Reiling will represent MTIA's meetings, regulate correspondence, and keep its 115 members abreast of new bills in the Missouri legislature, advocating on their behalf.

"In 2007, the association's biggest concern was the lack of communication," he said.  "It was difficult to keep up to date on what was going on in the industry and legislatively with the state of Missouri."

Reiling said he's placing a strong emphasis on communicating electronically with MTIA members this year.  "The association will change the newsletter to a downloadable e-mail format, with weekly updates," he said.

"Many times with a state legislative bill coming up, I need some input right now, so instead of sending something out through the post office and having to wait for a week to get some responses, I will be able to inform the members that they should call, e-mail, or even go see their state representative as soon as possible," Reiling said.

"Networking is the best part of the association," he said. "We all have like problems or questions.  Someone might have an equipment need and he can call or e-mail someone else in the association and ask what do you like or dislike about a piece of equipment.  Or they can ask another member how he handles a problem involving employees or management processes. They are not alone out there."

MTIA has a training and social event scheduled at The Four Seasons in Lake Ozark, Mo., Reiling also noted, adding that the date is yet to be determined