Document:

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                                                                  Exhibit 10.6

THIS AGREEMENT, made APRIL 1, 1998 by and between ACETYLENE PRODUCTS CORP.,
party of the first part as "LESSOR", said party being of the City of Wheeling,
Ohio County, West Virginia, VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC., party of the second
part as "LESSEE", whereby the parties agree as follows:

LESSOR, in consideration of the rents to be paid and covenants to be performed
by LESSEE hereunder, hereby leases to LESSEE for the term and subject to the
covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the following described
premises:

                              211 EAST ROBB AVENUE
                                  LIMA OH 45801

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described real estate for the term of (10) TEN
YEARS commencing on APRIL 1, 1998 and end MARCH 31, 2008 accordingly.

LESSEE for and in consideration of the premises and covenants aforesaid hereby
obligates and binds itself to pay or cause to be paid unto said LESSOR, its
heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, the just and minimum sum
according to the following schedule:

                         APRIL 01, 1998 - MARCH 31, 2003
         $282,000.00, payable in (60) SIXTY installments $4,700.00 each,

                         APRIL 01, 2003 - MARCH 31, 2008
THE MINIMUM OF $282,000.00, payable in (60) SIXTY installments $4,700.00 each
TIMES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CPI (1967 = 100) SERIES "A" 1996 AND THE CPI
SERIES "A" 2001,

payable monthly in advance, with the first of said installments to be paid on
the first day of the month of occupancy hereinabove referred to and each of the
$4,700.00 MINIMUM installments to be paid on the first day of each and every
succeeding month thereafter.

LESSOR does further grant to LESSEE the option of renewing this lease for an
additional period of FIVE (5) years and upon the same terms and conditions as
are herein contained, except that the rental shall be in an amount to be agreed
upon between the parties; provided, however that notice of such intention to
renew must be served in writing by LESSEE upon LESSOR at least sixty (60) days
before said expiration date.

In the event the said premises shall be damaged by fire, flood, storm, civil
commotion, or other unavoidable cause, to an extent not repairable within ninety
(90) days from the date of such damage, this lease shall terminate as of the
date of such damage.

                                                                              1
<PAGE>   2

And it is further agreed that the said LESSOR, its heirs, administrators,
executors and assigns, may enter into and upon the said leased premises at
reasonable hours in the daytime, from ten o'clock in the morning to five o'clock
in the afternoon, to examine the same and for three (3) months next preceding
the expiration of said terms to permit the usual notices of "FOR RENT" and "FOR
SALE" to be placed on any outside wall of said premises and remain thereon
without hindrance or molestation.

The said LESSEE hereby agrees that it will not transfer or assign this lease, or
sublet or underlet the premises aforesaid or nay part thereof, without the
written consent of the said LESSOR, its heirs, administrators, executors and
assigns, which consent shall not be unreasonably or arbitrarily withheld.

The said LESSEE covenants and agrees that it will during the term of this lease,
maintain and take good care of the exterior and interior of the Premises
including the HVAC equipment and system and plumbing and all equipment and
fixtures therein; except that LESSOR shall be responsible for replacements to
the roof, foundation, and exterior walls. The LESSEE shall repair and maintain
the parking areas, roadways, curbs, sidewalks, and fences as are necessitated by
normal wear and tear.

LESSEE may, its own expense, either at the commencement of or during the term of
this lease, make such alterations in and/or additions to the leased premises,
including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, alternations in
the water, gas, and electric wiring systems, as may be necessary to fit the same
for its business, upon first obtaining the written approval of the LESSOR as to
the materials to be used and the manner of making such alterations and/or
additions proposed to be made by LESSEE. LESSEE may also, at its own expense,
install such counters, racks, shelving, fixtures, fittings, machinery and
equipment upon or within the leased premises as LESSEE may consider necessary to
the conduct of its business. At any time prior to the expiration or earlier
termination of this lease, LESSEE may remove any or all such alterations,
additions, or installations in such a manner as will not substantially injure
the leased premises. In the event LESSEE shall elect to make any such removal,
LESSEE shall restore the premises, or the portion or portions affected by such
removal, to the same condition as existed prior to the making of such
alterations, addition or installation, ordinary wear and tear, damage or
destruction by fire, flood, storm, civil commotion or other unavoidable cause
excepted. All alterations, additions or installations not so removed by LESSEE
shall become the property of LESSOR, without liability on LESSOR'S part to pay
for the same. Any person or persons employed by the said LESSEE in the making of
any alterations or improvements shall do so at his own risk, said LESSEE has no
authority to do anything in relation to the premises leased which will give any
person or persons the right of a mechanic's or other lien on said premises, or
any part thereof.

