NPRA changing name to 'better describe focus'
The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) announced plans to change its name to the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) effective in late January. A red, blue, and white logo will accompany the new name. A new web site also is planned.
NPRA had been considering a name change for about a year, NPRA Pres. Charles T. Drevna said during a conference call from Washington, DC, to announce the new name. He noted AFPM will be the fourth name for the organization founded in 1902.
“AFPM will be just as vigorous as NPRA was and is,” Drevna said. “We are proud to be high-tech American manufacturers. We’re proud to keep America moving.” He noted the organization has more than 450 members.
The name change was not intended to diversify the membership base, he said, adding that the new name better describes the organization’s focus. The organization hosted focus groups in four US cities to help determine its new name, he added.
“We provide Americans with jobs, we provide Americans with fuel,” Drevna said. He said the effective date for the name change would be sometime in late January although the group has no specific date yet.
Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer
Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.
Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.
