Remember

Sept. 11 anniversary rekindles feelings at the time of tragedy

By James Fisher

Jim Fisher is CEO of Houston-based IMST Corp. IMST is a site selection, market analysis, and sales forecasting firm providing data needed to maximize the potential of retail businesses and locations. Jim can be reached at (800) 231-4678 or jfisher@imstcorp.com

As I write this, the country is beginning to participate in the fifth-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy that tore at our hearts, our love of our country, our sense of commonality with our fellow citizens and our sense of security, always having believed we live in the most secure country in the history of mankind.

September 11 is one of those dates that are forever lodged in our memories as to what we were doing on that fateful day. For many of us (who are old enough to remember) it joins that list that is so closely etched in our brains: the assassination of JFK, the assassination of MLK, the assassination of RFK, the Eagle landing on the moon, the resignation of Richard Nixon, and others. Those events and dates that are linked to the exact and precise memory of what each of us were doing at the time we first learned of these specific historic moments for our country and in our lives.

On September 11, 2001, I was flying when the attacks hit New York and Washington, D.C. I was among the many who were on commercial airliners in the sky above the U.S. that were individually diverted to airports to land immediately, an order to clear all air routes above this country that remained in effect for the next week. I was aboard that same flight on September 18, 2001, once it was decreed that airline travel would be renewed.

As in 2001, this September 11 I was also aboard a Continental plane journeying to a city to complete a project on behalf of one of our customers. As thousands did on that date, our lives will continue and we will conduct business as we know how, but I think I speak for so many others when I say that we also remembered on that date all the emotions, anger, rage, love, etc., we felt five years ago.

Within a rather short period of time following 9/11/01 there were several significant industry events, such as the Pacific Oil Conference, Outlook Conference, NACS Show and Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America Annual Meeting to which it was hoped that participants would attend. AND that is exactly what did take place. Though the attendance figures were down from the previous year for each event, the strength of our industry and its members reflected the very central theme that remained in the forefront for so many: We will join with our peers and other citizens of our industry and build upon what this country has within its core that makes it unique.

So, we did travel to those important events and we did share in very special moments with our friends, associates and peers, and we learned many new things together. For many that attended these individual events, it was the first time they had traveled since 9/11 and it was personally demanding to do so. However, they dug deep and knew they had to make the journey to prove to our enemies and aggressors that no action of terror would disrupt the entrepreneurial spirit that is at the core of our country. That spirit that drives this industry and makes it so special, created by individuals who continually adapt, change, modify, etc., in anticipating what might happen and reacting to what surprisingly and/or unexpectedly does happen.

We are now on the eve of the fall meeting, conference and show season once again. A two-month period where so many within our industry will gather to share knowledge and to learn. From what has been promoted, written about and advertised, it does appear that this show season should be worthwhile and educational (a future column can deal with the broken nature of the association and trade-show model; now is not the time).

For many, you will be reading this column while you are at one of these industry events as a result of grabbing a copy of the October issue of NPN Magazine that is available. As you read this, reflect on how you felt being at the very same event in 2001, how that experience impacted you and how you perceive your participation at the very same event in 2006. THEN enter a period of self-renewal and dedication to contributing your very best to your fellow retailers, suppliers and organizations to ensure this industry continues to grow, prosper and emerge into what it truly can be in terms of serving employee and customer segments that depend upon each of us every day, no matter what might befall us. Serve them, be true to yourself and this industry, and always remember the goodness and greatness of this country. Rekindle the spirit and unity defined by 9/11 and never let it be forgotten.