                                                                              2
<PAGE>   3

And it is expressly agreed between the parties hereto that any indulgence in not
enforcing prompt payment of any installment of rent when due, or any other
indulgence or deviation from the condition herein granted to the said LESSEE by
said LESSOR, shall not be construed as waiving any of the conditions or
stipulations herein, and the same shall continue thereafter in as full force and
effect as though such indulgence has not been granted.

And, it at any time during the continuance of said lease the LESSEE shall fail
to comply with any of the terms, covenants and conditions herein contained, the
said LESSOR, its heirs, administrators, executors or assigns, shall have the
right to re-enter and possess the premises aforesaid, the same as though this
lease had not been made provided, however, that LESSOR shall notify LESSEE
promptly in writing of any default under this lease, whereupon LESSEE shall be
entitled to fifteen (15) days from receipt of said notice in which to cur the
default before the provisions of this paragraph becomes operative.

It is expressly agreed between the parties hereto that at the expiration of this
lease, or any renewal thereof, should the LESSEE hold over for any reason and
the LESSOR accept the payment of any rent covering any period of time beyond the
term of this lease, or any renewal thereof, then, in the absence of any written
agreement to the contrary, continuance by the LESSEE hereunder shall be on a
month-to-month basis only.

The LESSEE hereby covenants that it will not make or suffer any use or occupancy
of the leased premises contrary to the laws of the State of West Virginia, of
the United States, or any ordinance of the City of LIMA now or hereafter, in
force.

LESSEE agrees to pay all utility bills and fees.

LESSOR agrees to make the following alterations on the premises at its expense
prior to LESSEE taking possession.

It is also agreed that if all or any part of the premises is taken by or sold
under threat of appropriations, this lease will terminate as of date of such
taking or sale. The entire award or compensation paid for the property taken or
acquired and for damages to residue, if any, will belong entirely to LESSOR, and
no amount will be payable to LESSEE.

LESSEE agrees to pay all property taxes and any related state and local service
fees (i.e. fire service). LESSEE will also pay and maintain insurance on the
premises and upon request by the LESSOR will show proof of insurance coverage.
LESSEE will also pay or be responsible for all maintenance of the building.

                                                                              3
<PAGE>   4

LESSOR and LESSEE agree that all of the provisions hereof are to be construed as
covenants and agreements, as though the word imparting such covenants and
agreements were used in each separate paragraph hereof, and should any term or
provision of this lease be held to be invalid or unenforceable, then the
remainder of this lease shall not be affected thereby, and each term and
provision shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

It is further understood and agreed that the LESSOR shall not be liable for any
damage, loss or injury which may be sustained or suffered by the said LESSEE or
by any third party or parties to it or to their person or property while on said
premises, not for any damage or loss to the property of the LESSEE situate in
said leased premises, except insofar as said loss, damage or injury may be
occasioned by the negligence of the LESSOR, its servants, agents or
representatives, while upon said premises, and said LESSEE is to be responsible
for and to indemnify and save harmless the LESSOR of and from any and all loss,
damage, injury, fines, suits, proceedings, claims, demands and actions of any
kind or nature, of anyone whomsoever arising or growing out of or in any wise
connected with the occupancy or use of said premises, except as hereinabove
expressly excepted.

This lease shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors,
administrators and assigns.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands on the day and year
first above written.

WITNESSETH:

s/ Kelly Crawford                       BY:  s/ Robert D. Scherich
------------------------------               ----------------------------------
                                             VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC. LESSEE

s/ Deborah S. Roth                      BY:  s/ Keith Woodruff
------------------------------               ----------------------------------
                                             ACETYLENE PRODUCTS, INC. LESSOR

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

THIS AGREEMENT, made APRIL 1, 1998 by and between ACETYLENE PRODUCTS CORP.,
party of the first part as "LESSOR", said party being of the City of Wheeling,
Ohio County, West Virginia, VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC., party of the second
part as "LESSEE", whereby the parties agree as follows:

LESSOR, in consideration of the rents to be paid and covenants to be performed
by LESSEE hereunder, hereby leases to LESSEE for the term and subject to the
covenants and conditions hereinafter set forth, the following described
premises:

                               4579 SUTPHEN COURT
                                HILLIARD OH 43026

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described real estate for the term of (10) TEN
YEARS commencing on APRIL 1, 1998 and end MARCH 31, 2008 accordingly.

