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Steve Gilbert named Trucker Buddy of the Month for March 2012

Steve Gilbert has been named the March 2012 Trucker Buddy of the Month following his nomination by Arlene Poulos, a teacher at Fallbrook Street School in Fallbrook, Calif.  Her class is a multi-age class including kindergarten through third grade.

“Mr. Gilbert is one of a kind,” says Poulos.  “We think he is a wonderful Trucker Buddy and an excellent role model as he advocates to the children to be good students and also work hard.”

According to Poulos, Gilbert makes visiting her class a priority each year. “He has driven out to see the class not only in his truck but also with his wife on his motorcycle,” she says. “This year he drove his truck so the students were able to climb inside the cab and look around - It was amazing.”

When Gilbert comes to see the class, he describes his profession and gives them information about his truck.  Gilbert gave the class a small version of his truck to display in the classroom.  “What a special treat it is to have,” says Poulos.

Gilbert sent each student a map of the United States so they can keep track of his travels.  While he is driving, he will send the students post cards from every city.  The students have fun while learning map skills as they locate the places Gilbert has been.  “They are having fun learning the states and the facts about the states from his post cards.” 

In addition, Gilbert has given the students pencil pouches and writing supplies as well as Trucker Buddy lunch boxes.

 “It is so much fun to see all the lunch boxes during lunch,” Poulos says. “The Trucker Buddy program has been absolutely wonderful for our class. Mr. Gilbert is one of a kind.  We think he is a wonderful Trucker Buddy and excellent role model.  We cannot say enough about him and the excitement he has brought to our class.  He truly deserves this award.” 

Some comments from students below:

• “I [gotta] say that Mr. Gilbert is a magnificent trucker buddy.  He let us get in his Walmart truck and gives us pencils, rulers and sharpeners.”
• “Mr. Gilbert is a fantastic trucker buddy!  He gives us post cards from every state he goes and he visits us every year!  He also tells us to work hard and be good.”
• “Mr. Gilbert is a wonderful trucker buddy.  I wish Mr. Gilbert was the trucker buddy of the year!”

Link to Website with Pictures

Trucker Buddy International, an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, often called the number one trucking image campaign in North America, has helped educate schoolchildren and introduce educators to the trucking industry.  This gives them the world through the eyes of a professional truck driver.  The Trucker Buddy program helps to educate and mentor schoolchildren via a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades K-8 as supervised by their teachers.

After an extensive screening process, the professional truck drivers are matched with a class and as directed by the teacher, drivers share news about their travels with their class. Students write letters and send pictures to their drivers. Students' skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is made fun.

Since 1992, Trucker Buddy International has helped educate over a million schoolchildren and introduced them to caring, compassionate men and women, professional truck drivers.  The on-going success of the program is due to driver volunteers, participating teachers and the contributions of sponsors.  There is no cost to the drivers or teachers to participate in the program. The Trucker Buddy of the Month is sponsored by Daimler Truck Products and includes, Freightliner Trucks, Western Star Trucks and Detroit. Each class of the winning TBOM receives a gift pack of snack from Frito-Lay.  The Trucker Buddy program is funded entirely by sponsorships and donations. 

Melton Truck Lines Receives President’s “E Star” Award for Export Service

TULSA, Okla. – Melton Truck Lines Inc., a premier air-ride flatbed carrier based in Tulsa, OK, was awarded the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service by U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary John Bryson at the White House in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 17.  Dan Taylor, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Ashley Rogers, Marketing Coordinator, accepted the award on behalf of the company.  The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.  Melton Truck Lines was recognized for facilitating export expansion through transportation.  

“We are honored to receive the “E” Star Award.  Our service offerings to Canada and Mexico are key elements in our business.  Over 30% of our business crosses the US/Mexico border,” said Bob Peterson, President of Melton Truck Lines.  “Our cross-border operations expertise and the ability to deliver products on time and damage-free have contributed significantly to the exporting success of our customers.” 

Melton Truck Lines has one of the longest histories of international service among all United States carriers.  Melton pioneered through-trailer service to Mexico over 30 years ago.  This service keeps cargo on the same trailer from origin to destination, which speeds border crossing and reduces total cost.  Melton coordinates on-site customs clearance and provides covered cargo protection at their Laredo, TX facility.  The company also has an office staffed with sales, customer service and equipment control personnel in Monterrey, NL, Mexico. 

