Presidents, CEOs and senior managers of the country’s trucking industry were in Toronto on Nov. 15 - 16 to attend the 81st annual convention of the Ontario Trucking Association (Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road.). The two-day convention, the largest of its kind in Canada, is the place where industry leaders meet to discuss important industry issues. The convention attracts over 4,000 business leaders each year. The 2007 convention spotlighted best practices in environmental and safety technology. And featured speakers from North America’s leading fleets, transportation analysts and regulatory decision makers who addressed key issues affecting the business of trucking. Here are some of the highlights:
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2008 Convention -- OTA Chairman Mark Seymour of Kriska Transportation presided on both days.	Opening Breakfast: Ray Kuntz, Chairman, American Trucking Associations, addressed delegates.
Bridgestone Firestone Truck Hero Award: (L-R) B/F Dave Scheklesky; Truck Hero Tim Ferguson of MacKinnon Transport; Karen Gracey; and Evan MacKinnon of MacKinnon Transport.	Forecast 2008: OTA President David Bradley (l) delivered his annual forecast for the upcoming year to members at the annual general meeting.
EnviroTrucks: Tractors featuring smog-free engines and other clean air technologies were displayed at convention.	A long-standing OTA tradition -- a procession of head table guests are piped into the room by a Scottish piper in full regalia.
Hockey Analyst Bob McKenzie of TSN provided insight and commentary on the NHL.	OTA Education Foundation: Scholarships were presented to 24 college and university students including these two who were present at convention to receive their certificate.
Business guru David T. Fung shared his insight into globalization and business opportunities with convention attendees.	Trailmobile Service to Industry Award Doug Smith of Manitoulin Transport was honoured for his commitment, vision and leadership to the Ontario trucking industry. He is seen here with his wife Phyllis and members of his family.
Road Knights Team: The 10 truck driver ambassadors that make up the OTA Road Knights wowed OTA conventioneers with their commitment to road safety and the industry.	Shaw Dispatcher of the Year: Tandet Dedicated Inc.dispatcher Dan Risebrough (c) was named dispatcher of the year. He is seen here with Mike Ham of Shaw Tracking (l) and motivational speaker Dan Baker (r).
Pioneer and Half Century Club Members. Newly inducted members: L - R: Kenneth Nixon; Rosedale Group (Half Century Club); Kim Richardson, KRTS Transportation Specialists (Pioneer Club) ; Dave MacDonald, Markel Insurance (Pioneer Club) ;George P. Ledson, Cavalier Transportation Services (Half Century Club).	Gala Dinner: The convention closed with a black-tie dinner and entertainment by a Canadian rock legend who wowed the audience.
Spousal Program: This year's program featured a tour of the Royal Ontario Museum, shopping in Toronto's popular Bloor-Yorkville area and celebrity Chef Danny.	Volvo Trucks Driver of the Year - Jeffrey MacLean of SLH Transport was named the 2007 Driver of the Year.