AMOA President Gaines Butler

Midterm Reflections

Bring Even Greater Appreciation of AMOA

Q: Now that you’re halfway through your term as AMOA president, what’s been the biggest surprise?

A: I’d like to think I am organized and that, after 16 years of watching and learning from others who have been AMOA president, I was prepared.

While some of my predecessors told me they were not totally ready for the travel demands associated with the position — being away from the business and home so much for AMOA meetings and events — I was ready for that. Maybe it hasn’t been a huge adjustment or suprise for me because I’ve always been on the road a lot and the fact that I’m close to Atlanta’s Hartsfield International Airport, one of the world’s major transportation hubs.

However, until I actually “assumed the position” as AMOA President, I don’t think I had a firm grasp of the overall macro view of the organization: its committees, their functions, the projects and programs in play, and the many moving parts that define AMOA.

So, while I’ve been involved in virtually all of the association’s work teams over the years, it’s been an eye-opener to see it from the overall perspective as President.

For example, at this writing, we’re on final approach for our annual leadership gathering, the Mid-Year Board meeting, in Asheville, N.C. I’ve been attending this event for a long time, but being involved in planning the many details associated with it this year has given me a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, how AMOA rolls.

I’ve also been amazed at the depth of thought that this year’s board has put into looking for more member benefits and in communicating issues — Operation Choke Point is a good example ­­­­–– to legislators, members and others.

And while all AMOA presidents talk about the warp speed of their year on the job, I, too, find myself shaking my head, wondering where the past six months have gone. Since I was forewarned about it, I shouldn’t be surprised, but it certainly doesn’t feel like I’m already at the halfway point in my term.

I look forward to the second half. We’re starting a new chapter with the leadership change at AMOA headquarters this month. We’ve some exciting, important projects and issues we’re working on. We’ve also got our Road Scholar and Notre Dame educational programs set for this month, a few more state associations to visit, and then our State Council meeting and our Expo in Dallas coming up.

Lots on the AMOA “to do” list, which should be “no surprise” to anyone!

Involved and working up through the ranks within AMOA since 2000, Gaines Butler has a great deal of passion for the coin machine industry and its main operator association. Himself a route operator (Metro Distributing in the Atlanta area), Gaines isn’t afraid of new ideas or taking the company in new directions (he’s added camera and alarm systems to the mix). During his presidency, Gaines has clear goals: “What I want to bring to this position are my passions for education and state involvement,” he told RePlay. “Every state can benefit from the AMOA, as can every operator and everyone in this industry. If you’re not a member, you should become one for the simple fact that it lets you know what is going on.”