LESSEE for and in consideration of the premises and covenants aforesaid hereby
obligates and binds itself to pay or cause to be paid unto said LESSOR, its
heirs, administrators, executors, and assigns, the just and minimum sum
according to the following schedule:

                         APRIL 01, 1998 - MARCH 31, 2003
         $412,500.00, payable in (60) SIXTY installments $6,875.00 each,

                         APRIL 01, 2003 - MARCH 31, 2008
THE MINIMUM OF $412,500.00, payable in (60) SIXTY installments $6,875.00 each
TIMES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CPI (1967 = 100) SERIES "A" 1996 AND THE CPI
SERIES "A" 2001,

payable monthly in advance, , with the first of said installments to be paid on
the first day of the month of occupancy hereinabove referred to and each of the
$6,875.00 MINIMUM installments to be paid on the first day of each and every
succeeding month thereafter.

LESSOR does further grant to LESSEE the option of renewing this lease for an
additional period of FIVE (5) years and upon the same terms and conditions as
are herein contained, except that the rental shall be in an amount to be agreed
upon between the parties; provided, however that notice of such intention to
renew must be served in writing by LESSEE upon LESSOR at least sixty (60) days
before said expiration date.

In the event the said premises shall be damaged by fire, flood, storm, civil
commotion, or other unavoidable cause, to an extent not repairable within ninety
(90) days from the date of such damage, this lease shall terminate as of the
date of such damage.

                                                                              5
<PAGE>   6

And it is further agreed that the said LESSOR, its heirs, administrators,
executors and assigns, may enter into and upon the said leased premises at
reasonable hours in the daytime, from ten o'clock in the morning to five o'clock
in the afternoon, to examine the same and for three (3) months next preceding
the expiration of said terms to permit the usual notices of "FOR RENT" and "FOR
SALE" to be placed on any outside wall of said premises and remain thereon
without hindrance or molestation.

The said LESSEE hereby agrees that it will not transfer or assign this lease, or
sublet or underlet the premises aforesaid or nay part thereof, without the
written consent of the said LESSOR, its heirs, administrators, executors and
assigns, which consent shall not be unreasonably or arbitrarily withheld.

The said LESSEE covenants and agrees that it will during the term of this lease,
maintain and take good care of the exterior and interior of the Premises
including the HVAC equipment and system and plumbing and all equipment and
fixtures therein; except that LESSOR shall be responsible for replacements to
the roof, foundation, and exterior walls. The LESSEE shall repair and maintain
the parking areas, roadways, curbs, sidewalks, and fences as are necessitated by
normal wear and tear.

LESSEE may, its own expense, either at the commencement of or during the term of
this lease, make such alterations in and/or additions to the leased premises,
including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, alternations in
the water, gas, and electric wiring systems, as may be necessary to fit the same
for its business, upon first obtaining the written approval of the LESSOR as to
the materials to be used and the manner of making such alterations and/or
additions proposed to be made by LESSEE. LESSEE may also, at its own expense,
install such counters, racks, shelving, fixtures, fittings, machinery and
equipment upon or within the leased premises as LESSEE may consider necessary to
the conduct of its business. At any time prior to the expiration or earlier
termination of this lease, LESSEE may remove any or all such alterations,
additions, or installations in such a manner as will not substantially injure
the leased premises. In the event LESSEE shall elect to make any such removal,
LESSEE shall restore the premises, or the portion or portions affected by such
removal, to the same condition as existed prior to the making of such
alterations, addition or installation, ordinary wear and tear, damage or
destruction by fire, flood, storm, civil commotion or other unavoidable cause
excepted. All alterations, additions or installations not so removed by LESSEE
shall become the property of LESSOR, without liability on LESSOR'S part to pay
for the same. Any person or persons employed by the said LESSEE in the making of
any alterations or improvements shall do so at his own risk, said LESSEE has no
authority to do anything in relation to the premises leased which will give any
person or persons the right of a mechanic's or other lien on said premises, or
any part thereof.

                                                                              6
<PAGE>   7

And it is expressly agreed between the parties hereto that any indulgence in not
enforcing prompt payment of any installment of rent when due, or any other
indulgence or deviation from the condition herein granted to the said LESSEE by
said LESSOR, shall not be construed as waiving any of the conditions or
stipulations herein, and the same shall continue thereafter in as full force and
effect as though such indulgence has not been granted.

