As we continue to define the new normal, NIOP wants to continue to be a resource that its members can turn to for help in navigating these uncharted waters. While unfortunate, we could not meet earlier this year as planned, the value NIOP affords through networking, meetings, and technical guidance should not be lost but instead utilized as we work to move forward.
Returning to work, we are all facing various and unique challenges which may cover feedstocks, production, transportation, or challenging sales and new markets. The NIOP community has a wide membership covering many of these areas: Producers and Processors, Commercial, Transportation, Technical, and Industrial where expertise exists for the community. One of the more significant values of the annual conference is the ability to meet and network, discussing some of the aforementioned items.
While it may be some time before we can resume meeting in person, NIOP wants to continue to support our community through a digital format, helping when/where/if needed. NIOP needs your help in building a resource of members who are willing to share with other members based on personal and professional experience and knowledge. We will call these members — subject matter volunteers.
Please let NIOP staff know if they can add your name as a subject matter volunteer to areas where you would be willing to try and help other members who may be unfamiliar, members new to the industry or for members who are simply stumped on how to move forward on a particular topic or matter. (This information will be captured through Google Sheets/Google Drive.) Once the list begins to take shape, a similar email will be sent to all NIOP members making them aware of the resource and the mechanism by which they should submit a request for help.
We realize this is far from the benefit of being together, shaking hands, and seeing the smiles of members but, in the meantime, we do want to let the membership know we are here to help as we all begin to move forward in this new normal. Take care and we look forward to hearing from you.
Contact leigh@niop.org if you would like to volunteer or just want to find out more about the new resource.