Welcome to the new Truck West! As Canada’s leading trucking publication, we take great pride in being the best we can be and we’re consistently looking for ways to maintain and improve our service to you and our advertisers. Our many accomplishments are a result of hard work and dedication. We have not, and will not, sit on our laurels. You are holding yet another example of our on-going commitment to you.

Since I’ve been at the helm, one of the most common criticisms I receive from both advertisers and readers has been the combination newsprint/gloss stock we print on. Apparently, newsprint isn’t too popular. To be honest, cost was always a contributing factor in the decision not to print the entire publication on gloss paper. It costs more to print – that’s the bottom line. As such, it was a simple business decision that made sense. Until now.

I’m pleased to announce that as of this issue, each issue of Truck News and Truck West will be printed entirely on the good stuff! No, we’re not going to start charging you for your copy each month or try hitting-up our loyal advertisers with a hefty rate increase now or anytime soon. We simply believe the cost of gloss justifies the benefit.

And what are the benefits?

Ink does not rub off gloss like it does newsprint and resists yellowing over time.

You’ll notice that advertiser’s ads usually positioned on newsprint are now reproduced with much more clarity. You’ll see greater detail in what’s being advertised.

Our editorial team will now have the benefit of being much more creative in their page layouts.

All of our advertisers will be presenting their products and services on the same stock, providing a level playing field for all.

It’s a win-win situation for everyone concerned.

Doug Copeland, our retail sales manager perhaps said it best when he compared the change to watching high definition TV vs. traditional broadcasts. If any of you have witnessed a high definition broadcast you’ll know, the difference is dramatic.

I’m anticipating the above benefits will far exceed the pain of the slap on the wrist I’m going to get when my management finds out about the additional costs. So be it. My predecessor, Ted Light, always said it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission. Thanks for the advice Ted! (I think). Hope to see you next month! n

Publisher’s

Comment

Rob

Wilkins

– Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Truck West and he can be reached at (416) 510-5123.

MaiL

The Timken Company board of directors named Ward J. “Tim” Timken Jr. chairman, effective Aug. 15.

The appointment follows the July 29 United States Senate confirmation of W.R. Timken, Jr. as U.S. Ambassador to Germany and his subsequent resignation as chairman and member of the Timken board, effective August 14.

The new chairman, 38, joined The Timken Company in 1992 and was elected to the board in 2002. In April 2005, he was named vice chairman while continuing to serve as president of the company’s Steel Group, guiding that business, which had $1.2 billion in sales in 2004, to record levels of profitability.

Upon his resignation, former chairman W.R. Timken, Jr. said, “I leave The Timken Company with a sense of pride and a tinge of sadness after an affiliation of more than 47 years. However, I have great faith in the new leadership and an excellent board of directors. I am confident this company is poised for continued strong growth.” For more information on the Timken Company visit www.timken.com.

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Holland Canada, a subsidiary of The Holland Group Inc., has announced that Richard Lacasse has joined the Holland Canada field sales team as sales and service representative for the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Lacasse, 43, is a 20-year veteran of the transportation equipment industry, having spent 18 of those years with the Trailmobile organization in various capacities. His most recent assignment was as parts and service manager for Trailmobile’s Montreal branch. Additionally, he co-founded and managed a component manufacturing and sales business within the transportation industry for a two-year period.

Lacasse lives in the Montreal area with his wife and four children and where company officials say he is well-known and highly regarded in the industry.

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Dale Hallman of Highway Sterling-Western Star has announced that Dale Drinkwater has joined its team of sales professionals. Drinkwater brings with him over 25 years of industry experience and says he looks forward to helping his former customers order a new Sterling or Western Star truck.

Highway Sterling-Western Star is located in Ayr, Ont. just west of Kitchener and offers sales, service and parts. Drinkwater can be reached at 1-800-487-7584 or (519) 740-2405 Ext. 443.