Viewpoint

It has been a humbling experience to serve as president of the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America for the past two years. SIGMA is a well-managed association of the most capable gasoline marketers in America. In a healthy organization with a strong tradition of success, the SIGMA board of directors is the steward of the values of integrity, innovation, independence and leadership.

Integrity

SIGMA members are gasoline marketers with integrity. We understand the importance of political advocacy to our business and we are committed to improvements that support a vital marketplace. Caring enough about the future to invest time, creative energy and a modest amount of cash is the honorable thing that comes naturally to SIGMA members. SIGMA is on course to achieve its goal of 240 marketer members in 2006. The long-range vision is for SIGMA to grow to a (still relatively small) group of 300 marketers.

Innovation

SIGMA is the innovator in motor-fuels marketing education Alliances with NPN Magazine and OPIS have complemented an outstanding SIGMA education staff to produce meetings that are jammed with great education. Masters Programs and Share Groups offer specialized education throughout the year. The new Education Steering Committee is composed of marketers helping marketers with timely education offerings.

Independence

The cornerstone of the SIGMA government relations program is independence from regulations and other forces that disrupt a free market. As a highly efficient means of reaching legislators with the biggest influence on motor-fuels marketing, SIGMAPAC contributions fund marketer independence. SIGMAPAC chairman Greg Love is on the way to raising a record $125,000 this year. Greg’s leadership puts the PAC on a trend to reach the long-range vision of $250,000 in annual PAC contributions.

Leadership

In his 26th year with SIGMA, executive vice president Ken Doyle and his impressive staff bestow seasoned insight balanced with vitality and originality. Tim Columbus is entering his fourth decade as council to SIGMA. Tim and the Scott Group and Greg Scott are the consummate voice for SIGMA in Washington. Close work with these good people has increased my respect for the abilities and vigor that SIGMA professionals bring to our association. As the leaders of a member-run organization, the SIGMA board of directors is the real boss. The SIGMA board assembles the most talented motor-fuels marketers in America.

Graduating board members Joe Stark, David Atwater and Stewart Spinks are examples of esteemed SIGMA leaders whose positive contributions are now part of the SIGMA culture. Retiring spouse committee chair Michelle Shipley has enriched the SIGMA meeting experience for all. Second vice president nominee Frank Greinke joins Treasurer Jack Pester, First Vice President Carl Boyett and President Paul Reid to complete a first-rate leadership core for the future of SIGMA.As past president, I join the ranks of a line of notable leaders that have crafted the SIGMA values and structure over the years. While I have learned from and been dazzled by every SIGMA president in my acquaintance, I am especially grateful to Mike Ports for his tutelage and friendship. Mike is a shining example of an independent spirit with passion for innovation. He has excellent judgment. He embodies the integrity and strength of character that is an inspiration to me and the foundation of the SIGMA leadership tradition. It is a wonderful tradition. I am humbled to be part of it.

Thank you.

Bill Shipley III
SIGMA President