YOUR WEEKLY MEMBER NEWS LETTER:
is a service provided only to members of the Nebraska Petroleum Markers & Convenience Store Association (NPCA). If you have any key personnel that would like to be added at no additional charge, please feel free to reply to
tkeigher@npcainc.com, katie@npcainc.com or call (402)-474-6691.
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2017 GLW SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING- ANOTHER SUCCESS!
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We had another successful GLW Golf Outing! The outing raised $10,000!! Thank you to all of the sponsors and players, we couldn't do it without you!
Thank you to our sponsors:
Beverages on the Course and Dinner Sponsor:
Lunch Sponsor:
Shrimp and Hole Sponsor: Hole in One Sponsor:
Hole Sponsors:
Federated Insurance, Growmark Energy, Arthur J. Gallagher, Superior Lighting, Flint Hills, Western Oil, Leak Specialist, RDG Geoscience & Engineering, Sinclair Oil, Shell Oil, Midwest Pump & Equipment, Bosselman Energy,
Prairie Rose Sign, Cenex, Hartland Fuel, Silverstone Group, Altria, RJ Reynolds, Williams & Co., Nebraska Lottery, BP, Pepsi, Cubby's, WE-MAC, Valero, Yant Equipment, Farner Bocken, Sapp Bros,
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In 2015, the EPA adopted a number of new testing and inspection requirements for UST system components. States are now in the process of implementing those regulations. The new EPA regulations apply directly to the 12 states without state UST program authority. The remaining 38 states with UST program authority must adopt the same or similar regulations no later than October 13, 2018. PMAA has won substantial regulatory flexibility in the federal regulations that save every tank owner/operator thousands of dollars in annual compliance costs. State regulators should be made fully aware of this wide ranging flexibility approved by the EPA so it can be folded into state regulations as well. Please use
this PMAA memo to communicate the regulatory flexibility that was won by PMAA and has been approved by the EPA as "equally protective of the environment" and "no less stringent than federal regulations." Meeting both these federal standards gives state regulators the green light to adopt the alternative methods of compliance into state regulations.
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Yesterday, the House passed the Financial CHOICE Act along party lines by a vote of 233-186. Fortunately, PMAA and the Merchants Payments Coalition (MPC) were successful in convincing House leadership to drop the language from the Financial CHOICE Act two weeks ago that would have repealed the Durbin Amendment. Repealing the Durbin Amendment would harm petroleum marketers because the Durbin language has brought competition to the debit card fee market.
Last month, nearly 300 PMAA petroleum marketers educated lawmakers on the benefits of debit card fee reform, and in the end, House leadership decided that it was best to strip the Durbin repeal language from the overall bill. PMAA would like to thank everyone who has sent a letter or email, or who has talked with their representatives about the importance of the Durbin language over the past year. In particular, we thank all "Day on the Hill" attendees for their work last month to educate lawmakers on the benefits of debit card fee reform. The visits contributed to this decision to strip the repeal language.
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In another victory for petroleum marketers, on Monday the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) officially withdrew a rulemaking intended to explore the pros and cons of increasing liability insurance minimums for motor carriers. The agency is withdrawing the rule because of a lack of data from insurance providers and carriers.
PMAA has opposed the increase since it was proposed in the November 28, 2014 Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR). FMCSA had publicly entertained the idea of increasing requirements to as much as $4.5 million per truck for general freight, and a hike to as high as $10 million for petroleum marketers from the current $750,000 in liability insurance for general freight, $1 million for home heating oil and $5 million for gasoline and other hazardous materials. Under this scenario, premiums would have been increased approximately 500 percent.
Current requirements have been more than sufficient in ensuring over 99 percent of claims filed in motor vehicle crashes are fully covered since they were implemented subsequent to the passage of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. In the rare instance that coverage is not adequate, claimants can pursue compensation in court for damages not covered by the carrier's insurance (assuming the motor carrier is at fault). FMCSA's ANPRM also ignored current market forces in the insurance industry that increase financial responsibility minimums when necessary to provide full coverage for damages based on risk. Ultimately, companies that could not afford the increase would have gone out of business, resulting in less competition and increased prices. Furthermore, some insurance companies may not have been able to underwrite this level of exposure.
