OTA Dispatch Issue1, 2021

6 Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. Oregon Truck Dispatch Mark Gibson, Chair OTA in Action Committee/ President, Siskiyou Transportation LEGISLATIVE UPDATE AS YOU’VE READ in Jana’s column and other articles in this issue, the 2021 legislative session is unlike any other. A double super majority means facing headwinds so strong that any opposition requires greater precision and triple, or even quadruple, the force behind it to move forward. Compound that with the effects of COVID-19 and you get meetings that are hard to track and legislators who are hard to access. “Rubbing elbows” may now be the acceptable method of greeting others in a social situation, but it’s just not possible with the Capitol closed up and a virtual legislature in play. Elected officials, theoretically, are tasked with representing the interests of the voters who elected them. As such, they are the voice of their constituents, bringing attention and awareness to the issues and concerns in their own districts. The actuality of this in our current political climate may be up for debate, but the intent is clear. One representative stands in for the many. For over 80 years, OTA has been representing the many in the trucking industry. The individuals and issues involved have changed, but the goal remains the same—to make sure trucking has a seat at the table. When you became a member, you “voted” for OTA to represent your interests; however, the table keeps expanding to include special interest groups and outside influencers. To avoid being relegated to the kid’s table, OTA members have to stake their own claim before all the seats fill up. OTA’s government affairs team can successfully navigate the hearings, workgroups, and committees, but with a total of 90 state senators and representatives, that is a lot of ground to cover and relationships to build. As part of the trucking industry, we serve each and every community our legislators represent. We are the business owners and employers with concerns to address, and legislators tend to listen more closely when we have something to say and stories to tell. We have an obligation to our employees, our customers and our industry to make sure our needs don’t go unnoticed. Lucky for us, as OTA members we have access to the tools and training we need to actively engage local lawmakers and develop long-lasting working relationships. OTA is solidifying its outreach and engagement plans for this session and beyond. As you can guess, a few adjustments were needed once the legislature chose to begin as remote only; however, one thing in our plan didn’t change. The key element in the success of our Key Contact program is you. We understand that not everyone is comfortable bringing up the tough issues that could lead to a certain level of confrontation. The game of politics is no longer polite and the possibility of pushback is real, but these are not reasons to stay silent. OTA is relying on us to step up and be heard. To be industry ambassadors. To represent the many. Here are a few action items for OTA’s Key Contact program: ` Already in contact with a lawmaker? Let OTA know if you’re willing to leverage that relationship and act on behalf of the association. ` Haven’t yet made contact with your local lawmaker, but are ready and willing? OTA can make the introduction and help you develop that relationship. ` Learn from the experts. Our government affairs team will coordinate OTA in Action training sessions to outline tactics, messaging, and the best methods to convey issues to lawmakers regarding bills and other topics. ` Time is short! We need to develop these key contacts—especially in areas we haven’t already established relationships—as quickly as possible. ` Once we have a solid group of “OTA ambassadors” training will take place as soon as possible. Most of us have been around long enough to know that change is inevitable, especially in the trucking industry. With more change on the horizon, it is up to us to define what it will look like through our actions and involvement. I encourage all OTA members, even members that historically have OTA IN ACTION Connecting with Key Contacts As part of the trucking industry, we serve each and every community our legislators represent.