“I am pleased to recognize Melton Truck Lines for receiving the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service, which honors companies that make significant contributions toward increasing U.S. exports,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson. “This Administration is committed to leveling the playing field for American businesses and workers to help U.S. companies build things here and sell them around the world. “E” Star Awards winners like Melton Truck Lines have excelled in this effort, demonstrating four years of successive export growth. It is companies like this that are helping to grow our economy and put more Americans back to work.” 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first presentation of the President’s “E” Award by President John F. Kennedy.  The President’s “E” Award was created by Executive Order in 1961 to encourage U.S. companies to sell their products abroad.  A second award, the President’s “E Star” Award, was authorized by the Secretary of Commerce in 1969 to recognize “E” Award recipients for their continuing significant contributions to U.S. export expansion.  Melton Truck Lines, Inc. has continued to demonstrate strong export growth since receiving the President’s “E” Award for Export Service in 2002. 

Only four U.S. companies were awarded the President’s “E” Star Award for Export Service at the May 17, 2012 World Trade Week ceremonies in Washington DC.  Melton Truck Lines was the only truck transportation provider to receive the award.  

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service office network in 108 U.S. cities and more than 75 countries which helps U.S. companies export.  The primary criterion for the “E” Award is four years of successive export growth or of supporting the export growth of others.  “E” Awards are awarded to applicants that can demonstrate a significant contribution to U.S. export expansion that is measurable, innovative, sustainable, and has broad impact.  

All nominations are reviewed by the “E” Award Committee, which is chaired by the Department of Commerce, and includes representatives of ExIm Bank, the Small Business Administration, and the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, State, and Transportation.

Arnold Hires New Vice President Of Operations

JACKSONVILLE, FL. -- Arnold Transportation Services (ATS), a dominant player in the regional truckload business, recently announced David Mendenhall as its new vice president of operations. Mendenhall, who has been with the company a few months, has over 38 years of transportation experience, most recently as Vice President of Operations at LinkAmerica for 14 years.

“I am excited to be with a carrier that puts a premium on service and has a fleet of drivers dedicated to drive our culture of ‘safety, service, people’” said Mendenhall. “We have taken Arnold back to its roots of being a leader in the regional markets” 

Benefits for ATS drivers include state-of-the-art equipment, high pay, EZ Pass provided at no charge, referral and rehire bonuses, and multiple insurance plan options. Independent contractors at ATS also enjoy no forced dispatch, steady freight and weekly settlements. Additionally, the company has two regional running areas in the Southwest and Southeast (Super-regional) that gets drivers home every 7-10 days.

“As we grow our fleet to beyond 1,000 trucks, we are committed to retaining one of the highest on-time service levels in the industry,” said Mendenhall. “Whether it’s by local, dedicated or regional drivers, Arnold will get it there on time!”

Arnold Transportation Services

Known for its fast, reliable and intensive service, Arnold Transportation Services is based in Jacksonville, Fla. and specializes in truckload transportation and dedicated contract carriage. Both company and independent contractor opportunities are available.

For more information on careers at Arnold Transportation Services, visit arnoldtrans.com or call 1-800-846-4321.

The Volvo Group to Launch Natural Gas Engine for the North American Market

GOTEBORG, Sweden -- The Volvo Group will launch a 13-liter liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine within the Volvo brand for the North American market 2014. The engine's high pressure diesel ignition technology will provide significant fuel efficiency gains compared with current natural gas products.

Combined with the group's previously announced offering of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Volvo VNM and Volvo VNL model daycabs, the new engine will provide customers with a complete range of natural gas-powered transportation solutions. Within the Volvo brand another fuel is being tested that can be produced from natural gas, DME (dimethyl ether), which has the potential to become an attractive alternative for the North American market.

"Despite the near-term infrastructure questions regarding widespread adoption of natural gas as a heavy-duty truck fuel, it's clear this segment will grow over the next several years," said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing.

Through advanced high pressure diesel ignition technology -- using trace amounts of diesel to ignite the natural gas -- Volvo's LNG engine will deliver a 30 percent fuel efficiency improvement compared with spark-ignition (SI) engines, making it a viable alternative for demanding long-haul applications. The Volvo 13-liter LNG engine will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 20 percent compared with current diesel products.

The Volvo Group was the number one supplier of 13-liter heavy-duty engines to the combined U.S. and Canadian market last year, and the same vertically integrated approach that has made Volvo a global powertrain leader is being applied to the development of the new engine. The company's proprietary Volvo I-Shift automated mechanical transmission also will be available for customers to specify.

The Volvo Group has also conducted field tests of trucks equipped with DME. The strong results -- from ten vehicles operating in a variety of applications in Europe -- indicate DME holds much promise as a heavy-truck fuel, and could become a viable alternative in North America to CNG or LNG when it comes to performance, environmental impact, safety and distribution.

"Since we adopted Environmental Care as a core value in 1970s, the Volvo Group has dedicated the resources necessary to lead in alternative fuel technologies," Huibers said. "We demonstrated in 2007 our ability to run vehicles on seven different fuels, and we continue to refine our work with a variety alternative fuels and drivelines. Our comprehensive strategy -- including CNG, LNG, and potentially DME -- means we'll have a complete range of natural gas solutions as the infrastructure develops."

For more stories from the Volvo Group, please visit http://www.volvogroup.com/globalnews.

The Volvo Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications and aerospace components. The Group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. The Volvo Group, which employs about 115,000 people, has production facilities in 20 countries and sells their products in more than 190 markets. In 2011 annual sales of the Volvo Group amounted to about SEK 310 billion. The Volvo Group is a publicly-held company headquartered in Goteborg, Sweden. Volvo shares are listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.volvogroup.com or www.volvogroup.mobi if you are using your mobile phone

Celadon Group Named Inaugural Winner of Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. -- Celadon Group, Inc. announced that it has been awarded the 2012 Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year award, presented by FusionHealth and Navistar. This is the inaugural year for the award, which honors trucking companies that excel in integrating health and wellness programs and practices into their operations for improving the health and well-being of its driver workforce.

The Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year award is scored on a set of criteria focusing on how the company's program integrates into its operations, how it targets the continuum of health care issues, tailors to population needs, includes high participation of employees and evaluates the results on clear definitions of success. Celadon was specifically recognized for its on-site, full service health clinic that offers primary physician care, prescription services, workers compensation rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Celadon was further recognized for its comprehensive Wellness Program, which consists of health screenings, health seminars, diet and weight loss programs, nutritional and exercise programs, and incentives for healthy habits. Finally, the company was recognized for its below industry average driver turnover rate, attributed in part to its health and wellness programs.

A team of Celadon executives accepted the award at Celadon corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. "We are extremely proud of our strategic, progressive approach to long term health and wellness initiatives," said Paul Will, Vice Chairman, President and COO. "We have worked diligently to initiate innovative, truly life changing practices for our drivers and all Celadon employees. We are excited to be awarded the Healthy Trucking Fleet Award and help elevate industry adoption of pro-active healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices."

Chelle Pfiffner, Vice President of Strategic Employer Solutions at Fusion Health, elaborated on the significance of the Healthy Trucking Fleet of the Year Award. "Drivers power the industry, and it can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle during long stints on the road," said Pfiffner. "The program is meant to raise awareness of employer initiatives to support health among drivers and to recognize outstanding fleets leading those efforts. FusionHealth and Navistar believe the trucking industry can set the example for moving America forward to better health."

"Just as healthy drivers are paramount to a successful fleet, a healthy fleet is essential to a successful business," added Phil Tindell, Vice President, North American Regional Sales, Navistar. "Navistar and International Truck are working toward a healthier population of drivers and part of that is recognizing those individuals and fleets that are dedicated to a healthier industry."

Celadon Group, Inc. (www.celadongroup.com), through its subsidiaries, provides long-haul and regional full-truckload freight service across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company also owns Celadon Logistics Services, which provides freight brokerage services, less-than-truckload services, as well as supply chain management solutions, including warehousing and dedicated fleet services.

Truckload Carriers Association Announces Opening of Scholarship Program for 2012-13

Eligible students may apply online until June 15 

Alexandria, Virginia - The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) officially opened the application process for its annual scholarship program this morning.  Interested applicants have until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 15, 2012, to complete the application at www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

“I am very pleased to announce the launch of this year’s online scholarship application,” said Tom McLeod, chairman of the TCA Scholarship Fund and president of McLeod Software Corporation of Birmingham, Ala.  “It offers applicants a convenient way to apply for one of the many scholarships offered to family members connected to TCA member companies.  The number of applicants has been on the rise recently and we expect that trend to continue this year!”

To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Be in good academic standing
• Be attending an accredited four-year college or university as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior for 2012-13
• Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an employee or an employee of a TCA member
• Be the child, grandchild, or spouse of an independent contractor or an independent contractor affiliated with a TCA member
• Show financial need
• Show scholastic achievement
• Maintain full-time student status
• Exhibit high character and integrity

Scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year will range in size from $2,000 to $6,000 and will be awarded in two segments. 

TCA has been offering scholarships through its Scholarship Fund since 1973.  They are awarded without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, or religion.  For more information about the program and to fill out the online application, visit www.truckload.org/Scholarships.

Maverick Transportation, LLC Announces Temperature Control Driver Pay Increase

Citing customer growth and continued company expansion, Maverick Transportation, LLC announced a pay raise for its temperature control drivers, effective April 29, 2012.

The new plan implements a $.02/mile across the board increase for drivers in the temperature control division. All current Maverick drivers, as well as new drivers coming into this division will receive an increase in starting pay. In addition, Maverick raised detention pay to $15 an hour, almost doubling the previous rate. Starting pay for experienced temperature control drivers will now be $.41 - $.42/mile. Students with no experience will start at $.35/mile and increase to $.38/mile after 3 months. Drivers receive a $.01/mile increase after 1 year. An additional longevity incentive each year, for up to five years, was also recently announced.

“Our goal is to stay competitive in driver recruiting while simultaneously rewarding and retaining our existing drivers," said Director of Recruiting Brad Vaughn. “This is the second pay raise that Maverick has implemented in 2012.”

Maverick announced significant investments in new equipment during 2011 and 2012. The fleet currently operates 2010-2012 model Freightliner tractors providing drivers one of the safest, most comfortable rides in the industry.  With safety and technology leading the way, Maverick’s temperature control trailers are equipped with two way communications, door sensors, fuel sensors, and more. “We anticipate a considerable increase in utilization with our recent investment in additional temperature control trailers,” said Drew Selig, Director of Temperature Control Divisions. “We know that a larger trailer pool means more options for both our drivers and our customers.”

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas and operating over 1,200 units, Maverick provides OTR and dedicated service to the flatbed, glass, machinery, and temperature controlled transportation markets throughout North America. To learn more visit their website at www.maverickusa.com

Women In Trucking Association Hits Five-year Mark

PLOVER, WI -- Women In Trucking Association, Inc. was formed in March of 2007 during its inaugural board meeting at the Truckload Carriers Conference in Las Vegas.

A group of twelve women comprised the original board, which has now expanded to include both men and women representing different sectors of the industry. The association was formed to encourage women to look at careers in the trucking industry and to support those who work within the industry.

“We represent the women who design and build the trucks, sell the trucks, fix the trucks, dispatch the trucks and own the trucks, as well as those who drive them,” said Founder and President/CEO, Ellen Voie. “We are especially pleased to have many men who become members to support our efforts,” Voie added.

Mark Rousseau, Vice Chairman of the board and the first male director said, “Frito-Lay, North America congratulates Women in Trucking on their five year anniversary and we are proud of being the first Gold Partner of the organization. Over the first five years we have seen the positive impact of WIT related to recognizing the women in the Industry, and in creating awareness of the need to improve diversity and inclusion in trucking. We are looking forward to continuing our support of WIT as the organization moves into being the key resource for individuals, companies, and the government in supporting women in trucking related jobs.”

Some of the accomplishments of the group include the annual “Salute to the Women Behind the Wheel,” to honor professional female drivers, the “Influential Woman in Trucking Award,” the anti-harassment employment guide and the formation of a Scholarship Foundation. The group is nearing 2,000 members, which include both individuals and corporations and plans to hold a birthday celebration at the Great American Trucking Show in August.

Women In Trucking was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as sixteen percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generous support of Gold Level Partners; Bendix, Daimler Truck NA, Frito-Lay North America , Great Dane Trailers, Hyundai Translead and Walmart. For more information visit http://www.WomenInTrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.

Friendly Rivalry Between Richard Petty and Trace Adkins Ends in Truce With $100,000 Donation from Goody's and BC at the Goody's Fast Relief 500 for Goody's® Fast Relief 500

Goody's and BC Powders Equally Divide $100,000 Donation to Victory Junction and Wounded Warrior Project to Help "Change the World" for Children and Wounded Veterans

Memphis, Tenn. – At the recent Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia on Sunday, April 1, the friendly rivalry between racing legend and Goody’s® Headache Powder spokesman Richard Petty and country music superstar and BC® Powder spokesman Trace Adkins, ended in a truce that resulted in a total donation of $100,000 to help two charitable causes. Victory Junction, chosen by Petty, and Wounded Warrior Project™ (WWP), Adkins’ chosen charity, each received a donation of $50,000 from the powder brand they represent. The donations were a part of the continued Goody’s and BC Pick A Powder Campaign (www.pickapowder.com) that began in 2010 to see which powder is the fastest at getting rid of pain.

This year, the donation was the culmination of the “Like, Share, Change the World” Facebook program which gave fans a chance to raise funds and awareness for the two charities. Fans could go to the BC and Goody’s Facebook pages and for every BC or Goody’s page “liked”, a $1.00 donation was made (up to $50,000) to Victory Junction from Goody’s and to Wounded Warrior Project from BC. After fans “liked” the page(s), they could share a suggestion for how to make the world a less painful place.

“With the “Like, Share, Change the World” Facebook program, we’ve built upon the friendly rivalry and continue to make a difference in the lives of many,” said Joseph Juliano, Brand Director, Prestige Brands, the marketers of Goody’s and BC. “The Goody’s Fast Relief 500 marked the conclusion of the “Like, Share, Change the World” program but not the friendly rivalry. We are honored to have such great spokesmen as Trace Adkins and Richard Petty and look forward to continuing to impact the world and the lives of our loyal powders fans.”

Goody’s was so moved by the kind of heartfelt messages left by fans all over the country that the company decided to take the program to the community to try to provide some fast relief and “change the world” in a small way for a deserving family. Goody’s learned about a young man named Westley McCormick and his family through the relationship with Victory Junction. Westley is cancer survivor and a Victory Junction camper who lives in Lexington, NC with his parents and three brothers. At a special check presentation held late last month, Goody’s surprised the McCormick Family with a donation of $2,000 to purchase a computer and home schooling supplies. The McCormick’s also attended the Goody’s Fast Relief 500 and Westley got the chance to be on stage during pre-race to help receive the $50,000 check presented to Victory Junction.

For Victory Junction, the $50,000 donation will help fund the addition of lift systems at the camp’s pool and other camp facilities, ensuring all children have comfortable access to all the activities Victory Junction Provides.

“We thank Goody’s Headache Powder for being there from the very beginning and for helping Victory Junction continue our mission of providing life-changing camping experiences in a safe and medically-sound environment,” said Austin Petty, chief operating officer of Victory Junction. “We also thank the many fans of Goody’s and Richard Petty along with our families and supporters who help us make a difference in the lives of the children and families who experience our camp. We are grateful.”

Richard Petty, NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and Goody’s life-time spokesman said, “Victory Junction has always had a special place in my heart and in the hearts of my family as it was the dream of my late grandson Adam. On behalf of the entire Petty family, I thank Goody’s and all our fans for their ongoing dedication and support. I am glad that Trace Adkins and I could put our friendly rivalry aside for a moment to give back to two worthy organizations that are near and dear to us.”

For Wounded Warrior Project, the $50,000 donation will help the organization continue its mission of empowering wounded service members and their families by hosting WWP Family Support Retreats that support the family members who sustain the wounded veterans on their path to recovery.

“With the donation from BC Powder, we will be able to continue to give back to our wounded veterans who have given so much in defending us and our country,” said Adam Silva, Wounded Warrior Project Chief Development Officer. “We cannot thank BC Powder, the BC fans, and Trace Adkins enough for their support – we honor and proudly salute them.”

Trace Adkins, BC Powder spokesman and long-time supporter of service members said, “It is an honor for me to help Wounded Warrior Project. I’m excited to host a military family at my concert in Charlotte on April 20. I want to thank my fans and the fans of BC Powder for helping us provide this financial contribution to Wounded Warrior Project. Richard Petty has been a great ‘rival’ and an even better partner in our goal of giving back to seriously ill children and our wounded veterans.”

