Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703158
4 Oil Prophets I hope this finds each of you well and enjoying a great summer. Since the last time I had the opportunity to talk with you several important things have happened. First, the 2016 Regular Legislative Session came to a close. This session was a busy one for the P&CMA Governmental Affairs folks, primarily due to the strong attempt to increase the statewide motor fuels tax rates. Almost every "pro-business" trade association joined a coalition formed by the Road Builders Association, the League of Municipalities and the Association of County Commissions. Standing virtually alone on the island opposing the tax increase was P&CMA. It is important that I point out yet again that P&CMA IS NOT opposed to a reasonable increase in the statewide motor fuels excise tax. We recognize the need for infrastructure improvements and the economic development that they often bring. However, we do oppose placing more money into a system that is flawed. From the beginning, P&CMA's position was one of support for an increase in the statewide tax so long as the legislation also included language that would restrict future local option taxes (city and county motor fuels taxes). We had agreed upon compromise language inserted into the bill that would have addressed our concerns, however after pressure from the larger cities, the bill's sponsor withdrew his support for the compromise. Ultimately the bill failed but you can rest assured we will continue to see similar legislation in the coming sessions. P&CMA will continue to lobby for reasonable restrictions on new local option taxes as a part of any statewide motor fuels tax increases. Second, our summer convention was held at the Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia. This issue of Oil Prophets contains a lot of additional information and photos from this year's event so I won't spend a lot of time here covering the details. Suffice to say that this year's event may have been one of the most enjoyable conventions in the recent past. If you didn't come, you missed a great event and a beautiful location. My hat is off to the P&CMA staff who worked hard to make this year's event such a success. Please make plans now to join us for the 2017 Summer Convention which will be held July 16-18, 2017 at the brand new Henderson Beach Resort Hotel in Destin, Florida. Third, I am thrilled to announce that the Georgia Oilmen's Association (GOA) has recommended the Gulf Coast Food & Fuel Expo® to its members beginning in 2017. GOA has not held a trade show for several years. We look forward to welcoming them to Biloxi next March and having them as a part of the Expo for many years to come. With Georgia's recommendation, the Gulf Coast Food & Fuel Expo® is now the primary trade show event for wholesale petroleum marketers and retail convenience store operators in four Southeastern states. If you have friends and/or business associates who are GOA members, be sure to extend them a personal invitation to attend the 2017 Expo! And finally, Wednesday, July 6, 2016 was National Fried Chicken Day! Is this a great country or what? Sincerely, Shayne Lord P&CMA Chairman CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS A Busy Season R. Shayne Lord P&CMA Chairman