INSIDE:
Lifeliner
Carrier Spotlight: J. Pettiecord, Inc.
IOWA MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION
Convention Recap New Chairman: Steve Schuster Iowa’s Freight Advisory Council
BIGIssues BIGElection
Election is Important
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In this Issue
IMTA Staff Brenda Neville, CAE President
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PAC Motorcycle Ride
Don Egli
Director of Safety and Security
DeAnn Moody Office Manager
Phillip Nicolino
Marketing Manager
Mike Spalla
Membership Manager
Janelle Stevens
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Events/Education Manager
Articles
New Chairman of the Board
Chairman’s Message..........................4-5 President’s Message............................... 7 New Chairman Introduction................8-9 Congressional Candidate Ben Lange.... 10 Congressman Steve King...................... 11 ATA President & CEO Bill Graves............. 12 Congressman Tom Latham................... 13 Your Vote Matters................................. 14 IMTA Membership................................ 15 Carrier Spotlight - J. Pettiecord, Inc. ..........................16-18 Iowa’s Freight Advisory Council.......20-21 Cover Story: Election 2012..............22-23 Member Election Opinions..............24-25 PAC Motorcycle Ride............................ 26 2012 Management Conference Recap...28-29 President’s Service Award................30-31 Best of the Best Awards...................32-37
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Big Issues Big Election
Our Supporters Great West Casualty...................... 2 Boyer Petroleum..........................4-5 Donaghy-Kempton Insurors............ 6 Quality Services Corp..................... 6 Central Trailer Service.................... 6 Hawkeye International Trucks....... 19 IMTA Cornerstone Sponsors.......... 27
2012 Management Conference Sponsors... 43 Iowa Truck Services...................... 44 Northland Insurance.................... 46 Embassy Suites............................ 46 Truck Country.............................. 47 Midwest Wheel Companies............. 48
Golf & Shooting Outings..................38-39 2012 Management Conference.......40-42 Bob Molinaro Tribute............................ 45 Winter 2012
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Chairman’s Message Jeff Wangsness, JMT Trucking Company It seems as though it was just yesterday that I began my term as the Chairman of the Board for IMTA, and yet here we are 12 months later and I am writing my final Chairman’s Jeff Wangsness column. I guess IMTA Chairman the saying “time of the Board flies when you are having fun” would be most fitting to describe the last 12 months. There were so many highlights and positive experiences that I can’t begin to write about them all in the space allotted but suffice it to say that this an extremely rewarding and gratifying experience and I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity. First and foremost, I would like to thank
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my business associates at JMT/Rasmussen Group for allowing me to put the time in that was needed to be a good Chairman for the association. I have been blessed to have an excellent group of colleagues and employees to work with throughout my career at JMT and I am very proud to be associated with such great people. Secondly, I would like to thank my wife Shelly and my family as well for their tremendous support over the last 12 months as I served in this role. And finally last but not least, I would like to thank all the IMTA members and staff for everything that was done to make this last year such an extraordinary success in so many different ways. One of the most successful efforts of the last 12 months, in my opinion was the completion of the IMTA front entrance renovation as well as updating and revitalizing some of the outside spaces at the IMTA headquarters. Our building is
such a valuable symbol for this industry and I have always been a huge proponent of continually investing whatever it takes to ensure that the IMTA building is not only functional but impressive in its appearance. In addition to completing this first step in an ongoing procession of renovation and revitalization, we also successfully kicked off a capital campaign to finance the ongoing needs of our building and in a few short weeks we raised over $370,000. A very nice dent towards our goal of raising $1 million! Through the fine work of many volunteer committee members, we took on some tough tasks with the most notable being a 14-month process of evaluating our current dues structure and developing a new way of assessing for dues in the future. We have not done any major adjustments to our dues structure for private carriers since the early 1990s and for other carriers it was in 2000.
Chairman’s Message This is never an easy or pleasant job but everyone involved dedicated a great deal of time, effort and energy into this process and a decision to move to a “per truck” assessment has been made and will be implemented over the next three years. I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of this committee and every other committee that helped make me look very good over the last 12 months.
full of a lot of really good people. Men and women who are giving 100 percent each and every day to run an operation that not only delivers the products that we all depend upon but also offering good paying jobs to folks across the state of Iowa. It was gratifying to see the members come out to the membership outreach events and take a sincere and genuine interest in the efforts of THEIR association.
Meeting members throughout the state was another highlight of my year. I put on a lot of miles over the year and I would travel with the staff as they conducted their member outreach events. It was through these events that I once again gained a tremendous appreciation of what this association is doing for truckers of all sizes and how fortunate we are to have an association working on our behalf. In my many conversations with various members, I learned about many different kinds of operations and was quickly reminded that Iowa’s trucking industry is
I also tremendously enjoyed working with the other IMTA officers and board members. We have a great group of volunteer leaders that continually demonstrate their dedication and commitment to moving IMTA forward in a positive manner. The time these folks put into serving on the board or as an officer is tremendous and yet, they don’t hesitate to roll up their sleeves and dive into any task that they are presented with. It was truly an honor to work with all of these great leaders.
As I said in my acceptance speech a year ago, I am the quintessential “association” man. I have always been involved with associations in both my personal and professional life. I truly respect and appreciate the role that associations play and after serving in this capacity, I can say I am even a stronger proponent and believer of an association’s ability to move mountains! I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to serve as your chairman and I can’t thank you enough for creating a mountain of good memories that will last a lifetime. I can say in all honesty, this will go down as one of the highlights of my professional life and the role that each and every member played in creating such a positive experience will never be forgotten. Thank you for your support and I look forward to our continued work together.
Winter 2012
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President’s Message Brenda Neville, Iowa Motor Truck Association By the time you are reading this, we are getting down to the wire as we approach one of the most historic elections of our time. Living here in Iowa, we have been Brenda Neville a part of this IMTA President political circus for almost two years now and once again we all have had a front row seat to the entire process. Do you remember all the Republican candidates that campaigned in Iowa until it was finally whittled down to the Romney/ Ryan ticket? Through that process, we were in a very unique position to really get a look and listen to the various candidates and while some people probably detest the role that Iowa plays in presidential politics, it is something that we should not take for granted. The same is true for the upcoming elections, we simply cannot take anything for granted and until the polls close on November 6th, we must remind everyone we know that their vote does indeed count. I have been through many presidential elections and given IMTA’s role in the political process, we have always been involved to a degree, but honestly, this election has been much different. Different in the fact that many more IMTA members were engaged, involved and motivated at a level I have never seen. In the last 3 months, I have talked to carriers of all sizes and in 99% of those conversations; the presidential election has been the focus and I am not talking about “casual” conversations.
Instead, I am hearing nothing but passion and concern in these conversations and because of that, these IMTA members have really stepped up. For the first time in 25 years, I have seen IMTA members make contributions to not only the congressional campaigns but also the presidential campaign. In previous years, there would always be a handful of trucking company owners and executives that would write a check to a congressional candidate or even a presidential candidate but this time around, many, many members have come forward and hosted fundraisers and made sizeable and valuable contributions to the various candidates on the national level. This is the kind of involvement and engagement that shows that people DO CARE and can make a difference. When IMTA launched its absentee ballot campaign, the number of IMTA members that jumped on board and started communicating with their employees, especially their drivers, tripled from previous years. With over 4 million professional drivers in the United States, the trucking industry plays a powerful and important role in the election process. I saw communications efforts within trucking companies where the CEOs have written some very effective communications to their employees on what is at stake in the upcoming election and like many others; I believe this will have a very valuable impact on the results on November 6th. Recently, I was at the ATA (American Trucking Associations) management conference and ATA President and CEO, Governor Bill Graves reminded all of us that we are at an important crossroads. As he stated in his speech “Our industry is at a crossroads. With possible important regulatory changes afoot, with changes
needed in how we fund and manage our highways and with possible changes in whom makes those decisions coming this November, this is a critically important time for trucking.” It is a critical time for trucking and frankly for business and every household as well. We have two very distinctly different presidential candidates and it will be up to the American people to determine which one of those candidates will be running our country for the next four years. Your role in that process is extremely important and your opportunity to be heard on
With over 4 million professional drivers in the United States, the trucking industry plays a powerful and important role in the election process. November 6th is something that should not be taken lightly. I am extremely proud of the tremendous work that the IMTA members have put forth over the last several months as we prepare for this historic election. And like many of you, I am anxious to see the outcome of those efforts and anxious to have some “certainty” as we look towards the future on November 7th. And regardless of the outcome, the trucking industry will continue to work together and make a difference whenever and wherever it can…and given what I have seen from the members over the last several months as they have gotten fired up over this pending election…I am confident they can do anything they put their mind to. Thanks for all your involvement and remember to vote on November 6th!
Winter 2012
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New Chairman of the Board
Steve Schuster
-Schuster Company
Introducing Your New 2013 Chairman – Steve Schuster, Schuster Company LeMars, Iowa
The IMTA is proud to welcome Steve Schuster as the 2013 Chairman of the Board. Steve has been an active member for the past 20 years and is proud to once again serve in this capacity. We say “once again” because this is actually Steve’s second “go around” as the IMTA Chairman of the Board. In 2005, he was IMTA’s Chairman of the Board but halfway through his term, he was called to jury duty and was selected to serve on a federal criminal case that tied him up for almost two months. As a result of that civic duty, Steve didn’t get to fully serve as the Chairman of the Board. Then, with the unfortunate and untimely death of IMTA officer Dan Stevens last year, who was scheduled to be the 2013 Chairman, there was a tremendous need to have someone step in and fulfill Dan’s term. Steve was the obvious choice and welcomed the opportunity to serve as chairman the entire 12 months.
So while he has some prior experience at this level; the association has changed tremendously since 2005 and Steve views his role as Chairman of the Board as a new and fresh experience. “I really look forward to the upcoming year because we have a lot of great things going on and I want to continue to build on the momentum that has been created by those before me.”
2013 IMTA Chairman Steve Schuster at the front door of his company in LeMars, Iowa
“I have great employees and a great team of managers at Schuster and that really is what contributes to our continued success,” said Steve. Steve is a proud, lifetime resident of LeMars, Iowa. After high school he traveled to Des Moines and pursued coursework at the AIB and finished up his college studies at Westmar. He then got into the trucking business and has never looked back. His beloved father, Orville, started the operation in 1956 with one grain truck. Schuster
Donna Weinrich-Lucht/Weinrich Truck Lines, Stephanie Dittmer/former Bob Bannister Memorial Scholarship winner, Steve Schuster/Schuster Company during a scholarship presentation in Hinton, Iowa
Grain hauled grain around the Sioux City area and steadily grew. Eventually the focus switched from grain to a refrigerated operation, especially given that Schuster has very close ties with Wells Blue Bunny.
Mike Riggan/TanTara Transportation Corp, Pat Storey/Motor-Ways, Inc., Brenda Neville, IMTA President, Congressman Tom Latham, Bob Kohlwes/BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Steve Schuster/Schuster Company, Dave Van Wyk/Van Wyk, Inc. represent IMTA in Washington, D.C.
