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The Petrogas Conference 2008 took place last week and for the first time I didn't even come close to dozing off during the bosses presentation. Not even close. In fact I would have to say I found it positively invigorating.

A large assembly of Petrogas people from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK were addressed by the directors and members of the operations, trading and developments teams interspersed with some fun and games, lunch, several coffee breaks and a most interesting feedback forum along the lines of my favourite TV programme, Questions and Answers.

The boss had entrusted me with making sure there was fresh coffee available at all times. Of course the one time he decided to drink a cup, it had just run out leaving me looking very bad. I could hear him muttering as he headed for the tea something about "I ask him to look after just one thi......"

The venue for the conference,the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel on the Naas Road, has a stunning collection of original Graham Knuttel paintings each of which depicts a former Taoiseach of Ireland in an unusual and sometimes very funny context. Personally I thought they provided a perfect backdrop for the days proceedings. The boss has the cut of a politician and he can certainly motivate. I left the place feeling uplifted and ready for anything the complaints department could throw at me.

I knew afterwards when the boss never mentioned the coffee incident that he was pleased with the day as well. He say's the secret to success is to have passionate people who care. Thinking this was a good moment to catch him in a good mood I asked him if the complaints department could do a presentation next year. He said if the complaints department had enough material for a presentation I wasn't doing my job properly, and besides, next year I would be in charge of the cloakroom. I suppose if I think poitively, I could consider that a promotion.

left to right: Joe Barrett, Mathew Scally, the ingenius PPG Trophy, Frank Pyne, Enda Brady.

I was thrilled to say the least, when the boss invited me to take part in the competition for the Petrogas Perpetual Golf Trophy last Thursday. Non golfers were invited to hone their Archery and Clay Pigeon Shooting skills, all at a beautiful secret venue in Co. Kildare.

Suffice to say, a wonderful crisp and rare dry Autumn day, full of competitive spirit was had by all and that competitive spirit flowed on into the night at the beautiful Moy Valley Champions Course Hotel Bar and Restaurant. ( Darn it...I've gone and let the secret venue out of the bag! ). The food was wonderful and the staff friendly, courteous and extremely accommodating.

Being largely unused to celebration down in the complaints department, I had a ball. The next morning, it was with a heavy heart and a fragile facade of well-being that I left the warmth and hospitality of the Moy Valley Champions Club Hotel behind me, to drive home.

On the way I thought about my golf performance the day before. I decided if the boss invited me next year I was going to go for the archery instead. I recalled the boss throwing himself to the ground on the 10th fairway as a drive from one of the area managers whizzed by his ear and wondered.... do archers shout fore?

Motorists all over Ireland have been tanking up furiously before the proposed 8 cents increase in the price of petrol. The boss has told us to hold off as long as possible with the increase. The budget price hike adds a whopping 8 cents to the price of unleaded petrol while diesel remains untouched.

Sometimes he surprises me. Of course he's as hard as nails when negotiating business deals, but inside he's really just a big softy.
I don't smoke, only when I'm angry. The boss doesn't smoke either, he say's it's a dirty habit. Still he insisted that we give the smokers a break too and hold off as long as possible before putting up the price of the old cancer sticks . He also told me to tell you to give the bloody things up. He went on at length (as he tends to do) about the savings we could make in the Health system etc.. if people would just give them up. He likes to expound does the boss, but he does have a heart of gold.

Don't think that just because I spend my time down here in the dark recesses of the complaints department that I am not aware of the global turmoil taking place above ground. As weeks go, you would have to agree, that the last two or three were pretty spectacular in terms of monumental events.

First we have Joe Duffy nearly causing the collapse of the Irish Banking system, then Kerry forget to turn up for the All Ireland football final. Now it wouldn't surprise me if Liveline was responsible for the collapse of all those big American banks as well, especially that one owned by Jens Lehman's brother. To tell you the truth I never really liked that Lehman guy anyway.

Then came the sensational bail-out / rescue plan announced by the Government after they and their opposition colleagues had worked literally, around the clock, (a heretofore unheard of level of industry) within the hallowed halls of Dail Eireann.
All agreed that the underlying reason for this mess was lack of confidence. Lack of confidence in Banks, Governments and Financial movers and shakers in general. Lack of confidence in people who make claims and tell you, they will do, and are doing, the devil and all for you, but secretly operate their own agenda.

People are tired of being misled by expensive advertising and glossy brochures, false claims and flashy billboards. People want the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Is that too much to ask?

I needn't tell you the boss is not too happy with the current state of affairs. Personally I had hoped to publish this blog before he called in on his daily rounds. Unfortunately I popped out of my box for five minutes, and of course, at that moment he showed up, read the blog, hit the roof...in that order.
What did I think I was doing writing about global economics he asked, didn't he tell me already 100 times to stick to what I understood? Stick to simple topics, deal with the customers complaints and deliver that simple strightforward message that people have grown to trust and treasure, low fuel prices,always - now that's better.

You would have to admit he is right. There are a lot of things I don't understand. (For instance I can't for the life of me understand how people can put their money in banks called Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac!) The boss is a shrewd dude, he knows the value of a simple honest message unadorned by flashing lights and ringing bells. He knows how to cut to the chase with a slogan, and it has a nice ring! Just say it to yourself now, go on, say it: Low fuel prices,always...now thats better.