NEBRASKA – Tears flowed as guests at the Nebraska Trucking Association Fall Conference listened to the story of Golden Deeds Award Winner Scott Gronewoller, of Midwest Express, who tackled the effects of a stroke with steely determination walking a mile every day to a local store to face shelves all in an effort to improve his dexterity. Scott returned to work and to volunteering at NTA events in record time.
Brett Kleier had to step away from the podium during the Awards Breakfast to accept the honor as Safety Director of the Year. Brett works with the Sunrise Express team of drivers to ensure safe operations. He’s also devoted extensive time working on various councils with the Nebraska Trucking Association.
Crystal Anderson, co-owner of Donald Anderson Trucking, took the helm as executive chair from Scott Romans who officially handed over the gavel of leadership. Later, she zoomed through the golf course introducing herself to NTA members along the way.
Lindsay Dunham, diesel technician from Truck Center Companies in York, was on hand during the NTA Women’s Council Reception Wednesday. Lindsay’s example as a diesel tech and Army vet is used by the newly-formed Women’s Council to inspire young women to enter the trucking and logistics industry.
The pride of Gothenburg, NSG Transport, walked away with the coveted crystal truck recognizing them as the 2019 Fleet
Safety Grand Champion. “We’re proud of our safety record,” said NSG Transport co-owner Coleen Geiken. “We’ve found some very good drivers who stay with us for the long haul. A lot of the new ones we get come from referrals from our drivers.” The company owns 50 trucks and works with owner operators and broker trucks. They haul bulk commodities for agriculture, crushed stone and ice control salt.
“Our drivers are our biggest asset,” she said. “We watch out for each other and make sure things are safe.” NSG Transport, a 17-year NTA member company, has 60 drivers and operates out of Gothenburg. Drivers move through Gothenburg each week and go home on weekends. “The NTA has helped a lot with information during the last couple of years, especially as we’ve trained a new safety director. Barb Aude has a lot of great information for us.”
The NTA Fall Conference was packed with activities including a truck show, skeet shoot, golf outing and Dueling Pianos
entertainment.
2019 Fall Conference Award Winners:
Woman of Distinction: Linda Ingram-Jasa, Jasa Transit & Ingram Tank Wash, Blair
James E. Ryan Golden Deeds: Scott Gronewoller, Midwest Express, Grand Island