Petroleum marketers in town for PMAA's 2015 Washington Conference "Day on the Hill" educated Congress on why there was no need to increase insurance minimums. PMAA joined other groups in a letter in support of language that was included in the 2015 Transportation-Housing spending bill which would have prohibited the FMCSA from using funds to issue and implement new Motor Carrier Financial Responsibility requirements. To review the letter,
click
here.
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On Tuesday, the EPA announced that it will delay the deadline for determining which areas of the U.S. are not compliant under the ozone standard. The EPA was scheduled to make determinations on nonattainment areas this month and finalize them this October under the original plan. However, under the new schedule, the EPA will make final decisions on which areas are out of compliance with the ozone rule by October 2018.
In a
letter to governors, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said that he acted based on a provision in the Clean Air Act that allows delaying standards for up to a year if the agency has "insufficient information" to make compliance decisions. He added that states would have an extra year to meet the tightened ozone standard, and EPA would address concerns over outstanding issues, like background ozone and smog coming in from China and other East Asian countries. Additionally, Pruitt stated that he will establish an Ozone Cooperative Compliance Task Force to develop additional flexibility for states to comply with the standard.
Under the Obama Administration on October 1, 2015, the EPA set the ozone standard at 70 parts per billion (ppb), a reduction from the 75ppb level set in 2008. The new ozone standard places a burden on hundreds of counties nationwide which could mean costly reformulated gasoline (RFG) and lower reid vapor pressure (RVP) fuels. It is unclear whether Pruitt will look to repeal the 70ppb ozone standard and revert to the 75ppb ozone standard. Repealing or changing the rule would require an extensive regulatory process that could take a year or more to complete.
PMAA applauds the EPA for delaying this deadline. PMAA has argued before the EPA, the White House and Congress that the EPA's 2015 ozone standard is unattainable and will result in more boutique fuels resulting in higher prices at the pump.
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President Trump recently stated that he would like for Congress to focus on overhauling the tax code in September. While the Trump administration would prefer that the effort not add to the national debt and instead be revenue neutral, an administration official stressed that the top priority would be cutting taxes. The administration has outlined a broad plan that would cut tax rates for businesses and streamline the tax system for individuals.
Trump has pressed for quicker action in Congress, but his administration has also had to deal with the ongoing investigations into Russian interference in last year's election. Furthermore, Republicans already have plenty on their plate outside of taxes, including the looming debt ceiling fight, healthcare reform bill and FY 2018 appropriations bills. The fight over raising the debt ceiling will likely take priority over everything else either before Congress adjourns for August recess or shortly after Congress returns during the first week of September. Also, the Senate is currently crafting its version of a healthcare bill in hopes that an agreement can be reached before the August recess. Lastly, both the House and Senate have yet to even begin consideration of the FY 2018 appropriations bills.
The complicated and busy Congressional agenda, combined with distractions such as the investigations into Russian interference in the election, could threaten Congress's ability to pass comprehensive tax reform legislation before the new year. However, Republican members remain optimistic that they will accomplish everything on the agenda.
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On Wednesday, U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta announced that the Department of Labor (DOL) was withdrawing the Obama Administration's informal guidance on joint employment, which increased scrutiny on how small businesses operate independently of their contractors and franchisees.
The DOL's Wage and Hour Division issued the "administrator's interpretation" less than six months after the National Labor Relations Board issued a controversial ruling in the Browning-Ferris Industries case that broadened a business's potential liability for the labor practices of third-party business partners. The Wage and Hour Division's January 2016 interpretation attempted to expand the concept of joint-employer liability under federal wage and hour laws as well.
PMAA applauds Secretary Acosta for withdrawing the joint employer guidance because the guidance was burdensome to businesses.
