Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/107993
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE Looking Forward to the Year Ahead of Us I t's hard to get motivated to write this column because my deadline is December 21st. If the Mayan calendar predictions are correct and the world comes to an end on December 21, 2012, nobody will be around to read this great literary work. On the other hand, if the Mayans were incorrect then life goes on, and we have a lot to do early in 2013! Announced at the General Membership Meeting in December, P&CMA is holding a Membership Drive thru March 15th. All members are encouraged to check their list of dealers, suppliers and vendors to see that those companies with whom you do the most business on a monthly basis are members of the association. Thanks to PPM Consultants for providing the prizes associated with our drive. Be sure to sponsor several new members prior to March 15, 2013, thereby giving you more chances to be a winner, too! In early February, the members of the Alabama legislature will return to Montgomery for the start of the 2013 Regular Legislative Session. In addition to looking out for bills that would be harmful to P&CMA members we will be introducing a "technical corrections" bill designed to fix unintended outcomes of the recently enacted Rack Tax legislation. Finally, we'll keep a close eye out for any legislation that would harm either the Alabama Motor Fuel Marketing Act (below cost bill) or the Alabama Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. In March we'll all head back to Biloxi, MS for our annual trade show, "The Gulf Coast Food and Fuel Expo." Held in partnership with the Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association, this two-day event is a "Must Attend" for P&CMA members. Brand meetings, educational seminars, exhibits galore (with all that is new and exciting in our industry), and plenty of fun 8 OIL PROPHETS WINTER 2013 and fellowship….all for the excitingly low price of..… NOTHING, NADA, ZILCH, FREE!! You can't beat the price or the event. Watch your mail for registration and hotel information. We look forward to seeing you in Biloxi. Finally, the 2013 Annual Convention comes in early June. You'll want to mark your calendars now for this exciting event as we return to the Grand Dame of the South, The Grand Hotel in Pt. Clear, Alabama. The Grand Hotel and our convention both hold special memories for me and my family. Some of you may remember that my first ever AOA Summer Convention (way back in 1990) was held at the Grand Hotel. My wife, Christy, couldn't attend because she was at home very pregnant with our first child, Austin, who would eventually be born 2 days after the convention ended. It was a stressful but exciting week to say the least. This summer I won't be worried about a new baby, but I will be just as excited to be at the Grand Hotel with the best group of association members in the world. So as you can see, if the Mayans got it wrong and we're all still around, we've got a lot to look forward to in 2013. I ask you to please make every effort to participate in the upcoming events. You'll be glad you did. Sincerely, J. Bart Fletcher, CAE President