TRURO, N.S. — The Truckers Association of Nova Scotia (TANS) was celebrating two milestones at the organization’s annual convention and annual general meeting this year: the 40th anniversary of the formation of TANS and the 15th convention for the group.

Known for its ability to seamlessly combine family fun and the business interests of the industry, this year’s convention was no exception, with events including a casino night, dance, ladies programs, family programs, swimming, and dinner entertainment. One convention highlight was the chance to win a trip to Cuba, which was won by Allison and Debbie Lowther, TANS members from Oxford, Cumberland County, N.S.

Also announced at the convention were the results of the group’s fundraising efforts for the IWK Children’s Hospital of Nova Scotia and Early Intervention Nova Scotia. Through county fundraisers, county and individual donations, a live auction at the TANS convention, and 50/50 ticket sales, TANS members and communities raised in excess of $14,800 to be split evenly between the two charities.

The winner of the 50/50 draw was long-time TANS member from Inverness County, Carl Hart, who won more than $2,300.

When it came time to finally get down to business at the meeting, some topics of concern and discussion included: rising fuel prices and how this will affect work not covered by a fuel escalation clause; the changing government policies brought forth by harmonizing Canada, regarding weights and dimensions, and Hours-of-Service documentation involving drivers and businesses working within a 160 km radius of their home base; Nova Scotia’s “grandfathering” the use of older industrial equipment; how the loss of tolerance, and the three-year plan for it, will play out; and how new road building and maintenance methods are resulting in less potential work.

The guest speaker at the meeting was Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. In his address to TANS members, he let it be known that the he is very interested in the well-being of Nova Scotia and in particular, the future of the province’s trucking industry.

On Saturday night, presentations were made to the two TANS charities, followed by two TANS award presentations. First was the TANS Associate Member Outstanding Support Award, presented to Duncan Gillis of Gillis Truckways in Baddeck, N.S. Second was the TANS Outstanding Member Award, presented to David Meehan of Meehan’s Garage and Trucking hailing from East Hants County, N.S.
TANS also elected its executive for 2008/2009, which will have Bill Dowe of Cumberland County as chairperson, Stephen Orde of Annapolis County as vice-chairperson, and Donald Whynot of Queens County as secretary treasurer.

In the end, officials said the event was successful and well-attended by its members.

“A great time was had by all, socializing, dining, dancing and relaxing. None of this could have been possible without the attendance and interest of all involved,” officials said. “A lot of work, time, effort, and funding from the Associate Trades Membership is the cornerstone to the success of every TANS convention. Special thanks goes out to each and everyone.”