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May 2009 Membership Meeting and Chapter Awards Presentations
The membership meeting and dinner was conducted at the Earl Abel's Restaurant in San Antonio. Chapter President Jon Simms called the meeting to order, welcomed all and led the group in citing the Pledge of Allegiance. photo link Then Harry Reese provided the invocation. Afterwards, Clarence Teat, 2nd Vice President for Membership, announced that Chapter membership now stands at 157 and leads in the National membership drive for category 2, as a direct result of Regina Green signing 17 new members As a result of signing more than 12 members, Green will be presented with a lifetime NDTA membership, valued at $400. Teat also reminded everyone that the "TwoFer" Program (two new members for the price of one) is still in effect. Afterwards, Regina Green, A-35 Chairperson, announced the Chapter A-35shad begun National Transportation Week by providing, preparing and serving breakfast to the troops and their families at the Ft Sam Houston Fisher House. Twelve volunteers served 150 breakfast tacos and about 4 gallons of orange juice. Green then read a Mayoral Proclamation signed by Mayor Phil Hardberger, proclaiming May 10-16 as Transportation Week for the City of San Antonio. photo link
After dinner, Simms introduced very special guest speaker, Lieutenant General Ken Wykle, USA (Ret), NDTA President. General Wykle recognized Bob Joyce for his long time membership of 61 years in the NDTA (WOW!). Next, Rufus Reed, Awards Committee Chairperson, opened the Annual Chapter Awards Presentation Ceremony. He thanked the other committee members , Clarence Teat and Cindy Holliday, for their participation in grading the nomination packages and selecting the winners. (link to more on awards)
The following briefly paraphrases General Wykle's presentation regarding the status of the NDTA: photo link
NDTA Membership: Down about 15% as a ripple effect from the National economy. Some Corporate members have gone bankrupt.
Airlift: Airlines continue to struggle to find ways to make a profit; raising fares only creates a price war. They have increased load-factors by placing airplanes storage (fewer airplanes in service means more passengers per flight). They now have accessorial charges for things such as food and beverages, luggage and excess luggage, premium seating (window or isle). etc. As a result of not buying new airplanes the fleet age is increasing--United states airlines are lagging behind the rest of the world.
Sealift: Problems are similar to those of the airlines--excess capacity. Twenty percent of the ships are docked. The number of car-carriers from Japan has dropped from 20 to 5. Paying for storage of empty containers is expensive. Sea lines are now leaving the containers on board the ships that are docked. Piracy presents a huge problem, citing the Maersk Alabama as an example. Ships are being armed but the arms present a problem in many countries and must be stored 20 miles off shore.
Trucking Industry: Due to excess capacity and fierce competition, rates are off 35%. Automotive hauling is down 50%. Theft and pilferage is a big problem.
Rail: The railroads are doing better than other modes but still have excess capacity. They are parking locomotives and cars. Hauling coal is doing well but, movement of other commodities is down.
Car rental companies are hurting for business--Advantage Rent-A-Car went bankrupt. Market shares are way down, the number of rental cars is way down Companies have been impacted by the problems of the auto manufacturers--leasers are being provided with older vehicles.
Hotel: Hotels face a larger problem because they can't just shut down--must still pay the utility bills. Rates are down--many now offering rates below per diem rates (government business is more stable).
General Wykle transitioned to more direct NDTA issues. Lots of good things are happening in the NDTA, he said: Membership drives (recognizing Regina Green's recruiting efforts). The National NDTA Website has been improved, offering information on potential guest speakers. Chapters can now place information on the National site (see SA Chapter news), a career center (employment opportunity) membership renewal on line. Wykle said there is a member survey on line and asked members to take the survey, providing candid answers. Corporate membership is down but Chairman Circle-plus membership is up (the NDTA Almanac focuses on Chairman Circle-plus members). Additionally, sustaining membership is down.
The general pointed out that they are working hard to "re-brand" the NDTA as the Association for Global Logistics and Transportation (end to end logistics). How can members help?--by promoting NDTA, telling of personal experiences in networking and participation.
Jon Simms thanked General Wykle for his presentation and presented him with a $100.00 check for the National Scholarship Fund as a token of appreciation. photo link
Larry Beach won the 50-50 drawing, splitting a $48.00 pot with the Chapter scholarship fund. Larry donated his half back to the scholarship fund. Thanks Larry and to everyone else who participated.
There being no other business, Simms adjourned the meeting.
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