b'2021-2022 Holiday WelcomePresidents MessageCERTAINTY AMID UNCERTAINTYT said in all affairsThe British Scholar Bertrand Russellits a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted. As we wrap up another year in which our country is going through a period of great uncertainty and diminished expectations, I would like to share my experiences from the WPMA state conventions. I was very fortunate to be able to visit seven of the WPMA President,eight state conventions and I found in every case, not diminished expectations, butSteve Clarkheightened ones. Not uncertainty, but certainty in our resolve to fight for our industry and the fact that being in the battle together is vital. I was able to watch our state executives and WPMA staff organize, coordinate and execute eachmeeting with precision. They routinely dealt with unexpected issues and it was very impressive.I confess that I had been unaware of how much is involved to pull off a smooth show. Most of the state conventions exceeded normal attendance by attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Meeting agendas were filled with great speakers, everyone from fuel experts to state legislativerepresentatives to governors. After a year of no meetings, I was very encouraged to see how wellattended not just the social events were, but the business meetings and board meetings. Involvement and enthusiasm were very high. Overall, the meetings were a display of the integrity and professional-ism of our members and state executives.All of the venues were excellent and the golf tournaments were a great combination of fun andchallenge. Legislative results in this past year were mixed from state to state. Washington statehad some disappointing losses, Oregon and Utah managed to get through unscathed, and Idahoand Montana had tremendous successes. So, it is a healthy thing every now and then to question entrenched habits and structures; see if they still reflect your mind and heart. Based on the energy and enthusiasm I was able to experience at the state conventions, I would say that no one is taking anything for granted.On behalf of my family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year. I look forward to seeing you all at the Mirage in February at the 2022 WPMAEXPO!! SWPMA News / Winter 20215'