NPGA Elects 2011-2012 Officers

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA):

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110407/DC79591LOGO)

NPGA Elects Carl Hughes as Chairman

Senior Vice President of Inergy, L.P. Will Lead National Trade Association

Washington, DC — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) announced that Carl Hughes, Senior Vice President of Inergy, L.P. was elected Chairman during its Mid-Year Board of Directors meeting held June 13, 2011 in Washington, DC, in conjunction with Propane Days. Hughes has been a very active member of NPGA. He serves on the association's Executive Committee and has been an at-large Board Director since 2002. Hughes also served as the Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman from 2006 to 2008. Additionally, he is a contributing columnist for LPGas Magazine.

"Carl has served in previous leadership positions with NPGA and continues to be a valuable member of the NPGA leadership team," said Roland Penta, NPGA Immediate Past Chairman. "I know that Carl's expertise will take our association and industry to new heights in the coming year."

Hughes has been the Senior Vice President of Business Development of Inergy, L.P. since 1997. Inergy, L.P. is located in Kansas City, MO. He previously held positions with Dynegy, LPG Services Group and Ferrellgas.

Propane Days
Propane Days is NPGA's annual legislative event on Capitol Hill. It serves as the best program the propane industry has to bring its story to the nation's capitol, providing the propane industry the strongest possible voice as we seek to convince Congress to support our policy objectives. For more information about Propane Days visit www.PropaneDays.com.

NPGA Elects Ray Murray as Chairman-elect

Co-Chairman of Ray Murray, Inc Joins Leadership of National Trade Association

Washington, DC — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) announced that Ray Murray, Co-Chairman of Ray Murray, Inc. was elected as Chairman-elect during its Mid-Year Board of Directors meeting held June 13, 2011 in Washington, DC.

"Ray brings years of industry experience and a passion for the industry," said Carl Hughes, NPGA Chairman. "He has served in several leadership positions within NPGA and has helped us reach new levels of success. I'm excited to work with him in this capacity."

Murray has been an active member of NPGA. He serves on the NPGA's Executive Committee and has served as the Distributors Section Chairman since 2002 and Conventions Committee Chairman for three years. He has also served as Treasurer of the New York Propane Education & Research Council, and as Treasurer and Secretary of the New York Propane Gas Association.

Murray has a long history with propane. In 1976 Murray joined his father, mother, and brother in their distribution business, Ray Murray, Inc., which marked his entry in the propane industry. At Ray Murray, Inc. he has served 30 years as VP-Sales, President and now Co-Chairman with his brother Jim. He has been married to his wife, Holly, for 42 years. They have two children and three grandchildren.

NPGA Elects Gary France as Vice-Chairman

President of France Propane Services Joins Leadership of National Trade Association

Washington, DC — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) announced that Gary France, President and owner of France Propane Service, Inc, was elected as Vice Chairman during its Mid-Year Board of Directors meeting held June 13, 2011 in Washington, DC.

"Gary is an invaluable member of the NPGA leadership team," said Carl Hughes, NPGA Chairman. "I know he will do a great job in this role."

France brings many years of industry experience to his new position. He has been in the propane industry since he was a child. He began his career at thirteen, sandblasting and painting tanks. In 1990 he formed France Propane Service, Inc. France has been active in the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association serving as chair of the Education and Legislative Committees, and as President. He is an active member in NPGA, previously maintaining leadership roles as Chairman of the Member Services Committee and PAC Chairman.

NPGA Elects David Lugar as Treasurer

Vice President of Supply & Logistics for AmeriGas Propane Joins Leadership of National Trade Association

Washington, DC — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) announced that David Lugar, Vice President of Supply and Logistics for AmeriGas Propane was elected Treasurer during its Mid-Year Board of Directors meeting held June 13, 2011 in Washington, DC.

"David continues to be a valuable member of the NPGA leadership team," said Carl Hughes, NPGA Chairman. "I am looking forward to David's experience leading our association over the next year."

Lugar joined AmeriGas in September 2000 and has an office outside of Houston, Texas. Lugar has been active in NPGA for many years and he currently serves on its Board of Directors. He was a charter member of the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) which was formed in 1996 and served in various officer positions during his time on the Council, including two terms as the PERC Chairman in 2003-2005.

National Propane Gas Association
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is the national trade association of the propane industry. NPGA represents approximately 3,200 companies, including producers, wholesalers, transporters, and retailers of propane gas as well as the manufacturers and distributors of associated propane equipment and appliances. 50 million Americans choose propane as their energy source. Propane is a clean-burning, efficient and climate-friendly alternative fuel that is available now. For more information about NPGA and the propane gas industry, visit www.npga.org.

SOURCE National Propane Gas Association