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The name was changed to Schuster Company and today the carrier employees over 350 drivers and over 40 office staff. The company headquarters is located on the south side of LeMars and was just constructed in 2005. Steve’s tremendous work ethic, vision and drive coupled with a strong staff of leaders within the company’s management
New Chairman of the Board Schuster Company
is a family owned and oriented company based out of northwest Iowa. Orville Schuster started Schuster Grain in 1956 with one truck hauling grain in and around Sioux City, Iowa. Orville continued to grow and expand services of Schuster Grain to include refrigerated and dry van services. The name was changed to Schuster Company to reflect the transition. Schuster presently employs 350 full-time and parttime drivers and owner operators, 10 dispatchers, 10 backhaul and customer support coordinators, and 20 office personnel.
team have been the main ingredients in Schuster’s continual recipe of growing success over the last decade. “I have great employees and a great team of managers at Schuster and that really is what contributes to our continued success. We would not be where we are today if it weren’t for all the great people that work for the company. They have made it all possible,” said Steve. Steve first got involved with IMTA because of the desire to keep up with the continually changing regulatory environment and a curiosity and interest in the many legislative issues impacting the industry and business in general. But over the years, the real value he sees in his connection with IMTA is the networking with other trucking owners and personal and professional relationships that have become very valuable over the years. “IMTA has a lot of great things to offer and the importance of having a voice at the Capitol and with the regulators is by far our top priority. But I believe the networking and relationships that are built with other owners is of equal importance when evaluating the return on your investment as an IMTA member.” Steve is proud to be representing Western Iowa as well, a part of the state that has
always been known as “trucking country”. IMTA has a lot of great members in Western Iowa and Steve is excited to be able to be a voice for that part of the state. “IMTA has made tremendous strides in reaching out to Western Iowa. IMTA has a presence in this side of the state at least four times a year and that has really helped in strengthening our membership. I want to continue to build upon that and it will be good for me to raise the flag for Western Iowa in other parts of the state as I travel on behalf of IMTA in the upcoming months.” Steve has been an IMTA board member for almost 20 years and also served on a number of different committees throughout his tenure with the association. He looks forward to this role as Chairman of the Board and will continue to look to the membership for guidance and advice on how IMTA can continue to be the best association it can possibly be for its members.
Danna Schuster with son Shawn pose for a photo for dad!
Dave Van Wyk/Van Wyk, Inc., Jeff Arens/Schuster Company, Steve Schuster/ Schuster Company, Travis Ward/GE Capital Solutions Transportation Finance try out their game at the Truck PAC Golf outing
Winter 2012
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Driving the Economy
Ben Lange 2012 Iowa Congressional Candidate
The trucking I’m asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 6, industry is because we can turn this around together. again this September. Why? Because our I want to reform health care the right way truly the spending is out of control and Washington by repealing ObamaCare, replacing it politicians refuse to reform unsustainable with a patient-centered system that gives driving entitlement programs like Social Security patients more choices and more control force behind and Medicare for our kids and grandkids. over their health care and giving Iowans Social Security began running permanent the same access to health care that deficits in 2010 and, after Obamacare Members of Congress are given. America’s passed, Medicare is now set to go I want to preserve the safety net by economy. bankrupt in just 12 years.
Nearly three quarters of all freight tonnage is delivered by truck. In fact, 80 percent of the communities in the U.S. receive their goods and supplies exclusively via truck. Nine million people work to move 11 billion tons of freight annually, generating $650 billion in revenue, or about five percent our nation’s entire economy. But for me, and for all of you, trucking is about more than just numbers. The trucking industry is made up of thousands of small business owners/operators who provide good paying jobs that our nation relies upon to make commerce happen. My grandfather was one of those people. He drove truck for years right here in northeast Iowa working for Jensen’s Trucking out of Independence. Today, America is at a crossroads and Iowans face a historic choice about what kind of nation we will pass on to our children and grandchildren. Washington politicians – both Republicans and Democrats – have put our nation on a path of massive debt and steep decline. For decades, they’ve made promises to us in order to get elected. Unfortunately they haven’t been honest with us and they’ve made promises they simply cannot keep. The cold fact is our nation is going broke. Since 1993, the national debt has quadrupled from $4 trillion to $16 trillion. My three little girls now owe $150,000 before they can even ride a bike. It’s the biggest social injustice of my lifetime. Last year, the U.S. credit rating was downgraded for the first time in American history – it was just downgraded
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Washington politicians who say these programs don’t need to be reformed or who criticize others for saying so, simply aren’t being honest with you. The truth is the federal government has grown too big and is too expensive. We need to cut federal spending. We need to honor the promises made to our seniors while reforming unsustainable entitlement programs for future generations in a balanced and responsible way. If we do not, our country faces total financial collapse. I’m proud to be the only candidate in this race who has offered a detailed plan for getting us back on track towards economic growth and prosperity. I call it my “Compact with Iowans” and you can download your personal copy at LangeforCongress.com. I want to reduce the national debt by passing a Balanced Budget Amendment to permanently end federal deficits, opposing all debt-ceiling increases until a debt-reduction strategy is established, and capping federal spending at 19 percent of GDP. I want to unleash the U.S. economy by prohibiting the federal government from taxing more than 25 percent of any individual or business, repealing the death tax, opening new international markets, and establishing three-year sunset provisions for all regulations so members of Congress can regain control and responsibility over federal bureaucrats and agencies.
honoring the promise made to our seniors, preventing any changes to Medicare benefits for people over the age of 55, giving seniors more control and more choices over their health care and retirement, and allowing younger generations the choice between traditional Medicare or alternative plans.
At a time when all of us are distrustful of candidates for public office, I’ve also done what few others are willing to do – I’ve put my promises in writing. What I promise to you is this:
1. I will tell you the truth. 2. I will not run from difficult problems. 3. I will do what I say I am going to do. In November, I am giving you a clear choice between electing the same old politicians who will say anything to get elected while accelerating our nation down a steep path towards economic collapse, or electing a new breed of political leader who will tell you the truth about our perilous economic condition and who has the courage to tackle these tough issues and put America back on the right track towards economic growth and prosperity. I’m asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 6, because we can turn this around together.
Thank You to the Trucking Industry No road too long, No hill too steep
There was a time in my life I could tell name the engine under the hood Steve King Iowa Congressman of a truck, just from the sound – whether it was a Cummins, a Cat, a Detroit or a Mack. I knew it was a Cummins when I heard that deep purr of their long stroke engine. If it was a two-cycle Detroit it sounded like a goliath chainsaw, quick torque when you needed it. A Caterpillar had a very distinct sound – a certain clatter. The Mack on the other hand stands out with its slow lugging power. I spent hours upon hours on our Iowa roads, learning to appreciate horsepower and the stability of a truck that is built right. I’ll never forget stepping up from my old 1963, 238 Emory cab, to a 1693 CAT with its pre-combustion chambers producing that distinct caterpillar clatter and 13-speed. I had the feeling I could load anything and go anywhere- no road too long, no hill too steep.
A vast array of manufactured products are shipped from Iowa across the nation, including farm equipment, furniture, appliances, and food. Of the 109 companies employing 1,000 or more people in Iowa, 30 are located in, or have a presence in the 10 counties of the U.S. Highway 20 primary corridor, including Hy-Vee, Tyson Foods, UPS, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Wells Dairy, Gomaco, VT industries, Midwest Industries, Evapco and Style Craft. Each of these companies are highly dependent on highways. The U.S. 20 route to Chicago from northwest Iowa is approximately 100 miles shorter than taking I-80. Completing Highway 20 has been a goal of mine well before my time in the United States Congress. Clearly, highways play an important role in keeping the United States connected, as well as providing jobs and opportunities within Iowa, but unfortunately funding for highway projects is not always a top priority for all Members of Congress. I understand that highway funding is a major issue for the trucking industry. Without long-term solutions, we aren’t solving the real issues
at stake for truckers and for the economy. A long term highway bill should be an obvious solution to the uncertainty that truckers face. We need a long term plan in order to secure the desperately needed east-west alternative to the overcrowded and dangerous I-80. A four-lane U.S. 20 would also cut miles from the average trucker’s route resulting in lower freight costs and faster delivery, as well as significantly improve safety. The trucking industry and other types of business cannot thrive when they are unsure of how and where they are going to be able to transport their products. I’m grateful for the truckers across our nation who work tirelessly to ensure the safe transportation of our goods. I still listen for the distinct sounds of each engine, although I have a much harder time telling them apart, and look forward to the day when those sounds can be heard all across northern Iowa, cruising along a completed statewide four-lane Highway 20.
Truckers play a key role in facilitating our economy and making sure everything runs smoothly.
It’s been said if you bought it, a truck brought it. Truckers play a key role in facilitating our economy and making sure everything runs smoothly. I understand how vital transportation infrastructure is to the further development of our state. In fact, during my time in Congress, I have helped secure more than $26,000,000 for the four-lane US Highway 20 expansion project. It should come as no surprise that Highway 20 was one of the very first coast-to-coast highways in the United States. U.S. 20 is a direct route from Iowa’s manufacturing and food processing industries to the northeastern United States, one of the world’s largest and wealthiest markets. Highway 20 is also a direct route for Iowa’s exports to the seaports of the northwest.
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An Industry at the Crossroads As an industry as connected to the highways as trucking, we know an awful lot about roads. We know about smooth roads – those that are easy to traverse, the ones where Bill Graves you can feel President & CEO the wind at American Trucking Associations your back and the sun on your face. We know too about congested roads – arteries that are frustratingly clogged, preventing us from moving very far or very fast.
that the agency’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program is not living up to its mission and is in need of a serious midcourse correction. ATA has supported – and continues to support – the initial goal of targeting unsafe carriers in order to reduce crashes. However, ATA is disappointed with the agency’s lack of progress in rectifying fairly obvious deficiencies in CSA.
However, we also know about crossroads – those points on the map where you can travel in a new direction to chase new opportunities. Well, after several challenging years, this industry is now at a crossroads.
By requiring electronic logging, closing the job-hopping loophole in the drug and alcohol testing rules with a national clearinghouse, establishing standards for systems to provide employers with timely notifications of drivers’ moving violations and mandatory testing of new carriers entering the industry to verify their knowledge of safety requirements as well as ordering a study of crash-worthiness standards for large trucks, this new law is a giant step forward for our industry.
When we last gathered, in Grapevine, I spoke to you of the Texas-sized challenges facing our industry. We were waiting for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to release its ill-conceived revision of the hours-of-service rule, for Congress to pass a long-overdue highway reauthorization and, for many of us, for the effects if the economic recovery to become more real. Since then? FMCSA issued a rule that – while not as bad as it could have been – still will have a negative effect on our industry, but more importantly, on the safety of our highways. These rules, should they be allowed to go into effect, will put more trucks on the road, increasing congestion and raising the risk of a crash on top of reducing drivers’ flexibility to rest and get home more often. American Trucking Associations, as you know, currently is suing FMCSA to keep these rules from ever being enforced – a case we feel we have a strong chance of winning. Hours-of-service is not only FMCSArelated bump in the road we’ve had to endure this year. With each passing day, it becomes more and more apparent
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While the regulatory road has been bumpy, 2012 was a good year for ATA on Capitol Hill. After more than two years of delays, the House and Senate finally came together on a highway bill. That bill, now the law of the land, significantly advances the cause not just of truck safety, but of highway safety.
Despite this, the bill does have flaws – notably it continues to kick the can down the road on truck productivity and more importantly, on adequate funding to ensure our roads and bridges are in good repair and remain uncongested. By continuing to underfund our transportation systems, the federal government is all but forcing states to look at another type of road to solve their problems: toll roads. We all know what tolls can do, not just to the transportation system, but to our industry. I have said repeatedly that tolls are not the so-called “free market” or “conservative” solution to transportation funding – they in fact are the opposite. Creating huge new government agencies to collect and administer tolls is far more damaging, not just to the idea of smaller, less intrusive governing, but to basic common sense. From every $1 of toll collected, nearly 25 cents goes to overhead, but for every $1
of fuel tax collected, as much as 99 cents gets poured back into concrete, steel and asphalt. It seems like a no-brainer. But, ATA still has to go out and deliver that message to policy makers – such as in North Carolina and Virginia – where with your support, we appear to be winning. This year has been a long and winding road, but it has not been without its moments of high points. We were proud to celebrate FedEx Freight’s Don Logan, this year’s National Truck Driving Championships Grand Champion, and Ryder System’s Christopher Barnett, TMC’s SuperTech Grand Champion. We were privileged to see our America’s Road Team Captains crisscross the country in celebration of the safety, essentiality and sustainability of our industry. We are grateful to Dan England, our outgoing chairman, for his terrific service this year, just as we are pleased to welcome Mike Card as our new chairman at this critical moment. Our industry is at a crossroads. With possible important regulatory changes afoot, with changes needed in how we fund and manage our highways and with possible changes in who makes those decisions coming this November, it is an important time for trucking. We’re preparing for those changes – and more. We’re looking at how our need for drivers is going to affect our industry, and how the economy is going to affect us all. In a little more than a month, we’re going to look down the road to the next big thing: natural gas at out Natural Gas in Trucking Summit. It is just another example of how ATA and our industry are looking to the horizon to ensure that the road ahead is clear and smooth. The ballplayer-philosopher Yogi Bear is quoted as saying: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” So I encourage all of you at this Management Conference & Exhibition to continue taking the road with us as we move forward together as an industry and a federation.