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Speaking to a crowd in Cincinnati on Tuesday, President Trump outlined his vision for an infrastructure plan that includes federal grants to rural areas as well as to states and localities to create additional funding for infrastructure projects. He called on Congress to adopt his proposal for cutting federal funding for U.S. highways and allocating $200 billion in federal funding in exchange for incentivizing private companies to pour $800 billion into roads, bridges, waterways and other transportation infrastructure over 10 years.
The federal funds will be divided into four categories:
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A combination of grants and loans to "transformative'' projects, with Trump's proposal to place the U.S. air-traffic control system under a private, non-profit corporation for example.
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Grants to rural areas to repair bridges, roads and waterways.
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Enhanced loan programs with the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) as an example of how federal funds can be used with state, local, and private dollars to fund projects.
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Incentive programs with grants to states and municipalities to create additional funding for infrastructure.
President Trump's speeches this week on infrastructure come as part of the administration's push to recognize Infrastructure Week, an informal week in which lawmakers, the public and roads groups call for investment in failing U.S. infrastructure.
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Recently, Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced legislation, S. 1273, intended to reconcile differences in fuel economy rule enforcement between EPA's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions programs with the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The "Fuel Economy Harmonization Act" is cosponsored by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI) Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Todd Young (R-IN).
Currently it is possible for automakers to comply with the more stringent GHG standards while not being able to meet the corresponding fuel efficiency standards because of the discrepancies in the credit accounting between the programs.
In 2009 in an effort to reduce conflicting regulatory requirements, the Obama administration announced that the various vehicle fuel economy programs would be managed as One National Program. However, the One National Program framework still amounts to separate programs, created under separate statutes, managed by separate regulatory agencies. As a result, compliance with EPA's more stringent miles per gallon efficiency requirements could still mean penalties under NHTSA because of the different structure of the CAFE program - resulting in fines on auto manufacturers without any environmental benefit to the public. The Fuel Economy Harmonization Act will help deliver on the promise of One National Program, making it easier and less costly for manufacturers to meet the goals of federal fuel economy programs.
"The conflicting fuel economy standards that are currently in place at NHTSA and EPA drive up manufacturing costs, which are ultimately passed on to consumers," Blunt said. "This bill gets us closer to one national fuel economy standard program that meets the goals of both the NHTSA and EPA programs in a less costly, more efficient way. It is a bipartisan, commonsense step we can take to lower costs and boost U.S. auto manufacturing."
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Yesterday, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition held a hearing to evaluate technology and modernization in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Subcommittee Chairman Glenn Thompson and committee members heard from witnesses on the ways technology and modernization improve the customer experience, streamline delivery of services and ease administrative burden. This hearing is a continuation of the committee's hearing series leading up to the next farm bill.
"It's critical we evaluate the opportunities and challenges of effectively managing SNAP in an evolving, 21st century economy," said Subcommittee Chairman Thompson. "Given that SNAP is the largest domestic hunger safety net program in the country, opportunities exist to improve and streamline the program through the use of technology. The introduction of EBT cards created a more efficient and adaptable program, better meeting customer needs and helping to maintain program integrity. Now, with so many states transitioning to new integrated eligibility systems, agencies have the opportunity to improve program operations, modernize the eligibility determination process and improve customer service through technology."
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PMAA President Rob Underwood is pleased to announce that ATM processor, Multipoint Inc., is now a PMAA Corporate Bronze Partner and preferred ATM vendor. Multipoint is led by Ashley Isenberg who is looking forward to working with the PMAA State Associations and individuals petroleum marketers from across the country.
Multipoint, is now offering two revenue verticals: ATM processing as well as Air/Vac services and coin-less processing. Offering two generations and seventeen years combined experience and dedication to the industry's innovations allowed Multipoint to extend offices throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. Partnered with over 20+ sub-ISO's across the nation, Multipoint can provide certified service nationwide.
In our continued efforts to "make merchants more profitable," Multipoint has strategic partnerships with banks, equipment manufacturers, armored car services, first line maintenance, and wireless connectivity.
Under Multipoint Inc.'s ATM program, it is offering PMAA members and Spirit Petroleum retailers' competitive pricing on processing and equipment. Multipoint provides ATM management services to optimize revenue emanated by 24/7 monitoring and experienced service technicians with an average experience of eight years. Dedicated account managers provide strategic marketing and industry knowledge to help drive foot traffic.
