIowa.com 2

MOLO ON THE E15 MANDATE

CASEY'S MEMBER FEATURE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PAC CONTRIBUTIONS

MEMBER HAPPENINGS

RISK MANAGEMENT

PR E S ID ENT ’S PER S P E C TI V E THE IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC ADVOCACY The 2022 Iowa Legislative session will require the FUELIowa team, Coalition partners and membership to focus on executing a strategic advocacy strategy to address issues of compliance and the critical need for additional infrastructure funding. House File 2128 is a mandate. The FUELIowa position remains the same - we are opposed to mandates requiring the Iowa retail distribution network to sell E15 and higher blended fuels. The incentive-based approach presently in place is working. The focus of any new legislation should be on increasing funding for infrastructure especially in the rural retail fuel distribution network. We appreciate the numerous discussions FUELIowa members have engaged with their local legislators. These meetings, conversations and calls have been invaluable to understand the vulnerability local gas station owners face, especially located in small town rural areas. Although the vote on House File 2128 was anticipated, we are highly disappointed the Iowa House passed the bill without considering the fuel retail industry concerns about compliance dates and infrastructure costs to comply with the fuel mandate. We are hopeful the Iowa Senate will take a more deliberative approach to addressing the merits and concerns of retailers. Therefore, it is important to focus strategically on the remaining critical issues of compatibility and the appropriate level and class structure of infrastructure funding to avoid unnecessary consequences that would put rural gas stations and convenience stores out of business.

Ronald N. Langston President & CEO FUELIowa 515-224-1599

EXECUTIVE COM M I TTEE Bev Jessen Chair Johnson Oil/ Cylinder Express Battle Creek 712-365-4740 Joseph Zietlow Vice Chair Kwik Trip, Inc La Crosse, WI 608-793-6484

Nicole Johnson Treasurer Molo Companies Dubuque 563-557-5714

Doug Coziahr Immediate Past Chair Nebraska-Iowa Supply Company Omaha 402-393-8350

R NL Ronald N. Langston, President & CEO

BO A RD O F D I RECT OR S Chris Biellier Associate Director Seneca Companies Davenport | 563-332-8000

Tia Eischeid Director Al’s Corner Oil Co Carroll | 712-673-2723

Steve Kimmes Director Kimmes Enterprises LLC Carroll | 515-681-7890

Chad Besch Associate Director New Cooperative Algona | 563-200-5115

Tessa Fahey Director Rainbo Oil Dubuque | 563- 526-1179

Keith Olsen | Director Olsen Fuel Supply Atlantic | 712-243-2340

Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825

Wade Fowler Associate Director Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. DBA Farner-Bocken Carroll | 641-777-0308

Jim Pauk Director W&H Coop Oil Co Humboldt | 515-332-2782

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Matt Scheetz Director The Depot Express Tiffin | 319-545-9514

2022 Legislative Priorities

By Strategic Elements

The 2021 Iowa State Legislative Session was one of the most active in recent FUELIowa history. From a biofuel mandate to bottle bill reform, our association, lobbyist, and members were active at the State Capitol, advocating for industry priorities. The 2022 legislative session has already presented a major challenge to the Iowa fuel retail distribution network with the passage of House File 2021 on Wednesday February 2nd.

Opposition to Fuel Mandates Last year’s biofuel mandate fight was one the most challenging legislative battle we have faced. While our association and partners defeated Fuel Mandate 2021, last session, we are yet again facing another battle this year with Fuel Mandate 2022 and are still concerned about the repercussions of its passing.

Our association has recommended

We appreciate that key stakeholders

several steps for reform. First, reform

now understand that House File 2128,

requires transparent accounting of the

and its Senate companion are man-

unclaimed value of cans and bottles.

dates which seek to dictate consum-

Reform also requires a comprehensive

er purchase decisions and is terrible

economic viability assessment of the

public policy. FUELIowa is still highly

statewide network of redemption cen-

concerned the mandate on small, rural

ters. Finally, we should be looking at

fuel retailers is onerous, costly and will

ways for local landfills and redemption

force small retailers out of business. In

centers to cooperate in developing a

many cases, the retailers closing their

strategy to finance and increase the

doors will be in communities where

total number of redemption centers

they are the only place to buy gas and

while providing tax incentives for local

groceries for miles. Work remains to find

grocery and convenience stores to ex-

a way to sell higher blends of biofuels

pand their storage facilities as potential

without putting small fuel retailers out

profit centers.

of business and hurting rural communities. FUELIowa will continue to oppose mandates while working in good faith with involved parties to reach better solutions.

Iowa Underground Storage Tank Fund Legislation

ncentives & Infrastructure

FFinally, we are continuing the work to make sure any changes to Under-

Incentives and infrastructure invest-

ground Storage Tank Fund legislation

ment have proven to be a successful

does not affect current or planned

driver for biofuels growth in Iowa. The

projects. We recognize requiring infra-

combination of product incentives

structure upgrades to be compatible

and infrastructure investment dollars provides businesses with the opportu-

with E85 significantly increases project

required to offer biofuels at their retail

Reformation of the Iowa Bottle Bill

facility. From there, fuel marketers have

FUELIowa continues to advocate for

the certainty to do what they do best

the reform of Iowa’s bottle bill. The over

– to market homegrown biofuels to the

40-plus year-old legislation was creat-

customers frequenting their stores.

ed with the best intentions. However,

This approach has proven its value in

it needs significant updates to be

Iowa. Under this approach, biodiesel

compatible with Iowa’s current recy-

sales now comprise over 70 percent of

cling realities. Last legislative session,

the on-road diesel fuel sold in the state

we came as close as we ever have

and the numbers continue to trend up-

toward reaching a solution, and we re-

ward. Just last year, E15 saw significant

main hopeful that reform is reachable

growth and surpassed the 50M gallon

this year.

nity to invest in the business upgrades

costs and we will continue to push back against any mandate that may put these projects at risk. FUELIowa is active at the State Capitol and will fight for the above priorities throughout the 2022 legislative session.

mark in annual sales. F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

The State of the Association

B y D o u g C o z i a h r, I m m e d a i t e P a s t C h a i r, FUELIowa

It is with great pleasure and honor I report to the membership, FUELIowa achieved one of its best-recorded accomplishments in decades. In nearly every measurable category of our four strategic goals of advocacy, communication, education, growth, and our fiscal status there was a measurable improvement. As Chairman, I thank the FUELIowa professional staff and a very dedicated highly engaged Board of Directors for their service. Looking back over the past twelve months, we powered through the challenges resulting from COVID-19, a tough legislative fight against a fuel mandate, change in executive leadership, three new Board members, great member events breaking records of attendance at Camp Courageous and member participation at Summerfest. We have strengthened our relationships with State legislators through member participation in district meetings across the state, which our members graciously contributed their time, and treasure by financially contributing and personally delivering FUEL Iowa PAC checks to their local representatives. The FUELIowa PAC raised $70,000, roughly $35,000 over the previous year. We were honored to have the Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver address our Board of Directors, and our team 6

met with the Speaker of the House

These meetings have been well re-

been flat over the last year due to

Grassley and House Majority Leader

ceived, but there are still hurdles we

the pandemic. In addition, there

Matt Windschitl.

are working through. But I am here to

are now many more vehicles on the

report, I feel confident there has been

road, and they are becoming more

As the fuel mandate debate worked

great compromise and understanding

efficient causing fuel volumes to

its way through the legislature, FUELIo-

how we may accomplish more Biofuels

remain flat. Even with the growth of

wa through its lobbyist Marc Beltrame

sold in Iowa in the upcoming years.

electric vehicles we have not seen

formed and lead a Fuel Coalition of

The FUELIowa staff and our lobbyist

the full effect yet, and the amount

interested parties and core subcom-

have worked with the newly creat-

of Federal dollars to get electrical

mittees of large and small retailers

ed Fuel Coalition to advocate a fuel

vehicles off and running is here.

who worked tirelessly to fight the fuel

choice for Iowa consumers. Our public

mandate.

relations and media consultants have

There has been some national synergy regarding electrical vehicles we need to be aware of. We may not agree with this synergy, but we need to understand how it will affect us as an industry and prepare the consumer about the importance for adapting to internal and external challenges over the next 20 years. We are also pleased to say we have seen greater attraction and interest in the transparency bill regarding the state’s Bottle Bill. This bill has

positioned the Association’s presence Our association is in a great position

across several media markets which

financially and is well represented

has strengthen our Association voice

in the industry. We have had more

for the Iowa fuel industry and in par-

members and associates engaged

ticular the rural retail fuel distribution

this year in our industry than ever. The

network.

Financial state of the Association is balanced. Our investment portfolio

We have focused on what consumer

is the highest ever, and our cash on

choice means, and what opportu-

hand provides sufficient financial

nities working together will create to

cushion to actively engage in the

help our Iowa business and farmers be

public policy advocacy.

successful. Each of our Associations and Businesses have worked collabora-

As this year has progressed and we

tively together, throughout the state to

begin a new 2022 legislation session,

provide Consumer Fuel Choice at our

our FUELIowa Staff, Board Members,

retail operations with proper equip-

and our Fuel Coalition, have worked

ment according to Federal Guidelines

diligently with the Governor and the

to offer higher blends of ethanol and

Governor’s staff regarding the legis-

biodiesel and non-ethanol Fuels. As an

lation that was introduced last year.

association, we have worked for years

We reached out to the Iowa Soybean

to protect and preserve our legislation

Association, the Iowa Biodiesel Board,

for preventing Leaking Underground

and the Iowa Renewal Fuel Associa-

Storage Tank (LUST) to assure safe

tion to find a way to “get to yes” for

groundwater for years to come.

the Governor on the Bio-fuel legislation.

