In summary: AMTA Annual General Meeting 2022
The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) hosted its 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) Sept. 24.
Jude Groves, outgoing Board Chair, started the meeting with opening remarks.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without you, our members,” Groves said. “So, on behalf of AMTA’s board of directors, we express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. It’s no secret that the past two years haven’t been easy for the commercial transportation industry. Throughout these historically trying conditions, however, you worked around the clock to keep the supply chains moving, supplying Albertans with everything from food to fuel, to consumer goods. As our industry does when faced with roadblocks, we kept on rolling.”
Hon. Prasad Panda, Alberta’s Minister of Transportation, and the keynote speaker at the AGM, shared an update from the provincial government as part of his comments.
Panda expressed his gratitude, on behalf of all Albertans, for all the commercial transportation industry does for Albertans – keeping keep people and goods on the move, facilitating a healthy and robust supply chain, and strengthening the provincial, national, and global economies.
“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I thank all those in (the commercial transportation industry) for all of the work you have done for Albertans during this challenging year and every year,” Panda said. “You are the lifeline, providing Albertans with what they need.”
Celebrating successes
Groves shared several key highlights from the 2021-2022 Actions and Achievements – the association’s annual report.
“Through hard work and collaboration with its members, stakeholders, partners, and staff, AMTA has accomplished much over the past year,” Groves said. “We express our sincere thanks and appreciation to our management, staff, and partners for their diligence, efforts, and commitment in what was truly a challenging year.”
Unveiling the new Board Strategic Plan
Groves announced the new Strategic Plan, which the Board approved in August 2022. He shared background information on how the plan came to be, as well as an overview of the five strategic objectives:
Strategic Expansion
Data Analytics
Leadership in Safety, Education, and Training
Membership Service and Engagement
Advance Industry Technology and Innovation
> > > AMTA High-Level Strategic Plan
Recognizing the current Board; appointing a new Chair and incoming members
“Weathering the challenges of the past two years has made something very clear,” Groves said. “As an organization, it’s not just enough to keep up with change; AMTA must take the lead in developing the policy solutions we want to see. As no one knows our industry better, we need to be leading the charge.”
The AGM was an opportunity for members and partners to recognize and thank the existing Board for its visionary leadership and support.
“This Board has undertaken a lot of work, on a volunteer basis, and made great progress for our members and the commercial transportation industry,” Groves said. “Collaborating with stakeholders, the Board has helped position our association and industry – specifically the Alberta players – as key leaders across this province and country. Our members can be confident that their interests have been well-represented.”
Members also determined the association’s next Board Chair and who should fill new Board vacancies. Doug Paisley – of LTT Logistics and RK Trailer Rentals, based out of Lethbridge – was named Chair. Paisley, who has served on the board since 2011 – most recently as Immediate Past Chair from 2019 to –2022, was Board chair from 2018 to 2019.
“It is my privilege to serve and represent our members and industry this way,” Paisley said. “Although there are certainly both challenges and opportunities ahead of us, our association will continue to build on the excellent work that previous boards and our staff have done, collaborating with our members, government, and other stakeholders to keep moving our industry forward.”
Paisley replaces Groves who had served in this capacity since April 2019. Groves will remain on the Board for the next term, serving as Immediate Past Chair and a member of the Board Executive.
AMTA also welcomed two new board members: Ashish Gill (Lightspeed Logistics, Inc.) and Grant Heer (retired).
The AMTA Board of Directors determines the vision, mission, and strategic goals and priorities for the organization. The Board is responsible for setting policies, approving budgets, and providing overall governance for the association.
> > > Meet all Board of Directors
Audited Financial Statements
Robert Harper, AMTA Controller, presented an overview of the association’s 2021 Audited Financial Statements and answered any questions from meeting delegates.
2022 AMTA Awards
Each year, as part of its AGM, AMTA celebrates the achievements of professionals in the commercial transportation industry who go above and beyond expectations. This year, AMTA honours six individuals who have made significant impacts to the association and/or industry.
Associate Trades – Kate Malley (Fort Garry Industries)
Driver of the Year – Dan Murphy (Hill Bros., Inc.)
Historical – Steve Callahan (retired, Alberta Sheriffs)
Friend to Industry – Brian Dumsday (posthumously, BD & Associates)
Safety Person of the Year – Christine Groulx (4Seasons Transportation)
The Board also acknowledged Jude Groves with the Service to Industry Award, given to the Association’s outgoing chairperson in recognition of his or her invaluable contributions to the commercial transportation industry and AMTA during their term as chair.
“I am both humbled and grateful to receive this award, and I thank my colleagues whom I have had the pleasure to serve over the past three-plus years,” Groves said. “It truly has been a joy to work with you and my honour to represent our members, and I look forward to seeing the successes that will surely come about in the years to come.”
Looking Ahead to 2023
AMTA’s 2023 Leadership Conference and Annual General Meeting will take place in April 2023. Complete details will be announced shortly.