ATA Golf Classic raises nearly a quarter million for TRUCK PAC
More than 300 people, representing 138 ATA member firms gathered in late September at the Robert Trent Jones-Capitol Hill golf complex in Prattville, Ala. to play in the Alabama Trucking Association’s 2017 Golf Classic, the lone fundraiser for the Association’s political action committee, TRUK PAC.
According to Golf Classic Chairman Rendy Taylor this year’s event surpassed all previous Classics in terms of money raised and member participation. “Our total revenue eclipsed $245,850, which will generate an estimated $200,000 for the Association’s future political endeavors,” he announced at the tournament’s shotgun start. “There were 306 golfers signed up to play this year – that is amazing support. We are especially appreciative to Vertical Alliance Group for its role as the tournament’s Presidential Sponsor. Vertical Alliance’s commitment of $15,000 spurred our record amount of sponsorship revenue – it definitely served as a catalyst for increased participation.”
In addition to the Vertical Alliance’s donation, there were 14 other firms that each put up $5,000 (Senator Sponsors). Those included the ATA Workers’ Comp Fund, which sponsored the group lunch and barbeque dinner during the 19th Hole Party; Marmon Highway Technologies, Putting Green sponsor; B. R. Williams Trucking, Greenbush Logistics, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works and McLeod Software were the “Closest to the Pin Sponsors for each of the 3 courses. Truckworx Kenworth sponsored the Straightest Drive contact of on all three courses; Boyd Bros. Transportation and Wiley Sanders Truck Lines sponsored the Longest Drive on all three courses; Fitzgerald Peterbilt was the Hole-In-One Sponsor on the Judge; Buddy Moore Trucking was the Hole-In-One Sponsor on the Legislator; WTI Transport was the Hole-In-One Sponsor on the Senator; Southland International Trucks for sponsored the Driving Range; J & M Tank Lines for sponsoring the Longest Putt on the 18th Hole on all three courses.
Broken down by level, this year’s Classic had 53 – $2,000 sponsors; 47 – $1,000 sponsors; and 22 – $500 sponsors. “These funds are earmarked to support pro-truck candidates in our state and local elections,” said ATA President Frank Filgo. “By supporting the Classic, these companies are helping our industry elect lawmakers and regulators who understand the vital role that trucking plays in our state. With the success of today’s event, our TRUK-PAC is on target to raise and spend $1 million dollars for the 2018 state elections.”
Taylor also praised his Classic Finance Committee for their hard work is securing sponsors. Members of the committee are Joe Black, McGriff Tire Co.; Gary Bond, National Bank of Commerce; Jack Brim and Greg Brown of B. R. Williams Trucking; Will Bruser, Truckworx Kenworth; Fenn Church, Church Transportation & Logistics; John Collier, Transport Trailer Center; Terry Kilpatrick, Billy Barnes Enterprises; Hunter Lyons, Gulf City Body & Trailer Works; Tommy Neely, Ross Neely Systems; and Wayne Watkins, Watkins Trucking Co.
“On behalf of the Association, I thank everyone involved for their support and dedication in making the 2017 ATA Classic a success,” Taylor said.
