Executive Director’s Message By Ches Blevins: New Year...New Hopes...Challenges...Opportunities!

I am excited to be starting this New Year with all of you! Considering the New Congress with a substantially different House, the just commenced 86th Texas Legislative Session, and ongoing changes within our Industries, we have both Challenges and, I’m confident, new Opportunities where TMRA will, once again, and thanks to ALL of YOU, be a Leader!

We can only lead if we consistently Participate, Coordinate and Communicate! ALL of you are important to TMRA and to our Industries. Start off this New Year by looking around you, your operations, other associations to see who you can invite to be a part of this TMRA Team. With our outstanding Leadership, Committees, Education and Outreach efforts we can all benefit. And the “we” means you, your company, your communities which certainly includes your schools and teachers, and your State.

Participate with us on our Environmental, Safety, Government Affairs and other Committees. Help us as we navigate the always interesting waters of a Texas Legislative Session. Be a supporter and active with us as we plan and hold the following events:

● Spring event with RMCMI for our Owner/Operators and Support Members: Hideaway Lake, TX, April 24-25. Not only is this NOT limited to only the coal/lignite side of our Members, our entire Membership is invited and encouraged. A few great speakers and LOTS of fun and one-on-one time to know each other and how we can all work together. The cost is minimal and Sponsorship opportunities certainly help with our costs.

● Sine Die event: The Long Center, Austin, TX, May 27th just after the Session Closes. This is THE end of Session event and gives all of us an opportunity to meet Legislators and Staff and say THANKS! Rest assured there is great music, food and beverages. More information on this event and Sponsorship opportunities for TMRA Members and lots of others with aligned interests will soon be emailed out and on our TMRA website.

● Summer Teacher Workshops: The heart and soul of our TMRA Education and Outreach efforts. If you have never attended a session or assisted Francye and her Team, give it a try. Just outstanding and rewarding to ALL that are a part. Dates and locations will be on our TMRA website calendar.

● 2019 TMRA Annual Mtg., Hotel Galvez, Galveston, TX, October 20-23. This will be our first time in a number of years to be in Galveston. Trust me on this, the Hotel and location are outstanding, right on the Seawall and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Our Hotel has its own GHOST and you can request that room if you are quick! Our golf will be at the Galveston Country Club and we are also checking out the opportunities for Gulf Fishing as a option. Stay tuned and, once again, consider TMRA for both Sponsorships AND, of course, Auction donation and purchase opportunities!

Special Invitation to join our Government Affairs Team: Consider participating with us during the Texas Legislative Session that commenced on January 8th and runs 140 days. Our Committee and ALL interested TMRA Members will be meeting every two weeks during the Session to discuss, strategize and coordinate on (1) pending Bills of interest or concern to our Members and (2) plan our TMRA end of Session Sine Die event. You need NOT be on the Committee though we’d love to have you if you have an interest. We generally meet from about Noon to 1pm, with lunch provided. As we already know there will be Bills to watch, like relating to environmental permitting, we should ALL BE AWARE and ALERT! Our first meeting is tentatively set for January 17th, probably at the Lloyd Gosselink Offices in Austin and near the Capitol. Confirmation on date and location to follow. Join us and help us be effective and understand fully these issues of importance!

With you onboard, TMRA will have a Successful 2019.

Best always!
Ches