Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/626797
8 Oil Prophets PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE By the time this issue of Oil Prophets reaches you we will be just a few weeks away from the start of the 2016 Regular Legislative Session. The 2016 session is important to P&CMA members because we already know there will be a strong push for a significant increase in the state motor fuels tax. In addition, we will aggressively oppose any continued attempts to take money from the UST Trust Fund to cover shortfalls in ADEM's budget. One of the most effective governmental affairs tools the association uses is the grassroots contacts of our members across the state. Said differently, having each of you available to make personal contacts with the legislators in your area is invaluable. Oftentimes members don't realize the potential impact they can have on issues of importance and they are uncomfortable participating in the political process. At a recent meeting of my southeastern PMAA association executive peers I was given the information below from Emily LeRoy, the association executive from the Tennessee Fuel and Convenience Store Association. Recently TFCSA was recognized by the Southern Political Reporter magazine as one of the top five associations in Tennessee with regard to their political clout. Please take a look at the information and consider what you can do to increase your political involvement. Your company, your association and your industry stand to benefit! Expand Your Political Clout - 8 Easy Ideas 1. Host a "Meet & Greet." Legislators like to have Meet & Greets where they publicize an opportunity for constituents to stop by a location where the legislator will be available during certain hours. Call a legislator whom you support and offer your store as a location for a Meet & Greet. Promote the event to your customers and donate beverages to attendees. Bonus if you serve beverages in containers with your company logo. 2. Give a Party. Host a lunch, cookout or other event on the day or week of an election. Invite your customers, neighbors, employees, elected officials and candidates for office. Bonus if you partner with suppliers to serve food that is featured in your stores. 3. Do Something Social. Invite an elected official to breakfast, lunch or coffee. 4. Invite Elected Officials to Tour Your Bulk Plant or Facility. Explain how your company operates. Let them look at your storage tanks. Point out all of your "regulated" areas (tanks, SPCC areas, air permits, etc....). Introduce them to your employees. 5. Offer Signage. C-Stores (and some bulk plants) are located in the most visible intersections in a city. Call an elected official or candidate whom you support and provide addresses where he or she may post signs. It's important to have a company policy about campaign signage so you have clear guidelines on who may post signs. Surprisingly, signage may be more valuable to an elected official than a campaign contribution. 6. Engage Your Employees. Attach a flyer to the paychecks to encourage them to support candidates who are supportive of our industry and issues. Expand Our Political Clout J. Bart Fletcher, CAE P&CMA President