Government Regulations are a Burden Government Regulation Is Killing Jobs and the American Dream It’s difficult to think of an economic activity in the United States that isn’t regulated by the government at some point or another. Scores of federal Tom Latham departments, Iowa Congressman agencies and programs enforce countless regulations that impact what you eat, what you buy, how you engage in commerce and how you run your business. Some of these regulations protect citizens and provide real benefits. Many others do not. Too often, the federal government does not take the steps necessary to distinguish good regulations from those that no longer serve a useful purpose or maybe never did. This has resulted in a growing mountain of regulations that slow and block job creation, stifle business growth, and obstruct personal freedom. The federal government completes about 4,000 regulations a year. (For perspective, that’s about 80,000 pages of regulations, the equivalent to 400 sizable novels). Just last year, the current administration proposed or enacted new regulations that are estimated to cost the economy about $230 billion and created 120 million additional hours of annual paperwork requirements. These rules pile up year after year, and, although some are modified, they are rarely eliminated. Our growing mountain of regulation is such a large problem that the Gallup Small Business Index last October showed that small business owners ranked government regulation as the top
problem facing their businesses. With small businesses tied up in roll after roll of government red tape, it’s no wonder they are hesitant to begin hiring. My desire to eliminate burdensome government regulations and encourage job creation inspired me to run for Congress. While running our family seed business, my brothers and I ran into outrageous regulatory barriers that cost us time and resources that could have been put to more productive uses. Through this experience, I saw firsthand the real world results of Washington’s bureaucrats and their roadblocks on the productivity of America’s small businesses. These faceless “experts” spend every day at their desk focused on drawing up new regulations that, while maybe well intentioned, greatly impact our economy and create uncertainty for hardworking taxpayers, farmers and small business owners. If we want to put America back in business, one of the first things we must do is crack down on over-regulation and reform the regulatory process, holding Washington and unelected bureaucrats more accountable to for their overregulating ways.
publicly made available, before it can be initiated by the proposing federal agency. My bill also prevents agencies from overstepping their authority by requiring Congress and the President to approve all major regulations (those costing more than $100 million per year). This will prevent unaccountable and unelected agencies from handing down heavyhanded regulations without the say of elected lawmakers. In fact, it places final responsibility of any new major regulation directly at the feet of those individuals who can be fired by the voters in an election. Finally, the bill would get a handle on burdensome regulations already on the books through a Red Tape Reduction Commission that would review current rules and recommend a road map to striking the most onerous and unnecessary regulations from the books. Intrusive and misguided federal regulations destroy jobs and slow economic recovery. I stand ready to work with any of my colleagues in Congress, regardless of political affiliation, who want to unleash empower American entrepreneurs instead of restrict them and put us on a path toward a healthy prosperous economy.
My desire to eliminate burdensome government regulations and encourage job creation inspired me to run for Congress. I have been working to reverse our government’s direction of over-regulation to free our economy from the costly binds that ties the hands of commerce. Late last year I wrote and introduced the Regulatory Accountability and Economic Freedom Act (H.R. 4116), a comprehensive solution which brings accountability to the regulatory process and helps to lift the uncertainty plaguing American families, farmers and small businesses. My legislation requires a full cost-benefit analysis on all parties affected by any proposed regulation,
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Your Vote Matters Election 2012: Your Vote, Your Voice
The recent “Capitol Business” columns have been focused on opportunities to get involved and participate in the public policy process. Nicole Crain As Election Iowa ABI Day 2012 Vice President of approaches, Government Relations the focus of the Capitol Business column is on you. ABI public policy staff have been hearing about policy issues from business leaders in all four corners of the state. During the policy development process, ABI members will put forward a pro-business agenda. However, in order to pass a successful agenda, we need you. ABI asks for your participation all year long, but this request is simple. On Tuesday, November 6, you have the opportunity to express your voice with your vote. The State of Iowa makes it easy for any citizen 18 and older to vote. Iowa has same day voter registration and several opportunities to request and vote absentee. Many Iowans and Americans won’t exercise their privilege to vote in November because they don’t believe “one vote makes a difference”. However, that is simply not the case. Let’s take a look at a few races where one vote did make a difference for Iowa’s business leaders.
2010 Election Examples: House District-23 votes or .2%
THEN: Incumbent 5,361 – Average 18.75 percent pro-business voting record NOW: Candidate A 5,384 – 100 percent pro-business voting record
Senate District-10 votes or < .1%
THEN: Incumbent 9,572 –Average 17.5 percent pro-business voting record NOW: Candidate B 9,582 – Average 80 percent pro-business voting record Elections have consequences. Take the opportunity to learn about the candidates. Encourage your employees, colleagues and friends to vote on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. The Iowa Prosperity Project has many tools for you to use including: voting records, candidate information and a video to share with your peers about the importance of voting.
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to get registered to vote and tell others about the importance of Your Vote, Your Voice. I want to leave you with this quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt, “Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”
Elections have consequences. Take the opportunity to learn about the candidates. Encourage your employees, colleagues and friends to vote on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Remember, this is about you. The polls in Iowa are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day; 14 hours to exercise your right. Won’t be in town? Not an excuse. Visit your local auditor as absentee voting is well underway. Don’t have time to stop at your County Courthouse? Try again. Request an absentee ballot up until 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election. To find more information about how to vote by absentee, use the Iowa Voter Toolkit on the Iowa Prosperity Project’s site or visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s website. The Capitol Business column will be focused on 2013 issues in the November edition. However, this edition is focused on you and making sure you do your part in 2012 to make a successful 2013 session possible. If you would like posters for your office or paycheck stuffers for your employees, please contact me at ncrain@iowaabi.org.
Don’t delay. 14
Visit www.iowaprosperity.com today
IMTA Membership Why DON’T you belong to the IMTA?
I have had the privilege of being the membership Mike Spalla manager IMTA Membership Manager at the Iowa Motor Truck Association for almost seven years. Coming from a non-trucking related background I was blown away by the scope of services this association has to offer. Why do you belong to the IMTA? Why DON’T you belong to the IMTA? What does IMTA do for your business and the trucking industry as a whole? These questions, along with many others, are always a great topic for discussion and I’m always excited to elaborate! For starters, the IMTA has been working on behalf of the trucking industry since 1942. Back then, just like today, a need for representation AS A WHOLE was crucial. Trucking owners found very quickly they were more effective as a group. Since 1942 there have been many changes in technology, equipment, and regulations surrounding the industry. Staying ahead of these changes is crucial. Trucking is a tough business and IMTA has adapted well to the needs of today’s trucker. With roughly 700 members across the state, IMTA has always catered to the small AND large carrier. On average, the small carrier relies on IMTA for safety and compliance support. This individual looks to us for quick responses to his or her questions and guidance through the maze of paperwork and procedures. They take advantage of our fuel program to cut costs, and they look to us for constant communications to keep them updated. This group also represents the majority of the membership. Larger carriers benefit from regulatory and compliance support but also focus
Become an IMTA Member
Join the 700 members across the state and get involved! heavily on IMTA’s advocacy work. Having a full time lobbyist at the State Capital proves crucial when bad legislation starts to surface. Most legislators should know that Iowa’s trucking industry employs just over 97,000, or one out of 13 jobs in the state. It’s important for legislators to hear your story. I invite you to come to the Capital with us during the legislative session. When IMTA members visit the Capital, they are HEARD! Another group that plays an important role in the success of IMTA is the vendors of the industry. If your customers are trucking companies and you are not a member of the IMTA, you are missing the boat BIG TIME! Becoming an Allied member sets the stage to create new relationships, earn new business, and support the very customers who are supporting you. If I had a dime for every time a vendor told me they wished they had joined sooner, I’d have my own trucking company by now.
If you’re still asking yourself what’s in it for me? Look at it in this perspective, in addition to creating a setting in which you can greet old friends and make new acquaintances; the IMTA gives you an element of ownership in your own industry. Where else can you share insights and ideas with fellow industry leaders battling similar issues? What other local groups have an interest in keeping your bottom line in the black. Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is a success.” This association belongs to the members. There are a plethora of benefits at your disposal. You, the members, own a beautiful building at the foot of the Capital reminding everyone who drives by that building…that trucking plays a big role in Iowa. All I ask is that you utilize your membership, get involved, and spread the word to those who don’t know what they’re missing!
IMTA’s Newest Members Welcome New Members! American Power Group, Inc. Algona, IA
Hansen Transportation, LLC Arion, IA
C & L Risk Management Solutions, LLC North Liberty, IA
Maglott Company, Inc. Cedar Rapids, IA
Clifton Larson Allen, LLP Cedar Rapids, IA
Mel Foster Company Insurance, Inc. Davenport, IA
Diamond Oil Company Des Moines, IA
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Des Moines, IA
First Security State Bank Cedar Falls, IA
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. Thomasville, NC
GCC Alliance Concrete, Inc. Orange City, IA
Sabre Industries, Inc. Sioux City, IA
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Carrier Spotlight
J. Pettiecord, Inc. Des Moines, Iowa
In 1987, Jeff Pettiecord incorporated his small company. He had a few dump trucks, did some snow removal and light grading. But he was keeping busy and had a good base of customers so he felt confident that the company would grow and boy did it! Jeff determined that the best way to move forward was to proceed with caution and he slowly added equipment from 1987 to the mid 1990s. While growth was part of the overall business model, an even greater factor in the equation was servicing the customers and keeping the customers happy. By the mid 1990s, the company engaged in more and more environmental work such as removing underground storage tanks, contaminated soil excavations and emergency spill work. It seemed to be a good niche to move into and J. Pettiecord Company quickly became a respected and trusted source for this type of specialized work. Because of their reputation in the environmental work, they were recruited to provide assistance to the railroad, especially for train derailments and special construction projects that required trucking and
J. Pettiecord Management L-R: Vice President Brian Pettiecord, Operations Manager Jerry Hans, CFO Jenelle Patterson, Project and Safety Manager Laramie Ogden, Executive Vice President Nick Wylie, President Jeff Pettiecord
heavy equipment work. This type of work also led them to the environmental remediation work that has become another huge segment of their company. In 2001, they proved that they were the leaders in supplying help for natural disasters. For two months the company provided equipment and personnel for a flood project on the Mississippi River where they built a dike along the river to prevent the railroad tracks from going underwater. The company had now established itself as the one to call whenever there were emergency situations and their expertise and
L-R: Gary Real, Jimmy Jensen, and Laramie Ogden hauling a concrete crusher on our 13-axle lowboy.
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their commitment to doing the job professionally and safely catapulted them to the next level. They were truly an established and growing company and requests for their service were coming on from everywhere. In 2005, the company started a heavy land clearing and grinding division and once again found a niche in the residential and commercial development projects as well as highway projects and other infrastructure projects that demanded that land would need to be cleared to make way for the construction crews. This division quickly took off and
Vice President Brian Pettiecord cleaning up after a tanker full of asphalt tar rolled over on I-80.