We all see the big push for electric ve-

been a controversial discussion among Iowa legislators, but there are many organizations and legislators who recognize that the Bottle Bill needs to be revamped or at least reviewed. As we continue to work on these items, we are happy we have the right people in the right seats to lead our association with an opendoor policy. They have had candid discussions with new ventures in the biofuels sector and built relationships within our industry for our association members. In the final assessment, our members, especially the small and large rural retail businesses, are challenged with infrastructure to sell higher blended fuels. It is all about infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure to move the needle of Iowa Biofuels! Thank you again for your continued support for FUELIowa.

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M O L O Compani e s : I ow a ’ s Quiet Gi a nt F u el P rov ider R EGU LATORY UP D AT E

By Glenn Hasken,

FUELIowa Member

The Molo Companies Iowa History

and have been selling B11 or greater

concerns for additional critical infra-

to all their Illinois diesel customers for

structure funding.

Molo Companies is one of Iowa’s

over 15 years.

giant fuel providers. They are a 4th back in 1870. The company today

House File 2128 (Fuel Mandate 2022)

has six operating divisions that

The Governor’s Iowa Biofuels Standard

employ roughly 240 employees and

Bill was introduced on Monday Jan-

supplies the upper Midwest with

uary 24th. It passed out of the Ways

fuel through twelve major brands,

and Means subcommittee Tuesday,

(BP and Marathon representing

January 25th and was voted on by

their largest customer brands).

the full Ways and Means Committee

generation family business starting

on Wednesday January 26th. The bill Molo, as a retail fuel provider, sells

passed the Iowa House of Represen-

fuel to over 150 stores in Iowa,

tatives on Wednesday February 2,

and over 450 stores in seven other

2022. House File 2128, as passed and

states including Illinois, Wisconsin,

amended by the Iowa House of Rep-

Minnesota, Nebraska, North and

resentatives Wednesday, February 3,

South Dakota and Kansas. Molo

2022, is a fuel mandate requiring Iowa

also owns and operates 25 trucks

retail fuel owners to sell E15 and higher

and trailers that deliver fuel to Iowa

blended fuels.

convenience stores, factories, airports, barges, government arsenals,

The fuel mandate could do something

schools, hospitals, and farmers.

that two World Wars, a depression, a recession, and two global pan-

Currently, Molo sells over 90% of

demics could not do - put a 152-year

E10 or greater, of all gasoline sold

company out of business along with

to their 150 plus customers in Iowa.

predominately small fuel retail owners

They also provide over 99% of E10

who make up Iowa’s fuel distribution

or greater of gasoline, in Mo-

network. The Iowa House did not en-

lo-owned company stores today

tertain FUELIowa concerns about the January 1, 2023 compliance dates or

The Cost of Compliance

their dispensers to be EMV (credit card)

during this 2022 session and give all the

The costs for upgrades, on the low end,

compliant. Digging much deeper to

stakeholders a chance to determine a

are $200,000 (replacing lines, sumps,

help facilitate infrastructure upgrades

compromise that would be palatable

submersibles, and concrete) and on

to comply with the fuel mandate will

for everyone and allow for all concerns

the high end are $500,000 (plus tanks

be difficult if not almost impossible.

of fuel retailers and providers to be

and dispensers). Molo Companies

heard.

(less $50,000 per site state grants) or

Impact on Iowa the Iowa tax Base

$7,650,000 (less $50,000 per site state

Not only does Molo pay state fuel tax

craft a strong piece of legislation that

grants) just for their company-owned

on approximately 100,000,000 gallons

other blended fuel states could em-

stores.

annually to the state of Iowa but they

ulate. Such an approach would truly

also pay state income tax on over 200

benefit our Iowa farmers beyond the

Additionally, Molo’s customers

Iowa-based employees annually. This

two border rivers.

would be required to invest another

mandate would have a significant

$22,500,000 (less $50,000 per site state

impact on the Dubuque economy in

Time to Pause

grants) or $67,500,000 (less $50,000 per

addition to the Quad Cities and Cedar

This is not the time to pass a one-sid-

site state grants) to their 150 plus Iowa

Rapids economies. In Dubuque, they

ed bill that is pro-big business and

customers to upgrade their equipment.

