OTA Dispatch Fall 2015

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4 Oregon Truck DISPATCH
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Jana Jarvis
OTA President
...it is my mission to make certain
that OTA provides you with the
services and benefits you need
to excel in our industry.
This fall issue of the Oregon Truck Dispatch marks the beginning of a
yearlong membership drive effort. Consolidation in our industry, combined
with the Great Recession, has reduced our number in recent years. As the voice of
the trucking industry in Oregon, our ability to provide you with quality services is
highly dependent on the aggregated support we receive and it is my mission to
make certain that OTA provides you with the services and benefits you need to
excel in our industry. So, it is ever important to define what those services and
benefits are that make your participation valuable.
As I traveled around the state with our On the Road presentations this past month,
it became clearer to me what this association provides that adds value to your
membership. I recognize that you join for a variety of reasons; therefore we need to
meet those needs in a variety of ways. And…we need to clarify them to you to
remind you of the value of your membership and to encourage you to help us grow.
First, and foremost, the Oregon Trucking Associations’ mission is to provide you
with quality advocacy at the state and local level. Most trade associations put an
emphasis on this effort, but few accomplish it as well as OTA and few are regarded
as the voice of their industry to the same extent that you enjoy as an OTA member.
In the legislative arena transportation discussions simply don’t occur without input
from OTA. I recognized this as a lobbyist for other interest groups and always
strove for a productive, workable relationship with OTA. At the local level, many
of our members hold key positions on transportation related committees and
trucking’s interests are highly sought. How does this impact you? These ideas
impact your bottom line positively or negatively—you see that with regulations that
add cost without adding benefit. Our mission on your behalf
is to support those ideas that benefit your bottom line and
fight concepts that adversely impact you. It’s not always easy
to define—or accomplish—but our record shows that having
this voice benefits you greatly.
Secondly, we have a wealth of educational tools available to
you to help you succeed. Whether it is a safety-related topic,
a new regulation, a maintenance procedure, or a business
question, OTA can provide a wealth of information to help
you succeed. Our Safety Management Council and our Technology & Maintenance
Council provide regular educational meetings around the state for you and your
employees. OTA also provides safety training in regularly scheduled classes that
keeps your safety personnel updated. On the Road presentations are geared to
giving you the latest legislative and regulatory updates—information that gives
you an edge and reduces your liability. And you can always call with a question—
we have experts on staff and will strive to find the answer to your question.
Thirdly, OTA provides you with a variety of member benefits. From discounts on
diesel to health insurance, we work to bring you value on a variety of products and
services. This year we have put an emphasis on developing relationships with a