TORONTO, Ont. – Canada’s most respected CEOs in the trucking industry will share their strategies for success when the Ontario Trucking Association hosts an executive forum Wed., Nov. 12.

Held in conjunction with the OTA’s 77th annual convention, the forum will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road).

The session is open to all trucking executives who operate their own truck fleets. Advance registration is required; the cost is $50. Registration is available online at www.ontruck.org (click on OTA convention icon) or call 416-249-7401 Ext. 237.

CEOs will tackle topics related to day-to-day business challenges as well as strategies to cope with rising costs of insurance, security and wages, shipper relations, rate negotiations, debt reduction, managing growth, driver retention and recruitment, load brokers and other third parties, regulations, etc.

All trucking executives who own their own truck fleets are invited to attend. Registrants can be members and non-members of OTA; for-hire and private carriers of all sizes; TL/LTL; common or contract; general freight or specialized.

Participants will have an opportunity to bring questions and comments to the floor either directly using microphones or by submitting questions to the moderator anonymously. Panelists include: Don Strueber, Bison Diversified Inc.; George Ledson, Cavalier/Georbon Transportation Services; Dan Einwechter, Challenger Motor Freight Inc.; Mark Seymour, Kriska Transportation; Stan Dunford, Laidlaw Carriers Inc.; Brian Taylor, Liberty Linehaul Inc.; Evan MacKinnon, MacKinnon Transport Inc.; Mike McCarron, MSM Transportation Inc.; Richard Muir, Muir’s Cartage Ltd.; Gary Babcock, Quik X Transportation Inc.; Claude Robert, Robert Transport (1973) Lte.; James Thomson, Thomson Terminals Limited; Gary King, TST Solutions Inc.; Ronald Verspeeten, Verspeeten Cartage Ltd.; Rick Gaetz, Vitran Corporation Inc.; Serge Gagnon, XTL Transport.

As for the convention, OTA officials say trucking industry leaders will have more sessions than ever to choose from when they attend the convention, to be held Nov. 12 – 14 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road).

The theme of this year’s convention is – “Driving Change.

Principal speakers this year include Globe and Mail editor-in-chief Edward Greenspon and author and former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum. Royal Bank chief-economist Derek Holt will deliver an economic update and Global TV national news anchor Kevin Newman will provide political insight at the opening kick off and awards ceremony.

Steve Paikin of TVO’s Studio 2 will moderate a discussion of Canada-U.S. Relations: The Mood in America, while Toronto media icons Mark Dailey of CityTV and 680News political commentator John Stall will jointly present a not-to-be missed session on Protecting Your Corporate Image Under the Media Spotlight.

Industry executives and their staff can choose from a total of 17 seminars presented by recognized leaders addressing today’s most important issues in trucking:

Hwy #1 – External Forces

Managing Load Brokers from their Perspective

What’s Your Company Worth? (Evaluating Your Business with Confidence)

Family Business Succession

The Latest Technology for Transportation Management

Ask a Legal Expert (Panel of 7 lawyers will take your questions)

Hwy #2 – Canada-U.S. Trade

The Canadian Dollar: Outlook & Strategies

Canada-U.S. Relations: The Mood in America

Canada & U.S. Pre-Notification Rules

At the Bridges: Canada-U.S. Border Crossing Developments

Hwy #3 – Managing Risk

Security & Cargo Theft: An Insider Perspective

The Next ‘SARS’: Is Your Company Prepared?

Ontario Insurance Reform

Protecting Your Corporate Image Under the Media Spotlight

Hwy #4 – Human Resources

Driver Shortage by the Numbers

WSIB & Disability Claims: Employee Return to Work Challenges

Screening Your Drivers for What You Really Want

Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Drivers

As for entertainment, Michael Buble is slated to perform at the Gala dinner, to be held Friday. On Thursday night, entertainment will be provided by the Second City Touring Group and rockers Nik and The Nice Guys. Stress consultant Dr. Howard Eisenberg will tell delegates how to achieve balance through stress mastery at the Friday breakfast, and comedian Steve “Red Green” Smith entertains at the Friday luncheon.

Also to be held in conjunction with the convention – a two-day conference and display for equipment, IT and logistics professionals in Toronto from Nov. 12 -13, organized by the CTA in conjunction with the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC). For complete information, visit OTA’s Web site at www.ontruck.org or contact OTA at 416-249-7401.