represent over $6,500,000 in payroll

anti-small business. Pro-urban and

Because of this, Molo would be asked

annually and over $4,500,000 annually

anti-rural communities. The absence of

to help shoulder some of these costs for

in the Quad Cities. Unfortunately, these

serious deliberative debate in the Iowa

their customers, as they have done in

salaries would need to be replaced in

House was apparent. A companion bill

the past.

those economies.

was introduced in the Senate Agricul-

would need to invest over $2,550,000

The Iowa way is to work together and

ture subcommittee on Wednesday, Per the Department of Natural Re-

As stated earlier, Molo Companies is

January 26th and voted out to the full

sources (DNR) data, there are over 730

not opposed to renewable fuels. They

Agriculture committee. This is time to

sites in Iowa that “cannot legally sell

feel at this time that the state legis-

pause, to act patiently with wisdom

E15” today.

lature should put a pause on this bill

and courage to achieve something great and bold for Iowa’s future.

Approximately 160 of these sites are the only gas stations in Iowa’s small towns. Based on these numbers, it would require anywhere from $146,000,000 to $365,000,000 in infrastructure funds to upgrade this equipment to be in compliance with the fuel mandate. Molo Companies has privately invested over $8,000,000 to their customers over the last four years to help update F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

M eetC a s e y' s N ewest (A nd Fi rs t) C OO MEMBER FEAT UR E

By Strategic Elements

Chief Operating Officer is a brand-new

An Impressive Background

Casey's. Noting that she has been an

position at Casey's General Stores,

In this new role, Williams oversees store

operator her whole life, Williams told us,

Inc. (Casey's). And, as with any new ex-

operations, fuel procurement and

"This is near and dear to me – I could

ecutive position, there is a whole host

delivery, operational support, new

do this all day long." She added that

of opportunities and challenges that

store development, and supply chain

this position is her dream job and that

come with it. But if there is anybody

issues for a network of 2300 stores. This

she can do what she loves every day.

perfectly equipped to fill the role, it is

network covers 16 states and employs

Williams intends to hit the ground run-

undoubtedly Ena Williams. FUELIowa

more than 40,000 team members.

ning by focusing utilizing her strengths

sat down with Williams to discuss her

The role brings a tremendous amount

to advance Casey’s three-year stra-

new position, the industry's challenges,

of responsibility, but Williams' unique

tegic plan that will improve both the

and advice she would give to women

background has ideally situated her to

quality of life of their customers and

starting in the oil and gas world.

thrive here.

those within their communities.

Williams has worked in the oil and gas industry for more than 30 years, explaining, "I did not choose the industry – the industry kind of chose me." Her extensive career spans across gas and convenience retail industries leading operations, merchandising, marketing, and logistics throughout both 7-Eleven and ExxonMobil. Williams loved the were working toward at the compa-

The Challenges (and Opportunities) of Creating a New Role

ny and was proud of the success of

But surely not every aspect of creating

working for such a large company

a role can be as upbeat as Williams is

after her modest upbringing. Her trans-

painting it to be? Diving deeper into

formational approach to business and

the day-to-day role, we discussed

their success culminated in her being

some of the challenges that face a

named among the Top Women in Con-

new COO. Williams explained that one

venience in 2016.

of the biggest challenges in changing

cross-functional development they

organizational structure and being a

She passionately believes that every

brand-new face is earning trust with

position since starting at Mobil Oil has

others. But Williams strives to lead inspi-

prepared her for her current role with

rationally, which is demonstrated by

the initiatives she is spearheading for

"Be true to yourself – if you're a woman

finding and retaining good talent. The

Casey's.

in a male-dominated field, don't try to

COVID-19 pandemic has also present-

be someone you're not. It’s important

ed a massive challenge for all conve-

Community service

to verbalize your point of view and be

nience stores.

is near and dear

present at all times. " She explained

to Williams' heart

that many of the opportunities she had

Williams discussed the changes Casey's

and in addition to

seized had come through knowing her-

has made to respond to COVID-19,

the service oppor-

self well enough to have boundaries on

noting that the safety of workers and

tunities Casey's has established, she is

what she could and could not accept,

consumers is the highest priority. The

also going above and beyond to be

especially when it came to relocating:

company has rolled out new cleaning

involved as a founding member of the Village Giving Circle, a board director for Children International and serves on the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Dallas’ Leadership Committee. When we asked her what Casey’s initiatives she is particularly excited about for 2022, she quickly discussed Casey's partnerships with Feeding America, the Food Bank of Iowa, and other community-based organizations. She also walked through plans to improve the team member experience by simplifying store operations and making hiring simpler and more accessible.

