Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/175761
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE What does P&CMA Association Membership "MEAN"? B efore I go any further, I want to take a point of personal privilege and thank Arleen Alexander for her 13 years of dedicated service to the association. Arleen resigned her position effective May 31st to pursue other interests. During her years with the association she represented you and your business in a professional way. She was a well respected lobbyist who always had the best interests of the membership as her priority. I know you join me in wishing her every possible success in her future endeavors. I also want to recognize Lynne Coker on our staff who did a yeoman's job at convention again this year only a few weeks after undergoing knee replacement surgery. Lynne was only out of the office for two weeks following the surgery and then returned part-time to ensure we didn't miss a beat preparing for convention. She, too, is a dedicated employee who loves to serve the membership. Finally, I want to thank my wife, Christy, and my son, Austin, for their help in the weeks leading up to convention and at the event itself. With Lynne out of commission, Christy really pitched in and filled the void, and Austin was invaluable especially with on-site issues. Okay, now on to my column… I would like for you to ask yourself this question. "What does association membership MEAN to me and my company?" Certainly there are no incorrect responses to this question. In fact, I would be very surprised if we didn't have a variety of answers to the question because while some may agree 8 OIL PROPHETS SUMMER 2013 on certain things, association membership may MEAN something different to many. Let's expand on the word "MEAN" for just a minute. M – Money The association means money to your business. Now if you are thinking, "How is that possible?" think of this: The association's legislative efforts established the Above Ground and Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund. If you own tanks, imagine your business without the coverage this fund provides. Imagine the cost of even the smallest clean-up. Imagine trying to get a loan for a new location without the coverage provided by the Fund. The association's legislative efforts established the Below Cost Sales Law. Imagine your business without the predatory pricing protection this law provides. The association established AlaCOMP and provided workers' compensation insurance to members when it was otherwise unavailable. E – Education The association provides multiple educational opportunities throughout any given year. From the seminars at the Gulf Coast Food and Fuel Expo, to the annual Driver Safety Meetings, convention seminars, and the Winter Membership Meeting, P&CMA works hard to keep you, and your employees, informed and educated.