Chuck Kantner,
TDA Outgoing President,
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!

Charlie Ring,
TDA President,
From the President

I have spent the last year in very good company as Mr. Chuck Kantner has mentored and molded me to be able to fill his shoes as the next President of the organization.Chuck's leadership and vision has taken us a long way in the last two years and IÕm glad he's going to be around to help me continue in the same direction.

As I was speaking with a couple of the members this past week it occurred to me that most of you donÕt know much about me so hereÕs a little bio:

I spent most of my school years between the St. Louis, Missouri area and SE Missouri. My father was a journeyman cabinet maker who loved the farm life and dreamed of being a prosperous pig farmer. I graduated from the Commonfields of Cahokia High School in Cahokia, IL.

Just after graduation I joined the U.S. Army and stayed 12 years as a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical specialist.

Straight from the military I joined the Schneider National Bulk Carriers where I spent 10 years starting as a delivery specialist and ending as a regional manager.

In 1995 I moved on to the largest hazardous waste transport and remediation company in the Gulf South located in Baton Rouge, LA as their director of operations.

In 1999 I landed with Ventura Transfer Company in Long Beach, Ca where I held several positions until I moved to Las Vegas to become the Chief Operating Officer for Pan Western Corporation.

I have a degree in Business from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, IL.

I have been married to my wonderful bride Mona for over 20 years, we have 6 children between us and as many grandchildren. Mona and I are avid motorcycle riders taking several long trips per year for entertainment.

"With one united voice, represent the interests of the transloading industry to business and political leaders; advance the technologies, offerings, and standards of the practitioners; and increase the visibility of the membership to all industries. Position transloading as the preferred method for the efficient distribution of product in the 21st century."

I have spent the last few weeks reviewing our mission statement as I believe that it really sets direction for myself and the rest of the board of directors. On this watch I promise to march to this statement and keep all my influences balanced by it.

I look forward to the challenges forth coming and I am excited about the help and support I have from you.