President’s Perspective

President’s Perspective – May 2026

Preface and Disclaimer

The President’s Perspective is a monthly collection of information, thoughts, opinions, and observations of the President of CMERA, Chuck Cullen.  The statements and opinions expressed in the President’s Perspective are my own and may or may not reflect the views of the Governing Board of CMERA.

General Meeting

Saturday May 10^th is nearly here.  The coffee and donuts have been ordered.  The presentations drafted.  The gift certificates have been purchased.  I hope you can attend, see your friends, and hear the latest about what CMERA is doing.  If you have any documents that need to be notarized, bring them with you.  There is no charge for that service at the meeting.  Also, the meeting is great time to renew your membership (still only $10 annually). 

After the usual updates and reports from the Officers, there will be a presentation on the refreshed website.  We trust the new layout will make it easier for members to locate information. 

25^th Anniversary

I am writing this on May 1, 2026.  Today I celebrate my retirement from the City exactly 25 years ago.  Looking forward to the next 25 years.

Email Newsletter

CMERA is trying to determine how many members would prefer to have their newsletter sent to them as an email attachment.  Once we have a better understanding of how many members prefer this method, we can then determine if and how we can accomplish this project.  If you want your newsletter by email, send an email message to: hello@cmera.org.  For those who prefer receiving the newsletter by mail, don’t worry.  We have no plans to discontinue that method.

Surveys

Businesses are always seeking feedback from their customers.  My doctor, my dentist, my car dealer, the places I shop, etc.  Even CMERA will seek (and appreciate) input from their members.  Now, it’s my church.  My church was to know if they are serving my needs and how they can improve.  As I began to complete the survey, I realized that the most qualified people to survey about the effectiveness of their religion are those who have died.  Only the dead can tell you if their faith while on earth provided the guidance needed to gain the afterlife they were promised by that faith.  By the way, if you have an idea for CMERA, just write it to: Hello@cmera.org.

Customer Dis-service

I want to nominate Mxxxxx’s for the best example of poor customer service.  I will admit that going to a craft store is not normal for me but I needed some hobby quality paint and brushes for my grandchildren.  I was hoping an employee would be visible after I entered so I could get directions to the paint.   No luck.  After walking around for a while, I did find the paint.  Then I went to pay for it.  There was no one at the checkout except for another customer.   She was self-scanning her items and the transactions appeared on a giant screen above the checkout area.  Was the store being robbed and all the staff tied up in a storage room?  Several other customers then approached the checkout.  Suddenly, an employee appeared.  My assumption is that if more than three customers try to check out at the same time, an employee will be dispatched from some secret hiding place.  When the employee asked for my loyalty card, I can’t remember if I laughed or cried – maybe both.  The next morning, I took the time to see if I had any shares in that company. 

Only In America

Last month, the first Buc-ee’s opened in Ohio.  In case you did know about Buc-ee’s, it is a multi-pump gas station with amenities not normally found in most gas stations.  Yes, there are snacks and beverages but there is also a variety of food to eat.  .  The Governor of Ohio was there with his wife.  Local dignitaries were also present along with representatives from media outlets.  This Buc-ee’s is located outside of Dayton yet it made the local news.  The nation was nearing more conflict with Iran, astronauts were circling the moon, the Police Chief of Cincinnati was still under suspension, and primary elections were starting on most states.  Yet the news reported a lot about this gas stating with clean bathrooms.  It seems to me that we have a lot of problems in the world and in our backyards.  To address those problems, we need accurate information about these real problems so we can make educated choices.  We don’t need multiple stories about Mrs. Smith who drove 50 miles to get gas, buy a BBQ sandwich, and use a restroom.

Easter Candy

Since I was a child, there has always been jellybeans, chocolate bunnies (hollow and solid) , and marshmallow Peeps.  This year, science has expanded the available products.  At a time when nutritional experts warn us against too much candy, the confectionaries expanded their offerings.

We now have bunny corn (candy corn in Easter colors), Reece’s eggs, blue and pink Peeps, and Kit-Kat bunnies.  My new favorite is Dr. Pepper flavored Peeps.  Who doesn’t want to bite off the head of a sugar-coated reddish marshmallow Peep that has additional artificial flavoring. 

Until next month…