ATA and Dothan Chamber co-host industry roundtable discussion

ATA President Mark Colson and leaders from the Dothan Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a round table discussion with several industry members at the Chamber’s headquarters Monday, June 15. The event was impactful with significant topics brought up for discussion, including hours of service, high insurance rates, CDL training, and much more.

Colson said, “The event brought our allied members, dealers, carriers, public education system, chambers of commerce, and more together. It signified the importance of a cross-section of the industry. We realize there is a problem, and we want to continue to work and solve them cohesively.”

Katie Thomas of Southeast AlabamaWorks agreed. She said it was great for everyone to come out to work for industry improvement. For her, one of the benefits that came out of the roundtable discussion was the focus on CDL training.

“We need more events like this because certain counties may not be experiencing the same things that others are,” she said. “It was (also) great to see diversity in the room. There were bigger and smaller trucking companies, sales reps, and schools showed up, as well.”

Doug Chamness of Greenbush Logistics said that while the event offered a great forum for discussion, there needs to be more representation from motor carriers. One possible solution he agreed with was moving these talks to a virtual setting to attract more participation. “Not having to physically travel to the meeting  might make it easier for more participants, which would result in more effective conversation and exchange of ideas,” he said.

Colson added that these events are what helps keep various industry leaders engaged with what is going on not only in their communities but also at the state and national level, too. “They engage various industries to help with the common goal,” he said. “The question now is: How do we improve, and keep the trucking industry moving forward.”

ATA is grateful to Dean Mitchell and his staff at the Dothan Chamber for hosting the event. We also thank the following ATA members and business leaders for their participation, including David Bailey of Sysco, Deborah Coker of Averitt Express, Ian Campbell of Enterprise State Community College, Matt Parker of DACC, Jeff Coleman of Coleman Worldwide Moving, Mark Coffman of Coffman International, JJ Lassiter of Summerford Truck Line, Brent Cook of Action Truck Center, Brock Kelly and Joe Williams of ACCS, Lori Wilcoxon of U.S. Census Bureau, and Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba.