The NATSO Study Group: For Independent Operators
NATSO is pleased to offer the NATSO 1600
Study Group for independent operators. The purpose of the study
group is to provide a mechanism for a group of non-competing operators
to get together for a confidential exchange of experiences, solutions
and ideas at regular meetings. Participants also receive the benefit of
reliable, comparative operating data on a periodic basis. The objective
of the group is to help members improve the overall performance of their
businesses.
The benefit of the study groups
themselves lies in owners being able to confidentially share with each
other the challenges and opportunities they face in running their
businesses. Sharing takes place in two ways. First, on a monthly basis
study group participants submit information about their financial
performance for the most recent month. This information is then analyzed
and reports are prepared and distributed for the most recent month and
the most recent 12-month period. Second, the study group meets three
times a year to share ideas, best practices and review financial
data.
Discussions at the meeting cover a wide
range of topics such as environmental concerns, risk management,
operations, investment decision making, and employment policies and
incentives. Meetings typically last for two days and include about 12
hours of formal meeting time.
Testimonials
“The study group is a learning
tool. I’m totally convinced that for any of us in business to
survive, we need to sharpen our saw. If we’re going to provide the
resources and leadership to our organizations and our employees, we need
to stay current with what is happening in the industry, what others are
doing, and the returns others are getting on their profit centers.
You’re always taking away ideas. It is essential we go to work
every day looking for a better way to do things.” –
Tom Heinz, NATSO 1600 Study
Group president and president of Coffee Cup Fuel Stops
“I knew if I wanted to continue to
grow and continue to be a good business person, I needed to get
information from other marketers, other businesses and my peers. The
study groups exercise your mind. You owe it to yourself and your
employees and your business to step away three times a year and educate
yourself.” – Mark Augustine, NATSO 1600 Study Group member
and president of Triplett, Inc.
Who Can
Participate?
To qualify for
consideration as a study group member, a potential participant
must be an active principal or CEO at the location for which operating
data is reported, be willing to attend and contribute ideas and
experiences at meetings, be acceptable to the general membership, and
not be a competitor with any other member of the study group.
The NATSO 1600 Study
Group currently has five members. Click
here for information on each member. The study group is limited
to a minimum of 13 participants and a maximum of 26 participants.
Meetings are held two to three times per year and last approximately two
days. The location of meetings are rotated over time to provide
equitable access to firms from different geographic regions.
Upcoming Meetings
The next meeting is Sept. 18–20 in Spokane, Wash.
What is
Required?
Each member submits on a
monthly basis financial information from their business. This
information is put together into a monthly composite of comparative
statistics for each firm and for an all firm average. Data is reported
for the most recent month and on a 12-month moving average basis. Graphs
highlighting key financial trends are also prepared for each firm
looking at trends within the company; and also comparing the
participant’s business to the group as a whole.
Depending on the meeting site, group
recreational activities or tours of members' facilities. Meetings have
also been set up from time to time in which owners agreed to bring with
them their controller, operations manager or sales manager for a meeting
having a certain focus. Except for controllers, these individuals are
never included in the sessions reviewing financial information. Each
meeting includes a session devoted to a review of financial performance
of member firms, a “best idea” session with each member
contributing an idea, and a “special topic” session that
members come prepared to discuss. While it is not uncommon for a group
to invite in an outside speaker, over the years the facilitators have
found that the real value of the group comes from the members sharing
with each other.
What is the
Cost?
The cost to participate
is $1,200 per quarter plus a share of the meeting expenses (food and
beverage, etc.).
How Do I
Join?
For more information, contact
NATSO’s Vice President of Membership Pamela Hayes at (615)
673-2798 (Nashville office), (703)
739-8565 (Alexandria office) or phayes@natso.com.
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