b'2024 State ReportPost WPMAEXPOMONTANAPetroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association ReportSpring Greetings from Montana This is always an interesting time of year in Montana.We are famous for our wild weather and there is no more wild time of year than spring. It is not uncommon to wear shorts one day and wake to six inches of heavy snow the next. As a spring sports parent, I keep clothes for every season in the car, though I seem to use my winter gear the most. WPMAs annual Trade Show in Las Vegas in February was wonderful as always. We had a Brad Longcakegood showing of Montana members who attended the conference, trade show and ourMPMCSA Executive Director Montana meeting. The keynote speaker, Jesse Watters, shared a fascinating presentation about his journey through the political media. It was interesting to hear his perspective on the issues facing our country and how that pertains to our industry. This was the largest trade show to date with a huge variety of vendors bringing their offerings to the group. Planning is well underway for the 2024 Montana Trade Show and Convention at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. There will be a change of venue for our golf tournament. This year we will have the opportunity to enjoy the course right at Fairmont with their brand-new clubhouse. As always, expect some fun on the golf course. Shooting will again be at the Anaconda Trap Club. The number of shooters continues to grow as well as the competition amongst them. We are expecting some great speakers and have some interesting opportuni-ties to present to the group. Please reach out to me if there are any specific topics you would like to see covered. The 2024 election season is living up to expectations for excitement. The Senate racebetween incumbent Jon Tester and newcomer Tim Sheehy is drawing national attention.The race for the 2nd Congressional District has a large field of republican candidates squar-ing off in the primary. Incumbent Matt Rosendale has kept things interesting with a short-lived bid for the Senate seat, then another short bid to retain his current Congressional seat, followed by withdrawal from the race. This will be the first election since the update of the state district map. This has led to a number of interesting primary races between sitting incumbents, as well as races that may shift the balance between Republicans and Democrats. The Republicans are not projected to hold their previous super majority. It will be an interesting year of campaigning. We are looking forward to attending EMAs Day on the Hill in May. It is an interesting time in American politics, and it is vital that we continue to work with our colleagues across the country to coordinate our efforts and advocate for our industry. As always, thank you for all your support as we continue to strengthen our organization and the industry.Brad Longcake Executive Director, MPMCSAS44 www.wpma.com / Spring 2024'