OTA Dispatch Issue1, 2021

14 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Advocacy means different things to different people. At its most basic, advocacy is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others. Of course, advocacy is a big part of what OTA offers its members—but what exactly does that mean when it comes to Oregon’s trucking industry? How do OTA’s advocacy efforts translate into practical actions and activities? Lobbying the Legislature Lobbying, of course, is a big part of what OTA does—serving as the voice of Oregon’s trucking industry. The perception of lobbying hasn’t always been the best, bringing to mind slick operators “schmoozing and boozing” and working back room deals. Sadly, there is likely some truth to this even now. But, again, if you look at the simple definition, “lobbying” means influencing or attempting to influence legislative action or non-action through oral or written communication or an attempt