The topic of labor has been front and center for quite some time now inside and outside of this industry. But it wasn’t until the recent Thanksgiving holiday break that it really hit home as to just how bad the current situation is. While waiting for my daughter to finish a recent fitness class, I decided to run a quick errand to mail a package. While driving down this road in an industrial park setting, business after business had roadside signs looking for labor — virtually every business on this busy road.
The American Supply Association’s Fred V. Keenan Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that can be given to a member of our industry’s national trade association.
The topic of labor, labor shortages and replacing retiring workers isn’t going away anytime soon. Of course, ASA last year launched its PROJECT TALENT careers recruitment initiative aimed at helping our industry replace the 100,000 jobs that will become open because of retirements over the next 10 years.
Growing up, gameshows on television were a big thing. I can remember countless times eating dinner at my grandparent’s house and Wheel of Fortune being on the small television in the kitchen right in front of the table. Easy to see Pat and Vana and enjoy grandma’s cube steak at the same time.
This industry lends itself to a fair share of folks having the title of road warrior — it’s part of the deal, whether making sales calls, visiting existing customers or going to events.
After you get done reading the flurry of activity occurring at ASA as we head into the late summer/early fall part of the calendar, I want to direct your attention to two other ASA-related expertly written pieces in this issue that all companies in this supply chain should read.
Here at the American Supply Association, numbers also are a big deal, and ASA members are encouraged to get in on the fun through a pair of reports published by our business intelligence department.
When I was in middle and high school, I always worried about the gas valves that were at my work station during science/chemistry classes. What if an explosion occurred? What if someone left the valve open? Do these things even work?
ASA Town Hall interview with API president/CEO tackles cancelation of Keystone XL Pipeline, working with the Biden administration, oil and gas pricing and more.
On a recent episode of the American Supply Association’s Town Hall Interview Series, ASA Vice President of Sales and Membership Mike Miazga dove into the latest oil and gas happenings with Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute.
Before I get into this month’s key thoughts related to important ASA efforts, I would like to bring to further light the recent unexpected death of longtime respected industry trade journalist Bob Mader.