Ben Thomas of UST Training joined the Board of Directors as an Affiliate Member of the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) in 2020 and recently attended his first Board meeting via Zoom. Here are some highlights and observations as summarized the PEI Tulsa Letter:
Membership Satisfaction. Some 98.3% of membership survey participants said that PEI is achieving its mission. The association’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) was 56, considered “excellent” under the NPS model. Scores can range from minus 100 to 100.
Strategic Long-Range Plan. The 2021 Strategic Long-Range Plan includes nine major initiatives:
- Safety RPs. Launch a “Safety Recommended Practices” series, modeled after PEI’s popular installation, maintenance, testing and inspection documents. The first safety document will address fall protection.
- RP certifications. Develop a recommended practices certification program that will be recognized as the industry standard by regulators, PEI members and end users.
- Service technicians. Establish recommended skillsets and certifications to elevate service technicians’ image as IT specialists and define their career paths.
- Latin America. Continue to build PEI’s presence, membership and role in Latin America.
- Data and research. Provide members with industry data and research that will strengthen their businesses.
- Diversification. Educate members on the benefits of a diversified business strategy.
- EV charging. Educate members on electric vehicle (EV) charging business opportunities.
- Alliances. Explore potential alliances with transportation and mission-critical industry groups.
- The PEI brand. Investigate and, if warranted, recommend enhancements or changes to the PEI brand.
Budget. The board approved a balanced FY 2021–2022 budget of $3,419,000. Committee activities funded in the budget include:
Education & Convention. Booth sales for the 2021 PEI Convention at the NACS Show (Oct. 5-8 in Chicago) already have reached 95% of budget. This year’s convention will feature enhanced safety procedures, an outstanding educational lineup and a new Priority Club Lounge. Attendee registration will open in mid-May. PEI also is planning a March 2022 conference for service, construction, purchasing and inventory managers.
Safety. In addition to launching the Safety Recommended Practices series, the Safety Committee will develop a new PEI Safety Award program.
Young Executives. Registration will open soon for the 2021 PEI Young Executives “Winter” Conference, June 27-29 at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida.
PEI Women.The 2021 PEI Women Conference will be Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 at The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
Latin America. The Latin America committee is focused on increasing membership and establishing PEI as a recognized industry authority in that important region. During the coming year, the committee will focus on Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile.
RP900 COMMENTS CLOSE APRIL 19
Comments for the next edition of PEI/RP900: Recommended Practices for the Inspection and Maintenance of UST Systems close Monday, April 19. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes RP900 as a code of practice that may be used to comply with walkthrough inspection requirements in 40 CFR 280.36 (a)(2), few states so far have adopted the document. The PEI UST Inspection and Maintenance Committee is particularly interested in changes to the daily, monthly and annual inspection procedures (Sections 6, 7 and 8) that might make RP900 more attractive to the states. Click “Comment Now” at www.pei.org/rp900.
Considering becoming a PEI member? Like what PEI does and stands for and want more info? Feel feel to contact Ben anytime at 866-301-8265 or [email protected]. Of just go to www.PEI.org and see what they have to offer.