ABOUT THE PICK A POWDER CAMPAIGN
The campaign began as a way to play off the fierce and generational loyalty users have to either Goody’s Headache Powder or BC Powder. During the past two years of the campaign, both Adkins and Petty have engaged their fans around the country to pick a team to support: Team Richard for Goody’s and Team Trace for BC. Through a series of spoofs, jabs, challenges and contests, Adkins and Petty have taken on new experiences in each other’s professions. The funny moments, such as watching 6-foot-6 Adkins get in a Richard Petty Motorsport’s race car and hearing Petty sing karaoke, were captured and posted online for fans to enjoy and help determine which of the two men truly suffers from the toughest pain. While they have disagreed on many things, one thing that both Adkins and Petty have always agreed on is giving back to causes near and dear to their hearts. Visit www.pickapowder.com.

ABOUT PRESTIGE BRANDS
Prestige Brands (www.prestigebrands.com) markets and distributes brand name over-the-counter and household cleaning products throughout the U.S., Canada, and in certain international markets. Our core brands include Chloraseptic® sore throat treatments, Clear Eyes® eye care products, Compound W® wart removers, Debrox® earwax remover, The Doctors®NightGuard® dental protector, the Little Remedies® and PediaCare® lines of pediatric over-the-counter products, Efferdent® denture care products, Luden’s® throat drops, Dramamine® motion sickness treatment, Goody’s® and BC® analgesics, Gaviscon® antacid, and Beano® gas treatment.

ABOUT VICTORY JUNCTION
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, N.C., with a second location opening soon in Kansas City, Kan. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, groups and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. Since the camp’s inception, more than 16,000 children and families have received not only a circle of support but experiences thought to only be possible by healthy children. For more information or to donate, visit www.victoryjunction.org

ABOUT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
The mission of Wounded Warrior ProjectTM (WWP) is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

 

Trucker Buddy Elects New Officers and Board Members at the 2012 Board Meeting

The Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Trucker Buddy International has named new officers and members, filling openings left by others completing their tenure at Trucker Buddy.

Joining the Executive Committee are K.C. Brau and Brad Williamson.  Brau, who was elected president, has been a professional driver for 24 years, the last 15 for Crete Carriers.  Williamson, director, Engine and Component Marketing for Detroit, DTNA, was elected secretary and has worked for Detroit, DTNA for almost seven years and previously with General Motors.

Completing their service terms with Trucker Buddy were Don Darden and Eric Harley. Both served eight years on the board with Darden serving the past two years as president.

Newly-elected board members are John Clark, director, Global Brand Management & Marketing Communications with Meritor and Matt Hart, executive director for the Illinois Trucking Association.  Clark came to Meritor after spending five years at Roush Performance managing their communications and brand management.  Hart worked for six years as the associate director of the Mid-West Truckers Association before becoming the leader of the Illinois Trucking Association.

“Don and Eric have done so much fine work for Trucker Buddy over the last eight years, and both men have personally sacrificed time and personal expense to lead us through some perilous times,” said Randy Schwartzenburg, executive director.  “Their sacrifice and service has been above and beyond the call of duty and is greatly appreciated.  We’re excited to have K.C. and Brad move into a greater level of leadership for our organization – both will help take Trucker Buddy to the next level.”

Trucker Buddy International, an independent, non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, often called the number one trucking image campaign in North America, has helped educate schoolchildren and introduce educators to the trucking industry.  This gives them the world through the eyes of a professional truck driver.  The Trucker Buddy program helps to educate and mentor schoolchildren via a pen pal relationship between professional truck drivers and children in grades K-8 as supervised by their teachers.

After an extensive screening process, the professional truck drivers are matched with a class and as directed by the teacher, drivers share news about their travels with their class. Students write letters and send pictures to their drivers. Students' skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is made fun.

Since 1992, Trucker Buddy International has helped educate over a million schoolchildren and introduced them to caring, compassionate men and women, professional truck drivers.  The on-going success of the program is due to driver volunteers, participating teachers and the contributions of sponsors.  There is no cost to the drivers or teachers to participate in the program.  The Trucker Buddy program is funded entirely through sponsorships and donations. 

Trucker Buddy press releases are provided by ACS, a Xerox Company.