And, it at any time during the continuance of said lease the LESSEE shall fail
to comply with any of the terms, covenants and conditions herein contained, the
said LESSOR, its heirs, administrators, executors or assigns, shall have the
right to re-enter and possess the premises aforesaid, the same as though this
lease had not been made provided, however, that LESSOR shall notify LESSEE
promptly in writing of any default under this lease, whereupon LESSEE shall be
entitled to fifteen (15) days from receipt of said notice in which to cur the
default before the provisions of this paragraph becomes operative.

It is expressly agreed between the parties hereto that at the expiration of this
lease, or any renewal thereof, should the LESSEE hold over for any reason and
the LESSOR accept the payment of any rent covering any period of time beyond the
term of this lease, or any renewal thereof, then, in the absence of any written
agreement to the contrary, continuance by the LESSEE hereunder shall be on a
month-to-month basis only.

The LESSEE hereby covenants that it will not make or suffer any use or occupancy
of the leased premises contrary to the laws of the State of West Virginia, of
the United States, or any ordinance of the City of HILLIARD now or hereafter, in
force.

LESSEE agrees to pay all utility bills and fees.

LESSOR agrees to make the following alterations on the premises at it's expense
prior to LESSEE taking possession.

It is also agreed that if all or any part of the premises is taken by or sold
under threat of appropriations, this lease will terminate as of date of such
taking or sale. The entire award or compensation paid for the property taken or
acquired and for damages to residue, if any, will belong entirely to LESSOR, and
no amount will be payable to LESSEE.

LESSEE agrees to pay all property taxes and any related state and local service
fees (i.e. fire service). LESSEE will also pay and maintain insurance on the
premises and upon request by the LESSOR will show proof of insurance coverage.
LESSEE will also pay or be responsible for all maintenance of the building.

                                                                              7
<PAGE>   8

LESSOR and LESSEE agree that all of the provisions hereof are to be construed as
covenants and agreements, as though the word imparting such covenants and
agreements were used in each separate paragraph hereof, and should any term or
provision of this lease be held to be invalid or unenforceable, then the
remainder of this lease shall not be affected thereby, and each term and
provision shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

It is further understood and agreed that the LESSOR shall not be liable for any
damage, loss or injury which may be sustained or suffered by the said LESSEE or
by any third party or parties to it or to their person or property while on said
premises, not for any damage or loss to the property of the LESSEE situate in
said leased premises, except insofar as said loss, damage or injury may be
occasioned by the negligence of the LESSOR, its servants, agents or
representatives, while upon said premises, and said LESSEE is to be responsible
for and to indemnify and save harmless the LESSOR of and from any and all loss,
damage, injury, fines, suits, proceedings, claims, demands and actions of any
kind or nature, of anyone whomsoever arising or growing out of or in any wise
connected with the occupancy or use of said premises, except as hereinabove
expressly excepted.

This lease shall be binding upon the parties hereto, their heirs, successors,
administrators and assigns.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have set their hands on the day and year
first above written.

WITNESSETH:

s/ Kelly Crawford                        BY: s/ Robert D. Scherich /s
-----------------------------                ----------------------------------
                                             VALLEY NATIONAL GASES, INC. LESSEE

s/ Deborah S. Roth                       BY: s/ Keith Woodruff
-----------------------------                ----------------------------------
                                             ACETYLENE PRODUCTS, INC. LESSOR

                                                                              8<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.7

                       VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED
                             1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN

1.       PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.

         The Valley National Gases Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") is intended as an incentive to, and to encourage ownership of the stock
of Valley National Gases Incorporated ("Company") by, certain key management
employees, officers and directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Plan
has been adopted in connection with a proposed initial public offering (the
"Offering") of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the
"Common Stock"). Certain options granted hereunder may qualify as incentive
stock options ("Incentive Stock Options") within the meaning of Section 422 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and other options
granted hereunder may not qualify as Incentive Stock Options, as determined in
each instance by the Committee referred to in Paragraph 4 (the "Committee").

