The Annual Membership Conference and Expo took place August 18 – 20 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. This was our third and final year at the resort. In 2023, we will hold this event at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Conference kicked off at the Donald Ross Golf Course. It was a perfect late summer day when the team of Troy Beyl, Larry Glasscock, Shad Daubard, and Dale Peay won the scramble. The Rogers Trucking team of Kristeena Breeding, Charles Breeding, Kate Breeding, and Chaz Giles finished second with Kate Breeding winning both closest-to-the-pin holes. Registration began on Thursday afternoon followed by our Welcome Reception that evening, both sponsored by The Larson Group. During the reception, we recognized all of our All-Event Sponsors.
Thank you for supporting your Association.
Friday morning, our breakfast was sponsored by Trivista. We began the conference with the National Anthem, which was followed by our first speaker, Mr. Lee Demis with Doran Tire Technology. Mr. Demis shared his knowledge on the latest in tire pressure monitoring systems. Our next speaker was Klint Crawford with Solera/Omnitracs. Klint presented on the advantage of integrating your total fleet solutions such as ELD, telematics, asset monitoring, and driver coaching/training.
Our break was sponsored by Acuity Insurance. After the break, we heard from Kim Menke with TMMK on the future of hydrogen as a fuel source. Then, James Murphy with Locamation and Ariel Wolf with the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association talked about possible model legislation for the 2023 legislative session.
After the morning education sessions, we had lunch, which was sponsored by IMI and Valvoline Heavy Duty Fleet Services. During lunch, Mr. Harold Sumerford with J & M Tank Lines and the American Trucking Association Chair gave us an update on ATA and discussed their priorities for the year. After lunch, Joe Crabtree and Andrew Martin with the University of Kentucky’s Transportation Center provided an overview of universal I.D. and the study (proof of concept) they are working on under a federal grant they received.
Our last session of the day featured a member panel of Billy Hill, Don Hayden, Dewell Gossett, and Ryan Usher. Mr. Sumerford moderated the session and asked them about their experiences in the trucking industry. This session provided some great information and humor, and it highlighted the comradery within the industry. Following this session, we had time to visit with our exhibitors: Kentucky Truck Sales, PrePass, Trivista, Cottingham & Butler, The Larson Group, JB&B Capital, Beyond Trucks, Solera/Omnitracs, Phil Brown Insurance, Apex Trailer Service & Sales, Thermo King Midwest, Netradyne, and Doran Tire Solutions.
The evening began with our Chair’s reception sponsored by Hill Transportation Services, Inc., followed by dinner sponsored by Usher Transport. After dinner, we listened to Mr. Edward Gallrein III, a former career Navy Seal and a current farmer and beef producer from Shelby County, speak on the Navy Seals, leadership, and culture within the workplace. To finish out the night, we presented the 2022 Safety Awards sponsored by Great West Casualty. Our number one priority in the industry is safety and we look forward to recognizing our member companies and individuals that have performed at the highest level each year.
The 2022 Safety Award Winners are:
- Industrial Safety Award 101 to 300 employees:
- Rogers Trucking Company, Inc.
- Industrial Safety Award 301 or more employees:
- Usher Transport, Inc.
- Less Than Truckload (LTL) Division 0 to 10 million miles: AAA Cooper Transportation
- Less Than Truckload (LTL) Division 10 to 20 million miles: Old Dominion Freight Lines, Inc.
- Tank Truck Division:
- Usher Transport, Inc.
- Truckload Division:
- Rogers Trucking Company, Inc.
- Flatbed Division:
- Mercer Transportation Company
- Safety Professional of the Year/Safety Director:
- Christine Estes, Usher Transport, Inc.
- Driver of the Year:
- Dale Blackwell, Rogers Trucking Company, Inc.
- Fleet Safety Grand Champion:
- Usher Transport, Inc.
Congratulations to all our 2022 Safety Award Winners!
