CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE As I sit down to write this column, we just completed the perhaps redefining a new normal. I know there is tremendous spring meeting of the IMTA Board of Directors. Our first optimism and excitement for upcoming association events big group, in-person meeting since November of 2019, right and activities. We expect attendance for our upcoming before the pandemic hit us full force in early 2020. It felt events to be extremely strong as we are all anxious to see GREAT! Seeing so many familiar faces that weren’t framed one another. But I challenge you to look beyond just your by a virtual tile was wonderful. Attendance was excellent favorite events and activities as you evaluate the value of reflecting a shared and strong desire to get back to “normal”. your association membership. There was an obvious energy during our time together with During the last 15 months lively discussion and terrific engagement. While our associ- your association’s unique ation, our companies, and our country have had to rely on value was evident in so many meeting virtually, nothing can replace the excitement and ways. While we had to cancel real interaction we all enjoyed as we greeted each other. It and pause all in person events was gratifying to be together again. Coupled with the great and activities, the IMTA team feeling of being together, are the positive developments our kept us informed, serving as industry sees on the horizon. From strong economic indica- a trusted resource offering tors to the potential of real investment in our infrastructure. virtual information sessions, IMTA’s volunteer leaders need to be commended. These training opportunities, and individuals are extremely dedicated and committed to their townhall calls. Importantly, role as a board member. It would have been easy, and in some Brenda and staff kept very cases preferable, to simply take a break from the board over connected to state and the last year. There were certainly a number of competing national officials. These relapriorities to deal with. But that did not happen, instead tionships were critical as we these 35 leaders became even more engaged offering time, looked to IMTA and ATA insights, and sharing how their respective organizations for guidance, direction, and DAN VAN ALSTINE 2021 IMTA Chairman of the Board were navigating through the pandemic. Instead of stepping counsel. These important back, the board stepped up and leaned into every challenge organizations were our eyes, our ears, and our voice as any number of federal and state that came their way. IMTA has always identified numerous priorities in their agencies were scrambling to ensure that interstate comeffort to serve the membership, and even a merce continued. These associations took pandemic did not get in the way of pursuon the issues that we did not have time to IMTA HAS ALWAYS ing these important priorities. In 2020, we deal with and offered up the consistency IDENTIFIED NUMEROUS knew we had to wage a war against lawsuit and accuracy that is critical in a time of PRIORITIES IN THEIR abuse and that priority continued throughuncertainty. They defended the industry; EFFORT TO SERVE THE out the year despite the pandemic. At the they had our backs and they continued printing of this magazine the 2021 legisto fight for us while also helping us naviMEMBERSHIP, AND lature was still working towards adjourngate through the peaks and valleys of the EVEN A PANDEMIC DID ment and our lawsuit abuse legislation is pandemic. While there were no events to NOT GET IN THE WAY still in play. attend, our presence and the value of our OF PURSUING THESE unified voice through these associations This board has been relentless in their was more effective than ever. That is the support and generous with their engage- IMPORTANT PRIORITIES ment relative to this top priority. These true power of an association. personal contributions of time by every I certainly look forward to seeing you board member to be active and present is what really moves at the upcoming events. Our recent board meeting served the needle when it comes to legislative priorities. The IMTA as a great reminder to the value and importance of being board is fully committed, enthusiastic and unwavering in together. I hope that we all have an added appreciation of their advocacy for their fellow members. I am very proud what our association can do. And with that in mind, we to be associated with such a fine group of leaders and can should all be doing whatever we can to recruit new members assure you that every board member is committed to working and strengthen our base so we can be even more effective. on your behalf! Our industry continues to do its job of ensuring our standard As the vaccination process has been implemented, more of living is maintained and enhanced! Thank you for your continued support. and more people are finding their way back to normal. Or
ISSUE 2, 2021
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