WPMA News / Spring 2026 35 25 Years Ago 2001 (APRIL/Spring WPMN) WPMA President Craig Kellerstrass of Kellerstrass Oil Co in Ogden, Utah thanked all who attended the annual convention “Bridging the Centuries” in Las Vegas. WMIC: Marketing Director Paul Sabine exclaimed … “Yes, Health benet costs are going up, but thanks to the benets provided by employers, the average person probably pays less in a year for health care than they do for cable TV. Which purchase has more value?” Gerry Tedrow (GT): Marketers in the early 1970s had some in- teresting challenges. “One was OSHA. We still face that organization today. Another ‘unleaded gasoline’ … Fines were steep if we were out of compliance … Today we don’t give unleaded gasoline a second thought, but we are concerned about the new reformulated gasoline, low sulfur fuel and dyed products that we must carry … the squeeze is on! Is Joe on his way out of the petroleum-marketing picture?? Well, maybe … and maybe not … It is obvious today that we marketers are still here. We will continue, but not without challenges. We still face unrealistic government regula- tions. Some suppliers are accused of red-lining and causing price inversions. Hypermarkets are extremely competitive. Times are dierent, but the challenges are similar.” Petro Pete: “When we had 32 cent gasoline, they said that we were running out. Well, we ran out of 32 cent gas, but we have plenty at $1.50.” Kitty Boso of Federated Insurance asked, “Are Drivers Awake Behind the Wheel?” (GI) Octane requirements was a top topic at the 2001 WPMA National Convention. Al Annexstad of Federated Insurance received the 2001 Hall of Fame award. WSF: 2001 Silent Auction raised nearly $12,000 from over 50 donated items. ID: Idaho’s major legislation dealt with the sale of tobacco to minors; it had passed both the House and Senate, and was signed into law by the Governor. This law gave a great deal of protection to the owner/retailer if certain criteria were met, and documentation was kept up-to-date. April/Spring 2001 WPMN Cover Marketer Member News
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