MTA doles out awards at annual banquet

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WINNIPEG, Man. — The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) has doled out a number of awards at its annual industry awards dinner in Winnipeg Nov. 2.

Shaw Tracking, in partnership with the MTA, named Janet Murray, a dispatcher with Payne Transportation of Winnipeg, Manitobas 2007 Dispatcher of the Year. The award is presented to the dispatcher who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to customer service, safety, driver well-being, courtesy, team work, problem-solving and community service/volunteer work

Murray started her career in the trucking industry in the office before joining her husband as a longhaul driver 13 years ago. After a year on the road, she seized the opportunity to become a dispatcher and has loved the role ever since. Her award is the result of her respect and care for the drivers while meeting the needs and expectations of the customers, the other members of the team and the company.

Doing a fantastic job in a tough situation is nothing new to her, said her division manager, recounting her actions on September 11, 2001. While everyone else was glued to the television, Janet was on the telephone making sure the drivers were safe, notifying family members and informing customers of the status of their shipments.

The 2007 Maxim Associate of the Year award was presented to John Oades of Winnipeg for his contributions and dedication to the trucking industry and the association for over 25 years. The award is presented to a deserving MTA Associated Trades Division member who has conducted himself or herself in such a manner as to have gained the esteem of his or her fellow members and who has made a positive contribution to the programs or contributed to the development of the MTA.

After brief stints other fields, Oades discovered the equipment side of the trucking industry. Since 1982 he has built a successful career in sales, administration, marketing and consulting, developing a wide-based knowledge of the needs of the industry.

Throughout his long career Oades has given back to this industry through active participation in the Manitoba Trucking Association. His company has been active in the Associated Trades Division and the Vehicle Maintenance Council and an enthusiastic sponsor of many MTA events over the years.

John himself has been an active member of many MTA committees where he demonstrates his belief in the benefits of trade associations, volunteerism and participation, officials said.

Also honoured at the awards gala was Craig Cudmore of Winnipeg who was recognized as the Volvo Trucks Canada 2007 Manitoba Driver of the Year. Cudmore was honoured for his 32 years of accident-free professional driving, his constant attention to safety, his outstanding customer service and his contribution to the industry through driver training. The award was officially presented to Cudmore at the MTA Drivers Awards Dinner on June 9.

Victor Switzer brought home the coveted Manitoba Trailmobile Service to Industry award at the annual dinner. Switzer, an active and loyal supporter of the MTA for many years, was recognized by his peers for his ethical business conduct and his many contributions to the trucking industry.

Switzer began his trucking career as a driver, rising quickly from pick-ups driver through delivery driver, dispatcher, claims, sales, division manager and branch manager until he purchased the first of several trucking companies, growing and expanding the businesses to achieve Canada-wide recognition.

His long and successful career has continuously demonstrated his commitment to a strong work ethic, MTA officials said in a release. Victor has long believed in giving back to both his community and his industry. He has been and continues to be an active volunteer in community and has been a strong supporter of his industry association.

Starting as a volunteer on one committee, Switzer was quick to accept challenges within the MTA, serving as an active member on many committees over the years, addressing both local and national issues. Switzer has been a member of the board of directors for 10 years, the executive committee for several and president in 2004-05. In addition, his company actively participated in and supported MTA activities throughout this time.

Victor is well known for his honesty, integrity, hard work and diligence yet still a modest and humble individual, said the release. He is acknowledged by his peers as a true gentleman and a class act a model for the trucking industry.

The Trailmobile Service to Industry award is presented to a deserving MTA member who has conducted themselves in such a manner as to have gained the esteem of their fellow members and brought credit to the trucking industry through their contributions.

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