OTTAWA (May 28, 2004) — The Owner-Operator’s Business Association of Canada (OBAC) named Joanne Ritchie executive director, taking over the position held on an interim basis since October 2002 by Leo Van Tuyl.

Ritchie will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the association on a full-time basis. She was most recently a development officer with Industry Canada’s automotive and aerospace branch, where she worked on trucking-related issues including border security, safety, regulatory reform, and human resources.

She said the association’s goal is to help owner-operators conduct their businesses more efficiently, and in the long run, become more profitable, through education and advocacy.

“We will make sure that the voice of the owner-operator is heard loud and clear,” she said. “I welcome the challenge of working with OBAC in making owner-operators a recognized voice within the Canadian trucking industry and helping them profit in this difficult and demanding business environment.”

OBAC, launched as a national association in September 2002, is based in Ottawa.