TORONTO, Ont. — Organizers of this year’s OTA convention say there’ll be plenty of items of interest to trucking industry players.

(The convention is taking place at a new venue — the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Road, just minutes away from Pearson International Airport.)

The theme of this year’s convention is – Driving Change — and in keeping with the 2003 theme OTA is offering attendees an ambitious and innovative new convention program.

Principal speakers 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
Another exciting new addition to this year’s convention line up is the OTA Executive Forum, where some of Canada’s most respected trucking industry CEOs who will share their strategies for success.

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 entertainment, Canada’s own Michael Bubl performs on Friday at the Gala Dinner. You’ll be in for big laughs with the comedy of Second City Touring Group and the power-house rock dance music of Nik and The Nice Guys – both entertain at the Thursday night bash.

Stress consultant Dr. Howard Eisenberg tells delegates how to achieve balance through stress mastery at the Friday breakfast, and comedian Steve “Red Green” Smith entertains at the Friday luncheon.

Another event will be held in conjunction with the 2003 OTA Convention. The Canadian Trucking Alliance has partnered with the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) to present a two-day conference and display for equipment, IT and logistics professionals in Toronto from November 12 -13.

For complete convention information, visit www.ontruck.org or contact the OTA at 416-249-7401.