The annual BPLP Managers Meeting was held in Tulsa on July 12 and 13 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Managers from across the company’s eight districts came together to hear operational and human resources updates and discuss ways to make it easier for customers to do business with the cooperative.
The gathering began with a welcome luncheon and introduction of Tom Procter and Will Reniker as the company’s new regional vice presidents of MFA Oil operations. While attendees were eating, Zach Studer, director of warehousing and quality control, gave a presentation about Work Horse lubricants, BOSS Performance Diesel Fuel, and the company’s laboratory services.
Following lunch, the plant managers took part in four education sessions.
- The Big Objective: Kenny Steeves, senior vice president of MFA Oil operations, held a brainstorming session where he asked participants to consider ways to make it easier for customers to do business with MFA Oil.
- Summer 2023 Operational Efficiencies: Justi Montague, director of operational efficiency, and the senior operations specialists discussed the inventory management app, new features available in the Power BI mobile app, and EnergyForce enhancements.
- Mastering the Metrics: Joe Case, director of BPLP operations; Butch Burlbaugh, director of field training and procedures; and Brandy Williams of Software Solutions Integrated reviewed the key factors to making efficient deliveries. They discussed K-factors, daily use rates, and tank monitor reporting to provide attendees with a better understanding of how to make the most of the EnergyForce route optimizer. Creating well-optimized routes improves customer satisfaction and employee morale.
- HR Updates and Anti-Trust Laws: Amanda Cooper, vice president of Human Resources, provided updates on Dayforce implementation, the performance review process and transitional duty for workers’ compensation cases. Cooper was joined by Daniel Beckett of Smith Lewis LLP, the company’s general counsel, who discussed collusion concerns and how to avoid them.
“We covered many important topics and discussed some great ideas during the brainstorming session,” Steeves says. “One consistent issue that was brought up was Petro-Card 24 reliability, which is certainly one of our top priorities we are actively working to address. We are looking at a number of things we can do to improve our customer experience.”
At dinner, Jon Ihler, president and CEO, and Steeves, expressed appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the company’s field employees and thanked the BPLP managers for everything they do for the cooperative.
The following employees were recognized for service awards at the meeting:
5 Years
Scott Chambliss – plant manager, West Fork, AR
Mark Higgs – plant manager, Aurora/Purdy/Wheaton
Christopher Mullins – plant manager, Murfreesboro, TN
Robbie Stewart – plant manager, Bernie/Jackson
10 Years
Jay Fisher – plant manager, Gower/St. Joseph
Steven Shepherd – plant manager, Oakland City/Odon, IN
15 Years
Larry Collins – plant manager, Shell Knob
Ken Garceau – plant manager, Harrison, AR
Mark Hailey – plant manager, Fairfax/Maryville/Mound City
20 Years
Denis Dreiling – area manager, Mansfield/Marshfield/Rogersville
Julie Swindle – plant manager, Lake City/Marked Tree/ Wynne, AR
25 Years
Barry Melton – plant manager, Bolivar/Buffalo/Weaubleau
Marty Mills – area manager, Bowling Green/Troy/Wright City
Kenny Steeves – senior vice president of MFA Oil operations
Clayton Uthe – north territory manager, safety and maintenance
30 Years
Fred Trowbridge – area manager, Fulton/Mexico
35 Years
Joe Case – director of BPLP operations
