Page 39 - ATR 3 2012 web 2

going to be upset if you don’t have any
stock in natural gas companies,” he
stated frankly. “If you don’t have any,
buy it right now. Buy it, and forget it for
five years. Mark my words. And send
me a bottle of Wild Turkey whiskey the
year after.”
In addition to the information
gained at the executive forums, the  duke fancher, diamond International;
annual conference provides an excel- Bo Harrell, Rich Transport; Hayes
lent networking opportunity. From atwood, diamond International; noelle
the Spring Golf Classic, to the Early nikpour, ATA political consultant and
Bird Reception, to the Gold Sponsor John Hinesley, meritor, at the Spring Golf
Classic at the hot Springs Country Club.
Reception for gold sponsors and ATA’s  Will maddox, Tri-State Truck Center;
Board of Directors to the Chairman’s shannon newton, ATA; al Heringer iV,
Reception; there is ample opportunity Star Transporation; chase Robinson,
to catch up with old acquaintances and Volvo North America
forge new ones.
This year’s Chairman’s Reception
offered more than just a chance to talk
with colleagues; there were big bucks on
the line. The Embassy Suites ballroom
was transformed into a retro casino,
complete with white, leather throw-  ATA board members Blue keene, Tyson
back furniture; Black Jack, Craps and Foods, Inc. and Jeff smith, Utility Trailer
Roulette tables and music from the Rat Sales, Inc.
Pack. With dealers in vest and bow-ties,
and cocktail waitresses making the  Cobbs, Allen & hall associates Jack
rounds, players felt the true essence of Welbourn, Brian Welbourn and mike
Vegas. knotts won first place at the Spring Golf
Classic.

 Outgoing ATA Chairman marr lynn
Bearden, marrlin Transit, welcomes the
more than 260 conference registrants.

 mark morris, morris Transportation,
delivers the membership report  Safety Professional of the Year
dennis Hilton, CalArk International,
Inc., receives his award from shannon
newton, ATA.

 ATA’s vice president shannon
newton presents Ryan farrell, maverick
Transportation, LLC, with an award for his
service as president of the
40 Under 40 Council. 

aRkansas TRucking RePoRT | issue 3 2012 39