WASHINGTON – The propane industry recognized the winners of the 2008 PROPANE Exceptional Energy Fleet Awards at a ceremony during the Alternative Fuels & Vehicles National Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.

Three fleets recognized for exceptional propane-powered fleet applications were: Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc., South Beloit, Ill.; Denton Independent School District, Denton, Texas; and Wil Fischer Companies, Springfield, Mo.

This year’s award winners all provide essential service for their respective locations and rely on propane for their fuel of choice. From school buses that transport children daily to and from school to delivery trucks that supply propane to thousands of individuals and businesses — propane-powered fleets continue to meet the demands of commercial fleet managers that can’t afford to have a vehicle out of service, according to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC).

“This year’s three honorees demonstrate the wide range of industries where propane can play a critical role,” said Brian Feehan, VP of PERC.

“In a time when customer demand for safe, reliable service is at an all-time high, and at the same time energy costs are the highest they have ever been, we’re pleased these winners can depend on propane to meet all of their needs while taking steps to reduce emissions and dependence on foreign oil.”

2008 Exceptional Energy Fleet Award Winners:

Private Fleet

Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc., South Beloit, Ill.: Blackhawk Propane is a family-owned supplier of propane to thousands of residential, farm, and industry customers on the Illinois-Wisconsin state line. Committed to propane since 1989, Blackhawk Propane has a fleet of 15 vehicles, with 14 bobtails and delivery trucks powered by propane.

Public Fleet

Denton Independent School District, Denton, Texas: Located outside of Dallas, Texas, the Denton Independent School District has the fourth largest propane fleet in the state, with 77 propane-powered school buses responsible for the safe transportation of 20,870 students over 180 square miles.

Innovative Fleet

Wil Fischer Companies, Springfield, Mo.: For more than 40 years, Wil Fischer has been providing six counties in Missouri with Budweiser and Bacardi products. With 13 delivery routes in the winter and 15 in the summer, a fleet of 20 propane-powered vehicles help deliver more than 2 million cases every year to regional restaurants and stores.

The PROPANE Exceptional Energy Fleet Awards, sponsored by PERC, recognizes the achievements of on-road and off-road fleets that use propane for their vehicles and promote awareness of propane as a cost-effective, safe, and clean-burning motor fuel.

For more information about propane and propane-powered vehicles, visit www.propanefreedom.com.