Merger Creates Upstate New York Energy Association

Written on: November 17, 2014 by Greg Dool

On the precipice of the 2014-2015 winter heating season, the Oil Heat Institute of Eastern New York (OHIENY) and the Oil Fuel Institute of Central New York (OFICNY) officially announced on Monday a consolidation of the two representative fuel oil organizations into the Upstate New York Energy Association (UNYEA).

Originally based in Oneida County, OFICNY was founded as a not-for-profit corporation in 1962. Two years later, OHIENY was organized to represent fuel marketers in Albany, Troy and surrounding areas, before expanding.

UNYEA members will continue to enjoy all of the same benefits as before the merger, including training/education, marketing/promotion, industry meetings and the Realty Partnership Program.

Like the Empire State Energy Association, which serves all of New York state, UNYEA represents any energy marketers who store and distribute heating, transportation and industrial fuels and lubricants. Four levels of membership are available, including Associate membership for individuals or businesses who engage indirectly in activity related to the petroleum industry, and Participating membership for individuals or associates outside of the “core” 17 upstate counties.

Executive Officers of UNYEA include:

• Robert Long, Jr., Long Oil / President

• Ken Mortensen, Security Supply Corp. / Vice President

• Amy Keehan / Treasurer

• James Buhrmaster, Buhrmaster Energy / Asst. Treasurer

• Thomas J. Peters / Executive Secretary

The core 17 counties covered include Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Otsego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington.

For more information, visit www.unyea.org.