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PRESIDENT’S PURVIEW
A Year of New Experiences
Another annual convention is in the books here at the Truckload Carriers Association
(TCA). On behalf of the entire staff, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation
to our sponsors, exhibitors, and each and every one of you who took the
time out of a busy September to join us for Truckload 2021: Las Vegas!
The past year has been chock-full of new experiences for our nation, and I personally
have added a new experience for the first time in my career as an association executive
— having to participate in a convention from the sidelines back in our Alexandria
office because of illness. While I regret not being able to attend physically, I appreciate
that we were able to use all we’ve learned from a year of living in a remote world
to allow me to take part in the important discussions going on in our Officers’ and
Board of Directors’ Meetings. I had full confidence that our incredible staff would be
able to handle the work that goes into making your experience a memorable one. As
it goes, the three questions we all ask ourselves when attending a business event are:
Who did I meet? What did I learn? Was it worth my time? If your answer was, “I met
like-minded people who were there to share what was on their minds to find answers
and solutions to their pressing needs, which made it worth my while,” that says it all.
I can’t wait to rejoin you all for our newly designed annual convention, Truckload
2022: Las Vegas, set for March 19-22.
Speaking of redesign, the TCA Refrigerated Division Officers’ group, led by Chairman
Trevor Kurtz and our longtime sponsors and friends, will be working together to execute a plan we have in place to make the event set
for July 27-29 a “must-go-to meeting.” If you haven’t marked your calendars, you should, as this group will deliver on their promises
to you. It will be held in the beautiful state of Michigan, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City.
Additionally, on November 17 I encourage you and your staff to join us for our Fifth Annual Bridging Border Barriers event. This full
day of programming brings together industry executives and key association leaders to discuss and learn about current and potential
cross-border issues that are facing the industry.
I personally want to thank all of our committee members and their chairman for their incredible efforts as we head into the fourth
quarter of 2021. Your efforts and continuous engagement have been so important to me and the staff. With your personal hard
work, guidance, and commitment, you have positioned TCA in a place we haven’t seen in recent years. As you have heard me say
many times over, the dues we collect makes it all work and we are thankful. However, it is the engagement of membership that
shapes your association’s very bright future. Let’s celebrate these milestones together.
Stay safe,
John Lyboldt
President
Truckload Carriers Association
jlyboldt@truckload.org
John Lyboldt
TCA President
PRESIDENT’S PICKS
Extra! Extra!
TCA Chairman Jim Ward devotes his Chat
With the Chairman to Truckload 2021.
Page 20
Company Driver of the Year
Betty Aragon drew up a masterpiece of a
plan leading to retirement.
Page 34
Owner-Operator of the Year
Bryan Smith employs perseverance,
knowledge to succeed in trucking
Page 36
TCA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 WWW.TRUCKLOAD.ORG | TRUCKLOAD AUTHORITY 3