Carrier Spotlight since 2005 they have added several tree grinders to their fleet and continue to serve these industries with great pride and impeccable customer service. Today the company has almost 50 full time employees during the company’s busy time which is spring through fall, and a fleet of over 50 pieces of equipment ranging from dump trucks to lowboys to roll off dumpsters to flatbeds to excavators to two large Peterson tree grinders. The company is run by its founder and President, Jeff Pettiecord and a management team comprised of Executive Vice President, Nick Wylie, Vice President, Brian Pettiecord, Operations Manager Jerry Hans, Project & Safety Manager, Laramie Ogden, Project Manager, James Pettiecord and CFO Janelle Patterson. And while the company is involved in a lot of different jobs and operations, they still take great pride in being a small, family run company. Everyone, no matter the job title will go out into the field if extra hands are needed. In fact, every one of the company managers has their Class A CDL license and can also operate heavy equipment. It is that kind of commitment to serving the customer that has set J. Pettiecord in a class of its own. In addition, the company has so many different areas of expertise that they can
provide multiple services on a project which none of their competition can do and offering those different services provides their customer’s with better value. A company that truly operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, J. Pettiecord is not only reliable but able to react quickly in an emergency situation. Because of their many years of working in emergency situations, there isn’t any situation that J. Pettiecord can’t handle and they have the fleet of unique equipment and years of experience and expertise within their employee base that garners respect across the state and nation.
Like anyone involved in the trucking business, the constantly changing regulatory environment is the biggest challenge facing the company. Staying on top of all the changing regulations requires a great deal of time and
President Jeff Pettiecord operating an excavator removing an underground storage tank at an old gas station.
Hauling a large wheel loader from a gypsum mine in Ft. Dodge to an equipment dealer in Des Moines.
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Carrier Spotlight
Project and Safety Manager Laramie Ogden and Executive Vice President Nick Wylie placing a super sack full of 2,4D Herbicide on a pallet after a truck roll over on I-80. Equipment operators Jason Neer and Jimmy Neer work on tearing down a building that contained asbestos Seymour Iowa.
expertise and while J. Pettiecord have great employees in this area, they rely upon IMTA and other trade associations for information and guidance in helping them navigate through the vast array of regulations that impact their business on a daily basis. In addition to the onslaught of regulations that the company deals with, the sluggish economy has certainly been a factor over the last several years too. Company leaders quickly cite the poor economy as another major challenge in the past few years and while they are optimistic that it will improve, the
constant fluctuations in the economy are sometimes an impediment to their ability to be as responsive as they would like. But the company is constantly looking at its expenses and making the necessary adjustments to be competitive and profitable at the same time, which has not been as easy as it was when the company was first formed. J. Pettiecord is proud to be a member of the association and especially looks to IMTA for regulatory assistance as well as assistance with one of their biggest obstacles, dealing with 99 counties that all have different rules and regulations
Grinder Operator Tom Spieker loading our 1,050 horsepower Peterson Tree Grinder on a project at Saylorville Lake.
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regarding oversized loads. J. Pettiecord has led the charge in trying to get some consistency among the counties when it comes to oversize loads. Folks at J. Pettiecord have partnered with IMTA to facilitate meetings with regulators, county officials and other decision makers on addressing this issue. In addition, J. Pettiecord looks to IMTA to be a voice and advocate at the Capitol because company leaders recognize that having that representation is essential to running a business. Like so many in the trucking industry, J. Pettiecord looks to the future with guarded optimism. The need for their services will never go away but maintaining that important and delicate balance of expenses versus revenue continues to be tested in the current economic and regulatory environment. But like they have demonstrated since they first started business in 1987, they will continue to rely on their ability to be nimble, their willingness to dive into the various niches that they are able to serve and continue to keep this small, family business the best it possibly can in servicing a big group of valued customers.
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Iowa’s Freight Advisory Council Why develop an Iowa Freight Council
Iowa’s multimodal transportation system is unique, in part because of our state’s geographical location at the center of the nation.
Paul Trombino Director, Iowa DOT
serves as a crossroads • Iowa for our country’s surface
transportation system, with transcontinental Interstate highways 35 and 80 traversing the state and meeting in Des Moines.
country’s busiest freight rail • The system crosses Iowa’s midsection. commercial service airports • Eight along with 101 general aviation airports connect businesses with each other and our state to the world.
are also the only state in • We the country bordered by two
navigable waterways – the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Both rivers provide tremendous economic value to the state.
Because of our state’s centralized location, and resulting economic thoroughfare for domestic and international travel, there is a tremendous demand on our state’s transportation infrastructure. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has a long history of meeting this demand by continually making improvements and prioritizing safety and mobility, to deliver a great transportation system. The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365
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days a year irrespective of the weather or other conditions. Iowa’s transportation system is an integral and essential part of society, serving commerce and daily functions of all Iowans. A highquality, well maintained and efficient transportation system serves as the artery for economic activity and is a key element for our future growth opportunities. Freight transportation is the backbone of Iowa’s economy. It provides the goods and services that the economy depends on and that people rely on. Iowa DOT recognizes the need to incorporate freight considerations into the statewide transportation planning and programming process. As a result, Iowa DOT initiated the Iowa Freight Advisory Council (Council) earlier this year.
What is the Purpose of the Council
The purpose of the Council is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and to help the Iowa DOT better understand the complexities associated with freight movements to more effectively guide public investment in transportation infrastructure.
The goals of the Council are to:
1. Gain a better understanding
of how freight decisions are made at the private and public levels.
2. Investigate and evaluate
ways the Iowa DOT can assist Iowans in shipping and receiving goods by reducing transportation costs while at the same time increasing the profitability of freight carriers; with safety and reliability always being the top priorities.
3. Help shape the Iowa DOT’s public policy.
The Council will initially meet on a quarterly basis to discuss freight transportation matters of interest to Council members and the Iowa DOT.
The members of the Council will be in charge of the meetings and the Iowa DOT will serve as a resource and support to the Council.
The transportation system is in demand 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year irrespective of the weather or other conditions. Who are Members of the Council
The Council is comprised of 19 representatives from each of the modes, shippers, processors and distribution centers, and other various organizations that deal with freight transportation. There are also 11 members representing metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning affiliations, and local, state, and federal government agencies that serve a resource/advisory role to the Council.
How were the Council Members Selected The Iowa DOT identified a number of groups that represent the entities listed above. Each group was asked to nominate several people to potentially serve on the Council. From those nominated, the Iowa DOT selected people to serve on the Council while balancing representation among industry types and sizes.
Initial Council Meeting
The initial Council meeting was held August 1, in Ankeny. The agenda included a discussion of the Council’s roles and responsibilities, the development of a freight section on the Iowa DOT’s website, a presentation on the recently approved national surface transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21),
Iowa’s Freight Advisory Council and the identification of freight issues. During the meeting, the Council identified nearly 50 separate issues relating to infrastructure, operations, regulations, finances, research and education, and miscellaneous. The next step will be to prioritize those issues and begin discussing ways to address them.
Where is the Council Headed
The MAP-21 bill recognizes the challenges the nation faces in meeting freight transportation demands and has
therefore placed an emphasis of freight planning. The Council will play a vital role in supporting freight planning efforts at the state level that will be folded into regional and national initiatives and planning efforts. To support this effort, one of the initial Council activities is to identify and prioritize the main freight issues/obstacles facing Iowa which will be useful in meeting the key provisions of MAP-21. With the assistance of the Council, it is our intent to develop an Iowa Strategic
Freight Plan. This Plan will drive what is important to Iowa, what we want in Iowa to assist freight transportation, help direct the development of the National Freight Strategic Plan, and help us to convey our needs to Congress and the Iowa Legislature. We look forward to working with the Iowa Freight Advisory Council and Iowans in the coming years as we deliver a diverse and modern freight transportation system.
Iowa’s Freight Advisory Ex-Officio Members Harold Hommes Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship 502 E 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 Jennifer Wright Iowa Department of Natural Resources 502 East 9th Street Des Moines, IA 50319 Brett Tjepkes, Assistant District Commander Iowa Department of Public Safety 5912 N.W. 2nd Avenue Des Moines, IA 50313
Joseph Rude Iowa Economic Development Authority 200 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 Cecil Wright, Assistant General Counsel Iowa Utilities Board 1375 East Court Avenue Des Moines, IA 50319 Becky Hiatt Planning and Development Team Leader FHWA Iowa Division 105 6th Street Ames, IA 50010
Shirley McGuire, Division Administrator Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Iowa Division Office 105 6th Street Ames, IA 50010 Kate Carlucci Governmental Affairs Coordinator Iowa League of Cities 317 Sixth Avenue, Suite 800 Des Moines, IA 50309
Mike Norris, Executive Director Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission 211 North Gear Avenue West Burlington, IA 52655 Todd Ashby, Executive Director Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning 420 Watson Powell, Jr., Parkway, Suite 200 Des Moines, IA 50309
Mike Hadley, Vice Chair Keokuk County Board of Supervisors 415 S. Locust Richland, IA 52585
Iowa’s Freight Advisory Council Jeff Schnell, CEO Agribusiness Association of Iowa 900 Des Moines Street Des Moines, IA 50309
Bill Horan, Chairman of the Board Western Iowa Energy 1220 S. Center Street Wall Lake, IA 51466
Scott Stabbe, Grain Manager Key Cooperative 22703 600th Avenue Nevada, IA 50201
Kevin Burke, President Alliant Energy Transportation 2330 12th Street S.W., No. 1 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-3401
Tom Determann Clinton Regional Development Corporation 144 Eight Avenue South Clinton, IA 52732
Brent Vanderleest Sully Transport PO Box 350 Sully, IA 50251
Zach Bader Grassroots Program Manager Iowa Farm Bureau 5400 University Avenue West Des Moines, IA 50266
Kathy Evert, President/CEO Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation 520 2nd Avenue East, Suite 2 Spencer, IA 51301
Murry Fitzer, CEO Florilli Transportation PO Box 186 West Liberty, IA 52776
Natalie Hammer Holland Moving & Rigging Supplies, Inc. 35545 Highway 69 North Forest City, IA 50436
Bill Phelan, CEO Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry 102 Walnut Street Muscatine, IA 52761 Tim Woods, President International Traders of Iowa 2406 Emma Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321 Larry Daily, Executive Vice President Alter Barge Lines, Inc. 2117 State Street, Suite 250 Bettendorf, IA 52722 Dan Sabin, President Iowa Northern Railway Company 305 Second Street S.E., Suite 400 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Delia Moon-Meier, Senior Vice President Iowa 80 Group 515 Sterling Drive Walcott, IA 52773 Kelly Sanders, Target Distribution Center 2200 Viking Road Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Devin Sires, Bean Team Merchandising Lead Cargill 1415 28th Street West Des Moines, IA 50266 Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director Soy Transportation Coalition 1255 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy. Ankeny, IA 50023
Ron Lang, Independent Trucker 2438 6th Avenue Grinnell, IA 50112
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FE ATU R E
Lifeliner By: Steve Grubbs
CEO, Victory Enterprises, Inc.
BIGIssues BIGElection
Election is Important
The presidential election is fast approaching and it will have a far reaching impact on the direction of the country as well as down-ballot races. While most people are focused on who will lead the country, those inside politics are intensely focused on the United States House as well as the Iowa Senate.
Steve Grubbs CEO Victory Enterprises, Inc.