Advice for Women Navigating the Industry It is not a secret that the oil and gas industry is still predominantly male-dominated. When discussing the challenges women face when entering the industry and building their careers, Williams offered the following excellent advice:

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procedures, advanced filtration, and

Be flexible and open to new opportunities. You can be open and flexible and still hold true to your personal life and your social life. "Be honest about what you are willing to do – I was able to say yes to most

has held several vaccination clinics. Williams also explained that the pandemic fast-forwarded some digital initiatives, such as upgrades to the company's award-winning app to improve user experience.

opportunities involving relocation and was still being developed in the rare cases I could not move."

COVID and Other Industry Challenges While women in the industry may have a unique set of challenges, there are specific challenges experienced by everyone within the industry. Williams believes these challenges include the unknown dynamics of the market, but

Our industry has weathered many storms over the past few years, including COVID-19, and Casey's is no exception. To continue the operational excellence the company is known for requires excellent leadership. Ena Williams is a great leader, and Casey's is set to thrive under her leadership and passion for the work and those who work for her.

an even more significant challenge is

F UEL Iowa Elec ts N e w Board of Dire ctor s B O ARD OF DIR ECTORS UP D AT E

By Strategic Elements

FUELIowa recently announced the

Discussing her election as the new

sota), and all the trade organizations

election of our new board of direc-

chairwoman, Bev stated:

with which Kwik Trip Inc. is involved. He has spent 25 years in the petroleum

tors and officers. Former vice-chair Bev Jessen was elected as chair of the board, while Joe Zietlow was elected as vice-chair and Nicole Johnson as treasurer. The new board was elected at the beginning of the 2022 legislative session. Bev Jessen has served on the FUELIowa board since 2014. She is the co-owner of Johnson Oil and Cylinder Express located in Battle Creek, Iowa alongside her husband Henry. Bev has worked at a family-owned company for 23 years.

“I am honored to be the Chair for FUELIowa. I am looking forward to representing the members, working closely with the FUELIowa Board of Directors, staff and lobbyists. FUELIowa is very fortunate to have a great group of knowledgeable board members, staff and lobbyists working for the members every day.”

and convenience store industry. “I am proud of what FUELIowa’s board of directors has accomplished, and it is an honor to serve as the newest vice-chairman,” stated Joe. “I will do my level best as I continue to serve our members and am dedicated to making the best decisions for not only our association but our industry.” Elections were held for active seats for the 2022 calendar year. The following individuals were elected to the board: The new board of directors will help advance the strategic plan for FUELIowa and guide the association’s advocacy, communication, and educational efforts on behalf of its membership. “I appreciate the hard work our board

Joe Zietlow has been elected to serve

does to serve FUELIowa’s membership

as the new vice-chairman of the

and achieve our association goals,”

board. Joe is the Industry and Trade

said Ronald Langston, FUELIowa presi-

Association Manager representing

dent and CEO. “I look forward to work-

Kwik Trip Inc. in Washington, DC, the

ing with Bev Jessen as our new chair,

three states where the company does

Joe Zietlow as our new vice-chair, and

business (Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minne-

the rest of the 2022 board of directors.”

2022 FUELIowa Board of Directors: Bev Jessen Chair Johnson Oil/Cylinder Express Battle Creek 712-365-4740 Joseph Zietlow Vice Chair Kwik Trip, Inc La Crosse, WI 608-793-6484 Nicole Johnson Treasurer Molo Companies Dubuque 563-557-5714 Doug Coziahr Immediate Past Chair Nebraska-Iowa Supply Company Omaha 402-393-8350 Chris Biellier Associate Director Seneca Companies Davenport | 563-332-8000 Chad Besch Associate Director New Cooperative Algona | 563-200-5115 Don Burd Director Otter Creek Country Store Cedar Rapids | 319-533-1825 Tia Eischeid Director Al’s Corner Oil Co Carroll | 712-673-2723 Tessa Fahey Director Rainbo Oil Dubuque | 563- 526-1179 Wade Fowler Associate Director Core-Mark Midcontinent, Inc. DBA Farner-Bocken Carroll | 641-777-0308 Steve Kimmes Director Kimmes Enterprises LLC Carroll | 515-681-7890 Keith Olsen | Director Olsen Fuel Supply Atlantic | 712-243-2340 Jim Pauk Director W&H Coop Oil Co Humboldt | 515-332-2782 Matt Scheetz Director The Depot Express Tiffin | 319-545-9514

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C AL END AR O F EV EN T S

JAN - F E B, 20 2 2

A P R I L 1 8 -2 0 , 2 0 2 2

LEGISLATIVE

UPPER MIDWEST

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2 02 1 P AC H i g h lights PAC UP D AT E

B y G a r y K o e r n e r, Executive Vice President, FUELIowa

Thank you to everyone who donated to the FUELIowa PAC in 2021!

Together, we raised a total of $75,326 which enabled us to make contributions to 52 candidates who continue to support FUELIowa members. Many of these checks were delivered personally by FUELIowa members so legislators could meet and discuss critical issues impacting our industry.

