AMTA celebrates eight industry greats at Virtual Awards Gala

Commercial transportation would not be what it is today without the people who put in countless hours of effort in maintaining industry as safe, responsible and professional.

The Alberta Motor Transport Association recognized eight of those individuals at our annual Awards Gala, held virtually on Friday, April 23.

Hosted by AMTA Board Chair Jude Groves, the event not only celebrated our Service to Industry awards, it included an introduction of the 2020/21 Road Knights (sponsored by Isaac Instruments), virtual exhibitor booths and prizes.

Driver of the Year

From the shoes on our feet to the food in our fridges, the public would not have access to everyday goods if there was not a commercial driver behind the wheel to keep things on the move. The Driver of the Year Award is presented to an individual from a pool of 10 drivers who have proved their mettle, safety records and esteem for the profession from the AMTA Driver of the Month award.

AMTA and award sponsor Volvo Trucks Canada are proud to announce this year’s recipient Danny Dyck of Coalhurst, Alberta.

Driving since 1977, Danny has hauled flat deck, vans and tankers, 90 per cent of which he says was as Owner Operator.

“Trucking is in my blood,” he said. “My brothers are truckers too.”

Danny was on the road in Iowa during the event but was able to share a few words on his accomplishment.

“I’d like to thank the AMTA, first for choosing me as Driver of the Month, September of 20, then as Driver of the Year,” he said. “I’d like to thank my family and many friends who supported me and rooted for me being honoured.”

Safety Person of the Year

For the Alberta Motor Transport Association, safety in industry is paramount. Safety Person of the Year exemplifies an individual not only accountable to the safety of their fellow employees but the safety of the company they represent.

AMTA and award sponsor HighStreet Insurance are proud to announce this year’s recipient as Robin Peterman of Reilly Transfer Group Ltd.

Robin has been with Reilly Transfer Group Ltd. as HSE Loss Control Manager for the last 10 years. Prior to that he worked in safety, security and loss control in the forestry sector, managed project safety in industrial construction, was a Journeyman Machinist and instructed at Grande Prairie Regional College.

Robin believes the closer a workplace is to being safety compliant, the closer they are to achieving world class safety results. He says “compliance is the foundation of a healthy safety system.”

Associate Trades Award

The Associate Trades Award is presented to an individual who regularly goes above and beyond in serving AMTA membership and the public in the commercial transportation field.

AMTA and award sponsor GroupHealth Benefit Solutions are proud to announce this year’s recipient as Sonja Houston with Isaac Instruments.

Sonja is Business Development Manager with Isaac and is a regular attendee of AMTA Regional Meetings and volunteer events such as Driver Appreciation.

Historical Award

We cannot move into the future without learning from the past and the Historical Award exists to celebrate individuals who have dedicated their life to industry and preserving its memories.

AMTA is proud to announce this year’s recipient as Lane Kranenburg.

Lane first served the then known Alberta Transportation Association (ATA) on the board of directors from 1974-1989, during which he was co-owner of Lyal Custom Carriers. Integral in making both the Alberta Motor Transport Association and Partners in Compliance the programs they are today, Lane passed away Feb. 13, 2021. Lane’s wife Vicki accepted the award in his honour.

Service to Industry

Commercial transportation is an industry full of passionate individuals who live and breathe their work. With the unprecedented year 2020 was for the world, AMTA is not only celebrating one individual this year but the four executives of our board.

Along with award sponsor BFL Insurance, AMTA is proud to announce the 2020 Service to Industry recipients as AMTA Board Chair Jude Groves (Rosenau Transport), Senior Vice-Chair Real Durand (Bison Transport), Vice Chair Tim Bennett (NCSG Crane and Heavy Haul) and Immediate Past Chair Doug Paisley (Lethbridge Truck Terminals).

As well as our award sponsors, AMTA would like to thank Isaac Instruments, Trailcon Leasing, CN, Omnitracs and Cummins for their support.