As of this writing, President Obama has an edge heading into the election, but by the time you read this it’s difficult to look into my crystal ball and know where the election will stand. Nevertheless, many consider this to be an historic election because there is a very clear difference between the candidates. The president’s path seems to be one that is closer to a European-style social safety net, with a greater role for the federal government in business regulation, spending and obviously, higher taxes on high-income earners. The path Mitt Romney is urging seems like it will reflect his experience
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in the private sector with a more probusiness approach. Like any election, the stakes are very high depending upon your personal and professional philosophies and like so many elections before, the polarization between the two parties continues to be intense and directed at trying to obtain more votes and support by inundating us with smear ads and campaigns. The media continues to take a very high profile role in the election process as well and not a day goes by when they aren’t reporting on yet another poll that is already predicting the outcome of the election. Proceed with caution as you consider these news stories and don’t discount the fact that the media is and always will be very biased. The advice that was shared by an IMTA leader at your recent convention should be taken very seriously. He reminded folks in the audience not to believe everything they hear and read and instead, take the time to learn about the candidates and take a good hard look at where this country has been and the direction it has taken over the last four years…then make your decision. Don’t fall victim to the media’s unrelentless pursuit to be the voice of the majority of the voters, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Essentially, Americans will be choosing a path of direction in this election and because new government laws and programs are very difficult to end once they have begun, the path chosen this election will almost certainly have implications for the United States economy for the next 30 years. This reality must be an important consideration that must not be overlooked as you are evaluating your choice come November 6th. If the President is re-elected, Republicans are focused on maintaining a majority in the United States House of Representatives in order to maintain a check on the President’s power. Speaker John Boehner is working hard to re-elect his current caucus of Republicans along with a few more in new seats formed after redistricting. Clearly, this is a big deal for the United States. Divided government means less gets done which – depending on your point of view – can be very good or very bad. If Mitt Romney is elected, you will see an effort to move to a pro-business agenda, however, this will not happen overnight either. It is very difficult to simply move into the White House and erase the previous four years of work but an immediate effort will be made to implement reforms and changes at various levels that will hopefully jumpstart the economy and
Big Issues, Big Election Take the time to learn about the candidates and take a good hard look at where this country has been and the direction it has taken over the last four yearsâ&#x20AC;Śthen make your decision. restore some consumer confidence. Unlike any new President before him, if Romney is elected, he will have a monumental job ahead of him and the outcome of the many Congressional races will play a key factor in moving his agenda forward. So those races are of equal importance and concern as we move into the final weeks of the campaign season. At the state level, politicos are focusing on control of the Iowa Senate. After the 2010 elections, Republicans controlled the Iowa House by a very strong margin as well as the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. In the state senate, Democrats, led by majority leader Gronstal, held a two seat majority, 24-26. Governor Branstad is focused on complete control of state government for the stated purpose of passing his commercial and residential property tax relief. His efforts to do this during the last session of the legislature failed in the Iowa Senate, so he is even more driven to accomplish this goal this time. As many of you noticed when he addressed the audience of IMTA members at its recent management conference, he was certainly very fired up and very direct in his comments about how important it is that Republicans regain control of the Senate. His demeanor and the urgent tone of his message clearly communicated his strong desire to see changes in the Senate and knowing our Governor, you can be assured he is working harder than anyone to see this become a reality. Both sides seem to be focusing on 7-10 target races among senate candidates. Most of those seats are focused east of I-35. An interesting twist this year is that both Mike Gronstal and Republican leader, Jerry Behn have challengers who are trying to make their races competitive and in these final weeks of the campaign season, it will undoubtedly reach record levels of spending as races tighten up and move into the final stretch. Commercial property tax relief could have a major impact for businesses and
job-creators in Iowa. As the Governor has pointed out, Iowa has some of the highest commercial property taxes in the country, which he argues is a deterrent to economic growth. So, finding a path forward with this agenda item, no matter who is in office, will be important to trucking companies across the state, the state races should not be ignored either. Make sure you have an understanding of what your state legislators stand for as well and having a conversation with these folks or even bringing them into your company for a Q & A session would be extremely valuable. IMTA has an interest in making sure trucking companies, their employees and drivers are educated about the issues in this election as well as making sure they participate at the ballot box. While businesses are prohibited from making an argument for or against the election of a candidate, it is completely legal to encourage employees to participate in the election process. It is also permissible to make candidates available for questions. In general, businesses may play a key role in the education process for political issues and should take this responsibility very seriously as well. IMTA has been leading the charge on an absentee ballot program for IMTA members. With over 4 million professional drivers throughout the United States, this should be a top priority for the trucking industry as a whole. For the last eight weeks, IMTA has been focused on getting information to every member about the absentee ballot program and many IMTA members have taken this very seriously and have reported excellent response by their employees and drivers. Giving drivers and other the tools to cast their vote is an extremely important and valuable role of top management and IMTA leaders should be applauded for making this such an important priority.
In Iowa, roughly one fourth of all voters will vote early either by using a mailed ballot or at an early voting station set up throughout the state. This is another strong reminder that as a business owner or a top level manager, you play an important leadership role in making this upcoming election a top area of focus and concern among your employees. The culture that you create is as equally pivotal as this historic election. Encouraging your employees to get involved in the process is one of the greatest things you can do as an owner, a leader and as an American. You have every right to share your opinion but of even greater importance, provide the tools that will enable all of your employees to have the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and develop an understanding of what they stand for and the future direction of this country and state. Encourage them to get registered, educate them on the absentee ballot program, conduct a mock election at your office and make sure that they get the time to cast their vote on November 6th. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take that role for granted and dedicate the time and energy that is required to make it worthwhile, your efforts will be tremendously important and valuable in the long run. For every family that relies on a paycheck, this election is of importance to them and yes one vote can and does make the difference. Some will argue that every election is of historic proportions but I continue to believe that today, we are at a pivotal and crucial crossroads within our government and fortunately, we all have the opportunity to weigh in on what direction we will take at this critical juncture.
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Perspective from Iowa Leaders Bob Sturgeon Why do you think the upcoming elections are so pivotal?
Nearly half of United States’ citizens pay no income tax at all. Instead, they are beneficiaries of government entitlement programs largess. The programs, from which these “entitled” folks benefit are a major reason for the unsustainable size and growth of the national debt, which is nearing a tipping point at around 90% of GDP, beyond which point coupled with an eventual rise in rates the interest on the debt may exceed tax revenues. It seems unlikely that these people, once they are a firm majority, will vote against their own selfinterest and favor fiscally conservative candidates for public office who promote entitlement reform with sustainable tax and spending policies.
Bob Sturgeon Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc.
America grew to become the great country that it is because of hard-working, self-reliant people who were incented to improve their own lot in life in a free, capitalist society. We will head up that road again when we turn our backs on the socialist, nanny state, big government-loving, central planning bureaucrats, who control the Senate and the President’s office right now. The upcoming election is our next, and may be our last, chance for a long time to get that done.
What are your predictions for the upcoming elections on both the state and national levels? It’s going to be close. A lot can happen either way between now and November 6.
Dave Dickey Why do you think the upcoming elections are so pivotal?
We run a pretty good trucking company. We would like to spend our time learning how to better serve our customers and employees. We would rather not have to spend our time learning how to survive under a new healthcare system, how to avoid the fines and penalties for not doing something the way Washington says. If Obama is re-elected, government will be a bigger and bigger part of our business and personal lives. Dave Dickey Harold Dickey Transport, Inc.
What are your predictions for the upcoming elections on both a state and national level?
Romney/Ryan and our Iowa Republican candidates can be elected this November but not without everyone’s financial and physical help. If we all get involved “We can get this done.” If we don’t get involved it won’t happen.
Kevin Gass Why do you think the elections are so pivotal?
The condition of our economy continues to be a challenge. Getting people back to work needs to be the number one focus. Continuing to spend more than we take in is not sustainable and very irresponsible. As it has been said in the past, America thrives on capitalism. Too many people today are looking for a free ride and we simply cannot do that anymore. We need someone that can change that way of thinking. Kevin Gass Perishable Distributors of Iowa
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What are your predictions for the upcoming elections on both the state and national level? I am just hopeful that conservatism wins out in both the state and national elections.
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Perspective from Iowa Leaders Bob Kohlwes Why do you think the upcoming elections are so pivotal?
Bob Kohlwes BTI Special Commodities, Inc.
The upcoming elections are so pivotal because of the economic problems that continue to plague us. The National Debt is out of control due to the liberal lack of leadership in DC at present. Also, the number of Supreme Court Justices that are over the age of 80 means that the balance of the court is in jeopardy. If we put a liberal back in office we will be faced with the likelihood of a liberal President appointing nothing but liberal Supreme Court justices and the ramifications of this kind of action will impact our country for decades. There are so many different things in the balance with this election and the course of this country for the next 10 to 20 years will be impacted as a result of what we do come November 6.
What are your predictions for the upcoming elections on both the state and federal level?
I personally do not believe it is going to be as close as the mainstream media would like us to believe. The election will be about the economy and jobs, PERIOD and I truly believe that when people of all ages and all walks of life look at the economy, the national debt and the skyrocketing unemployment rate they will be compelled to make a change. These important issues favor the conservative Republicans and I believe that these issues will prevail and that will be the deciding factor!
Delwin Van Wyk Why do you think the upcoming election is so pivotal?
Elections are the key component to equal justice and rulings. Elections basically occur when the people of a nation go to the polls and cast votes for those individuals they think would make fantastic leaders. Even if an individual will not make a fantastic leader, elections are designed to create a government that is balanced and “For the People.” I hope that people are not influenced by the “Mud Slinging” campaign ads that are shown on TV, I hope people will do some hard research and get the true facts and vote based on what the candidate has done and what the candidate will do moving forward! Delwin Van Wyk Interstate PowerSystems
What is your prediction on the outcome of the upcoming election/races on both the state and national level?
I feel we are facing a second term for our current administration. The current President wants his “Health Care Reform” to be his legacy! I think he will task congress to deal with the other issues, taxes, debt, trade, unemployment, etc. Unfortunately I don’t feel that Mitt Romney has the “resume” to win this election. If he would have had a couple of successful “Governor” terms under his belt, the people may have seen the value of him on the ballot. On the state level, we really need King and Latham to win this election. Both are great leaders that surround themselves with great people. After two trips to DC, I feel that the people working for our elected officials, are running the country as they are the ones working in the “pits” and drafting the bills. Also, as Steve King said “You can always trust a guy that wears well-worn cowboy boots”. Yes Steve King wears well-worn cowboy boots! The budget will not be balanced in my life time, but King/Latham are striving to reduce the spending and are making every attempt to hold congress accountable for the deficit. Also on the state level, we will be seeing a lot of “freshmen” again this year. It will be very important to educate and manage the concerns of these freshmen. As an example, I was visiting with a local candidate running in District 40 and he said that he opposes “gas tax.” He has been told that this could impact some families as much as $450-$500? In reality it will only impact the average person about $65. He was given incorrect information that influenced him to be against the gas tax. Roads are in dire need of repair! Most of our neighboring states have much better roads than Iowa. Regardless of the outcome, we must continue to make our advocacy work a top priority, in fact, it seems as though each year, these efforts become of greater importance.
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PAC Motorcycle Ride Victory Tour Heads to Northeast Iowa
This year’s annual motorcycle ride took a different twist as IMTA members were treated to a scenic and breathtaking view of the Mississippi River as they gathered to raise money for IMTA’s Truck PAC. Chairman of the ride, Jim Koester, Midwest Wheel Companies did an amazing job of putting together a two day event that showcased Northeastern Iowa. Everyone who participated agreed that it was one of the best rides ever and enjoyed traveling into Wisconsin and Illinois as well. “It was really a very nice ride and as always, nice to get better acquainted with the IMTA members that participate on the ride,” said Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities who followed the group with his convertible Miata. Bob is also a member of the PAC committee that was one of the creators of the two day event. “I am happy that we tried something different and were able to attract some IMTA members to this event that maybe don’t come to other events,” said Bob.
L to R – Tom Mash/Brown Nationalease, Delwin Van Wyk/Interstate PowerSystems, Karen Van Wyk/ Interstate PowerSystems, Dave Durr/PeopleNet, Deb McDonald/Midwest Wheel Companies, Mark Goodding/Truck Country, Sean Kinter/Midwest Wheel Companies, Greg Ollinger/Manatt’s, Inc., Karen Koester/Midwest Wheel Companies, Bob Kohlwes/BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Rex Morris/ Robison Trucking, Joanie Morris/Robison Trucking
A special thanks to the IMTA members that participated and helped raise valuable funds for Truck PAC Iowa and an even bigger THANKS to Jim Koester with Midwest Wheel Companies for organizing the event.
“It was really a very nice ride and as always, nice to get better acquainted with the IMTA members that participate on the ride,” said Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities.