Make no mistake, 2021 was a record fundraising year, and we could not have done it without you. This record year set us up for a fantastic start to 2022, but we need your continued support to reach our new goal of $100,000. We are facing yet another battle over the proposed biofuel mandate, and we must continue to make friends in the legislature. Be sure to personally thank all our great contributors when you see them.

Together, We Fuel Iowa!

2022

PAC CONTRIBUTORS FUELIOWA PAC CONTRIBUTION CARD

VISIONARY ($5,000+)

$11,000 Bev & Henry Jessen, Cylinder Express * $ 5,000 Don Burd, Otter Creek Country Stores * $ 5,000 Paul & Tessa Fahey - Rainbo Oil *

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999)

$4,000 Bob Mast, Mast ATM * $2,500 Jason McDermott, McDermott Oil * $2,500 Todd Kanne, Community Oil * $2,500 Ronald N. Langston, FUELIowa ^

PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449)

$1,500 Joe Zietlow, Kwik Trip ^ $1,000 Dave Reif, Reif Oil $1,000 Randal Woodard, Elliott Oil

FRIEND ($500-$999) $500 Rod Gittins $500 Mark Lincoln $500 Matt Scheetz

CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499)

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION Name____________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ City_______________________________________________ State ____________________

Zip_________________

E-mail____________________________________________

CONTRIBUTION AMOUNT

 Bill Me*

$_________________

*Contributions not drawn on personal funds will automatically be contributed to the FUELIowa Political Education Fund (PEF).

$100 Dave Scheetz $50 Nate Nolte

BILLING ADDRESS Billing Address_____________________________________ ( I f d i f f e r e n t f r o m a b ove a d d r e s s)

__________________________________________________ Signature_________________________________________ ^ Sustaining Member * Fuel Marketer Program

Date______________________________________________

Donate at: www.fueliowa.com/donate-to-pac.cfm F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

T H A N K Y O U TO OUR 2 0 2 1 PA C C O N TR IBUT O RS CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED AS OF DEC. 31, 2021

VISIONARY ($5,000+)

$12,160 Bev & Henry Jessen, Cylinder Express * $10,170 Don Burd, Otter Creek Country Stores*

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999)

$4,000 Ronald N Langston, FUELIowa ^ * $2,800 Jason McDermott, McDermott Oil * $2,600 Tessa Fahey, Rainbo Oil * $2,600 Todd Kanne, Community Oil * $2,500 Paul Fahey, Rainbo Oil * $2,500 Dave & Clifford Reif, Reif Oil *

PARTNER ($1,000-$2,449)

$2,000 Larry Bentler, Jet Gas $2,000 Mike & Dean Cox, Kardes C-Stores $1,500 John Gilroy, Grysson Oil $1,500 Steve Kimmes, Kimmes Enterprises $1,350 Doug Coziahr, Nebraska Iowa Supply $1,300 Joe Zietlow, Kwik Star ^ * $1,001 Keith Crandall, KC Mart $1,000 Frank Bradley, ET Products $1,000 Mark Cobb, Cobb Oil $1,000 Tom Flogel, Mulgrew Oil $1,000 Jennifer Likes, Harms Oil ^ $1,000 Aaron McDermott, McDermott Oil $1,000 Dan Moellers, CSOI Corporation $1,000 Mark Molo, Molo Petroleum $1,000 Matt Scheetz, The Depot Express $1,000 Don Zietlow, Kwik Star $1,000 Marc Beltrame, Beltrame Law Firm $1,000 Terry Hovden, Hovden Oil

FRIEND ($500-$999) $800 Seth Rotermund $700 Gordon Hagen $550 Thomas Burd $550 Jim Pauk $500 Steve Demmer $500 Tia Eischeid $500 Glenn Hasken $500 Nicole Johnson $500 Richard Weiner $500 Delone Wilson $500 Andrew Woodard

^ Sustaining Member * Fuel Marketer Program 22

$500 Randal Woodard $500 Travis Buhman $500 Dick Metzger $500 Mark Lincoln $500 Brad/Laura Taylor

CONTRIBUTOR ($0-$499) $400 Lisa Abens $310 John Maynes $300 Steve Loehr $300 Gerald Stewart $300 Joseph Miller $300 Pat Bresnahan $275 Brian Beers $250 Russ/Barb Danielson $250 Rod Gittins $250 Michael Stanton $200 Sam Annis $200 Rick Gappa $200 Chad Besch $150 Eric Ziph $150 Gerald Bogler $100 Jim Bocken $100 Ace Ettleman $100 Jim Ewing $100 Gerry Greve $100 Charlie Good $100 Craig Kiracofe $100 Gary Koerner $100 Reo Menning $100 Thomas Pearson $100 David Scheetz $100 Dean Onken $100 John Meehan $100 Teresa Hunt $100 Tom/Linda Fuller $100 Trent Hepler $100 Aaron Ezzio $100 Chris Irlbeck $100 Colin Tiefenthaler $100 Dan Toale $100 Randy Morriss $100 Scott Struck

