Each week, TruckNews.com lists notable moves, promotions and awards in the trucking industry.

This week, Stahl Peterbilt collected 3,200 toys during its 18th annual toy drive for the Salvation Army, and The Erb Group helped deliver a 26,000-pound food donation to Kenora Chiefs Advisory. Meanwhile, Dana added Nora LaFreniere to its board of directors, Ancra Cargo Canada named Daniel Ianniciello as its eastern region sales manager, and J. J. Keller & Associates appointed Stephanie Schmidt as its new vice-president of client service.

Stahl Peterbilt collects 3,200 toys for Salvation Army

Stahl Peterbilt’s 18th annual toy drive for the Salvation Army collected 3,230 toys to support families in need across Alberta this Christmas.

The donations, which surpassed last year’s total of 2,650 toys, will be distributed by the Salvation Army to spread joy and hope to children and families during the holiday season, the company said in a Facebook post.

“It really provides all of us here a great sense of joy to give back, particularly to kids in need, and makes everybody feel good,” said Eddy Stahl, chief executive officer of Stahl Peterbilt.

The success of the toy drive was made possible by contributions from customers, staff, and the community. SEB Contracting was highlighted for its donation of 126 toys.

Erb Group helps deliver food donation to Indigenous communities

The Erb Group partnered with Trucks for Change network and Confederation Freezers to deliver a 26,000-pound food donation to the Kenora Chiefs Advisory in Ontario, providing support to Indigenous communities facing food insecurity this holiday season.

This marks the second consecutive year of collaboration for the Erb Group, working alongside a network of carriers dedicated to improving food access and delivering essential resources to communities in need.

“We extend a heartfelt thank you to our partners and the companies who donated food for their commitment to this important cause,” The Erb Group said in a LinkedIn post. “By working together, we make a real difference in helping to create stronger, more resilient communities.”

Dana appoints LaFreniere to board of directors

Dana has announced the appointment of Nora LaFreniere to its board of directors, effective immediately.

LaFreniere is the executive vice-president and general counsel of Otis Worldwide, a global publicly traded company. In her current role, she oversees legal, compliance, business development, intellectual property, security, government relations, quality, and environmental, health, and safety functions.

“I am delighted to welcome Nora to the Dana board of directors,” said R. Bruce McDonald, Dana chairman and CEO, in a news release. “Her extensive experience in industrial businesses focusing on strategy formulation and executing complex M&A transactions will be invaluable to Dana as we implement our plan to transform the company and accelerate value creation.”

Ancra Cargo Canada names eastern region sales manager

Ancra Cargo Canada has appointed Daniel Ianniciello as its eastern region sales manager, effective Dec. 18. Ianniciello will oversee sales operations in Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

With more than 25 years of experience in the heavy-duty transportation industry, Ianniciello began his career as a licensed technician before advancing to roles as parts director and truck sales representative at a major Montreal-area truck dealership.

He has also held district and national sales manager positions with two leading industry brands, the company said in a release.

J. J. Keller names Schmidt vice-president of client service

J. J. Keller & Associates appointed Stephanie Schmidt as its new vice-president of client service, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Schmidt will succeed Kari DuBois, who is retiring.

With nearly 18 years at J. J. Keller, Schmidt has held key roles in account management and service operations, most recently serving as senior director of service operations. She played a role in supporting the success of the company’s Managed Services, with a focus on operational excellence, quality, and client satisfaction, the company said in a release.