WELLAND, Ont. — The Owner-Operators’ Business Association of Canada (OBAC) has released a statement saying the sudden resignation of its president, Dave Marson, caught the association off-guard.

The board says it will accept his resignation at a soon-to-be-convened meeting, although it hasn’t received a formal letter of resignation. The group does acknowledge Marson had previously expressed his intention to step down.

"Dave was very passionate about helping owner-operators, and committed to seeing improvement in the way they do business," says OBAC’s interim executive director, Leo Van Tuyl. "We regret that he wasn’t able to fulfill his dreams under the OBAC flag. His absence from the Board will be obvious, and we wish him well in future endeavors."

The fledgling O/O group admits the disappearance of its accountant and some of its start-up funding has diverted some of its attention away from its long-term strategy. However, the group says it is moving forward and will find a new president to lead the way.

"Despite Dave’s departure, the ongoing challenges of re-invigorating the initiative, and the difficulty in managing OBAC on a shoestring budget, we will continue to advance the cause of the Canadian owner/operator through education and advocacy," Van Tuyl adds.