Chuck Kantner,

TDA Outgoing President’s Letter

Please join me in congratulating our new TDA President, Charlie Ring. Charlie is well qualified for the position of President as you will find out when you read his PresidentÕs Letter.

The last two years have been an interesting experience for me and I thank the membership, Board of Directors and staff for their support. I’m sure each President hope they have left their mark on the organization and I am in that category. We now have a very active Board of Directors and we continue to try to step outside while looking within “the box” for new ideas and improvements.

In this difficult time we all are looking to find new customers and maintain old customers. There are several areas that you can concentrate on to build your sales. Remember it usually takes 5-7 calls to establish a new customer.

Within your existing customers there may be additional divisions or sister plants and organizations that may need your services. After all you already have a proven track record with your existing customer that will provide a reference as to your good service.

Don’t forget your past customers. They may need your experience and service, and just haven’t thought of you. Again consider contacting not only the customer but other divisions.

Just as I mentioned at the convention, it never hurts for you to consider integration. You must consider what other services you can perform or what you are hiring other organizations to do. When you unload or load the customerÕs product does it require packaging, labeling, cleaning, trucking, etc? You can sell more service.

You can be a part of trade organizations (such as TDA), to reach out to other members to gain their experience. Work together or network to gain knowledge and contact to further enhance your business.

You should not overlook non-profits or civic groups to gain access to the greater public and the networking contacts they can provide you. I still benefit today from some storage and shipping work I did on a voluntary basis over 10 years ago.

I wish all of you a safe and successful year. I’ll see you next year in San Antonio!