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        Recently the Petroleum Department at Dakota Plains Cooperative has finished and received the results of an Envision Study we participated in. The goal of the study was to find our strengths, weaknesses, and costs to deliver petroleum products. Those of you that drive a car or pickup, heat a home, enjoy traveling, camping, boating, or nearly anything that requires energy products, have certainly noticed that it costs a lot more than in the past. Delivery of products is a huge part of our business at Dakota Plains. Gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, LP gas and bulk lubricants are all delivered to farm, residential and commercial sites by truck. With the rising costs of gas and diesel, our delivery cost have greatly increased.
        There are only two ways to stay profitable in this situation. One is to raise prices and two is to close out costs. We prefer the latter. In order to do this we must become much more efficient. Several things were very evident in the study. Making same day small deliveries, delivering small amounts into large tanks, and unable to go out with a full truck load of product and return empty. If customers could allow us 2 to 3 days notice of when they need a delivery & allow us to fill their tanks to capacity, this would make us much more efficient.
        We are looking at volume discounts and more levels of discounts, perhaps a discount for being on a regular scheduled delivery program (Keep Fill), our drivers would fill your tank when in the area and there would be no need for you to call in an order. Once a month billing at cash price for customers that keep their accounts current.
        Some customers may want to update their storage systems to better match their growing operations. Bigger tanks would mean reduced product price. We offer a no interest 5 year tank program to help you with your purchase.
        We will try very hard to hold down the high costs of energy, but we need your help, as well as your ideas and comments. Please feel free to call John, Mark, or Ken at Dakota Plains 701-845-0812 or 800-288-7922 and let us know what you think.

Thank you for your business and your ideas
John Kopp
Petroleum Manager