Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/175761
CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Wine Coolers and Motels... D own here in Opp, Alabama, it's easy to confuse our "laid back" lifestyle with something much different. Frankly, we like it that way. Without all the hustle and bustle of big cities like Dothan, we're able to more deeply ponder life's important matters. That's exactly what I was doing the other night while spending a relaxing evening at my farm. As I sat there thinking about things, I happened to remember a few years ago when wine coolers became all the rage. They were like Kool-Aid with a kick. The Piggy-Wiggly in Opp couldn't keep the dang things in stock in the summertime because all the ladies were taking them to the pool. This made for a few exciting afternoons at the Country Club… but that's another story for another time. Anyhow, the product line is well remembered for its folksy television commercials which ran from 1984 to 1991. Two older gentlemen characters, Frank Bartles and Ed Jaymes sat on a front porch and related their new discoveries or projects on which they were working. The characters were patterned after two men who started a little winery which eventually became the Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery . "So what does this have to do with the association?" you may be asking. At the end of every commercial, Frank Bartles (Ed never spoke by the way) would say, "We thank you for your support." There you go. Like Bartles and Jaymes, without your support the association is just like a couple of guys sitting on a front porch. Good folks, good product, good intentions, but that's about as far as it goes. It takes "YOUR SUPPORT" for us to reach our fullest potential. We cannot accomplish as individuals anywhere near what we can accomplish when we work together. 6 OIL PROPHETS SUMMER 2013 Our recently completed convention is a perfect example of this. By all accounts the convention was a great success. But it didn't happen because of the efforts of just one or two people. Instead, our staff, volunteer committee members, associate and affiliate members who sponsored events, and everyone in attendance each played a critical role in the overall success of the convention. I want to personally thank each of you for your support! Well, as the night wore on I thought about another famous commercial. This time I remembered one from the radio. A guy named Tom Bodette did a series of commercials for Motel 6. Like Frank and Ed, Tom always sounds pleasant and friendly, and he always ends his commercials by telling us "We'll leave a light on for you." Now here in Opp we know exactly what that means. It means come on over. You're always welcome. Like Motel 6, you're always welcome at P&CMA. Whether it's at the Gulf Coast Food and Fuel Expo, our annual convention, the Fall Outing, the General Membership Meeting or one of our many educational opportunities throughout the year; your participation is not only encouraged, it's desired. We want to see you and we want you to fully enjoy the benefits of the association. So, from the farm in Opp I want each of you to know…… "Thank you for your support. We'll leave a light on for you." R. Shayne Lord P&CMA Chairman