NATSO has been representing travel plaza and truckstop owners and operators for more than 50 years, and it is still as relevant today as when it was founded. As an industry, we continue to face a range of challenges, including those our founders were dealing with decades ago as well as some they probably never considered. NATSO’s mission remains clear: to advance the success of truckstop and travel plaza members by delivering solutions to members’ challenges and achieving the public policy goals of the truckstop and travel center industry.
Today we represent more than 2,200 travel centers and truckstops nationwide, owned by over 230 corporate entities representing more than 16,000 fueling points, and new companies are joining NATSO all the time. Why? Because it will help you grow your business. As we head into 2023, I encourage you to lean on NATSO. We have a great staff that will work with you to improve your business and expand your relationships. I know it works because I’ve been doing it for years.
I joined NATSO in 2005. While I was building a travel center, all of the drivers I talked to said I needed a CAT Scale because CAT Scales are the best out there. Steve Goecke was the regional rep at the time, and he came to meet with me at the new facility. As we were driving to get some lunch, he asked if I was a member of NATSO, I said, ‘What’s NATSO?’ He explained what NATSO is and why I needed to join. So, I owe my early experience with NATSO to Steve because he reached out to me as a member and supporter, encouraging me to get involved.
We can all encourage others in our industry, whether they are suppliers, operators or service providers, to get involved. NATSO’s in-person meetings, especially NATSO Connect and NATSO’s Day on the Hill, are the ideal time to strengthen our business and personal relationships that we can draw on throughout the year.
Building a network of peers is critical to our success. Yes, we are competitors, but we’re also friends and we know that the industry as a whole does better when each of our businesses does better. Through our combined efforts building relationships with community, state and federal governments, we can educate elected officials of the importance of our industry. We are truly an essential part of America’s ability to deliver all the necessities that people need to live a normal life.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your 2023 chairman. We have a lot to accomplish this year, and I’m looking forward to working with you as we move the industry forward. ■
Warm Regards,
Jim Hayes
NATSO's 2023 Chairman of the Board
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