CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Did you make a difference today? our grocery stores, to the gasoline for our vehicles, to the As many of you know, that is a question that I frequently medicines, and yes even the toilet paper, (if it wasn’t on the ask people. And as you could also expect, this random ques- shelf it wasn’t a trucker’s fault), came via a truck. On reflection produces a variety of interesting and thought-provoking tion, what these dedicated professionals really delivered, answers which I always enjoy hearing. was peace of mind that we would all be ok. The pandemic In its simplicity, this question tees up a lot of responses offered disruption and uncertainty, our industry brought and always makes people think, which is why I always like some comfort, some feeling of normalcy. to throw it out there. From the earliest days of As I come to the end of my role as the Chairman of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, this same question was asked the COVID crisis, and the subof me but in a broader context. Did you make a difference sequent economic upheaval, our industry stood as the as the IMTA chairman? I am a firm believer in the power of the collective. shining example of resiliency, Gathering and aligning the voices of our members is at the determination, and fortitude. heart of our association’s mission and its ongoing success Our state and nation came to as an effective advocate. Because of that philosophy, I have truly understand and respect never viewed this position in a singular sense. So, the real the critical role of trucking question is, are we making a difference as an association, and its people. We clearly demonstrated that our indusas an industry? Yes, we are making a difference every single day, with an try is essential for each of our daily lives and the stanemphasis on “we”. Our strength as an organization comes from our unity dard of living we all enjoy. and our shared passion for and belief in our mission. The Leveraging that goodwill and collective voice of our association has always been the steady showcasing our leadership DAN VAN ALSTINE 2021 IMTA Chairman of the Board and consistent voice in telling the story of Iowa’s trucking role must remain at the core industry. Over time this collective voice has become louder of our advocacy for this great and even more influential as our issues continue to be in the organization and the members we serve. forefront. Our views are solicited, our ideas are heard, and I have gained an even greater appreciation of the imporour actions and resources have produced tance of our advocacy efforts and I am so results. Being an honest, accurate and very proud of the many IMTA members BEING AN HONEST, effective voice for Iowa’s trucking industry that continue to be engaged, active, and ACCURATE AND is what we do, and we do it well. involved in our efforts at the statehouse. EFFECTIVE VOICE FOR Over the last two years, I have had a I saw the impact that was made with special, front row seat to the discussions, lawmakers when we told our story. I was IOWA’S TRUCKING the debates, the decisions, the action as amazed at the number of IMTA members INDUSTRY IS WHAT we navigated the uncharted waters of a that stepped up and helped with our lawsuit WE DO, AND WE DO pandemic. I have seen the passionate and abuse legislation. Once again, the collecIT WELL. tive, loud voice made a powerful impact unrelenting commitment that the associon this important legislative priority. This ation leaders, the members, and the staff have to our priorities. I have had the privilege of seeing work will remain at the forefront with next year’s legislative this industry step up and provide the valuable leadership session, and far into the future. that was needed when a global pandemic swooped in and So yes, we do make a difference! It has been my distinct honor to be a part of this latest chapter of the storied legacy of changed our lives forever. I will always cherish the conversations I had with driv- the Iowa Motor Truck Association. I have truly enjoyed every ers as we handed them a boxed lunch in the early days of minute of this leadership role and have been humbled and the pandemic. Most were shocked at the gesture; all were honored to work with many of you over the last several years. extremely grateful. These professional women and men were Thank you for your support, your membership, and most committed to doing what they do best, ensuring that what importantly, your dedication to making a difference every we needed in our daily lives was available. Everything from single day. the oxygen required in our hospitals, to the food staples in
ISSUE 3, 2021
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