Energy Expert and Former Shell President John Hofmeister to Speak at The NATSO Show

10.2.08

Today NATSO, the only trade association dedicated to the $65 billion truckstop and travel plaza industry, announced that John Hofmeister, former president of Shell Oil Co. and the founder and head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, will be a featured speaker at The NATSO Show 2009 in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24-28.

NATSO leverages 50 years of powerful relationships with key individuals, associations and partners in Washington, D.C. to provide its members with the latest information that affects the industry both today and tomorrow.

Hofmeister will rely on his 30 years of experience and share his expertise with truckstop and travel plaza owners and operators in his keynote speech, “The Dilemmas of Energy Retailing.”

Retailers, consumers and politicians are all concerned about the current energy situation in the United States. Hofmeister isn’t just watching from the sidelines. He is seeking solutions. During his time at Shell, he launched an unprecedented 18-month, 50-city tour across the country and met with more than 15,000 business, community and civic organizations.

Upon retirement from Shell, Hofmeister founded the public policy advocacy firm Citizens for Affordable Energy that promotes sound energy security solutions for the nation, including a range of affordable energy supplies, efficiency improvements, essential infrastructure, sustainable environmental policy and public education on energy issues.

In an interview with NATSO’s Stop Watch magazine, Hofmeister called on Congress to develop both a short- and a long-term energy plan. He said, “I think we must drill more of our own natural resources, which are currently off limits, in order to slow down if not stop this incredible transfer of American wealth.”

In addition to drilling, Hofmeister recommends energy supplies come from every possible source — from hydrocarbons to biofuels. Many alternative sources mean new infrastructure for retailers. Hofmeister recognizes it is difficult for retailers to invest heavily in new technology prior to customer demand. “I’m a strong advocate of an energy plan for the country that states what the infrastructure requirements are going to be and then puts in place the appropriate incentives, which will increase the demand,” Hofmeister told Stop Watch.

Hofmeister will be speaking during The NATSO’s Show’s Opening General Session on Jan. 25. The NATSO Show brings innovative solutions to truckstop and travel plazas’ immediate business challenges and gives insights into coming trends. Learn more at www.natso.com.