MEMA DEALER MEETINGS RECAP

MEMA’s Annual Dealer Meetings are held at the end of each calendar year. These meetings held across the State are a chance for members to come together to network, highlight what has happened within the industry throughout the year and to discuss the future and what is on the horizon for MEMA, MTEC and the industry. Legislators are invited and were in attendance at each meeting, creating a direct dialogue between legislators and MEMA members, giving members the opportunity to emphasize the importance of each company, its’ employees, and their contribution to the state of Maine.

MEMA President Charlie Summers began each meeting with welcoming attendees and thanking them for their time and their membership. Charlie reminded members that it is because of their continued membership and engagement, that MEMA is able to provide advocacy, education, awareness, and support for the industry.

Following Charlie’s welcome, Phil Sareceno from Federated Insurance spoke to attendees about the partnership between

Federated Insurance and MEMA. Phil discussed Federated Insurance’s Drive Safe Telematics application. The app aims to change driving behaviors of employees by tracking speed, phone distractions, hard breaking and turning, and driver routes. The app is no cost to Federated Insurance clients and they have seen a 30% Driver Improvement in 30 days. Megan Diver, MEMA’s Vice President, delivered Legislative and Elections Updates, recapping key election results and what those election results mean as we move into the next Legislative Session. Megan highlighted MEMA’s legislative priorities which include, legislation to improve the current B20 law, legislation to improve the propane safety requirements through collaboration with the PUC and lastly, the energy choice legislation that would prevent the prohibition of any type of energy.

Charlie wrapped up each Dealer Meeting with important updates regarding MEMA’s new CDL class and MTEC courses. At the time of the Dealer Meetings, MEMA had just finished up a successful pilot course for the new CDL class, and Charlie announced to members that MEMA would be continuing the course in 2023, free of charge as a benefit to members. MEMA has held one additional CDL course and is in the process of scheduling additional CDL classes throughout 2023. Charlie introduced MTEC’s new Flammable Refrigerants course that is scheduled to begin in 2023, as well as an update on the kitchen equipment that was installed in the lab for MTEC’s new Restaurant Program that will benefit MEMA’s C-Store Members.

MEMA enjoys gathering everyone in the same place to celebrate the holiday season and everything that was accomplished, thanks to the help of all its members, over the past year. Along with serving as an end point, the Dealer Meetings also introduce what’s ahead to keep members informed and motivated to continue to push the industry forward. MEMA looks forward to seeing everyone together again for the 2023 Dealer Meetings, but until then, there is a lot of work to be done to accomplish our goals for this year.