Alabama Trucker : Convention 2009
Chairman's Reception
O n the last evening of this year's convention, we honor current ATA Chairman of the Board T.J. Willings with a reception and dinner. The theme of this convention has been Taking Charge of Change. Our theme recognizes that change is inevitable, and the trucking industry has certainly seen its share in the last year or so. Still, truckers have whethered major changes before. In the early 1980s, trucking companies across the country were forced to adapt under new federal rules and regulations through federal deregulations. Today, our industry faces serious economic and political uncertainties that are sure to impact our businesses in many ways. The good news is our only security is our ability to change. This Association, under the leadership of Mr. Willings, has taken charge to effect change that will positively impact the trucking industry for years to come. What follows are some of the ways this organization has benefited from his leadership: Recently, the Alabama Steel Coil Bill was signed into law by Gov. Bob Riley. The new law increases fines and penalties for violations of securement regulations. This bill is pro-truck: It targets only those that refuse to comply with the regulations, thus making our roadways safer. Furthermore, ATA had to fight off attempts to rewrite the existing regulations, re-route steel haulers, and require specialty trailers. ATA's 2008 Golf Classic netted a record amount benefiting its political action committees and enabling it to influence the results of future elections. The success of the Classic, along with additional funds, will net ATA's political action committees more than a quarter-of-a-million dollars this fiscal year. ATA has managed to keep its finances in the black. Membership is down slightly by some 3 percent, but the Association has compensated by reducing its operating expenses and is expected to end the year with income exceeding its expense. This year's annual Convention and Membership Meeting is the beneficiary of a record amount of sponsorships, which greatly contribute to the success of this event. No one expected our convention to be so successful in raising sponsorship funds during a down market. This Association is better positioned to address the industry issues of the day. Its resolve and its resources are at the top of its game and have never been so equipped to effect positive change. The Chairman's Reception and Dinner is sponsored by our Gold Sponsors as listed in our program. The hospitality for the Reception is spon-sored by WorkWell Occupational Health Center, LLC and the complimentary wine for the Chairman's Dinner is sponsored by Continental Tire North America. We thank these sponsoring organizations for making this event possible. Finally, we thank Mr. Willings for his leadership, dedication and commitment to this industry and to this Association. He has made this Association and this industry better because he took charge of change. Frank Filgo President & CEO Alabama Trucking Association 22 A LABAMA T RUCKER 2009 C ONVENTION S PECIAL E DITION Honoring T.J. Willings, Chairman of the Board Saturday, April 25, 2009 6:30 - 10 p.m., Emerald Ballroom CHAIRMAN'S RECEPTION A Tribute to ATA Chairman T.J. Willings T.J. Willings Chairman of the Board Saturday, April 25, 2009 6:30 - 10:00 p.m., Emerald Ballroom CHAIRMAN'S DINNER Dinner Menu Red Leaf Lettuces with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Toasted Pine Nuts w/ Balsamic Vinaigrette Grilled Filet Mignon with Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce Baked Stuffed Potato Seasonal Vegetables New York Style Cheesecake with Strawberry Grand Marnier Sauce Freshly Baked Assorted Rolls and Butter Freshly Brewed Coffees and Iced Tea Complimentary Wine sponsored by Hospitality Reception made possible by