We still find pleasure in our businesses

I read your excellent and accurate article in February’s MRT (“POS Perspective,” by Bob Urian). I am vice president of the Illinois Mobile Radio Dealers Association, and while we are an organization of radio dealers, we do little to improve the market position of the small businessman or enhance his (or her) way of doing business. We have dealt with statewide tax issues and had some successes that benefited all radio dealers in Illinois. We also participated as a group in the SMR-WON organization that fought, unsuccessfully, Nextel’s cozy arrangements with the FCC. These were all focused, single-issue fights. We are much like the Indians of the frontier days: We each have our local strengths, but because of fear of showing both cheeks of our rear to the competition, we have never formed meaningful relationships within our industry that deal with broader issues. We are also a fiercely independent bunch, like the Indian. Being in the same room with the competition makes us itch.

At our annual meeting of the IMRDA, president Neal Ragan took a vote on those interested in having seminars on business-related items such as learning PowerPoint for more effective presentations and having demonstrations on new business software for the radio industry. The approval was unanimous, and we are going to have two meetings a year rather than one. This is a small but forward step.

Those of us who hearken from the days of iron men and wooden ships still find joy in hearing the “kerchunk” of a repeater kickback after a new installation. We delight in finding out the range and even hedge it a little by always picking a high spot to key up. Even though the Nextels of the world are scattering towers like rice at a wedding, we still find pleasure in our businesses the big-money boys will never know. Thanks again for your article. Count me in, and keep me posted if you find enough interest to start a national organization.