Chairman's Message
By: Jerry Abraham

“Stay the course!”

The election of 2010 set a new tone for the country and our state.  Not only a significant change in the party demographics, but in the mindset of legislators and leadership.  I am inspired by our new Governor, Rick Snyder, and his quest to dig deep into the budget and cut the fat.  We all know that it is difficult to keep the throttle down and it is easy to slow down and modify, but we must encourage the Governor and all our legislators to “Stay the Course!”

While the view to most of us may be a little brighter than the past 2 to 3 years, there are still significant challenges ahead for our economy and our livelihoods.  Unemployment is still high.  Fuel prices are double or more than a year ago.  Taxes and fees on consumer goods are still a means to an end for some. But we must “Stay the Course!”

I have said it before but will say it again, the Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association (MDVA) has been an active participant in challenging the issues over the past 40 plus years in Michigan.  The members of the MDVA, wholesalers, vendors, manufacturers and associates, are dedicated with an abundance of time, energy, resources, and finances over these many years to combat the onslaught to our industries.  “Stay the Course!” 

While the MDVA is a relatively small association, we are recognized as one of the most successful lobbying organization at the Capitol.  Our summer convention is one of our strongest avenues of building relations with our legislators.  Legislators ask us “how do we get invited?” Our Annual Day at the Capitol is renowned and anticipated across all the offices of our administration. “Stay the Course!”

If you are not a member of MDVA, join now.  Help us make our voice heard and get our message across.  Don’t look back and say to yourself, “if only I had gotten involved.”  Do it now!

“Stay the Course!”