"PMAA is looking forward to offering this program to our members through Ashley Isenberg and her Multipoint team. It is going to be a win-win for our marketers to have this value-added service available at the pump," said PMAA President Rob Underwood.
Multipoint's Air/Vac services offer convenience to customers and generates revenue to retail businesses with coinless 24/7 monitoring. Our quality equipment attracts customers with built-in LED lighting and reduces downtime with thermal weather shield hoses.
Contact Ashley and start creating a unique marketing campaign that fits your states variety of needs:
Ashley Isenberg
866-411-4286 *205
ashley@multipointcorp.com
http://multipointcorp.com
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PMAA will hold its Fall Meeting in conjunction with the NACS Show on October 16-17 at the Hilton Chicago. The PMAA meeting will begin with a New Attendee Orientation mid-afternoon on October 17 followed by a Board Briefing. A welcome reception with NACS to State Association Leaders will follow at McCormick Place. On the morning of October 17, there will be a Buffet Breakfast followed by Region and Committee Meetings. The PMAA Board of Directors meeting is scheduled after the Distinguished Service Award Luncheon sponsored by PMAA's
Corporate Platinum Partner Federated Insurance.
You can find all available information, including
how to make your hotel reservations and the Conference Schedule,
here. PMAA Fall Meeting Registration will be available in July. Please note that the NACS Show registration is separate from the PMAA Meeting Registration.
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Federated Insurance is offering complimentary risk management training for PMAA members on September 11-13, 2017. Through this valuable session, you will discover methods you can use immediately to help protect profits by reducing risk at your business.
Companies that are the most successful at controlling losses and protecting profits have integrated risk management into their overall company culture. Many have designated a key person as their risk manager. This person is supported by your company's top management and is both responsible and accountable for identifying loss exposures and implementing risk management solutions.
This seminar's objective is to help your risk manager learn the exposures specific to the petroleum industry, connect with peers from across the country and apply these best practices within your business.
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"Attending this training is one of the best investments you can make to
help protect your business and its bottom line!" 2016 RMA Attendee
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You can learn more by viewing a brief
video about the Risk Management Academy. To reserve your spot in the upcoming session or for more information, please contact
Royetta Spurgeon or 800.533.0472 Ext. 455-5604 or visit
Federated's website.
Federated is a PMAA Corporate Platinum Partner.
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PMAA CORPORATE PLATINUM PARTNER SPOTLIGHT FEATURING: FEDERATED INSURANCE
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Federated Insurance Employment Practices Network HR Question of the Month
Federated Insurance's HR Question of the Month focuses on employment-related practices liability issues. Last month's question was: Position changed. What do we do with the employee? Please click
here to read the response.
For additional information or to discuss this in further detail, please contact your
Federated regional representative or PMAA's National Account Executive
Jerry Leemkuil at 800.533.0472.
Federated is a PMAA Corporate Platinum Partner.
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PMAA MEMBER SERVICES SPOTLIGHT FEATURING: AMERASSIST A/R SOLUTIONS
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Accounts Receivable Management and Debt Collection
No one would ever suggest collecting debts is a straightforward process. The truth that there are complexities related with collecting debts reveals the entire reason why there is a debt collection industry. The pressing need for collecting debts is designed to support those in the organization community remain solvent. The truth is that if a business was not receiving payment of overdue notices, losses and other economic hazards would arise virtually quickly. This can create a quagmire for many companies considering that the need to have to acquire debts owed is definitely not the same as being able to receive payment on debt owed.
Please read Tom Green's full article
here. To learn more about PMAA's Vendor, AmerAssist A/R Solutions, please
visit or email PMAA's Liaison
Tom Green or by phone at 904.825.1563.
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Thank You to NPCA's Partners
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Nebraska Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association | (402) 474-6691 |
www.npcainc.com |
1320 Lincoln Mall, Suite 100B
Lincoln, NE 68508
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