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L to R – Dave Nelsen/Freightliner of Des Moines, Jim Koester/Midwest Wheel Companies, Bryon Wood/Truck Country, Greg Cook/Johnsrud Transport
2012 IMTA
Cornerstone Sponsors as of October 10, 2012
PLAT INU M S P ONS OR S Boyer Petroleum Hawkeye International Trucks Midwest Wheel Companies Truck Country
PATR O N S P O N S O RS Transport Permits
A S S O C IATE S P O N S O RS C&L Compliance and Learning Solutions Des Moines Truck Brokers Freightliner of Des Moines McGowen, Hurst, Clark & Smith, P.C. McKenna Truck Center Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales
C OL L EAG U E S P O N S O R S Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Donaghy-Kempton Insurors GE Capital Solutions Transportation Finance Housby/Vocon Howe, Cunningham, Lowe & Kelso Law Firm Majestic Truck Center Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Halloran International, Inc. Peterbilt of Council Bluffs, Des Moines and Sioux City Thermo King Christensen
If you want to have your company listed as a Cornerstone Sponsor of the IMTA, please contact Phillip Nicolino at 515-244-5193 or phillip@iowamotortruck.com
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2012 Management Conference Recap Building Momentum, Driving Change
Another successful IMTA management conference was held in late September at the Embassy Suites on the River in downtown Des Moines. Record number of registrations came in for this year’s conference and organizers couldn’t be happier with the event, the attendance and growing support for this annual meeting. In an effort to tie into the recently completed renovation project at IMTA’s headquarters, the committee developed a theme that highlighted that effort and also tied into the industry. Building momentum and driving change was the overriding theme throughout the conference from the opening keynote speeches given by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, soon to be ATA Chairman Michael Card and IMTA Chairman Jeff Wangsness.
Chairman Jeff Wangsness/JMT Trucking Company hands over the gavel to the 2013 Chairman Steve Schuster/Schuster Company during the Chairman’s Banquet.
Outgoing IMTA Chairman, Jeff Wangsness/JMT Trucking Company, introduces Officer Chris Boswell/IDOTMotor Vehicle Enforcement during the Maintenance Professional session on Roadside Inspections and CSA
Once again the educational sessions were at full capacity as folks heard from a panel of motor carriers featuring Kevin Knight, Mike Gerdin and Aaron Tennant, economist Anirban Basu and energy consultant Michael Zehr. The awards luncheon was once again a high energy event that recognized over 75 award winners for their outstanding accomplishments in maintenance, dispatch, driving, safety and leadership. IMTA’s Road Team was also recognized. The final session of the day featured a motivating and inspiring message from Dallas Cowboy legend and ESPN analyst Darren Woodson.
Building momentum and driving change was the overriding theme throughout the conference.
The finale during the Chairman’s Banquet was painter, David Garibaldi, America’s Got Talent fourth place participant
Incoming ATA Chairman Michael Card, President of Combined Transport, speaks during the IMTA annual meeting
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2012 Management Conference Recap It was indeed another great event and made so by all the tremendous participation by both the carrier and vendor members. The grand finale once again proved to be worth the wait; with almost 300 people in the audience the Chairman’s banquet featured a tribute to outgoing chairman Jeff Wangsness as he officially passed the gavel to incoming chairman Steve Schuster. In addition, Mike Bagg was surprised to learn that he was named the 2012 IMTA President’s Service Award winner and a festive mood prevailed. Immediately following dinner, guests were given a very special surprise when Artist and finalist on the most recent edition of America’s Got Talent, David Garibaldi gave a riveting and amazing program that brought everyone to their feet as he produced some paintings and artwork that was as equally unique and powerful as the performance itself. It was indeed another great event and made so by all the tremendous participation by both the carrier and vendor members. A special thanks to Delwin Van Wyk and his committee for organizing such tremendously successful conference and of equal importance, a special thanks to all the sponsors of the conference that continue to provide the financial support that makes a very first class conference an ongoing tradition for IMTA.
Three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Darren Woodson of the Dallas Cowboys was the keynote speaker and poses for a photo with the 2012 IMTA Chairman, Jeff Wangsness/JMT Trucking Company and IMTA Convention Chairmain, Dewin Van Wyk/Interstate PowerSystems
Mark Howard/Ruan Transport Corp., Lori Howard/Ruan Transportation Management Systems and Dean Filmer/ Decker Truck Line, Inc. relax and unwind after the IMTA Chairman’s Banquet
Cory Schloffelt/Wilson Trailer Company aims and shoots right on target at the Clay Shooting contest
Erica Wenzel, Jackie Arens, Jeff Arens, Keith Lamfers and Danna Schuster enjoy some social time away from the Schuster Company office at the IMTA Chairman’s reception
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President’s Service Award 2012 IMTA
President’s Service Award Recipient Recognized as IMTA’s highest award, the President’s Service Award was established to recognize an individual that not only provided exceptional service to the association but went above and beyond in their service to the industry as a whole. This prestigious and significant award is a most fitting way to thank, honor and recognize the individuals that truly make the association as effective as it is. IMTA members got the opportunity to recognize one of its great leaders at the Chairman’s Banquet. Mike Bagg, a long time supporter, volunteer, advocate and member of the association was the 2012 recipient of the prestigious IMTA President’s Service Award.
2012 IMTA President’s Service Award Recipient Mike Bagg and IMTA President Brenda Neville.
Mike Bagg/Central Trailer Service was surprised by his family and friends as he received the 2012 IMTA President’s Service Award. Mike Bagg/Central Trailer Service, Dave Nelsen/Freightliner of Des Moines and Bob Sturgeon/Barr-Nunn Transportation enjoy some networking at an IMTA event.
Jim Wilson/Freightliner of Des Moines, Mike Bagg/Central Trailer Service, Tom Trusty/BTI Special Commodities, Inc., Dave Nelsen/Freightliner of Des Moines enjoy some team competition at the Truck PAC golf fundraiser.
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Mike Sullivan/Kenworth Mid-Iowa and devoted Iowa State supporter stops for a photo with loyal Hawkeye fans Glenda Bagg/Central Trailer Service, Brenda Neville/IMTA President and Mike Bagg/Central Trailer Service during the Iowa/ Iowa State football game in 2011.
President’s Service Award Mike Bagg is a person that likes to be in control, so much so, that one of the highlights of this year’s President’s Service Award ceremony was the fact that Mike had no idea he was receiving the award…so watching him truly be “surprised” was a highlight for many people. Mike’s family and several employees and friends were on hand to see Mike honored for his service to Iowa’s trucking industry and the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Mike first got involved with the trucking industry in 1982 when he made the decision to make a job switch. He was a remodeling contractor and given the economy at the time, he decided to start looking for another job. He answered an ad to sell trailers and was hired by Trailmobile, Inc. and the beginning of a long and cherished career in the trucking industry was set in motion.
“Mike Bagg is one of those members that continually raises the bar for other volunteers,” said IMTA Chairman Jeff Wangsness. Despite knowing nothing about trailers or the trucking industry, Mike quickly learned and also was a natural when it came to selling and talking to customers. He quickly developed a strong customer base and had found a home in the industry. In 1985, the factory office for Trailmobile was closed down and Central Trailer Services was formed. There were five original investors; Wally & Bob Marx, Kenny Knickman, Harold Cashman and Randy Frisk. In 1990, Mike was given the opportunity to buy into the business and was named President
The following individuals are past recipients of the
IMTA President’s Service Award 2001 – Mr. Bob Kohlwes, BTI Special Commodities 2003 – Mr. Verne Simpson, Mid Seven Transportation 2004 – Mr. Bill Smith, Smithway Motor Xpress, Inc. (posthumously) 2005 – Mr. Bob Bannister, McKenna Truck Center 2006 – Mr. Michael Winfrey, Retiring Iowa DOT MVE Director 2007 – Mr. Robert Sturgeon, Barr-Nunn Transportation 2011 – Mr. Dan Stevens, Farner-Bocken Company (posthumously) 2012 – Mr. Mike Bagg, Central Trailer Service, Ltd.
of the company in 1991. Eventually all the other partners were bought out with the exception of Randy Frisk and in 1998, Mike and Randy became equal partners in the company and remain so yet today. In January 2001, a new facility was opened up in Altoona, and while they have faced numerous challenges since opening up that new facility, including 911, they continued to stick to their original business model of servicing the customers and have remained a steady and successful force in the industry. Central Trailer Service sells new and used trailers and van bodies as well as offering a full line of parts. They also operate a 14 bay service facility and are conveniently located right off of I-80 on the east side of Des Moines. Mike’s first convention was in 1982 up in Fort Dodge and he was given the job of pouring beer at a luncheon event. It was a great job for Mike at the time because it gave him an opportunity to meet everyone and get introduced to the IMTA membership. Since that first volunteer job, he has never quit volunteering for IMTA events and activities. He served as the Co-Chair of IMTA’s spring PAC golf outing for over 20 years. He has served on several convention committees and was the Chairman of the convention in 1998. In addition, he has served as a board member, an allied steering committee member and chairman as well as his most recent leadership role on IMTA’s strategic planning committee for the last three years. He has traveled to DC with a delegation of IMTA members and participated in numerous legislative and membership activities for IMTA. Mike is one of those people that likes to get more involved each year and his dedication and commitment to the association and its efforts have created a legion of friends, followers and supporters. “Mike Bagg is one of those members that continually raises the bar for other volunteers. He is always ready to jump in and show his support whenever it is needed and does so in a manner that is always positive and helpful. We are most grateful for everything he has done for IMTA,” said IMTA Chairman Jeff Wangsness. So needless to say, it was of no surprise to the audience when Mike was announced as the winner of the 2012 President’s Service Award even though it came as a total surprise to Mike. “I was very surprised and very humbled to receive this recognition. I believe the highlight of my career and involvement with IMTA has been the many friends I have made over the years in this industry. My work with IMTA has been very rewarding and gratifying and I feel truly blessed to be able to look back on my many years of involvement and have nothing but really good memories and positive thoughts about all the great things I have been a part of,” said Mike.
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Best of the Best Awards 2012 Dispatcher of the Year Award Winner Gary Northrop, Decker Truck Line, Inc.
Gary has also been involved in the trucking industry his entire life. Like his father, he started driving trucks as soon as he turned 18 and was an owner-operator for 13 years. After moving into the office and working in several areas within the safety department, Gary joined the operations department to help out as a fleet manager and
never left. For the past six years, he has excelled as a fleet manager because of his background and knowledge of the industry combined with his professional and calm demeanor, which contributed to him receiving the 2012 IMTA Dispatcher of the Year Award.
Gary Northrop Decker Truck Line, Inc.
Dispatcher of the Year Nominees The dispatcher plays a very important and vital role in the trucking company. Each day the pulse of the operation rests in the dispatcher’s expertise. The IMTA and Iowa Council of Safety Management understands the essential role of the dispatcher and continues to recognize these individuals with this award and are again pleased to be able to recognize the individuals who clearly have what it takes to be at the top of their game. 2012 Dispatcher of the Year Nominees: Front Row L to R- Matt Hubbs/TanTara Transportation Corp., Kathy Crawford/Schuster Company, Back Row L to R- Paul Beckett/Con-way Freight, Tom Hommer/ Barr-Nunn Transportation, Gary Northrop/Decker Truck Line, Inc.
2012 IMTA Safety Professional of the Year Marvin McGinnis, Casey’s General Stores
Marvin has been in the trucking industry nearly his entire life, and has garnered the respect of his peers and the support of his company. He truly exemplifies what it means to be devoted to safety.
