Classic raises a record amount for TRUK PAC
Amid blistering, unseasonable temperatures, the Alabama Trucking Association scorched fundraising and participation records for its 2019 ATA Golf Classic held Sept. 24 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Capitol Hill in Prattville, Ala.
With more than 406 golfers dispersed among all three RTJ Capitol Hill courses for the one-day tournament, ATA officials announced the event was the largest, most successful in the tournament’s 31-year history. Tournament Chairman Andrew Linn of Southland Transportation Group, who along with his Classic Committee, spearheaded fundraising efforts, which grossed $328,600.
That money, after expenses, will go directly to the Association’s political action committee, TRUK PAC, which works to elect state politicians and is considered among Alabama’s stronger and more effective PACs. Presidential Sponsor Infinit-i Workforce Solutions’ $15,000 donation topped a list of more than 150 sponsors among various levels. A full list of sponsors is available here.
“These funds are earmarked to support pro-trucking candidates in our state elections,” said Linn. “By supporting the Classic, you are supporting candidates who understand the vital role that trucking plays in our state. And because of its influence, we have had some serious pro-trucking wins recently, including the Rebuild Alabama plan, 18-21-year-old CDLs, and the required Truckers Against Trafficking training legislation, to name a few.”
Linn also thanked his committee, which included Nic Balanis, ServisFirst Bank; Gary Bond, CenterState Bank; Leigh Breal, Ward International Trucks; Will Bruser, Truckworx; Fenn Church, Church Transportation & Logistics, Inc.; Mark Coffman, Coffman International; Wesley Dunn, RangeWay Carriers; Bryan Kilpatrick, Billy Barnes Enterprises; Ben Leach, Progress Bank; