T
he OESP (National Association of Oil & Energy
Service Professionals) hosted its 61st Annual
Convention & Trade Show in Hershey, PA from
May 17-21, 2015. The show focused on education,
new products on the show floor and networking
with industry stakeholders. But all eyes were on
OESP Executive Director Judy Garber as she marked her last
OESP show as executive director.
OESP honored Garber for her outstanding contributions to
our industry. It was a bittersweet celebration.
The Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 19 was a special night.
Garber received the Lifetime Achievement Award alongside her
family and friends. She remarked that she is rarely surprised,
but that night was an exception. She was at a loss for words and
touched by the outpouring of appreciation.
Fuel Oil News got a chance to sit down with Garber to chat a bit
about her transition into retirement.
She said that simply, it was time to step aside.
"It's time, when you hit that wall where your feel like your
creative juices and your energies are just not where they should
be. You get tired of 'Groundhog Day,' I don't want that to ever
happen," said Garber, adding that she's already extended her
time with OESP. "Originally, I was going to retire in September
(2015). But because of so many changes going on, we had the
opportunity to partner with another group. So, I changed my
mind, I'll stay until June (2016)," said Garber, discussing the
future combined show with AREE.
She said that her final project will be making sure the new show
has a good foundation.
"I think me being able to be behind the scenes and make sure
our association is protected and making sure that their investment
is protected, I think we can really transition beautifully. Then come
next June, it's all yours!" said Garber, looking forward to the new
challenge. "I'm somebody that can't operate on a flat line. I'll be
24 JULY 2015 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
OESP Bids Farewell
to Judy Garber
Annual convention show gives bittersweet sendoff amid education, networking
BY NICHOLAS UPTON