Marvin McGinnis Casey’s General Stores
Having always went above and beyond, Marvin never fails in demonstrating his deep respect of the driver and everyone else within the company that plays an important role in making safety a top priority. It’s a quality noticed by anyone who has the opportunity to work alongside him. “Marvin’s most valuable asset is his commitment and dedication to safety” said Casey’s Vice President of Transportation Jay Blair. “He always
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places a high priority on workplace safety and takes prompt action to eliminate potential hazards. He excels in his supervision and leadership and we are proud to have him recognized for Safety Professional of the Year” In addition to his work with Casey’s, Marvin is a member of the Iowa Council of Safety Management. He has volunteered for the Iowa Truck Driving Championships on countless occasions, which included serving as the event chairman in 2012.
Best of the Best Awards 2012 Midwest Wheel Fleet Maintenance Awards -Outstanding Company Awards
Congratulations to these companies for being recognized as the “Best of the Best” in fleet maintenance operations. Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. Casey’s Services Company City Carton Recycling Decker Truck Line, Inc. Olson Explosives G.L.E. Trucking
Johnsrud Transport, Inc. Ruan Transportation Standard Forwarding LLC Sully Transport, Inc. Walmart Private Fleet Maintenance
2012 Midwest Wheel Companies Fleet Maintenance Awards -Individual
These professionals have set themselves apart from the rest by investing the time and demonstrating the commitment it takes to be an award winning maintenance professional. In today’s quickly changing world, being an outstanding performer requires great dedication and tremendous desire to work very hard to be the very best you can be. Congratulations to all the nominees for the Midwest Wheel Individual Maintenance award. Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc. – Joe Nixon City Carton Recycling – Les Gunderson Con-way Freight – Matt Wright Con-way Freight – Ernie Mueller
Decker Truck Line, Inc. – Tyson Vance Johnsrud Transport, Inc. – Greg Cook Walmart Private Fleet Maintenance – Charlie Heston
2012 Individual Fleet Maintenance Award Nominees: Front Row L to R – Matt Wright/Con-way Freight, Ernie Mueller/Con-way Freight, Joe Nixon/Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc., Tyson Vance/ Decker Truck Line, Inc., Back Row L to R – Charlie Heston/Wal-Mart Transportation LLC, Greg Cook/Johnsrud Transport, Inc., Les Gunderson/City Carton Recycling
2012 Midwest Wheel Fleet Maintenance Professional of the Year Joe Nixon, Barr-Nunn Transportation
Joe Nixon Barr-Nunn Transportation
As a 19-year professional, Joe already had a long list of training and honors to his name prior to winning this year’s Fleet Maintenance Professional of the Year award. Joe has always demonstrated his commitment and dedication to getting the job done right, which has contributed to Barr-Nunn Transportation earning several fleet maintenance company awards in the past. It is also why many of his colleagues hail him as one of the best around.
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Best of the Best Awards 2012 IMTA Outstanding Professional Driver Award Winners The role that the professional truck driver plays within a company is without question the foundation of this great industry. Delivering the products that everyone depends upon is critical and of the utmost importance. These folks sacrifice a great deal to and perform a job that is honorable, important and worthy of our gratitude each and every day. This year’s group of award winners represent over 385 years of experience and an amazing 33 million miles without an accident. Barr-Nunn Transportation – Cynthia Schwener BTI Special Commodities, Inc. – Dennis Sturtz BTI Special Commodities, Inc. – Donald Van Sickle Con-way Freight – Jim Heaverlo Decker Truck Line, Inc. – Stanley Giddings Decker Truck Line, Inc. – Rodney Knapp Schuster Company – Rose Swallow Solar Transport Company – Duane Spalding TanTara Transportation Corp. – Mack Smith Walmart Transportation – Harold Flesner Walmart Transportation – Jed Hinds Walmart Transportation – David Towne
2012 IMTA Outstanding Professional Driver Nominees: Front Row L to R – Harold Flesner/Wal-Mart Transportation LLC, Mack Smith/TanTara Transportation Corp., Rodney Knapp/Decker Truck Line, Inc., Stanley Giddings/Decker Truck Line, Inc., Dennis Sturtz/BTI Special Commodities, Donald VanSickle/BTI Special Commodities, Jed Hinds/WalMart Transportation LLC. Back Row L to R – David Towne/ Wal-Mart Transportation LLC, Cynthia Schwener/BarrNunn Transportation, Rose Swallow/Schuster Company, Jim Heaverlo/Con-way Freight, Duane Spalding/Solar Transport Company.
2012 IMTA Professional Driver of the Year Mack Smith, TanTara Transportation Corporation
Mack Smith TanTara Transportation Corp.
With over 28 years of professional driving experience, Mack is worthy of this recognition and appreciation for his service. Like all the winners who have been named over the years, Mack has dedicated his life to trucking and has always made safety a No. 1 priority with more than three million safe miles to his name.
In his nomination letter, TanTara Transportation Corporation Safety Director Dave Riggan said, “(Mack is a) top gun driver, trainer and mentor.” The letter went on to say “this nominee is highly respected amongst all the drivers as well as the staff
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because of his positive attitude, his humble personality and his commitment to safety and excellence.” For over 30 years the Iowa Motor Truck Association has been recognizing professional drivers and naming a Driver of the Year. This award represents the highest honor a driver can attain through the association and symbolizes the professionalism and commitment that sets this award winner apart from the rest.
Best of the Best Awards 2012 Great West Casualty Fleet Safety Awards
2012 Great West Casualty Fleet Safety Award Winners: L to R – Clayton Fisk/Warren Transport, Stuart Spencer/Con-way Freight, John Marshall/Jerico Services, Inc., Andy Thomasson/ABF Freight Systems, Inc., Adrian Dickey/Harold Dickey Transport, Dan Gardner/Wal-Mart Transportation LLC, Kyle Krause/Solar Transport, Mark Olson/Olson Explosives, Lisa Gonnerman/Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Brad Dumke/ITL Tanklines, Inc., Kathy Barber/Elliott Brothers Truck Line, Inc., Marvin McGinnis/Casey’s General Stores, Jim Wilkins/Decker Truck Line, Inc., Jon Osborn/Johnsrud Transport, Inc., Mikel Hoskin/Harold Dickey Transport, Inc., Keith Lamfers/Schuster Company, Shari Proehl/Barr-Nunn Transportation, Inc.
Truckload Carrier 1 – 2 million miles Elliott Bros. Truck Line, Inc.
Truckload Carrier 13 – 15 million miles Ruan Transportation
Tank Truck - Bulk Over 6 million miles Casey’s General Stores
Heavy Haulers 0 - 1 million miles G.L.E. Trucking
Truckload Carrier 2 – 3 million miles Barr-Nunn Transportation
Tank Truck - Bulk 0 - 1 million miles Dickey Oil Corp.
Private Carrier 0 - 300,000 miles Jerico Services, Inc.
Heavy Haulers 5 - 10 million miles Warren Transport, Inc.
Truckload Carrier 3 - 4 million miles Harold Dickey Transport, Inc
Tank Truck - Bulk 1 - 2 million miles Johnsrud Transport Inc.
Private Carrier 300,000 - 500,000 miles Olson Explosives
LTL Carrier 4 - 8 million miles ABF Freight Systems, Inc.
Truckload Carrier 6 – 10 million mile Schuster Company
Tank Truck - Bulk 2 - 3 million miles ITL Tanklines, Inc.
Private Carrier 1 - 3 million miles Loffredo Fresh Produce
LTL Carrier Over 10 million miles Con-Way Freight
Truckload Carrier 10 - 13 million miles Decker Truck Line, Inc
Tank Truck - Bulk 5 - 6 million miles Solar Transport Company
Private Carrier 8 – 10 million miles Walmart Transportation, LLC
Agricultural Commodities 0 - 1 million miles G.L.E. Trucking, Inc.
2012 Great West Casualty Company Grand Trophy Winner Solar Transport Named 2012 Great West Casualty Company Grand Trophy Winner
L to R – Jeff Wangsness/JMT Trucking Company, Steve Schuster/ Schuster Company, award presenter Pat Kuehl/Great West Casualty Company, award recipient Kyle Krause/Solar Transport, Chief Dave Lorenzen/IDOT Motor Vehicle Administration, Shirley McGuire, Division Administrator/Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration
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Best of the Best Awards 2012 Iowa Road Team Recognized For over 15 years, Iowa’s Road Team members have done an excellent job waving the flag for IMTA and Iowa’s trucking industry. These drivers spend a few days each month reaching out to the general public, legislators, regulators and students with a powerful and effective message highlighting the many great things that are part of the trucking industry. This year’s team was once again, an outstanding group of advocates for the association and the industry.
2012 Road Team Members L to R: Jim Stinemates/Wal-Mart Transportation LLC, Jed Hinds/WalMart Transportation LLC, Kevin Garlick/Con-Way Freight, Dean Filmer/Decker Truck Line, Inc., Mark Howard/ Ruan Transport Corp.
Dean Filmer – Decker Truck Line, Inc. Kevin Garlick – Con-way Freight Jed Hinds – Walmart Transportation
Mark Howard – Ruan Transportation Jim Stinemates – Walmart Transportation
2012 IMTA Leadership Class Recognized The individuals that invest the time and energy to go through the IMTA Leadership program are special and valued people that will undoubtedly continue to leave their mark on the trucking industry and this association for years to come. The 2012 IMTA Leadership Class was once again filled with excellent individuals who showed the special traits and drive that is consistent with an effective and strong leader. Congratulations to all 19 individuals for completing the leadership sessions this year
2012 Leadership Class
L to R: Sue Olson/WestWind Logistics LLC, Bill Roth/Truck Country, Lonnie Jensen/Trust Transport, Jeff DeVries/WestWind Logistics, Tyler Truesdell/Des Moines Transportation Company, Chris Bakkie/O’Halloran International, Inc., Ben Batten/Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc., Erica Wenzel/Schuster Company, Josh Boeding/Iowa City Brake, Inc., Travis Thompson/Hawkeye International Trucks, Jamie Farr/Farr Transport, Inc., Michael Erritt/Decker Truck Line, Inc., Gina Behrend/Great West Casualty Company, Matt Finch/Interstate PowerSystems, Richard Belisario/Boyer Petroleum Company, Heath Richards/ Panama Transfer (not pictured: Greg Mattox/Krajicek, Inc., Todd Scheitler/ Midwest Wheel Company & Marshall Kraft/Ruan Transportation Mgmt Sys)
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Richard Belisario, Boyer Petroleum Company Michael Errit, Decker Truck Line, Inc. Tyler Truesdell, Des Moines Transportation Company Ben Batten, Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc. Jamie Farr, Farr Transport, Inc. Gina Behrend, Great West Casualty Company Travis Thompson, Hawkeye International Trucks Matt Finch, Interstate PowerSystems Josh Boeding, Iowa City Brake, Inc. Gregg Mattox, Krajicek, Inc. Todd Scheitler, Midwest Wheel Companies Chris Bakkie, O’Halloran International, Inc. Heath Richards, Panama Transfer Marshall Kraft, Ruan Transportation Management Systems Erica Wenzel, Schuster Company Bill Roth, Truck Country Lonnie Jensen, Trust Transport Jeff DeVries, WestWind Logistics Sue Olson, WestWind Logistics
2012 Management Conference Leaders 2012 Management Conference Committee 2012 Management Conference Committee
As always, a special thanks to the volunteers that served on the 2012 IMTA Conference Committee. These individuals spent many hours raising money for the event, inviting members to attend and figuring out the best way to make the 2012 event the BEST YET!
2012 IMTA Convention Committee Members: Jeff Wangsness/JMT Trucking Company, Dave Irving/ McKenna Truck Center, Dave Dickey/Harold Dickey Transport, Mike Riggan/TanTara Transportation Corp., Brenda Neville/IMTA President, Delwin Van Wyk/Interstate PowerSystems, Bill Roth/Truck Country, Adam Clark/Midwest Wheel Companies.
Once again, the fine group of volunteers did not disappoint and created a venue of speakers and events that gave every attendee a tremendous return on their investment. A BIG THANKS to the 2012 Conference Committee for another job well done!
