| April 2008 |
| UPI Supports Ontario's Outstanding Young Farmers |
A buzz of excitement filled a London, Ontario banquet room on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 where Chris and Christy Hiemstra, of Clovermead Bees and Honey in Aylmer, were recognized, in the presence of nearly 200 people, as Ontario's Outstanding Young Farmers for 2008.
The Hiemstras, selected from a panel of six finalist couples, were chosen by a group of three judges for their contribution in the growth of their industry and for creating one of the largest pollen operations in North America. Chris and Christy have continued to add value to their operation by selling honey directly to consumers and by introducing farm tours. Currently, Clovermead Bees and Honey operates 600 beehives on an 11-acre home farm as well as numerous rental properties throughout Elgin County. The couple's three children, Justin (age 12), Caitlyn (age 10) and Jordan (age 8) are all involved in the farm operation.
To be eligible for the Outstanding Young Farmer award, farmers must be between the ages of 19 and 39, derive at least two thirds of their annual income from farming and demonstrate progress in their agriculture careers. Nominees are judged on conservation practices, production history, financial and management practices, as well as their contribution to the community.
UPI Energy LP was proud to support a program that recognizes the importance of Ontario agriculture and promotes industry leaders, such as Chris and Christy Hiemstra. Mr. Robert P. Sicard, UPI's President and Chief Executive Officer, remarked to those in attendance that each finalist endured difficulties, challenges and suffered many hardships while trying to build and grow their livelihood and farm operation, and yet they continued to demonstrate leadership and innovative practices. UPI congratulates Chris and Christy Hiemstra as well as all 2008 nominees and finalists for their outstanding efforts, dedication and passion towards an ever increasingly important industry.
Chris and Christy Hiemstra will represent Ontario at the National Competition in Calgary to be held later this year. UPI wishes Chris, Christy and the Hiemstra family the best of luck!
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| March 2008 |
| Legendary Canadian Guitarist Jeff Healey Passes Away at 41 |
One of Canada's most famous guitar players and a friend of UPI Energy LP has
passed away.
Jeff Healey had been battling cancer since the tender age of 1, when he lost
his eyesight because of a rare form of retinal cancer called retinoblastoma.
He overcame life’s plights though, becoming a critically appreciated rock
and jazz musician.
In 1988, his band released the Grammy-nominated album "See the Light," which
spawned the hit "Angel Eyes." Two years later, Healey won a Juno Award
(Canada’s most prestigious music awards) as Entertainer of the Year.
"What we've lost is a virtuoso musician," said Richard Flohil, Healey's
publicist. "He followed his own passion, which oddly enough was not playing
blues rock music, but playing classic rock jazz.
The Canadian blues and jazz great died in a Toronto hospital Sunday evening
after a lifelong battle with cancer.
The employees and friends of UPI were treated to Jeff's talent during the
2003 Rendezvous celebration. He will be sadly missed. |
| January 2008 |
| Chatham UPI Energy Gas Bar Recognized as One of Two E85 Retail Locations in Canada |
The Chatham UPI Energy Gas Bar, located at 335 Park Avenue East, is one of only two stations in Canada offering the motoring public environmentally friendlier E85 fuel, gasoline blended with up to 85% ethanol. At a Council Meeting on Monday, January 14, 2008, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent recognized UPI Energy LP ("UPI"), a province-wide retailer of environmentally friendlier energy products, and Greg DeJoseph, the Commissioned Agent of the Park Avenue location, for their efforts and commitment in promoting greener fuels, such as E85. Mayor Randy Hope presented DeJoseph with a Certificate of Recognition commending the Chatham resident for bringing national recognition to the community when the Gas Bar and an interview DeJoseph gave on E85 were featured on the CBC National News in November of 2007.
Mayor Hope referred to UPI as "Stewards of the Environment" and cited that their corporate values stem from their commitment to help preserve the environment for future generations. UPI President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Sicard commented that the recognition is a testimonial of the hard work and tireless efforts of Greg and his staff as well as the men and women at UPI that worked to bring E85 first to Guelph and then to Chatham. "UPI continuously strives to be an industry leader in the renewable fuels movement with the introduction and promotion of greener products," said Sicard. Not only are the fuels available at the Park Avenue location greener, but the gas bar itself is also an environmentally friendlier design utilizing modern, cost effective, above ground storage and dispensing technology.
The Park Avenue Gas Bar introduced E85 to the Chatham market in June 2007 and continues to offer it as well as a complete line of Ethanol-blended gasolines in various grades, containing 10% corn-based ethanol. Gasoline powered vehicles manufactured since the early 1980's are capable of running on Ethanol blends (E10), containing up to 10% ethanol, and are fully warranted by auto manufacturers. However, Flex Fuel vehicles, which can be identified by a yellow gas cap, can be powered with a gasoline blend of up to 85% ethanol without facing any warranty concerns. Currently, automakers offer consumers a selection of 28 Flex Fuel vehicles. According to a September 2006 Natural Resources Canada study, E85 fuel can achieve a net lifecycle reduction in greenhouse gas emissions ranging from 46% to 64% in comparison to regular gasoline.
Formed in 1991, UPI is a Joint Venture of Suncor Energy Products Inc. and GROWMARK, Inc. As a province-wide marketer of petroleum, propane, lubricants and related energy services to rural Ontario, UPI is renowned for its leadership and innovation in the marketing of environmentally friendlier fuels such as, Ethanol blends, made with Ontario grown corn, and biodiesel, made with soybean oil. It is estimated that since 1992, over 15 million bushels of corn have been used in the production of ethanol for UPI's Ethanol-blended gasolines. With the launch of E85, a blend of up to 85% ethanol and UPI's high quality gasoline, in 2007 to the Chatham and Guelph markets, UPI became the only retailer in Canada offering the fuel to the general public.
For further information, please contact:
Debbie Berg
Public Relations Consultant for UPI Energy LP
Tel: (519) 578-1976
Email: dberg8@sympatico.ca
http://www.upienergylp.com/mf_ep_gas.php
Left to Right: Greg Dejoseph and Mayor Randy Hope.
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