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GPA eBrief
- August 2007
those
preferring a hardcopy may download one here
Below is an outline of eBrief
topics...follow specific links to the desired topic
complete text of articles is provided in the next section
Legislative & Regulatory Affairs happenings
- LARAC Task Force, Board of Directors challenge GPA
- GPA job opening: Director, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
- GPA seeks critical industry information through Demographics
Survey
Recent GPA highlights & successes
- Malaysian Gas Association invites GPA to Kuala Lumpur
- 34th Annual GPA Chromatography School
Committee Correspondence
- NGL Market Information Committee
- Fall Technical Committee/Technical Sections Meeting
- Join a committee
2008 GPA Convention Opportunities
- Benefits of attending
- Sponsorship opportunities
Chapter News
- Houston Chapter membership drive
- Chapter Leadership Summit
Reminders & Upcoming Events
- U.S. members: please return Demographics Survey by Sept. 14
- Research Program brochure/ballots will be mailed mid-Sept.
- Convention pre-registration coming soon
- Upcoming Events
Legislative & Regulatory Affairs happenings
LARAC Task Force, Board of Directors challenge GPA
The Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Committee (LARAC) Strategic
Task Force has recently made several official recommendations to
GPA in regards to specific strategic initiatives driven by the ever-changing
midstream industry. Among these were elevated attention to regulatory
and safety issues, state midstream matters and a greatly enhanced
advocacy effort on Capitol Hill. With the latter also came the recommendation
for a new GPA staff position to lead the advocacy role. The GPA
Board voted on and approved the position at its June meeting. GPA
has begun the search for candidates and will fund it initially under
the association's existing budget. However, the Executive Finance
Committee is currently evaluating funding requirements of the full
LARAC recommendation package and word is expected to come soon regarding
a potential dues fee increase to help hasten, broaden and maintain
the heightened legislative and regulatory activities in midstream
affairs on behalf of the entire GPA membership.
GPA job opening: Director, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
Part of GPA's mission is to build a better industry through discussing,
debating and influencing legislative and regulatory issues. At the
June board of directors meeting, the Board motioned to create this
new position to support a more proactive approach in identifying,
communicating and advocating federal and state issues impacting
GPA members and the U.S. midstream energy industry. This individual
will report to Mark Sutton, GPA Executive Director; have a thorough
understanding of the midstream energy industry; provide regulatory
agencies and government bodies with comprehensive and accurate industry
data and information; explain and advocate GPA's position on pertinent
issues; and educate stakeholders (GPA members, media, regulators,
other trade organizations, etc.) on issues. Previous related experience
required. If you are interested in this position or have candidate
recommendations, contact Mark Sutton, (918) 493-3872.
GPA seeks critical industry information through Demographics
Survey
GPA recently sent a request to all U.S. members for company data
that will enable GPA to strengthen our identity as we discuss our
concerns with legislators and regulators. Combined data from the
responses will allow us to speak in a united and authoritative industry
voice on a variety of hot midstream issues. Looking ahead, GPA will
be involved with numerous energy-related issues (i.e. greenhouse
gas reduction legislation, tax issues, gathering regulation, etc.)
that will impact member companies. This information is extremely
important for GPA to improve upon the effectiveness of our efforts
to represent the midstream industry in a variety of state and federal
matters. Surveys are due Sept. 14, 2007.
Recent GPA highlights & successes
Malaysian Gas Association invites GPA to Kuala Lumpur
GPA is continually working to enhance the worldwide midstream industry.
We leverage our resources by closely working with strategic partners
around the globe. The Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) graciously
provided an opportunity for Johnny Dreyer, GPA Director, Industry
Affairs, to make a presentation at their annual general meeting
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The July 6 presentation was coordinated
by MGA President Datuk Abdul Rahim Hj Hashim, PETRONAS, and MGA
Executive Secretary Zenorai Rambli.
"This interaction proved mutually beneficial," Dreyer
said. "It allowed the MGA to learn of GPA's numerous activities
and for GPA to learn the outstanding work of the MGA."
Several areas of potential value were identified, which included
research, technical publications and GPA activities planned in conjunction
with MGA meetings like the inaugural AsiaGas Expo set for late October
2008.
"GPA has several options as we determine our appropriate role
in the area, from becoming involved in regional events, to creating
a GPA chapter similar to our other international organizations,
to partnering with associations such as MGA and the ASEAN (Association
of Southeast Asian Nations) Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE),"
Dreyer added. "Our goal is to assume a sustainable role that
adds value to the global gas processing industry and to GPA membership."
For more information on MGA, visit http://www.malaysiangas.com.
For more information on ASCOPE, visit: http://www.petronas.com.my/ascope/.
