FUELIowa Attends EMA Fall Meeting of Association Executives

The Energy Marketers of America held a joint session for state fuel association executives on Monday, October 4, 2021, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The message was titled: “Managing Acceleration, Adaptability, Agility and Opportunity.”

A key part of the discussion focused on an industry update by panelist Dr. Henry Armour who noted that there are strategic issues of importance to the fuel industry nationally. These areas are advances in technology, COVID-19, O2O (office to online), climate change, and a focus on governmental incentives.

The session noted that the business year for the industry was very profitable despite COVID-19, with instore transactions out pacing sales at the pump. Wages and profits were up 5 percent overall with a 14.6 percent growth in credit card fees.  Fuel volume was down 7 percent, merchandise and food services products saw a positive change upward. Overall direct store operating expenses were slightly down, all margins were slight down, but sales overall were up. 

The panel emphasized that the fuel industry must focus on managing issues of acceleration, adaptability, agility, and opportunity. Panel discussions were held on COVID-19 rapid response, the political landscape for climate seven electric vehicle policy, and process gouging legislation and enforcement.

There was an update on federal legislation, the virtual day on the hill, and state association advocacy programming.

On Wednesday, October 5^th, there was a robust discussion regarding mutual interests and concerns from members of the North Central state association executives. FUELIowa comments focused on the need to jointly support incentives and infrastructure.