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ATA elects Tommy Neely as new Chairman, installs officers, adds nine to the board

The Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) has elected its officers and nine individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. These additions bring the number of board members to 72.

ATA’s executive board comprises industry leaders from various companies around Alabama. The group oversees and guides the activities and operations of the Association. Its primary role is to provide strategic direction, make key decisions, and ensure that the organization is effectively serving the interests of its members and the trucking industry in Alabama.

“For the last seven-plus decades, the strength and resiliency of our board leadership have been the driving force behind the success of Alabama’s trucking industry,” said President and CEO Mark Colson. “These men and women give of their time, energy, and resources to make the trucking industry better and safer for all. They are truly the backbone of our Association.”

The new officers are Chairman Tommy Neely, Ross Neely Systems, Birmingham and Vice Chairman Joe Black, McGriff Tire Co., Cullman. New board members are Brent Bruser, Vice President of Sales for Truckworx, Birmingham, Ala.; Claiborne Crommelin, Vice President of Safety, Baggett Transportation Co., Birmingham, Ala.; Allen Dye, Vice President, ServisFirst Bank, Birmingham, Ala.; Jeff Ellsworth, Director, Evergreen Transport, Mobile, Ala.; John Ethridge, Regional Sales Manager, Buddy Moore Trucking, Birmingham, Ala.; Greg Evans, Vice President, M&T Equipment Finance Corp., a subsidiary of M&T Bank, Helena, Ala.; Valerie Lindley, LB3, Wedowee, Ala.; Bruce McLeod, McLeod Software, Manager, Sales Contract Operations, Birmingham, Ala.; Travis Williams, Director of Operations, Greenbush Logistics Inc. Abbeville, Ala.

Chairman Neely will serve as the main decision maker for the membership as a whole and the face and voice of the Alabama Trucking Association for the year-long term. Neely will serve on the Policy and Finance Committee, the TRUK PAC Board, and the Alabama Trucking Foundation Board and will lead and preside over all Board of Director meetings. The chairman also will be heavily involved in all major events that Alabama Trucking hosts every year.

Joe Black’s role as Vice Chairman will consist of him serving as chairman of the Alabama Trucking Convention planning committee. Vice Chairman Black will serve on the Policy and Finance Committee, the TRUK PAC Board, and the Alabama Trucking Foundation Board. Alongside the chairman, the vice chairman will also be heavily involved with all the major events that Alabama Trucking hosts every year.

Chris Cooper, CEO of the Boyd Companies and Immediate Past Chairman of the Alabama Trucking Association said, “I am looking forward to seeing the ways Tommy (Neely) and Joe (Black) move the association forward. There are a lot of challenges that the industry is facing and it’s our job as industry and association leaders to take on those issues. Tommy and Joe both bring different perspectives that allow us to cover our bases. Both are great members and leaders within the association. The association is pushing our industry forward in many different areas like workforce development, events, member engagement and political advocacy. I have been proud of my time as chairman, but I am truly excited to see what the future holds for Alabama Trucking.”

Chairman Cooper continued regarding the addition of the new board members, “It is awesome to see so many great perspectives that we have on the Board of Directors. That is especially seen in the newest group of board members. Having a great mix of allied and motor carrier members from all around the state is always a fantastic addition to our board. We’ve had the opportunity to make huge strides in several different areas over the past few years. I think the staff and board are up to the task of keeping that momentum moving forward. These new members will be amazing additions to the board. The ability for more association members to step forward as in- dustry leaders is always a positive thing.”

Officers and new board members were officially sworn in during the Alabama Trucking board meeting on June 20 and were introduced to the duties and roles of a board member via a new board member orientation presented by the ATA staff to help new members and new and current board members learn or refresh what the Association does for the industry.

Alabama Trucking expresses strong opposition to Secretary of Labor nominee

In May, the Alabama Trucking Association leaders expressed concerns and took decisive action in letters to Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Sen. Katie Britt, requesting their opposition to the nomination of Julie Su as Secretary of Labor.

Alabama Trucking officials believe that Su’s track record poses a threat to the industry, small businesses, and the state’s workforce. The letter outlined specific instances where her past decisions have negatively impacted independent entrepreneurs, franchisees, and small businesses.

ATA CEO Mark Colson highlighted Su’s role as Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, during which she supported a controversial law known as AB5. Colson expressed concern over the legislation, which poses a threat to the livelihoods of independent entrepreneurs and franchisees. AB5, which has since been partially overturned by California voters, carries implications that business leaders believe could be nationalized if Ms. Su were to assume the position of Secretary of Labor. Such policies, if implemented on a national scale, could harm independent workers who are vital to Alabama’s workforce.

Additionally, the ATA draws attention to Ms. Su’s support for state legislation (AB 257) that sought to grant an unelected board of government appointees the power to dictate wages and working conditions for independently owned restaurants in California. This endorsement, according to the ATA, further indicates a pattern of antismall business sentiment. The association argues that Ms. Su’s potential continuation

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