As CEO of Blarney Castle and a Board member of the Michigan Petroleum Association, Dennis McCarthy was more than qualified to present today's program.
 
As was apparent from the many questions generated by the program, petroleum pricing is a subject of interest to anyone who drives. Dennis talked about the factors that influence retail gas prices and why prices historically rise in the spring. He also discussed E-10 (fuel that is 10% ethanol) and the problems associated with E-15. He also covered diesel fuel, which at one time was cheaper than gasoline but now is more expensive due to the high demand for diesel in Europe.
 
Dennis reviewed the changes in the business since he has been involved, including the transition from service-oriented "filling stations" to stations that are convenience stores with self-serve pumps. In today's world credit card fees are the operator's second-largest cost factor. Retailers must consider not only the cost of the product they sell, but also their owl fuel costs in obtaining the product and--perhaps most importantly-- what their competitor across the street is charging.
 
If Dennis had not already guranteed himself an invitation back by his entertaining program, he certainly closed the deal by passing out gift cards to everyone in attendance. Well done!