Executive Director’s Message By Ches Blevins: Success through Collaboration and Cooperation

Executive Director's Message: Success through Collaboration and Cooperation

Cooperation: “The process of working together to the same end”
Collaboration: “The action of working with someone to produce or create something”

I started with those definitions, not because I don’t think you already know the meanings, but to emphasize how closely they align. The subtle difference may be that “collaboration” reflects a more concerted effort to work WITH, rather than just having the same goal. Bottom line, I believe, is that both approaches can be effective for TMRA and its “Collaborators” to reach for, have the best chance of achieving, common goals!

What I absolutely believe is that the chances and opportunities for TMRA and its allies to reach our Goals and Objectives, addressing and overcoming challenges, is substantially enhanced when we actively solicit, then follow up on opportunities to work WITH others, like the Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association, the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, the National Mining Association and others. My humble advice is to ALWAYS reach out rather than to hold back or consider “I’m just better going this alone.” Certainly, that approach can sometimes be easier and focused, but I’ve found that it is rarely the BEST, most effective and efficient approach.

My possibly viewed as “political” comment: Locally, nationally and globally, it seems clear to me that “my way or the highway” makes no sense at all. Those that have responsible goals and objectives should, and must, find ways to work together. Listening, really listening, and finding ways to compromise when necessary, gives the very best chance of success on achieving broad goals and objectives. Exactly the way we’d prefer? Perhaps not, but steps IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

As we continue into 2020, with our issues and challenges, working with the Railroad Commission, TCEQ, our Texas Legislators and other leaders, I’m encouraging you and your companies to be a part of and active in TMRA. For TMRA to be effective FOR YOU, we need your support, your time, your ideas and your PARTICIPATION! For many of you that commitment is the norm. Thanks. For others, I’m asking you to step up as you can. We certainly value you and your ideas!

Take care and hope to see many of you at The Cascades for our RESCHEDULED Spring event with the RMCMI! Stay tuned to TMRA.com for more information on this event. 

Ches Blevins,
TMRA Executive Director