ATA Golf Classic raises $225,000 for political action
With more than 300 golfers in attendance and nearly a quarter of a million dollars raised, the Alabama Trucking Association’s 2016 Golf Classic, held September 27 in Prattville, Ala. was among the event’s most successful ever, according to Association officials.
Tournament chairman Rodger Collins of Industrial Warehouse Services said this year’s event surpassed all previous events, in terms of money raised and member participation. “Our total revenue eclipsed $224,050, generating an estimated net income of $180,000 benefiting ATA’s political action committee,” he said. “As many as 125 trucking related firms sponsored this year and 308 golf slots were reserved for players. That’s the best we’ve ever done.”
McLeod Software was again the tournament’s Presidential Sponsor, marking the fifth year the Birmingham-based software company has been the premier sponsor. “Their commitment of $15,000 helped generate a record amount of sponsorship revenue and served as a catalyst for increased participation from other ATA members,” added Collins.
Meanwhile, in addition to McLeod, 10 firms contributed $5,000 or more, each to the event, including ATA Workers’ Comp Fund (which sponsored lunch and dinner); Boyd Bros. Transportation, Inc. (putting green sponsor); J & M Tank Lines, Marmon Highway Technologies, Southland International Trucks and Truckworx Kenworth (Closest to the Pin sponsors); Action Resources (Straightest Drive on all three courses); B. R. Williams Trucking, Inc. (Longest Drive sponsor on all three courses); BancorpSouth Equipment Finance (Hole In One sponsor on all three courses); Wiley Sanders Truck Lines, Inc. (driving range sponsor); and Gulf City Body & Trailer Works (Longest Putt sponsor on all three courses). Overall, this year’s event attracted 47 – $2,000 sponsors, 49 – $1,000 sponsors, and 16 – $500 sponsors.
According to ATA officials, these funds are earmarked to support “pro truck” candidates in our state elections. “By supporting the Classic, you are supporting candidates that understand the vital role that trucking plays in our state,” said Collins. “You are supporting efforts to defeat those who do not share this understanding. With the success of today’s event, your TRUK-PAC is on target to raise and spend $1 million dollars in the 2018 state elections.”
Collins also recognized the 2016 ATA Golf Classic Finance Committee for its hard work. The committee was composed of Joe Black, McGriff Tire Co.; Gary Bond, BancorpSouth Equipment Finance; Jack Brim, of B.R. Williams Trucking; Greg Brown or B. R. Williams Trucking; John Collier of Transport Trailer Center; Kevin Henderson of Century Dedicated; Hunter Lyons of Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; and Wayne Watkins of Watkins Trucking Co.
Next year’s Classic is set for September 26, 2017 and will be held again at the RTJ Capitol Hill Course.
