b'2021-22 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!OREGON Fuels Association Report Oregon OriginalSeasons Greetings from OFAOR employment crisis at our stations that may bring forth a mini/self-As we wrap the year upand spend time with loved ones, Im reminded of myserve environment across the entire state. Polling suggests that we friendly competitors, industry personnel,are on the right path by creating CHOICE for the consumer! and front-line workers. To many of us,We dont win every battle we go up against. Its not from lack of this year has been another roller-coastereffort, but the reality of the state we do business within. That does of events that we are trying to navigatenot mean the fight was worthless or that we should be silenced, it Gabriel Zirklethe best we can. But I would like to takemeans we need to increase our efforts. Staff the Government with OFA President a moment and thank the people that helppeople that will work for industry inclusion. Change the way we make our jobs meaningful.have been doing things and play the game with the intent to win. There is a culture in our Petroleum-based industry that is Cap and Reduce is looking like it will pass and start burdening OFA magnetic. Once oil gets into your system, you tend to stickour pocketbooks soon. But I see it as an opportunity to engage our around for a while. Our industry employs some of the brightestcustomers, recruit the next generation of single site operators that and most gifted individuals and spurs on innovation. We reachdont know or understand there is a voice speaking on their behalf. every facet of the globe with our products and nearly makeIf you know people making profits off our industry, you shouldthe world go round! But sometimes our values are pushed upask if they know about OFA. Its each of us members job to giveagainst, and our most valued assets are forced to make tougha voice to responsible regulations. The OFA Board cannot go atdecisionsdo I continue working? For so many its an easy answerwhat else would I do? But that default answer isthis alone. We need your help and your participation to effectbeing challenged by a small group of individuals.sustainable change. I want to encourage and thank all the people that make my jobMany of you have just wrapped up joining me and others for the easier, that open our stations, fry the food that energizes theHoliday Reception held in Portland. Our Board is moving forward blue-collar workers, the drivers that safely transport the goodswith details to delight and entertain the members at the Annual and products that allow mom to take the kids to school, the storeConference in Sunriver July 17-19th, 2022 and so much more! personnel that greet with a smile, and those gas attendants thatWith a couple sub committee groups leading the way to ensure brave the weather to pump our gas. Those salespersons thatyour issues are getting the attention of the elected officials that take a lot of Nos to get to the YES. From receptionists turn- represent each of us. ing on the lights to the custodian that shuts it down at night. IfFolks, its not easy to be in business. Its not easy to be in charge. you dont know, they are all part of this great group called theBut I am thankful that I get to do those things in the PNW. Thank-Oregon Fuels Association!ful for the people I rub shoulders with in our industry. Marketers What a privilege it has been to serve you over the past 12and Associate members alike, we are all responsible to ensure the months. Honestly, I have learned more about the members andadvocacy of the smallest members desires are represented. what this association does in one year than the nine years I haveThanks for being a part of the Oregon Fuels Association andserved on the Board of Directors. We still have improvements tosupporting us throughout the year! make, but like the world is experiencing, you can either choose to do nothing, or roll your sleeves up and get moving.Merry Christmas and Happy New YearOFA is on the move! We are rolling out member engagementGabriel Zirkle, OFA Presidentmaterial, new signage to bring that grass roots effort the atten- Board of Directors: Jeff Rouse, Matt Truax, Mark Gram,tion it deserves. Reviewing some of the old legislation that justRon Tyree, Aaron Reding, Mark Fitz, DJ Builta, Joe Sacomano, missed the votes of approval, they are paving the way to what isDerek Aldrich, Alex Bretthauer, Chris Huiard,going to be a jammed-packed short session in the new year. OurTracey Anderson, Danelle Romain, and Mike Freeselobbyists are rewriting some law language to assist us with the S40 www.wpma.com / Winter 2021'