Five good things that happened in trucking this week—Nov. 12
As trucking banded together to recognize its veterans this week, the phrase, "We are free because of the brave," resonated across the nation. It reminded me that this blog—this collection of good—exists because of those in the industry who continue to put others first. Through the shining light, here are five good things that happened in trucking this week.
WIT names 2021 Influential Woman
Women In Trucking Association (WIT) and Freightliner Trucks presented the 11th annual Influential Woman in Trucking award Nov. 9 to Lily Ley, VP and chief information officer at Paccar.
The Influential Woman in Trucking award recognizes women in the trucking industry who make or influence key decisions, have a proven record of responsibility, and mentor and serve as a role model to other women. The award was developed in 2010 to honor female leaders in trucking and to attract and advance women within the industry.
Ley leads the IT division at Paccar and brings a customer-first mindset, a focus on applying innovation to deliver tangible business benefits, and a relentless pursuit of enhanced business efficiencies.
Ley is a member of the MSIS Board of Advisors at the University of Washington. She is the executive sponsor for the Paccar Women’s Association (PWA), where she advocates for inclusion of women in the workplace. She also is involved in SeattleCIO, as an advisory board member. In 2016, the Washington Diversity Council recognized her as one of Washington state's Most Powerful and Influential Women.
Finalists for the 2021 Influential Woman in Trucking award also included Eileen Dabrowski, director of learning, development, and marketing at ReedTMS Logistics, as well as Amanda Schuier, chief operating officer at Quality Transport.
“After our conference in 2020 was virtual, it was refreshing to host the event live and listen to these outstanding finalists share their inspirational stories with the audience,” said Ellen Voie, WIT's president and CEO. “This award is WIT’s way of highlighting Lily, Eileen and Amanda for their commitment and service to the industry.”
JWH Transport raises over $1,200 in Vets Day campaign
JWH Transport, a Floyd County, Georgia-based trucking company, revealed on Veterans Day that it has raised $1,250 for the Semper Fi & America’s Fund.
Semper Fi & America’s Fund is dedicated to providing assistance to those wounded in combat, critically ill and injured service members, military family members, and veterans, from all branches of the U.S. armed forces.
JWH Transport held a ceremony on Nov. 11 at the company’s terminal to announce the company’s donation and pay tribute to the men and women who have served this great nation.
Dot Foods Indiana comes to the rescue of new Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club of America is launching a club location in Cambridge City, Indiana, which will aim to provide a safe place for kids to go after school with access to a variety of programs, free tutoring, physical fitness, computer education, and more.
“This will truly be a life-changing addition to many of the youth that live in the Cambridge City area,” shared Dot Foods Indiana General Manager Randy Templin.
The facility is being furnished—but they ran into an issue when opening the location. A pool table was delivered, but it was a curbside only delivery and the table weighed more than 800 pounds. It was sitting outside of the facility while the weather forecast for that evening had a high chance of rain.
Thankfully, three Dot Foods Indiana employees came to the rescue. At the end of their work day, Maintenance Manager Dean King, Equipment Maintenance II Charlie Frye, and Equipment Maintenance I Seth Tipton headed over to the club and used their dolly to move the pool table inside so it wouldn’t get ruined.
“They did it because they are good guys,” Templin said. “It makes me proud to work with them.”
Tennessee Trucking launches third Haulin’ for the Holidays
Haulin’ for the Holidays is a state-wide initiative by the Tennessee Trucking Association (TTA) and its Young Professionals Council. In partnership with five local nonprofits, TTA is making the holidays brighter for Tennessee children, teens, and families.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the Haulin’ for the Holidays finale: The Association’s live toy drive event is on Dec. 9 at Jackalope Brewing Company from 5:00-7:00 pm. “Here we will announce which region raised the most money and toys for their non-profit,” stated the Association.
Find your region in the links below and purchase toy via Amazon Wishlist. Simply have it shipped directly to the drop off location for no-contact delivery.
- Memphis: FedExFamilyHouse Memphis
- Knoxville: Mission of Hope
- Nashville: Youth Encouragment Services Teens
- Chattanooga: Chambliss Center Chattanooga
- Jackson: Hands Up Preschool Jackson
Rolling Strong president, call him an Ironman
Stephen Kane, president of Rolling Strong, the provider of driver wellness programs for transportation companies and their drivers and owner-operators, recently completed the 140-mile Ironman race.
Kane began his running journey with his first 5k at ATA’s MCE just 4 years ago. This past March, he woke up in a hospital with a new pacemaker and a new lease on life to complete his fitness goals.
“When I woke up, I told myself I am going to do an Olympic, a half, and a full Ironman,” Kane explained on LinkedIn post-race. “Of course I had never done any of these until now. As of Saturday night, I can now say “I am an Ironman!"
The Ironman race consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run.
“I am so grateful for the support and love from all those around me, including my co-workers, my Rolling Strong coaches and my investors at Velociti, my coaches, friends and family,” Kane said. “Especially my amazing wife Linda who was there supporting me every step of the way and was able to put the medal over my neck at the finish line.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s physically or professionally, we can all do a little more today than we thought possible yesterday,” Kane said. “We can find those positive influencers and positive people around us. We can always learn more and be a little better. For me, it was the vulnerability to learn from others, to let my coaches coach me, to find the balance in work and life to still train like a beast.”