MCE Closing Banquet Rocks With Optimism, Enthusiasm
AUSTIN, Texas — They heard some optimistic projections from outgoing American Trucking Associations Chairman Dave Manning, a touching speech by new ATA Chairman Barry Pottle, and ended the evening hugging the stage to the hard Southern rock of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
A large crowd of ATA members and their families turned out for the closing banquet at the Austin Convention Center as the federation concluded its 2018 Management Conference & Exhibition on Oct. 30.
In passing the torch to Pottle, Manning said his year as chairman showed him that from trucking’s executives to its truck driving champions, the industry is filled with people who work hard every day, are proud of the work they do, and are willing to be warriors for the industry.
ATA's New General Officers
- Chairman: Barry Pottle, CEO of Pottle's Transportation of Bangor, Maine.
- First vice chairman: Randy Guillot, president of Triple G Express of New Orleans.
- Second vice chairman: Sherri Garner Brumbaugh, president and CEO of Garner Trucking of Findlay, Ohio.
- Vice chairmen: Harold Summerford Jr., CEO of J&M Tank Lines of Birmingham, Ala.; and Dan Van Alstine, president and COO of Ruan Transportation Management Systems.
- Secretary: John Smith, chairman of Admiralty Holdings.
- Treasurer: Mike Ducker, former president and CEO of FedEx Freight.
“Our strength and unity has yielded some impressive results,” Manning said. “By coming together as one voice, ATA has been able to effectively advocate on issues that motor carriers deem important.”
Manning added, “Due to the hard work of the ATA team, Washington has been hearing our voice and taking notice of our industry.”
In his acceptance speech, Pottle reflected on his long journey from truck driver at age 18 to association chairman.
He credited his family, friends and employees, as well several ATA leaders who have since passed, as his inspiration to get involved with ATA, and help guide his way up the trade organization’s ladder.
Pottle called on ATA members to help him in his quest to continue improving the plight of truck drivers, strengthen the ATA’s Truck PAC, and increase ATA membership.
Pottle
“The more we work together, the more we can get done,” Pottle said. “We have a great team at ATA, not just staff, but ATA members who volunteer their time to serve on committees.”
“I am excited to get started and help grow all of our businesses, ATA and our industry.”
