June 13, 2008
Dear TEGMA Member -
I am pleased to report that the Board of Directors of TEGMA, after careful deliberation, has decided to hire Petersen Consulting to provide administrative services to the group. To that end, Bob Petersen will become the new President of TEGMA. The transition of administrative function from CMC to Petersen Consulting is taking place now. Attached is a news release that will be distributed on Monday announcing this change.
TEGMA intends to continue as a CMC member, to fully support their activities, and to share meetings. We thank CMC for their past efforts and look forward to continuing many aspects of that relationship.
Many TEGMA members will remember Bob from his days at the National Grain Trade Council (1980-2000). During much of that time, he and his staff also managed TEGMA activities, so he is no stranger to our group. Bob now operates his own agricultural public relations business in the Kansas City area and we will become one of his clients. (For more details on his business see http://www.petersenconsultingllc.com/)
As previously mentioned our decision to make such a change was not made lightly. You will recall that earlier this year we asked a task force composed of TEGMA members and non-members to review the association's direction. That group reported its findings to the Board in early April. They suggested that for TEGMA to continue, its most constructive role would be as a group of unit train shippers, receivers, Ports, inspection agencies and rail carriers focused mainly on operational and business issues. TEGMA will continue to advocate on behalf of its members in Washington however the focus will be targeted more towards issues that are of specific interest and importance to TEGMA members.
As a practical matter, for TEGMA to succeed and thrive in the future, we need to expand our membership base. That is one of Bob's top priorities.
You should feel free to contact either Bob or myself if you would like further information. I can be reached at (816) 218-2332 or mike.mandl@ldcommodities.com and Bob may be reached at (816) 628-1287 or bob.petersen@petersenconsultingllc.com.
The TEGMA Board views this as a major positive development for our association and its future. We are very pleased to retain Bob and believe his past track record speaks for itself. We anticipate Bob's leadership will help us provide relevant, efficient, and meaningful services for TEGMA members.
Please join the Board in welcoming Bob as our new President. I know he is looking forward to again working for TEGMA and has many ideas that you will soon see helping shape our activities. Your continued support and active participation are essential to the success of this new direction. Please let Bob have the benefit of your thoughts and suggestions.
Best regards.
Mike Mandl
TEGMA Chairman
P.O. Box 26426 • Kansas City, MO 64196
Tel: 816-628-1231• Fax: 816-628-1905
www.tegma.org