WAUPACA, Wis. — Trucker Buddy International, a pen pal program that matches tots with truckers, has won the Award of Excellence in the 2006 Associations Advance America (AAA) awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Trucker Buddy International, Inc. received the award for its mentoring success via pen pal relationships between professional drivers and elementary classes, and was one of only 16 organizations nationally to be honoured. The program is now in the running to receive a Summit Award, ASAE’s top recognition for association programs, to be presented in ceremonies at ASAE’s 7th Annual Summit Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2006.

Now in its sixteenth year, the prestigious AAA awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward – with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creating, citizenship, and community service. Officials said that although association activities have a powerful impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.

“Trucker Buddy International, Inc.’s program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honour and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society,” said AAA committee chair, Bill Bergman, CAE, president of William S. Bergman Associates.

For more information about Trucker Buddy International visit www.truckerbuddy.org.