ATA Honors New York's Hems with President's TAEC Leadership Award

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, New York State Motor Truck Association President Kendra Hems was named the 13th recipient of the American Trucking Associations President's Trucking Association Executives Council Leadership Award during the group's annual Management Conference & Exhibition.

"Tenacious is a word used to describe Kendra when it comes to fighting issues in New York such as congestion pricing, toll increases and employee misclassification," said outgoing ATA Chairman Phil Byrd, president of Bulldog Hiway Express, Charleston, S.C. "A strong coalition builder, Kendra, along with ATA and the business community, was able to defeat a proposed 45% toll increase and worked closely with the ATA Litigation Center to challenge the diversion of toll revenues."

In addition, Hems was recognized for her efforts on the industry's image, including spearheading a state fundraising drive for and securing a long-term commitment to the Trucking Moves America Forward movement.

"Kendra operates in one of the most difficult political and regulatory environments in the nation. Her proactive professionalism and consistent success have been of great benefit to both her members and all of ATA. This award and the esteem of her colleagues is well earned," said Ed Crowell, president of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association and current TAEC chairman.

TAEC is comprised of staff executives of state trucking associations and conferences affiliated with the American Trucking Associations. TAEC serves to promote the trucking industry; contribute to the improvement of the associations and organizations established to serve the trucking industry; and advance the professional stature and capabilities of the managers and executives of such associations.

The President's TAEC Leadership Award was created by ATA and sponsored by J.J. Keller in 2002 to honor a state trucking association leader and to create an enduring legacy for that leader and for the industry. The award comes with a $10,000 grant for a non-profit 501(c)(3) trucking education or research organization chosen by Hems.

Past winners of the award are: Mike Riley of Connecticut, Rick Todd of South Carolina, George Burruss of Missouri, Karen Rasmussen of Arizona, Jim Runk of Pennsylvania, Tom Howells of Wisconsin, John Hausladen of Minnesota, Dale Hanington of Maine, Larry Davis of Ohio, Dale Bennett of Virginia, Cathy Gautreaux of Louisiana and Dave Huneryager of Tennessee.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward 

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations