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Highlights from the 2014 ATA Annual Business Conference

By ATR staff This year’s speaker lineup offered editor National Review Online, used his
a diverse area of expertise. Kicking off renowned wit and sarcasm to address
For the second time in three years, the executive forums was a clean energy the changes in today’s Republican party.
Branson, Mo., America’s premier family panel. Tracy Rosser, SVP-Transportation With his playful yet straight-
vacation destination, was the backdrop of Walmart, moderated a discussion forward speaking style, Captain Jay
for Arkansas Trucking Association’s with America’s Natural Gas Alliance Thompson, Arkansas Highway Police,
Annual Business Conference & Vendor (ANGA) Director of Transportation dissected nuances of commercial vehicle
Showcase. More than 286 turned out and Equipment Charlie Riedl and Peak enforcement.
for two days of expert speakers, net- Reliability board member Dr. Linda Always bringing the latest and
working opportunities and just a good Capuano. most in-depth industry analysis, ATRI
‘ole time. Capuano’s and Riedl’s presentations President and COO Rebecca Brewster
After serving two consecutive pointed to a growing trend to transition addressed the driver shortage and
terms, Fikes Truck Line President and by commercial carriers to to natural increased capacity to a captivated audi-
CEO Gary Salisbury handed over the gas. But, they admitted and a show of ence. For more on Brewster’s presenta-
reins as ATA Chairman of the Board hands by the audience demonstrated, it tion, see related article on page 22.
to J.B. Hunt COO Craig Harper. is happening at a glacial pace. For more Rounding off the executive forums
Other additions to the Board include on their discussion, see related article was contract negotiation expert Eric
Philip Mahoney, Great West Casualty on page 19. Zalud. Zalud, a partner at Benesch Law
Company and Jeff Lester, USA Truck. Keynote Speaker Jonah Goldberg, Firm in Cleveland, provided the audi-

 Arkansas highway Police Captain  ATRI President and COO rebecca
Jay thompson Brewster

 Benesch Law Firm Partner eric Zalud

36 ArkAnsAs truckinG report | issue 3 2014