34th School of Chromatography was par excellence
The PGA tournament in Tulsa, Okla., caused GPA's annual School of
Chromatography to be held earlier than usual, but that certainly
didn't affect attendance. The popularity of the school has continued
to grow year by year, and the 34th school was no exception with
its record-breaking attendance of 83 students and 25 left on the
waiting list. GPA is fortunate to have great instructors who volunteer
their time, and student interaction throughout the course enhanced
the knowledge of all participants. Mark your calendar if interested
in attending next year's school, Aug. 4-8, 2008, and register early
to avoid being placed on the waiting list. Registration typically
begins at the GPA Annual Convention in March, and you will also
be able to find announcements on the GPA Web site. Thanks again
to all instructors and students who made the 34th school such a
success!
Committee Correspondence
The spotlight's on: NGL Market Information Committee
The NGL Market Information Committee's primary function is to maintain
ongoing liaisons with personnel from the Energy Information Administration
(EIA), American Petroleum Institute and National Propane Gas Association/Propane
Education & Research Council. The committee works with these
government agencies and industry trade groups to provide feedback
regarding the quality of ongoing statistical data collection programs
and reports. Within the past few years, the committee established
liaisons with the National Energy Board of Canada and the Alberta
Energy and Utilities Board. The committee also works with GPA staff
to conduct a survey of major storage facilities for natural gas
liquids and olefins.
The committee routinely works with EIA personnel to improve the
quality of the data collection system and resolve problems of misreported
statistics. The committee is currently working with EIA to resolve
problems with understated refinery production statistics for isobutane
and ethane. The committee also is working with API and PERC to improve
the quality of state-level propane sales statistics published annually.
The full committee meets twice a year. One full committee meeting
is always held in conjunction with GPA's annual convention in the
Spring; the second meeting is held in late September or early October.
The committee recently decided to hold quarterly review sessions
to help keep its various projects on track.
Fall Technical Committee/Technical Sections Meeting
Each year in mid-October, Technical sections hold their bi-annual
meetings in conjunction with the Technical Committee meeting. Since
GPA's inception in 1921, technical activities are what make GPA
the go-to resource in the midstream industry. From the research
program to maintenance of one of the most important pieces of reference
in the industry, the GPSA Data Book, something's always happening
in the Technical Committee that impacts the midstream industry,
and we're inviting you to be part of it.
GPA's Technical Sections are always looking for new, energetic
individuals to join the team. All committee meetings, except for
research meetings, are open to the public. We invite you to visit
the GPA Web site and find a Technical Section that strikes interest
in your area of expertise, and join us at the Oct. 17 Technical
Sections meeting in Dallas. For more information, contact Kenny
Wheat.
Join a committee
If you would like to join a GPA committee, there are numerous ways
to join. The most common way is to ask that your company's official
representative write a letter to GPA staff requesting that you be
added to the specified committee roster. Once accepted, you're expected
to attend and participate in the committee's activities as much
as possible. For more information on GPA committees, see our Web
site and click on the Committees link.
2008 GPA Convention Opportunities
Benefits of attending the GPA Annual Convention
Last year more than 1,500 people representing 18 countries and 450
companies attended the GPA Annual Convention. The 87th convention
will return to Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center on Lake
Grapevine near Dallas, Texas, March 2-5, 2008. The convention program
committee is composed of midstream experts who deal with the same
all-industry challenges. They have once again developed a program
with forum topics and presentations that will benefit all attendees.
Take advantage of NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES, learn more about new
TECHNOLOGY and INDUSTRY RESEARCH, and exchange IDEAS and SOLUTIONS
with other companies facing the same challenges. Look for the pre-registration
brochure coming your way in late November to learn more about the
great opportunities and benefits for all attendees.
Sponsorship Opportunities
GPA's goal is to provide quality networking events that will enhance,
strengthen and help grow your business relationships, and those
events also offer a number of exposure opportunities for your company.
Learn more about how you can sponsor an Annual Convention event
below. Additional detailed information will be available on the
GPA Web site in October.
Sporting Clays Sponsorships
Sporting clays events have become popular venues for networking
and client entertainment. Since the first Annual Convention clay
shoot was held two years ago, this event has continued to draw an
even larger number of participants and spectators, year by year.
The third consecutive Convention shoot will be held on Sunday, March
2, and GPA is offering a number of sponsorship opportunities ranging
from $50-$600. Contact Kenny Wheat for more information, (918) 493-3872.
Entertainment Sponsorships
Last year, GPSA presented a fun-filled evening of comedy during
the Tuesday Night Convention Party, which featured an award-winning
comedian and ventriloquist, as well as other crowd-favorite comics.
Not only does an Entertainment Sponsorship help defray some entertainment
costs and provide the means to offer high quality entertainment
- it's also an excellent venue to promote your business. GPA and
GPSA member companies interested in joining the 2008 Entertainment
Sponsorship Program should call the GPA office for more information,
(918) 493-3872.
Coffee Sponsorships (GPSA members)
GPSA member companies once again have the opportunity to become
coffee break sponsors for morning convention sessions. Last year,
an array of breakfast pastries, coffee and tea were served for the
enjoyment of the convention attendees on behalf of the sponsoring
companies. The anticipated cost of sponsorship for Monday or Tuesday
morning is $5,000-$6,000 and for Wednesday morning, $2,500-$3,000.
If interested in becoming a sponsor, please let us know by Nov.
29, 2007. Sponsors will be selected in a random drawing on Nov.
30. Contact Piper Penny for more information, (918) 493-3872.
Chapter News
Houston Chapter membership drive
The GPA Houston Chapter's new membership year began July 1, so all
2006-2007 memberships need to be renewed. Houston Chapter membership
dues are only $35/year and include reduced rates to monthly luncheons
(with advanced RSVPs) and access to the online membership directory.
Sign up soon to be included in the published directory, which will
become available in early 2008. Online renewals and new memberships
can be taken care of by visiting: http://www.houstongpa.org/membershipinfo.html.
A Word document form also is available at this location if you prefer
to mail in your membership.
GPA's first Chapter Leadership Summit a success
Leaders from GPA's five domestic chapters met in mid-July at Sandia
Resort in Albuquerque, N.M., to share best practices and learn from
each chapter's activities.
Discussion topics included chapter annual meetings and fundraisers,
chapter by-laws and GPA staff's involvement and assistance in individual
chapters' activities. Chapter leaders walked away with new ideas
and a better understanding of how GPA's domestic chapters operate,
as well as a better understanding of how GPA staff can assist each
chapter.
"Meetings such as these will strengthen interaction between
each chapter and GPA staff, as well as create continuity among chapters,"
said Kenny Wheat, GPA Associate Director, Technical Services. "This
first meeting was highly productive and generated positive feedback
from those who attended, so members can expect to see similar meetings
held in the future."
Reminders & Upcoming Events
Reminders
- U.S. GPA members should have received a GPA Demographics Survey
from Mark Sutton via e-mail. Please complete and return the survey
by Sept. 14, 2007.
- Plan to review and complete your research ballots being sent
next month, which will be accompanied by the new Research Brochure
outlining the proposed projects.
- Watch your mailboxes in late-November, early-December for registration
information on the 87th GPA Annual Convention to be held March
2-5, 2008.
Upcoming Events
September
5 - GPAC Northern Committee 19th Annual Golf Tournament - Colonial
Golf Club, Alberta, Canada
6 - GPAC 46th Annual Golf Classic - Earl Grey Golf Club, Calgary,
Canada
12 - GPA Environmental Subcommittee Meeting - EnCana Offices, Dallas,
Texas
13 - Houston GPA Annual Shrimp Boil & Membership Drive - Woodrow's,
Houston, Texas
20 - 16th Annual North Texas GPA Shrimp Boil - Venetian Terrace
, Las Colinas, Texas
21 - 3rd Annual LPG Charity Fund Denver Classic - Raccoon Creek
Golf Course, Littleton, Colorado
24 - GPA NGL Market Information Meeting - Hyatt Regency, Chicago,
Illinois
25 - GPA Safety Subcommittee Meeting, Targa Offices, Houston, Texas
26-28 - GPA Europe Annual Conference - Hilton Hotel, Bonn, Germany
October
3 - Rocky Mountain GPA Annual Meeting and Luncheon - Grand Hyatt,
Denver, Colorado
3-4 - North Texas GPA Sponsored Red River Conference - Omni Hotel
at Park West, Las Colinas Country Club, Dallas, Texas
4 - Rocky Mountain GPA Sporting Clays - Kiowa Creek Sporting Club
4 - GPAC Q3 Luncheon - Chamber of Commerce, Calgary, Canada
16 - Houston GPA Annual Meeting and Golf Tournament - Kingwood Country
Club,
Kingwood, Texas
17-18 - GPA Technical Committee & Technical Section Meetings
- Holiday Inn Select Love Field, Dallas, Texas
18-19 - GPA/GPSA Fall Board Meetings (Annual Program, Environmental
Health & Safety and Legislative & Regulatory Affairs committees
also meet) - Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas, Dallas (Irving),
Texas
24 - GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Chapter Technical Committee
Meeting - Bahrain
November
6 - GPAC/PJVA Conference (Full Day), Westin, Calgary
8 - North Texas GPA Annual Meeting, Ellison Miles Geotechnology
Institute, Brookhaven College, Dallas, Texas
8 - Rocky Mountain GPA Chapter Meeting
14 - Houston GPA Monthly Luncheon with Scholarship Awards Announced
22 - Europe GPA Conference, London, United Kingdom
27 - GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Chapter Executive Committee
Meeting,
Bahrain
28 - GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Chapter 2nd Specialized Seminar,
Bahrain
Gas Processors Association
www.gasprocessors.com
6526 E. 60th Street, Tulsa, OK, USA 74145
918-493-3872: Fax 918-493-3875
E-mail: gpa@gasprocessors.com
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