National Petroleum News (NPN) has been the independent voice of the petroleum industry since 1909 as the opposition to Rockefeller’s Standard Oil. So, motor fuels marketing and retail is not just a sideline for us, it’s our core competency.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/230121
FULLSERVICE On the Backs of Giants T his issue of NPN Magazine reminds me of what a great pleasure it's been to be involved with this industry since 1999. Our post-event coverage of the NACS Show/PEI Convention showcases the vibrancy, spirit and drive of the industry. Like most parts of the economy today we face some challenges — fuel demand destruction for one — but motor fuel marketers and convenience retailers are facing those challenges head-on. Today's marketers and retailers are efficient, sophisticated and effective. For every challenge that arises there are new opportunities such as the increased adoption of natural gas as a motor fuel and the ever dynamic retailing opportunities inside the convenience store. The trade show floor was crowded with attendees cycling through booths manned by some of the most innovative and entrepreneurial companies to serve any industry. Kudos for all involved. And if you look at our Legislative Leader Award winners this year (article on page 16), you realize the spirit of the industry is as strong and vibrant as it has ever been. As I touched on in the article, National Petroleum News got its start as the voice of the independent petroleum industry fighting against the suffocating grip of Rockefeller's Standard Oil. Although I'm a libertarian leaning person, I've always tried to draw the distinction between how things function in the real world and the academic viewpoint on issues like antitrust regulation. It is hard for me to find disagreement with the idea that independent marketers had little chance to achieve anything approaching capitalism's level playing field without fighting to break free. Warren C. Platt founded National Petroleum News in 1909 as the unifying force to bring these independent players together during that fight. That battle was successful and the country has been very well served in the years since because of that success. While I can take pride in our magazine's role in these achievements the reality, then as now, is that such great victories are only won by the actual members of this industry. A trade magazine — or an association — can only do so much without the entrepreneurs in that industry being willing to get out there and fight for their future. To take that fight to opponents who are typically wellfunded and well-motivated to achieve their ends at the industry's expense. The cliché "on the backs of giants" is bandied around frequently. And certainly there have been many giants serving this industry over so many decades. But giants are not extinct; they join the many effective and hard-working associations every year. They take personal time away from family and maintaining their businesses to support the industry in Washington or the statehouse. Is the struggle as close to the edge as it was back in 1909? Perhaps it is not. The industry has matured and there are far more resources available to take on those who would do it harm. But those who would do it harm are every bit as powerful and certainly more numerous than when John D. Rockefeller was the main foe. They don't care if the hard work that you put in, perhaps building upon the hard work of several generations, is set because of some bureaucratic policy decision made without thoughtful consideration or deep analysis. Who is going to educate them? Who is going to pressure them? Who is going to stop them? Can you count on someone else to keep your livelihood protected? As you start into the New Year think about protecting your business, and the needs of the industry next year and the years that will follow. Think about becoming a bigger part of something great and worthwhile. Think about becoming one of those giants that future generations will look up to and admire as they start out on their careers in this industry. And finally, with great appreciation and admiration a Merry Christmas, happy holidays and happy New Year to you all. n Keith Reid EDITOR-IN-CHIEF kreid@specialtyim.com 4 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013 THE SOURCE FOR PETROLEUM AND CONVENIENCE MARKETERS Editorial office List Rental/REPRINTS EDITORIAL STAFF cnaughton@specialtyim.com 1030 W. Higgins, Suite 230 Park Ridge, IL 60068 Cheryl Naughton Phone: (678) 292-6054 Fax: (360) 294-6054 Editor-in-Chief Keith Reid Corporate Office kreid@specialtyim.com 1030 W. Higgins Road, Suite 230 Park Ridge, IL 60060 (847) 720-5600 Fax: (847) 720-5601 (847) 720-5615 Associate Editor Debra Reschke Schug SUBSCRIPTION CUSTOMER SERVICE dschug@specialtyim.com (847) 720-5618 Phone: (845) 856-2229 Fax: (845) 856-5822 Contributing Writers Stephen Bennett Maura Keller Mark Ward, Sr. PRODUCTION Art Director Brian Snook Production Manager Karen Kalinyak advertising & SALES National Account Manager – East: Tom Buttrick 135 E. 55th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10022 (212) 588-9200, 1325 tbuttrick@specialtyim.com East: Dave Campbell (413) 528-2364 Fax: (413) 528-8835 dcampbell@specialtyim.com Central & South: Rich Alden (603) 899-3010 Fax: (603) 899-2343 ralden@specialtyim.com Central and Mid-West: Leslie Palmer (248) 530-0300 Fax: (248) 530-0301 lpalmer@specialtyim.com West: Glenn Datz 626 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 596-7200 gdatz@specialtyim.com CLASSIFIED SALES Glenn Datz 626 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 500 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (213) 596-7200 gdatz@specialtyim.com NPN—National Petroleum News (ISSN 0149-5267) is published 9 times per year including two special issues Marketfacts and Marketfacts Review Issue (October) by Specialty Information Media. 1030 W. 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