IDEAL Friday Member Update: 09.11.2026
The Latest IDEAL News!
Fall Is Officially Here!
After Labor Day weekend, something shifts. The mornings get a little cooler, the schedules fill up, kids are back in school, and suddenly it feels like fall is truly upon us! For our Member-Owners, that also means heating season is getting closer—and there’s plenty happening across the IDEAL network.
First, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our first National Fuel-Local® Day on September 9th a success! We loved seeing the social media activity, the creativity, and the pride you have in your businesses and communities. Fuel-Local® is all about celebrating what makes independent companies special, and you brought that message to life.
Did you celebrate? Show us! Send your photos, posts, team celebrations, customer activities, or anything else you did to recognize Fuel-Local® Day. We want to see it, share it, and keep the momentum going!
September Spotlight: Business Services Partners
This month we're turning our attention to our Business Services Partners—and there is a LOT to explore. From technology and operations to insurance, HR, marketing, financial services, and other solutions designed to help you run and grow your business, this group offers a wide range of resources.
Take a look at the Partners we're highlighting this month. You may find a solution to a challenge you've been trying to solve, a way to make your team more efficient, or simply a new resource worth knowing about. And remember: you don't have to wait until you need something to make the connection. Reach out, introduce yourself, and start the conversation. That's what the IDEAL Partner Network is here for.
As we head into the fall season, things are about to get busy. IDEAL will continue working behind the scenes to bring you information, opportunities, connections, and resources as quickly as we can.
So grab that first pumpkin-spice something, enjoy the cooler mornings, and let's get ready for another season together!
Fall is here—and IDEAL is ready.
Happy to help, Amy West - Cooperative Administrator |
Meet the Team: Business Services Partners – Part One
Running an independent fuel or HVAC company takes a whole team—and not everyone on that team works under your roof. Behind every successful business are trusted professionals providing the financial, operational, technology, marketing, insurance, and other specialized expertise that helps keep things moving.
That’s where our IDEAL Business Services Partners come in.
Throughout September, we’ll be highlighting the incredible range of resources available through this part of your Partner Network. Some may help you solve an immediate challenge, while others may offer ideas, expertise, or services you haven't considered yet.
As we head into the busy season, now is a great time to explore the network and make some connections. You don't need to be looking for a new vendor or have a specific problem to solve. Start with a conversation. Ask questions. Learn what they know and how they work with independent companies like yours.
Put Your Partner Network to Work
Your IDEAL membership gives you access to more than a list of names and companies—it gives you a network of people who believe in independent businesses and want to see them succeed.
Take a look at this month's Partners and see who might be a good resource for your company. You may find a new solution, uncover an opportunity, or simply add another knowledgeable person to your business resources.
The connection is the benefit. The relationship is the value.
IDEAL is here to help make those connections easier. Reach out, introduce yourself, and let’s put the Partner Network to work! |
Qualpay provides payment processing solutions designed to make accepting and managing payments easier for businesses. Their platform supports a variety of payment needs while helping businesses streamline transactions and improve the customer payment experience. For Member-Owners looking for ways to simplify payment processing and keep up with evolving payment technology, Qualpay is a Partner worth exploring.
Synergy Commodity brings expertise in energy markets and commodity risk management to help fuel marketers navigate an often unpredictable market. Their knowledge can help Member-Owners better understand market conditions, evaluate risk, and make more informed purchasing and pricing decisions. In a business where market volatility can have a significant impact, having access to experienced commodity professionals is a valuable resource. Enosis Graphic Solutions helps businesses bring their brands and ideas to life through graphic design, printed materials, promotional products, signage, and other visual solutions. From a simple marketing piece to a larger branding project, having a creative resource you can turn to makes it easier to keep your company looking professional and consistent. They can help Member-Owners turn an idea into something customers can see, remember, and connect with.
