LAKE LOUISE, Alta. — The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) took a few moments at the management conference in Lake Louise over the weekend to recognize some of the industry’s finest.

Among them was this year’s Driver of the Year, Victor Lachance, who drives for Petrohaul Ltd. and has enjoyed a lengthy accident-free career hauling just about anything that could be hauled.

Robin Ross, western regional manager with Volvo Truck Canada, made the presentation and Lachance was overwhelmed to receive the honors. He says the secret to enjoying a long and safe career is to take on each load with the same care and attention to detail as the last one and appreciate each and every load.

Lachance has worked extensively in the oilpatch, as well as hauling dangerous goods over-the-road and supplies up north over the unpredictable ice roads.

Other winners at the AMTA conference included Jurgen Mantei, who was honored with the Trailmobile Service to Industry Award. Mantei received a portrait of himself for his contributions.

The AMTA’s Associate Trades Award was presented to Bob Warawa from Fining Power Systems. An emotional Warawa thanked his wife for her patience and help through the years.

The AMTA also presented an Early Bird Prize donated by Markel Insurance — a pair of $1,500 custom-made Roots leather jackets. Larry Butler of Blanchard Transport was the lucky winner and Markel’s western regional manager, Al Sibilo was on-hand to make the presentation.

A little further east, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association made one award presentation at its annual meeting — the Trailmobile Service to the Industry Award — and that went to Russell Marcoux.