Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/743325
30 Oil Prophets At the time of this writing the presidential election is only ninety days away and there is a perceptible mood of foreboding throughout the industry. After eight frustrating years of an illogical anti-business administration, it's unfathomable that we are facing the prospect of another four years of the same sort of anti-petroleum, anti- convenience excesses. To many, it's similar to what the defenders of the Alamo felt after struggling to repulse the first wave of Mexicans, only to find another wave scaling the walls, with even more behind them and the ammo running out. Short of praying that American voters suddenly wake up and make a rational decision for a change or that the businessman running for office sticks to the issues and his teleprompter; proactive measures must be taken to defend our industry from a seemingly inevitable future. The best line of defense against the progressive governmental onslaught rests with our Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA) affiliated state marketer associations. Be they local, state or national issues, these established associations work tirelessly to protect the thin red line that separates us from total despair and business decline versus an environment of proactive response and protection. As many of my industry friends know, I have been active with various state associations for many years and currently serve on the Membership Committees of two state associations. Membership on these committees has provided a close view of the internal challenges that state associations face, while the challenges to our industry have never been greater. "I won't belong to any organization that would have me as a member." Groucho Marx Industry consolidation has reduced the universe of marketers across the country making it a challenge for many state associations to maintain a sufficient level of membership to fund the necessary work. Those that choose not to join offer a myriad of reasons why they don't get involved, while some that join are basically members in name only and don't actively participate at an acceptable level. Another big challenge is to motivate multi state operators or MLP's to join petro associations in states where they have a significant business presence. In my humble opinion, I think Out and About the Industry United We Stand, Divided We Fall… A Marketer Call to Action. By Mark Radosevich