5 www.ortrucking.org Issue 2 | 2023 ADVOCATING, EDUCATING, AND PROMOTING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS Family Leave and the prohibition against signing bonuses that is currently being debated in Salem. Marijuana legalization impacts drug-free workplace policies and how companies can handle those issues is always a topic of concern. Climate change warnings have pushed Oregon into adopting California’s zero-emission vehicle goals that will impact your ability to buy new internal combustion engines in the near future. And the issues go on and on... But advocacy is not limited to when the Legislature is in session. The ability to provide “public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy” as the Oxford dictionary explains this concept, happens year-round in a variety of ways that can help or hurt our industry. While we depend on a strong lobby team to carry the ball, we also need an engaged membership to support their work. Events like our Trucking Day at the Capitol, the TruckPAC dinners and golf tournaments, conventions and leadership participation can make the difference between success and failure on the policy front. Together we need to help policymakers appreciate that Trucking Moves Oregon’s Economy and that the success of our industry helps to build the success of their communities. You may have joined OTA for reasons other than our advocacy efforts. We certainly provide premier training, enjoyable and effective conferences and conventions, and networking opportunities. Maybe you joined because of our Worker’s Compensation Insurance program or our Drug Consortium. Whatever encouraged you to become a member of OTA, we are glad you joined us. We only ask that you consider joining our advocacy efforts as well. For an industry that provides 1 in 16 jobs in our state, it will take all of us to accomplish the goal of making the trucking industry in Oregon more profitable, more efficient, more diverse, and more effective. As I look out the plane window on my way home from Washington, D.C., I am filled with pride in this industry. I’m looking forward to nearly 90 members joining our lobby team this week for our Trucking Day at the Capitol to engage in advocacy efforts on behalf of trucking. This organization has grown, our membership is engaged, and our opportunities are endless. While other industries are still trying to recover from the pandemic, trucking remains a leader in moving forward despite the obstacles. Every one of you reading this column is important to our efforts. See you soon. IN PERSON!!
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