CALGARY, Alta. — A number of industry representatives gathered in Western Canada recently to tackle issues of recruiting and retention as well as introducing new ideas and insights to problems affecting all carriers.

The western installment of the Fourth Annual Canadian Recruiting and Retention Conference was held Nov. 29 and 30 at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary.

One highlight of the conference is the presentation of the Canadian Dispatcher of the Year Award and the OTR/SelecTrucks of Canada Canadian Retention Awards.

These awards were first presented at the Toronto Conference in September, but as these are national awards and this is a national Conference, we present these awards at both the Toronto and Calgary Conferences, noted Cathryn Charboneau, conference manager.

The TransX Group of Companies based in Winnipeg was presented with the 2006 OTR/SelecTrucks of Canada Canadian Retention Award in the Over 100 Power Units Category.

The award is sponsored by SelecTrucks of Canada and recognizes carriers who best demonstrate, overall, the lowest driver turnover rate, the most improved driver turnover rate, and the best effort to improve driver retention over a number of years.

Liberty Linehaul of Ayr, Ont. was recognized as the winner of this same retention award in the Under 100 Power Units Category.

The 2006 Canadian Dispatcher of the Year Award was presented to Ben OHara of Trimac Transportations Sarnia Branch. This award recognizes an outstanding individual, working in the field of dispatch, who best demonstrates a commitment to customer service, safety, driver well-being, courtesy, teamwork and problem solving.