2012 IMTA Management Conference Chairman 2012 IMTA Management Conference Chairman
Delwin Van Wyk, Interstate Power Systems stepped up for the second year in a row to serve as Chairman of the event. While another volunteer was looking at the position, job commitments came into play and a chairman was needed. Delwin didn’t hesitate to step up and volunteer to take the helm of the conference and just like everything he is involved with; Delwin gave 100% to the job and helped create another outstanding conference.
IMTA President Brenda Neville with the 2012 Convention Chairman Delwin Van Wyk/Interstate PowerSystems.
Delwin has been involved with the association and the trucking industry for over two decades and takes great pride in giving back to the association and the industry he loves. “I really enjoy being involved and not only does it give me an opportunity to give back to the industry and the association, but it also allows me the opportunity to get better acquainted with IMTA members from all over the state and I enjoy that tremendously. I am very proud of the 2012 conference and thank the committee members, the sponsors and the staff for making it such a huge success,” said Delwin.
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Verne Simpson Memorial Golf Outing Golf Outing
Over 130 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day of golf at the Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City as the 2012 IMTA Management Conference was officially kicked off. Golfers from across the state enjoyed great weather and as well as great surroundings at one of Central Iowa’s premier golf courses. Truck Country of Iowa was the official host and sponsor of the golf outing and once again did an excellent job making sure every golfer had a very good time. “We really lucked out this year with great weather and I am certain that everyone will have a wonderful afternoon,” said IMTA Chairman Jeff Wangsness in his
opening welcome to the group. While the Tournament Club of Iowa is certainly a challenging course, it is also a perfect setting for the opening event of the conference. “The golf outing is such a long standing tradition that you have to play in it regardless of your game, the weather or other commitments,” said long time participant Mack Harbour with Reynolds & Reynolds. A special thanks to the folks at TCI and Truck Country of Iowa for making it another outstanding event.
Special Thanks to Truck Country of Iowa for Sponsoring the event.
Truck Country is one of the largest Freightliner dealers in the U.S. today, serving customers at 12 locations in Iowa and Wisconsin. For over 50 years, Truck Country has offered new and used medium and heavy duty trucks, expert service, an extensive parts inventory, helpful financing options, and truck leasing. Truck Country has been owned and operated by the McCoy family since 1958, conducting business according to a “customer-first” philosophy. NEW Heavy and medium duty Freightliner and Western Star trucks USED Great selection of used trucks - all makes and models TOW TRUCKS Jerr-Dan wreckers and carriers - parts and service SERVICE Expert service for all makes and models and RV service. Factory trained and certified technicians. Certified Freightliner Expressway Service Location providing the best in customer service and amenities. BODY SHOP Collision repair, painting and conversions for all makes and models PARTS Largest Freightliner parts dealer in the country. Over $11 million inventory of name brand parts in stock FINANCING Plans to meet your budget
Mack Harbour/Reynolds and Reynolds, Inc./Brenda Neville/ IMTA President/Dave Dickey/ Harold Dickey Transport spend some time meeting people during the IMTA Verne Simpson Golf Outing.
Dave Dickey/Harold Dickey Transport, Jerry Bender/Midwest Wheel, Jeff Dickinson/Ten D, Inc., Visit our Service & Parts Departments Most Competitive Pricing • Largest Parts Inventory • Expert Service Jeff Wangsness/JMT Trucking Turbocharged Maintenance Company poseinduring registration Express Diagnosis Less Than Two Hours! to smile for our camera.
Visit our web site for maps and hours of all our locations
www.truckcountry.com
Steve Schuster/Schuster Company and Tom Trusty/ BTI Special Commodities, Inc., came out for a beautiful day on the golf course!
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Clay Shoot Competition Shooting Competition
About five years ago a group of IMTA members decided it would be fun to put together a shooting competition in conjunction with the convention. And fortunately their enthusiasm for the event has continued to grow and for the folks that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interested in golfing, there is an alternative available, the clay shoot competition. This year the event was held at the New Pioneer Gun Club in Waukee and Bryan Murphy with Twin Bridges, an avid shooter and competitor organized a great event for the group of 20. The Pioneer Gun Club sits just west of Des Moines in a beautiful setting that allowed for everyone to have a great afternoon of shooting and networking.
After lunch and a gun safety session, the group got down to business and participated in a series of different shooting scenarios. While competitive, the group also had a lot of fun and agreed that this annual event needed to remain on the convention venue. In fact, given its popularity, there has been some talk to hold an additional shooting event for IMTA members some other time of the year too. We will certainly keep you posted as details become more concrete. A special thanks to Bryan Murphy for organizing the event and helping with the promotion of it.
Shooting Competition Shooting Competition
-High Score Brad Kohlwes, ARGEE Transport
-Low Score Greg Murphy, Midwest Wheel
Championship Winners
2012 Clay Shoot Competition: Winner/ Championship (L to R) Tomas Olson/Volvo Trucks North America, Bryan Murphy/Twin Bridges Truck City, Mike Collins/Volvo Trucks/Financial (not pictured Jim Brown/ JRB Target)
2012 Clay Shoot Competition: Winner/ First Place (L to R) Brad Kohlwes/ARGEE Transport, Kenny Bauman/JMT Trucking, Ron Schweitzberger/Sioux City Truck Sales, Bob Kohlwes/BTI Special Commodities, Inc.
2012 Clay Shoot Competition: Winner/ Second Place (L to R) Kelly Weaver, Mark Brazzell, Scott Crowl, Kyle Hoefling/Wilson Trailer Company
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2012 Management Conference
Facts: • A record number of attendance with a total of 410 registrants attending the conference
• The number of companies
represented at the event = 148
• Over 50 sponsors helped
support the record breaking event
• 80 Award Nominees were honored at the Awards Luncheon
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2012 Management Conference
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are obviously doing something right at IMTA if our term comes to an end and we secretly wish we could serve another 12 months,â&#x20AC;? said Jeff Wangsness
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2012 Management Conference
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Special Thank You to the
GOLD SPONSORS
Boyer Petroleum Company Crestmark Bank Cummins Central Power, LLC Great West Casualty Company Hawkeye International Trucks Joe Morten and Son, Inc. d.b.a. Motor-Ways, Inc. Midwest Wheel Companies Northland Products Company PeopleNet
PrePass Transportation Alliance Bank Truck Country TrueNorth Companies
SILVER SPONSORS
Caterpillar Dealers of Iowa – Altorfer & Ziegler Central Trailer Service, Ltd. Des Moines Truck Brokers, Inc. Freightliner of Des Moines, Inc. Interstate PowerSystems Istate Truck Center JJ Keller & Associates McKenna Truck Center
Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales, Inc. Northland Insurance Company/ Truckers Insurance Associates Transport Permits Wilshire Insurance Company Wilson Trailer Company
BRONZE SPONSORS
2012 Annual Management Conference Sponsors
Bauer Built, Inc. Bridgestone Commercial Solutions Cedar Rapids Truck Center/ Quad Cities Peterbilt Cottingham & Butler Cross Dillon Tire, Inc. Donaghy-Kempton Insurors Eastern Iowa Tire Gatr Truck Center GE Capital Solutions Transportation Finance Housby/VOCON Howe, Cunningham, Lowe, & Kelso Law Firm Iowa 80 Truckstop, Inc. Iowa City Brake, Inc. Iowa Council of Safety Management Jim Hawk Truck-Trailers, Inc.
Kenworth Mid-Iowa, Inc. Majestic Truck Services McGowen, Hurst, Clark, & Smith P.C. O’Halloran International, Inc. Peoples Insurance Agency Ltd. Quality Services Corp./Carrier Transicold RedDot Corporation Reynolds & Reynolds, Inc. Sioux City Truck Sales, Inc. Thermo King Christensen
$3,000+
$1,500+
$750+ Winter 2012
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Iowa Motor Truck association 717 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309 515.244.5193 (p) ● 515.244.2204 (f) www.iowamotortruck.com ● www.iowatruckservices.com
Bob Molinaro Tribute IMTA Loses Great Leader and Friend
If you had the pleasure of meeting Bob Molinaro, he was someone that you would not easily forget. Like his stature, he had a big personality, a big booming voice and a big presence wherever he was at. Some would maybe describe him as combative, aggressive and even a little over the top but in the same sentence, they would also describe him as an intensely loyal and tremendously committed LEADER to the trucking industry, Warren Transport and to the many associations and organizations he was affiliated with. Bob was not a person that would simply go along to get along, instead he would challenge, question and demand answers and solutions that in most cases, made us all better, stronger and more effective in the long run. Bob was never afraid to speak his mind, share his opinions or express his concerns, he was always honest, forthright and direct which garnered respect as well as frustration from time to time from his colleagues and associates. Because of this approach, you always knew where Bob stood on things and his honesty and commitment to an issue or a cause was simply unwavering and unyielding in most cases. He was truly a leader and an extraordinary individual that made things happen and always got results….and for that we will be eternally grateful to Bob. Bob was a proud and active member of the association right up to his death. Just a few months ago, a group of us had paid a visit to Bob in his office in Waterloo and for almost 2 hours, we sat and talked with Bob and he was as engaged as always. As expected, he had some very strong opinions on how we should be doing things yet he also had great praise for some of our efforts and was quick to express his gratitude and appreciation for IMTA. As always, he was very in tune with the political landscape and was very involved with supporting the candidates that he felt should be at the helm. And in that final conversation with Bob, I also remember seeing the one thing that I always respected about Mr. Molinaro….and that was his sincere and genuine love and passion for the trucking industry and for IMTA. Some of the members that were with
me on this trip, had not known Bob back in the day when he was a very dominant force at our meetings, they only knew of him through our annual visits to Warren Transport so they were curious about the history of Warren Transport. And Bob would take great delight and care in sharing his stories, his opinions and his perspectives on the industry. It was in those conversations that one could easily see his passion, his love and the joy he found in being a part of the trucking industry. And as we got up to leave, Bob would always end with the request “that if we needed anything, we shouldn’t hesitate to give him a call”. And knowing Bob the way I did, I knew that he truly meant that and would welcome the opportunity to help in any way if needed. Bob was a rare and special individual that left his mark on this industry in many different ways…..but one thing is for sure, we are all much better just by knowing Bob Molinaro. ~Brenda Neville, IMTA President Robert was born at home in Racine, Wis., on October 6, 1929, to the late Rosaria (Ricchio) and Enrico Molinaro. He attended Lakeside Grade School, Franklin Junior High School and graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine. He attended the University of Wisconsin, University of Mississippi and University of Northern Iowa and Murray State. Bob grew up in a four-block-square in the Racine neighborhood called Lakeside, where nearly all the youngsters had immigrant parents, mainly Italian and Hungarian. Everyone knew one another and that created strong friendships that lasted a lifetime.
He was an enthusiastic athlete, excelling in many sports including marbles. He played semi-pro football under the name Bob Warren. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a medic stationed in Panama. He held industry offices in the Iowa Motor Truck Association, Interstate Truckload Carriers, executive board member of American Trucking Association (ATA), vice president to the board of governors, and later the vice president at large of ATA, and past president of the Machinery Haulers Association. Some of his awards and recognitions include; Past Chairman’s Award and Vice President At Large Emeritus of ATA, Honorary Lifetime Member of Iowa Motor Truck Association, Hoover Middle School’s Most Respected Business Person in 1996, Special Recognition for Service by the Mayor and City Council of Waterloo, Special Honoree of the Jaycee’s for the Waterloo Open, Special Recognition by Governor Terry Branstad and Senator Charles Grassley, Iowa/ Nebraska Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, Waterloo Chamber-Board of Directors, UNI Presidents Club, the Leonard Katoski Volunteer Service Award by Mayor Buck Clark and the WCF Courier’s 8 Over 80 in 2011. Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Ellen Warren Molinaro; daughters, Frances Rose Molinaro and Mary Robin Molinaro-Blonigan; son-in-law, Bryan Molinaro-Blonigan; granddaughters, Kristin Nichole Rooff, Mary Ellen and Henrietta Rose Molinaro-Blonigan; and many other family members and friends
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