2.       STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

         Six hundred fifty thousand (650,000) shares of the authorized but
unissued Common Stock of the Company have been allocated to the Plan and will be
reserved for issue upon the exercise of options granted under the Plan. The
Company may, in its discretion, use shares held in the treasury in lieu of
authorized but unissued shares. If any such option shall expire or terminate for
any reason without having been exercised in full, the purchased shares subject
thereto shall again be available for the purposes of the Plan. Any shares of
Common Stock which are used by an optionee as full or partial payment to the
Company of the purchase price of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of a stock
option shall again be available for the purposes of the Plan. The number of
shares with respect to which options may be granted to any individual during any
calendar year may not exceed fifty thousand (50,000) shares.

3.       ADMINISTRATION.

         The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the express
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have plenary authority, in its
discretion, to determine the individuals to whom, and the time or times at
which, options shall be granted and the number of shares to be subject to each
option. In making such determinations, the Committee may take into account the
nature of the services rendered by the respective individuals, their present and
potential contributions to the Company's success and such other factors as the
Committee, in its discretion, shall deem relevant. Subject to the express
provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall also have plenary authority to
interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to it, to determine the terms and provisions of the respective stock
option agreements (which need not be identical) and to make all other
determinations necessary

<PAGE>   2

or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee's determinations
on the matters referred to in this Paragraph 3 shall be conclusive.

4.       THE COMMITTEE.

         The Committee shall be the Nominating and Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors and shall at all times be constituted to comply with Rule
16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any successor to such Rule.
In addition, in order for options to qualify for the exemption from the one
million dollar limitation on deduction for executive compensation under Section
162(m) of the Code, such Committee would also have to consist solely of two or
more Outside Directors. For this purpose, an Outside Director shall mean a
director of the Company who:

         (1)      is not an employee of the Company or any subsidiary while he
                  is a member of the Committee;

         (2)      is not a former employee of the Company or a subsidiary who
                  receives compensation for prior services (other than benefits
                  under a tax-qualified retirement plan) during the taxable
                  year;

         (3)      has not been an Officer of the Company or a subsidiary; and

         (4)      shall not receive Remuneration from the Company or a
                  subsidiary either directly or indirectly in any capacity other
                  than as a director.

         "Remuneration" and "Officer" as used herein shall be determined in
accordance with Treas. Reg. Section 1.162-27(e)(3) or any successor thereto.

         The Committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, which may
from time to time appoint members of the Committee in substitution for members
previously appointed and may fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee.
The Board shall select the Chairman. The Committee shall hold its meetings at
such times and places as it may determine. A majority of its members shall
constitute a quorum. All determinations of the Committee shall be made by a
majority of its members present at any meeting at which there is a quorum. Any
decision or determination reduced to writing and signed by all of the members
shall be fully as effective as if it had been made by a majority vote at a
meeting duly called and held. The Committee may appoint a secretary, shall keep
minutes of its meetings and shall make such rules and regulations for the
conduct of its business as it shall deem advisable.

5.       ELIGIBILITY.

         Options may be granted only to key employees, officers and directors of
the Company or its subsidiaries. The term "subsidiary" shall mean any
corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations
beginning with the Company if,

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

at the time of the granting of the option, each of the corporations other than
the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of
the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other
corporations in such chain, or such other meaning as may be hereafter ascribed
to it in Section 424 of the Code. Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to
key employees and officers of the Company or its subsidiaries.

6.       OPTION PRICES.

         The purchase price of the Common Stock under each option shall not be
less than 100% of the fair market value of the stock at the time of the granting
of the option. Such fair market value shall generally be considered to be the
closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market (formerly
known as the NASDAQ/National Market System) on the day the option is granted (or
if such closing price is not reported on the date of grant, the last reported
closing price); provided, however, that the Committee may adopt any other
criterion for the determination of such fair market value as it may determine to
be appropriate. The purchase price is to be paid in full upon the exercise of
the option, either (i) in cash, (ii) in the discretion of the Committee, by the
tender to the Company of shares of the Common Stock of the Company, owned by the
optionee and registered in his name, having a fair market value equal to the
cash exercise price of the option being exercised, with the fair market value of
such stock to be determined in such appropriate manner as may be provided for by
the Committee or as may be required in order to comply with, or to conform to
the requirements of, any applicable laws or regulations, or (iii) in the
discretion of the Committee, by any combination of the payment methods specified
in clauses (i) and (ii) hereof; provided that, no shares of Common Stock may be
tendered in exercise of an option if such shares were acquired by the optionee
through the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option unless (i) such shares have
been held by the optionee for at least one year and (ii) at least two years have
elapsed since such Incentive Stock Option was granted. The proceeds of sale of
stock subject to option are to be added to the general funds of the Company or
to the shares of the Common Stock of the Company held in its Treasury, and used
for its corporate purposes as the Board of Directors shall determine.