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

M EMBER HAPPEN IN GS COOPERATIVE ENERGY CO. TO

ProLube Express, and a local fuel deliv-

WELCOME NE W FU ELIOWA M E M B E R S

PURCHASE BLUE LINE TRAVEL CENTER

ery service in Winona will be retained

TrueNorth Companies

ergy Company is purchasing the Blue

Severson’s late father, Tom Severson,

Line Travel Center and will rename it

founded Severson Oil in 1981 after

Blue Line Junction. Cooperative Ener-

buying another local fuel oil distribution

gy's general manager, Brian Dreessen,

company. “The company has grown

said the sale is slated to be finalized by

quite a bit over time,” Josh Severson

year end.

said. “My father started to grow the

For twenty years, TrueNorth has met clients' needs by providing innovative strategies and a personal connection to those we serve. Whether you are an individual or a business, our integrated platform of risk management, employee benefits and personal financial strategies creates a multifaceted approach to address today's ever-changing complexities.

by the Severson family, Severson Oil President Josh Severson said. Sibley, Iowa-based Cooperative En-

company and eventually got into conPurchase of the Blue Line has been a

venience stores and propane. At one

whirlwind deal for Cooperative Energy

time, we owned multiple stores. We

Co., which was contacted in the late

had four in town here and then some

fall by current owners Larry and Deb

others around Southeast Minnesota.”

Potter. The Potters built the travel center in the late 1990s and opened for

“I’d like to thank all of our customers

business on Jan. 1, 1999.

and the Winona community for all of the support over the years,” Josh Sever-

Knight Stop Please welcome the Knight Stop, a convenience store operating in Dysart, Iowa.

JJ & Son’s LLC Please welcome JJ & Son’s. JJ’s is a gas station, convenience store, and restaurant located in Dunlap, Iowa.

In recent weeks, the Potters and Coop-

son said in a statement. “This decision

erative Energy worked out an agree-

was not easy, but we feel it is the best

ment for the sale. "Cooperative Energy

decision for our family and the business

identified this location probably four

moving forward.

years ago," Dreessen said. "It's always been on our radar." Four years ago,

SAPP BROS., INC. OFFICIALLY ACQUIRES

Dreessen and fellow board members

ATLANTIC-BASED PELGAS

received a tour of the property as the Potters considered selling it at that time and were testing the market. “Geo-

Officials with Omaha-based Sapp

graphically, it's a natural fit for Cooper-

Bros. announced that the company

ative Energy," Dreessen said.

has acquired Atlantic-based propane servicer, Pelgas. Company officials said

SEVERSON OIL SOLD TO WISCONSIN

the deal officially closed on December

BASED COMPANY

30th.

(COURTESY OF WINONA NEWS) In a news release, Sapp Bros. CEO Andrew Richard said “Sapp Bros. is

After 40 years in business, Wino-

excited to be a part of this community

na-based Severson Oil Company will

and welcome the Pelgas employees to

be sold to Consolidated Energy, of La

our team! The core of our propane mis-

Crosse, Wisconsin. The sale includes

sion is great customer service by safely,

Severson Oil’s propane, lubricant, and

efficiently and thoughtfully providing

wholesale fuel supply businesses, while

propane to your homes, businesses

two Severson Sinclair gas stations, a

and farms.”

Todd Pellett, owner of Pelgas, in

Propane & Petro, LTD owner, Brent

Atlantic, said “We are pleased to join

Seeser in the release.

CASEY’S HIRES NEW CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

such a well-respected member of the energy industry,” and “I am confident

HY-VEE NAMES NEW PRESIDENT & COO

this change will enhance the customer

(COURTESY OF BUSINESS RECORD)

Katrina Lindsey will join Casey’s Gener-

experience, while retaining the family

al Stores Inc. as chief legal officer and

inspired service Pelgas customers are

corporate secretary. In the role, Lindsey Jeremy Gosch, who has worked at

will lead Casey’s legal, risk manage-

Hy-Vee Inc. in numerous positions since

ment, compliance, food safety, gov-

Sapp Bros., Inc says it will honor all

1995, has been named the West Des

ernment affairs and corporate report

existing Pelgas contracts and service

Moines-based grocer’s president and

functions. Lindsey has more than 20

will continue with as little disruption as

chief operating officer, the company

years of legal leadership at Fortune 500

possible.

