OTA Dispatch Issue1, 2021

5 www.ortrucking.org Issue 1 | 2021 ADVOCATING, EDUCATING, AND PROMOTING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS volunteer time to participate in agency workgroups over a variety of policy decisions affecting our industry. While advocacy in the legislative and regulatory arena is a primary focus of our association, it “takes a village” in this environment to get our message across. And we need your help as well. We need 90 individuals who are willing to build a business relationship with 90 legislators. You can volunteer to be an OTA Key Contact and we will help you be an effective one. It will require your time and effort but the investment of both can mean all the difference. It isn’t scary, it isn’t difficult. Take the time to “follow” your legislator—attend their virtual Town Hall, set up a virtual “Meet & Greet,” respond to their requests for information. When our “virtual reality” is over, set up a time to invite them to your business. OTA will keep you informed as the legislative session moves forward with frequent updates and policy briefs. You can use these to testify virtually and meet with your legislator. It encompasses the simple task of explaining what is important to the trucking industry and asking for their help. You might be surprised at their response! And, hopefully, this “virtual reality” will be over sometime in 2021. Vaccines are being distributed (thanks to the trucking industry!) and as we seek to eradicate this disease, we can hopefully return to meetings and events in person. OTA has adjusted our calendar with the hope that by mid-year we will have the privilege of once again being able to shake hands at our events! Plan on attending the Annual Convention & Trade Show this August 9–11 at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes in Bend. We have begun the planning for this event and it promises to be better than ever! Our Safety Conference was moved to October 6–8 at the Valley River Inn in Eugene and planning for it is underway as well. Two great opportunities for you— and your key staff—to reconnect and learn. Mark your calendars now! 2021 promises to bring opportunities along with the challenges. We have been working hard to prepare for these opportunities and look to you to help us accomplish our goals. Send me an email at jana@ortrucking.org and let me know your willingness to serve as an OTA Key Contact and we will follow up with the training and information to make your effort valuable to our industry. Mark the upcoming events on your calendar and watch for the details to follow. We missed seeing many of you this last year and look forward to strong participation at these events. 2021 can be a great year—with your help. Remember, as Tom Brokaw said, “It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference!”