Day # 2 – Association Honors , Freightonomics & More
The FMF ’ s first day of presentations , panels and workshops kicked off with an enthusiastic overview of the festivities from Conference Chair Thomas Jowers . He introduced CLDA President Jason Burns , Sr . who welcomed participants to the place he lovingly calls “ My hometown .”
Burns greeted the 350 + attendees who came to the conference from as close as New Orleans and as far as Melbourne , Australia . He introduced the members of the new association management company , Raybourn Group International . He recognized the CLDA board and applauded them for their service to the organization and praised retiring board member , Errol Cvern for his long-time dedication to the industry . Burns also recognized Ryan Schwalbach from NOW Courier who will fill Cvern ’ s seat on the board .
The association remains robust ; a fact that was underscored by remarks from both CLDA Treasurer Tim Cocchia and President Burns . Cocchia reported that the association had a very strong year financially in 2022 and has solid cash reserves . Burns talked about the successful year , outlining some of the noteworthy initiatives of the last 12 months :
• Focusing on the future
• Continued advocacy for the IC model , which included re-engaging with Prime Policy Group
• Ongoing emphasis on positioning CLDA as a thought leader .
Burns then brought ECA president Jim Bernecker to the stage . He spoke about the collaboration between the two organizations in glowing terms . “ We continue to learn from each other and collaborate for the good of the supply chain ,” Bernecker said .
Board Member and Government Affairs Committee Chair Mark Cossack handled the next part of the business meeting , introducing the honorees for the association ’ s Distinguished Service Award – former CLDA presidents , Rob Slack and Kirk Godby . “ The Distinguished Service Award is meant for those in the industry who have gone above and beyond to contribute for the good of the association ,” he said . “ These people have sacrificed their time and effort . A few years ago , these two gentlemen saw an opportunity to bring many drivers into our association . They realized there was no representation for drivers in this industry . Because of their efforts when we ’ re on Capitol Hill , we ’ re now able to represent the carriers and the thousands of delivery drivers that make our industry work .”
“ I ’ m very grateful and humbled ,” said Godby in accepting the Distinguished Service away along with his
46 customized logistics & delivery Magazine I spring 2023