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Northeast Energy Performance Consulting provides fractional COO services, giving independent fuel and HVAC companies access to experienced operational leadership without adding a full-time executive position. They can help assess how a business is operating, identify opportunities for greater efficiency, strengthen processes, and help turn ideas and goals into actionable plans. For owners who are caught up in the day-to-day and need an experienced partner to help step back, evaluate, and move the business forward, a fractional COO can be a valuable resource.
Rich DeMarco of UBS provides financial planning and wealth management guidance tailored to business owners and their families. From personal financial planning to thinking about the future of your business, having a trusted financial resource can help you make informed decisions today while keeping long-term goals in view. Rich is also a familiar face within the IDEAL network and a strong supporter of our Member-Owners.
Distilled Communications is a full-service marketing, communications, and PR agency with deep experience in the liquid fuels industry. They help fuel businesses strengthen their brand and connect with customers through websites, social media, direct mail, public relations, branding, photography, and professional video production. Their team understands the industry and helps Member-Owners tell their story clearly and professionally — from social content and websites to videos that showcase the people behind the business.
Hahn Financial Group helps businesses navigate employee benefits, health plans, retirement planning, insurance strategies, and financial planning. For independent fuel and HVAC companies, their expertise can be a valuable resource when evaluating employee benefits, planning for retirement, managing insurance needs, or developing longer-term financial strategies. Their team works with employers to develop solutions that fit their goals and help them attract, retain, and support their employees.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS |
 Deadline: Postmarked by: September 15, 2026
Member-Owners: Get those ballots in the mail for our 2026 Board of Director Elections
 September 17, 2026 3-4pm
Send your topic requests to Amy@idealenergycooperative.com
 September 24, 2026, 2pm
Board of Director Election Results (Member-Owners Only) |
IN THE NEWS |
Canada Increases its Tariffs on U.S. Steel and Aluminum Products, including Propane Tanks and Cylinders
Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada are increasing, with new Canadian counter-tariffs taking effect September 8, 2026. The measures apply to more than 700 U.S. product categories, with tariffs ranging from 15% to 50%.
Of particular concern to the propane industry, steel propane tanks and cylinders classified under HS Code 7311 will see the Canadian tariff increase from 25% to 50% when crossing the Canadian border.
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) is working closely with the Canadian Propane Association to advocate for the continued movement of propane and propane-related equipment between the two countries without tariffs.
Source: NPGA.org Handling Propane Supply Uncertainty Amid Global Conflict
Global conflict continues to create volatility across energy markets, but U.S. propane prices have remained relatively stable compared with crude oil, largely due to strong domestic inventories and limited export capacity. As additional export capacity comes online, however, more U.S. propane could move into international markets, potentially putting pressure on domestic inventories and prices. Experts recommend that retailers focus less on predicting geopolitical events and more on building a disciplined procurement strategy. Layering purchases during favorable price opportunities can help manage risk, while maintaining adequate storage is especially important heading into winter.
Although national propane inventories remain strong, localized supply challenges can still occur due to transportation disruptions, regional demand spikes, pipeline constraints, weather, or increased export demand. Retailers should evaluate their supply agreements, diversify supply points where possible, secure transportation capacity, and establish clear margin targets. Strong relationships with experienced suppliers and transportation partners are also critical to ensuring that alternative supply options are actually accessible when needed. The key takeaway is simple: plan for the future rather than trying to predict it—secure supply before it is needed, keep storage levels healthy, and avoid becoming overly dependent on the spot market. A well-prepared retailer is better positioned to protect margins, maintain dependable service, and keep customers confident when market conditions become challenging.
Source: BPNews.com Winter Gasoline Waiver Issued in Connecticut
Connecticut DEEP has approved a waiver allowing winter-blend gasoline to be sold in the state effective immediately.
The waiver is intended to help ensure reliable gasoline supply and expand market access, while potentially providing access to lower-cost fuel.
DEEP will not enforce the applicable summer gasoline volatility standard during this period, allowing winter gasoline to be sold in Connecticut.
Source: ctema.com |
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