Each week, trucknews.com lists notable events, promotions and awards in the trucking industry.

This week, Vipar Heavy Duty added Chris Redondo and Nick Seidel to board of directors and the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada donated $1,660 to the Evan Thomas Memorial Fund.

Meanwhile, Musket Transport and CHET partnered up with Highway to Hope organization to help Black and Indigenous youth from underserved communities obtain truck driver training.

Vipar Heavy Duty adds to board of directors

Vipar Heavy Duty has elected two new members to its board of directors.

Chris Redondo, general manager of operations at San Diego Friction Products, and Nick Seidel, vice president of Action Truck Parts will become new board members for the next four years.

“Our stockholders rely on us to stay a step ahead of the evolving issues and challenges facing the heavy-duty aftermarket,” said board chairman Bill Nolan of PBS Truck Parts in a news release. “Chris and Nick bring the experience and proven leadership that will add valuable insight as we continue to advance strategic initiatives, strengthen industry relationships, and plan for the future.”

Redondo joined San Diego Friction in 2023 and brings more than 25 years of experience working with OE suppliers, including Meritor, Hyundai Translead, and Fruehauf. He currently serves on distributor advisory councils for both Cummins Braking Systems & Components and Bendix.

Seidel joined Action Truck Parts in 2005 and now serves as vice president. He is also sitting on Vipar Heavy Duty’s membership and product committees, the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week joint operating committee, and the Cummins Braking Systems & Components distributor advisory council. He is also distributor co-chairman for HDAW 2026.

PTTAC donates silent auction proceeds to Evan Thomas Memorial Fund

The Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC) has donated $1,660 to the Evan Thomas Memorial Fund, raised through a silent auction held during its first annual conference.

The donation supports the trust fund established in memory of Evan Thomas, an athlete who was killed in a bus crash on April 6, 2018, while travelling with his Humboldt Broncos teammates to a playoff game.

Evan Thomas’ father, Scott Thomas, attended the PTTAC conference as a guest speaker. He also joined Earl Drieger, founding member and vice chairman of PTTAC and president of Maximum Training, for a discussion focused on the crash, its impact, and what can be done to improve road safety within the truck training and transportation industry.

Musket Transport, CHET to partner with Highway to Hope

Musket Transport and the Commercial Heavy Equipment Training (CHET) Centre are partnering with Highway to Hope, a charitable organization that supports Black and Indigenous youth from underserved communities through fully funded AZ driver training, financial literacy education, mentorship, and career support.

Following a tour of CHET’s Mississauga, Ont. training facility, Highway to Hope confirmed that CHET will serve as a training partner for its upcoming 2026 Drive & Thrive cohorts.

“Partnering with CHET allows us to deliver on our commitment to quality and consistency,” said Hanad from Highway to Hope.  “Our long-term goal is to create clear, reliable pathways into stable trucking careers for youth from underserved, low-income communities.”

Highway to Hope will integrate its Drive & Thrive program with CHET’s training model, including opportunities for mentorship and employer connections.

Musket Transport has pledged to sponsor one youth in the inaugural 2026 cohort.