If you only attend one energy pipeline event this year, make sure you don't miss out on the best:  the FEPA Conference is coming up soon, July 15-17!  Help us celebrate the 20th year of this valuable and growing event.

Educational and networking opportunities are endless.  This year’s conference educational sessions will include timely information from key industry professionals, including Christina Johnson, President of On 3 Public Relations, LLC discussing energy project NIMBY issues; Joe Mataich, CATS Project Manager, providing a USDOT/PHMSA update; Sarah Rogers, President and CEO of the Florida Reliability Coordinating Council presenting an overview of Florida electric utility Ten Year Site Plans; and E. Russell Braziel, Vice President of Marketing and Sales and Chief Technology Officer for BENTEK Energy, will review gulf coast energy market dynamics and fuel trends.

We'll enjoy the fresh air as well during the annual FEPA Golf Tournament.  This year's scramble will be played on Omni Orlando Resort’s National Golf Course, and is designed to be a relaxed fun event for all.  If no one in your firm plays, think about providing an item for the players. Many of our members and non-members send a small promotional item to be placed in each golf cart.  Cart item contributions can be sent to Capitol Energy Florida (contact Rob Wilson).

Be sure to arrive in time for the Welcome Reception on July 15.  Get to know our suppliers better at the Exhibitor Reception and Awards ceremony July 16.  At both events you'll have a chance to catch-up with old acquaintances and make new contacts.

The deadline for discounted rooms at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is June 22 but the block could fill early so don't delay;  online hotel reservations are available here or call 1-800-THE-OMNI and identify yourself with the Florida Energy Pipeline Association to get our special rate of $169/night. 

You can register for the conference quickly and securely with FEPA's new online registration program. You can also mail or fax your registration with a printable form.

We also encourage you to exhibit your services at the meeting; with that in mind, the Board has waived the exhibitor fee for FEPA members with a paid registration ($245).  Exhibit space is limited to 35 table top exhibits with over half reserved already. The exhibit area is the primary location for conference receptions, awards program, breaks, meals and the business session.  Non-members are welcome to exhibit as well; check the registration links for non-member rates.

The conference is made possible in great part with the help of our sponsors, so I would like to thank:

Gulfstream Natural Gas System;
El Paso;
NGS Energy;
Phillips & Jordan, Inc.;
Harris, Harris, Bauerle & Sharma;
Progressive Pipeline Company;
Capitol Energy Florida;
Heidt & Associates;
Akerman Senterfitt; 
Minnesota Limited;
Calhoun, Collister & Parham;
Willbros Construction, LLC;
Southern Pines Energy Center;
SWS/Eagle;
Florida Gas Transmission; and
Buckeye Partners, L.P.

We also have quite a few members providing promotional items for the registration table.  If you would like to be included, please coordinate with  Rob Wilson of Capitol Energy Florida.

I hope FEPA members will take full advantage of the program, activities and events of this wonderful event. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

Edna Brashier, wife of last year's FEPA Jensen Award recipient L. B. Brashier, passed away June 3 from lung complications following surgery to repair a broken leg.

The funeral was held Monday, June 8, at Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815.

The family requests consideration be given to memorial contributions to the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home, PO Box 929, Ruston, Louisiana 71273-9976, or a charity of your choice.