Alabama’s trucking community flexed its economic power and political influence at the 2024 Alabama Trucking Golf Classic raising an impressive $503,000 for the industry’s political action committee TRUK PAC.
ATA’s annual golf outing, held on September 24 at the RTJ Capitol Hill course in Prattville, Ala., is not only a tournament but a platform for amplifying the industry’s voice in the state’s political sphere. For over 30 years, the event has played a crucial role in raising funds to support political candidates who recognize the significant contributions of trucking businesses – contributions that fuel economic growth through job creation and tax revenue.
In a historic achievement, this year’s Classic raised more than half a million dollars for the first time in its three-decade history. According to ATA officials, those funds will be strategically allocated to support state and local candidates in the upcoming political races.
Welcoming nearly 400 players, ATA CEO Mark Colson said, “Success is often dictated by strong leadership. Hunter Lyons led our fundraising team this year and has set a new standard of leadership. I am extremely proud of and grateful to him and the finance committee for volunteering their time, energy and resources to make this event a great success.”
At a reception the night before the tournament, ATA Chairman of the Board Joe Black announced the event’s $503,000 breaks the previous record of $459,500 set in 2023. “That’s an incredible testimony of our Association’s commitment and passion for its industry,” he said. “Our Golf Classic is the sole fundraiser for TRUK PAC, which, as you know, is among the top business PACs in Alabama. We must sustain this strength to achieve our policy goals. We use these resources to support candidates who support our industry and to educate voters on the importance of the trucking industry.”
Black added the trucking industry is essential to economic development in Alabama. “It is important that we have the resources to educate on and advocate for the issues that matter most to our industry such as lawsuit fairness, safety enhancements, workforce development and infrastructure improvements,” he said.
Black also praised the efforts of the ATA Golf Classic Finance Committee spearheaded by Hunter Lyons of Gulf City Body & Trailer, and his team of committee members and volunteers including Brent Bruser, Truckworx; Will Bruser, Truckworx; John Collier, Transport Trailer Center; John Ethridge, Buddy Moore Trucking; Luke Johnston, Johnston Trucking; Rad Latham, Baldwin Transfer Co.; Ben Leach, Pinnacle Financial Partners; Andrew Linn, Southland Transportation Group; Tommy Neely, Ross Neely Systems; Chris O’Neal, Cummins Sales & Service; Ben Smith, S & M Transportation; Gene Sweeney, Church Transportation; Brett Taylor, Metro Trailer Leasing; Bill Waechter, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; Bo Watkins, Watkins Trucking Co.; Travis Williams, Greenbush Logistics; and Daniel Wright, Wright Transportation.
ATA Chairman Joe Black addresses the group at the recent ATA Golf Classic.
Special thanks to this year’s Presidential Sponsor Road Gear, the new start-up of Mike Kalyn CEO and founder of MK Trucking. Based in Satsuma, Ala., RoadGear offers a range of trucking supplies and accessories (For more information on RoadGear, please visit www.roadgear.com).
ATA leaders also thanked the ATA Comp Fund for providing lunch and dinner at the event’s 19th Hole After Party.
“There is so much strength in numbers, and when you look at who continues to support this event and our Association, it’s evident that we’re a strong and vibrant organization thanks to you,” Black said. “Our members stepped up this year even in the face of economic headwinds. There were 55 Senator Sponsors (each donating $5,000 or more); 52 Legislator Sponsors ($2,500); 38 Judge Sponsors ($1,000). That’s incredible! I thank you, your companies, and the many not present tonight for giving your resources to support this event. Thanks for making this event special. Your support goes a long way in helping our Association protect and improve the trucking industry.”
For full list of sponsors click here.
