ATA Golf Classic raises $268,000+ for TRUK PAC
Earlier this week, the Alabama Trucking Association held its annual ATA Golf Classic at the gorgeous Robert Trent Jones Capitol Hill Course in Prattville, Ala. The event’s mission is to raise funds for ATA’s political action committee, TRUK PAC, which supports political candidates in local and state elections.
Spearheaded by event Chairman Nic Balanis of ServisFirst Bank, and his finance committee, this year’s tournament raised more than $268,600, surpassing all previous Classics in terms of money raised and participation. The tournament drew 144 sponsorships from ATA member firms and other trucking related businesses and stakeholders and hosted 320 golfers who filled all three courses at the RTJ Capitol Hill.
Vertical Alliance Group served as the Presidential Sponsor of the 2018 Classic donating $15,000. Organizers said that donation helped spur a record amount of sponsorship revenue and served as a catalyst for increased membership participation this year.
In addition to that, there were 17 firms that contributed $5,000, or more, including ATA Comp Fund; B.R. Williams Trucking; Birmingham Freightliner; Boyd Bros. Transportation; Buddy Moore Trucking; Church Transportation & Logistics; Davison Fuels & Oil; Fitzgerald Peterbilt; Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; Greenbush Logistics; J & M Tank Lines; Marmon Highway Technologies; McLeod Software; Southland International Trucks; Truckworx; Watkins Trucking Co.; and Wiley Sanders Truck Lines.
By the numbers, this year’s Classic had 51 $2,000 sponsors; 54 $1,000 sponsors; and 19 $500 sponsors. After expenses, the event will net more than $200,000, which will bring TRUK PAC’s current balance to an estimated $1 million to be dispersed to campaigns of state and local elected officials
“As you know, these funds are earmarked to support pro-truck candidates in our state elections,” Balanis said during his opening remarks to attendees and guests. “By supporting our Golf Classic, you are supporting political candidates who understand the vital role that trucking plays in our state, and you are supporting efforts to defeat those who do not understand the impact we have to move Alabama forward. Thanks to each of our 2018 Golf Classic sponsors, and thanks to every one of you here today. Your support and dedication made the 2018 ATA Classic an incredible success, and it will benefit Alabama’s business climate and the state’s trucking industry for years to come.”
Balanis also thanked his ATA Golf Classic Finance Committee for its hard work. Committee members included, Will Bruser, Truckworx; Fenn Church, Church Transportation & Logistics; Mark Coffman, Coffman International; Wesley Dunn, RangeWay Carriers; Andrew Linn, Southland International Trucks; Bill Waechter, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; Wayne Watkins, Watkins Trucking Co.; Taylor White, Alabama Motor Express; and Daniel Wright, Wright Transportation.