7.       OPTION AMOUNTS.

         The maximum aggregate fair market value (determined at the time an
option is granted in the same manner as provided for in Paragraph 6 hereof) of
the Common Stock of the Company with respect to which Incentive Stock Options
are exercisable for the first time by any optionee during any calendar year
(under all plans of the Company and its subsidiaries) shall not exceed $100,000.

8.       EXERCISE OF OPTIONS.

         The term of each option shall be not more than ten (10) years from the
date of granting thereof or such shorter period as is prescribed in Paragraph 9
following. Within such limit, options will be exercisable at such time or times,
and subject to such

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

restrictions and conditions, as the Committee shall, in each instance, approve,
which need not be uniform for all optionees; provided, however, that no option
may be exercised (i) at any time prior to three (3) years from the date of
granting, and, (ii) except as provided in Paragraphs 9 and 10 following, unless
the optionee is then an employee or director of the Company or a subsidiary and
has been so employed or engaged continuously since the granting of the option.
The holder of an option shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with
respect to the shares subject to option until such shares shall be issued to him
upon the exercise of his option. Upon exercise of an option the Committee shall
withhold a sufficient number of shares to satisfy the Company's withholding
obligations for any taxes incurred as a result of such exercise; provided, that
in lieu of all or part of such withholding, the optinee may pay an equivalent
amount of cash to the Company.

9.       TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR.

         The holder of any option issued hereunder must exercise the option
prior to his termination of employment or service as a director. However, the
Committee in its absolute discretion may permit the optionee to exercise his
option, to the extent that he was entitled to exercise it at the date of such
termination of employment or service at any time within three (3) months after
such termination, but not after ten (10) years from the date of the granting
thereof. If the optionee terminates employment or service on account of
disability or retirement, he may exercise such option to the extent he was
entitled to exercise it at the date of such termination at any time within one
(1) year of the termination of his employment or service but not after ten (10)
years from the date of the granting thereof. For this purpose a person shall be
deemed to be disabled if he is permanently and totally disabled within the
meaning of Section 422(c)(6) of the Code, which, as of the date hereof, shall
mean that he is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason
of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be
expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months. A person shall be considered
disabled only if he furnishes such proof of disability as the Committee may
require. Options granted under the Plan shall not be affected by any change of
employment so long as the holder continues to be an employee of the Company or a
subsidiary thereof. The option agreements may contain such provisions as the
Committee shall approve with reference to the effect of approved leaves of
absence. Nothing in the Plan or in any option granted pursuant to the Plan shall
confer on any individual any right to continue in the employ or service of the
Company or any subsidiary or interfere in any way with the right of the Company
or any subsidiary thereof to terminate an employee's employment at any time.

10.      DEATH OF HOLDER OF OPTION.

         In the event of the death of an individual to whom an option has been
granted under the Plan, while he is employed by, or serves as a director of, the
Company (or a subsidiary), the option theretofore granted to him may be
exercised, to the extent that he was entitled to exercise it at the date of such
death, by a legatee or legatees of the option holder under his last will, or by
his personal representatives or distributees, at any time within a period of one
(1) year after his death, but not after ten (10) years from the date of

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

granting thereof, and only if and to the extent that he was entitled to exercise
the option at the date of his death.

11.      NON-TRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.

         Each option granted under the Plan shall, by its terms, be
non-transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution
and an option may be exercised, during the lifetime of the holder thereof, only
by him.

12.      SUCCESSIVE OPTION GRANTS.

         Successive option grants may be made to any holder of options under the
Plan.

13.      INVESTMENT PURPOSE.

         Each option under the Plan shall be granted only on the condition that
all purchases of stock thereunder shall be for investment purposes, and not with
a view to resale or distribution, except that the Committee may make such
provision with respect to options granted under this Plan as it deems necessary
or advisable for the release of such condition upon the registration with the
Securities and Exchange Commission of stock subject to the option, or upon the
happening of any other contingency warranting the release of such condition.

14.      ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION OR CORPORATE
         ACQUISITIONS.

         Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, the option agreements
may contain such provisions as the Committee shall determine to be appropriate
for the adjustment of the number and class of shares subject to each outstanding
option and the option prices and exercise amounts in the event of changes in the
outstanding Common Stock by reason of stock dividends, recapitalization,
mergers, consolidations, split-ups, combinations or exchanges of shares and the
like, and, in the event of any such change in the outstanding Common Stock, the
aggregate number and class of shares available under the Plan and the maximum
number of shares as to which options may be granted to any individual shall be
appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be
conclusive. In the event the Company or a subsidiary enters into a transaction
described in Section 424(a) of the Code with any other corporation, the
Committee may grant options to employees or former employees of such corporation
in substitution of options previously granted to them upon such terms and
conditions as shall be necessary to qualify such grant as a substitution
described in Section 424(a) of the Code. In the event of a special,
non-recurring distribution with respect to the Company's Common Stock, the
Committee may adjust the number of shares subject to each option and the option
price per share in such manner as the Committee deems just and equitable to
reflect such distribution, but in no event shall the total number of shares used
under the Plan exceed the number authorized under Paragraph 2.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

15.      AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.

         Either the Board of Directors or the Committee may at any time
terminate the Plan, or make such modifications of the Plan as it shall deem
advisable; provided, however, that neither the Board of Directors nor the
Committee may, without further approval by the holders of Common Stock, increase
the maximum numbers of shares as to which options may be granted under the Plan
(except under the anti-dilution provisions hereof), or change the class of
persons to whom options or may be granted, or withdraw the authority to
administer the Plan from a committee whose members satisfy the requirements of
Paragraph 4. No termination or amendment of the Plan may, without the consent of
the optionee to whom any option shall theretofore have been granted, adversely
affect the rights of such optionee under such option.

16.      EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN.

         The Plan shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of
Directors, subject, however, to its further approval by the shareholders of the
Company given within twelve (12) months of the date the Plan is adopted by the
Board of Directors at a regular meeting of the shareholders or at a special
meeting duly called and held for such purpose. Grants of options may be made
prior to such shareholder approval but all option grants made prior to
shareholder approval shall be subject to the obtaining of such approval and if
such approval is not obtained such options shall not be effective for any
purpose.

17.      TIME OF GRANTING OF OPTIONS.

         An option grant under the Plan shall be deemed to be made on the date
on which the Committee, by formal action of its members duly recorded in the
records thereof, makes an award of an option or to an eligible employee or
director of the Company or its subsidiaries (but in no event prior to the
adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors), provided that such option is
evidenced by a written option agreement duly executed on behalf of the Company
and on behalf of the optionee within a reasonable time after the date of the
Committee action.

18.      TERM OF PLAN.

         This Plan shall terminate ten (10) years after the date on which it is
approved and adopted by the Board of Directors or the Committee, and no option
shall be granted hereunder after the expiration of such ten-year period. Options
outstanding at the termination of the Plan shall continue in full force and
effect and shall not be affected thereby.

                                      * * *

         The foregoing Plan was approved and adopted by the Board of Directors
of the Company on January 16, 1997.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

                                    AMENDMENT
                                       TO
                       VALLEY NATIONAL GASES INCORPORATED
                             1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN

                        (Effective as of August 1, 2000)

         The Valley National Gases Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan (the
"Plan") is hereby amended as follows:

1.       Section 9 of the Plan is amended and restated in its entirety as
         follows:

"9.      TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICE AS DIRECTOR.

         (a)      Effect of Death, Disability or Retirement. If the optionee
                  terminates employment or service as a director on account of
                  death, disability or retirement during the period in which any
                  options under this Plan remain outstanding and such options
                  shall not have become fully exercisable, such options shall
                  become exercisable in full and shall remain outstanding for
                  the remainder of their respective terms and may be exercised
                  at any time after the optionee's death or disability by the
                  personal representatives, administrators, or, if applicable,
                  guardian of the optionee or by any person or persons to whom
                  the option is transferred by will or the applicable laws of
                  descent and distribution, subject to the condition that no
                  option shall be exercisable after the expiration of the term
                  of the option, provided, however, that any such options
                  exercised after the one-year period following optionee's
                  disability, or after the three-month period following
                  optionee's retirement, shall automatically convert to
                  non-Incentive Stock Options. In accordance with Section
                  422(c)(6) of the Code, and as used herein, a person shall be
                  deemed to be disabled if he is permanently and totally
                  disabled within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code,
                  which, as of the date hereof, shall mean that he is unable to
                  engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any
                  medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can
                  be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be
                  expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12
                  months. A person shall be considered disabled only if he
                  furnishes such proof of disability as the Committee may
                  require. For purposes of the provisions of this paragraph, a
                  person shall be deemed to qualify for retirement if (i) in the
                  case of an employee, such person has reached the age of 65; or
                  (ii) in the case of a director, such person has served as a
                  director for at least nine years and/or has reached the age of
                  65. Options granted under the Plan shall not be affected by
                  any change of employment so long as the holder continues to be
                  an employee of the Company or a subsidiary thereof. The option
                  agreements may contain such provisions as the Committee shall
                  approve with reference to the effect of approved leaves of
                  absence.