announced. Gosch is the fifth president

retail, restaurant and entertainment

in Hy-Vee’s 91-year history. Randy Ede-

companies. Her most recent experi-

RIVER VALLEY COOPERATIVE TO

ker will continue to lead Hy-Vee as CEO

ence includes working at Office Depot

ACQUIRE EASTERN IOWA PROPANE &

and chairperson.

where she was senior vice president,

accustomed to and appreciate.”

deputy general counsel, chief compli-

PETRO “One of my greatest responsibilities

ance officer and assistant corporate

is to select the right leaders for our

secretary. “Her deep, highly-relevant

River Valley Cooperative has signed

future, and I am confident Jeremy is

background will benefit our teams and

an agreement to acquire the assets of

that leader,” Edeker said in a prepared

organization as we advance Casey’s

Eastern Iowa Propane & Petro, LTD, the

statement.

strategic plan,” Darren Rebelez, CEO

two companies announced.

and president of Casey’s, said in a prepared statement.

River Valley Cooperative, headquartered in Davenport, is expected to complete the acquisition of the Clinton-based company by April 15, according to a news release. Eastern Iowa Propane & Petro operates two retail locations in Clinton and Maysville and delivers propane and refined fuel products to 3,000 customers throughout eastern Iowa and west-

Glasteel II by Modern

ern Illinois, according to the release. It employs approximately twenty-five full-time employees, who are expected to join River Valley Cooperative and continue serving Eastern Iowa Propane customers.

• Compatible with all biofuels and additives – no peeling, flaking, or cracking • Customizable multi-compartment design options to meet your specific storage needs • Does not rely on backfill for structural support

“The culture and values of River Valley

• Capacities up to 70,000 gallons

Cooperative are consistent with what

• 30-year limited warranty

MADE IN USA

my family and Eastern Iowa Propane & Petro have developed over its almost 40-year history, and I am excited to know that our customers will continue to get the same great service their loyalty deserves,” said Eastern Iowa

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

PROUDLY MADE IN USA

Choose Quality. Choose Modern www.modweldco.com | 800-473-3924 Modern Welding Company of Iowa, Inc.

RISK M A NAGE M E N T By Risk Improvement Department, EMC Insurance Companies, Des Moines, Iowa

5 T ip s f o r Tr a nspor t D r iv e r Sa fe t y Tanker truck drivers are exposed to obvious hazards (e.g., traffic collisions and hazardous materials) as well as hazards that are harder to spot (e.g., overexertion from moving awkward equipment or falls while climbing onto the truck). Help keep your drivers safe and on the job by focusing on these five areas.

Start with the Right Drivers Driver error is responsible for up to 94% of auto accidents, so choosing qualified drivers should be the foundation of your safety strategy. Check driver qualifications when hiring and make sure your employees have the required licenses, certifications and training. If you’ve got a new driver, it’s a good idea to include ride alongs with a more experienced driver as part of their training program.

Understand Risk Factors that Can Lead to Rollovers Rollovers can occur when you least expect them – even if you’re driving on a straight, dry road during the day. Factors such as poor

driving conditions, speeding and inexperience cause fewer rollovers than you might expect. Data shows some of the most common contributors to rollovers are driver drowsiness and inattention, brake defects and partially filled tanks (due to the “slosh and surge” effect of liquids). Use Three-Point Entry/Exit Truck steps are often slick with ice, water or mud. To help prevent slips and falls, drivers should always use at least three points of contact (one hand and two feet, or two hands and one foot) when entering or exiting the truck cab.

have to reach for it, and he or she may only make or receive a call if they can do so by pressing a single button. Sending or reading text messages while driving is banned entirely. Despite the regulations, the safest thing to do for your drivers is to institute a policy that prohibits all cell phone use while behind the wheel.

The safest way to exit the cab is by backing out—avoid stepping out sideways, facing forward or jumping straight to the ground.

that poor health can impact driver fatigue and performance (and therefore, the risk of an accident). You can help keep your drivers healthy by promoting wellness on the job and at home. DrivingHealthy.org is a wellness site aimed at commercial motor vehicle drivers. It includes information about managing health conditions that are common among truck drivers and tips for eating healthy and exercising while on the road.

Avoid Distracted Driving Federal rules now restrict the use of cell phones by commercial drivers to only hands-free devices (some states ban all cell phone use while driving). To comply with the federal rules, the phone must be in a location where the driver doesn’t

Don’t Ignore Driver Wellness The very nature of your drivers’ jobs can make it difficult for them to maintain a healthy diet and activity level, and research shows

THA N K Y OU SPONSORS

F U E L I O WA // w w w. F U E L I o w a . c o m

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

10430 New York Ave Ste F

DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 1988

Urbandale IA 50322

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