         (b)      Early Termination of Options and Other Restrictions.

                  (i) Commission of Certain Acts. If an optionee's employment
with the Company is terminated for any of the reasons listed below, or if the
optionee breaches

                                      A-1
<PAGE>   8

the terms and conditions of the respective stock option agreement, such
optionee's options shall terminate immediately without further action by the
Company.

                  (a) optionee's material breach of any contractual obligation
         to the Company or any Company Affiliate under the terms of any
         agreement between the optionee and the Company or any Company
         Affiliate, or the breach of any fiduciary duty the optionee owes to the
         Company or to any Company Affiliate;

                  (b) optionee's indictment on or conviction for any crime
         involving moral turpitude or any felony;

                  (c) optionee's failure to carry out any reasonable directive
         of the Company or any Company Affiliate;

                  (d) optionee's consumption of alcohol on duty or reporting for
         duty under the influence of alcohol, or the use or possession by
         optionee of a controlled substance, as defined by applicable federal or
         state laws, while on duty unless prescribed by a physician.

                  (e) optionee's embezzlement or misappropriation of funds of
         the Company or any Company Affiliate;

                  (f) any failure by the optionee to comply with any policy of
         the Company that is applicable to the optionee; or

                  (g) a demonstrated lack of commitment of the optionee to the
         Company, or conduct by the optionee which is detrimental to the Company
         or the optionee's failure to perform the duties of his position or
         perform the services for which the optionee has been engaged at a level
         of individual performance adequate to the Company.

         "Company Affiliate" as used herein shall mean (i) an entity that,
directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, is controlled by the
Company and (ii) any entity in which the Company has a significant equity
interest, in each case as determined by the Committee.

         (ii) Voluntary or Other Termination. In the event an optionee's
employment with the Company is terminated voluntarily by the optionee, the
optionee may exercise such option to the extent he was entitled to exercise it
at the date of such termination. The Committee may, in its sole discretion,
grant to optionee an extension of the period during which optionee may exercise
such option following such termination, provided, however, that such extension
period, if granted, may not exceed 90 days following the termination and no such
option may be exercised after 10 years from the date of granting thereof. In the
event an optionee's employment with the Company is terminated for any reason
other than voluntary termination or for the reasons listed in

                                      A-2
<PAGE>   9

paragraphs 9(a) or 9(b)(i)(a) - (g) above, such optionee shall have a period of
three years following such termination to exercise options that vest prior to or
during such period, but not after 10 years from the date of granting thereof,
provided, however, that any options exercised after the three-month period
following optionee's termination shall automatically convert to non-Incentive
Stock Options. The Committee's determination as to whether any such reason for
termination exists shall be final, binding and conclusive.

         (iii) Additional Termination Events and Restrictions. The Committee
shall have full and complete authority to determine whether the options, or all
or any part of the Common Stock acquired upon exercise thereof, shall be subject
to additional termination events, restrictions on the transferability thereof or
any other restrictions affecting in any manner the optionee's rights with
respect thereto, which such events and restrictions shall be contained in the
respective stock option agreement.

         (c) No Right to Employment. Nothing in the Plan or in any option
granted pursuant to the Plan shall confer on any individual any right to
continue in the employ or service of the Company or any subsidiary or interfere
in any way with the right of the Company or any subsidiary thereof to terminate
an employee's employment at any time."

2.       Section 10 of the Plan is deleted in its entirety and the remaining
         sections are renumbered accordingly. The reference in the second
         sentence of Section 8 of the Plan to "Paragraphs 9 and 10" shall be to
         "Paragraph 9."

         The foregoing Amendment was approved and adopted by the Board of
Directors of the Company effective as of August 1, 2000 and shall apply to all
options outstanding on such date, except for options granted effective
January 2, 2000.

                                      A-3

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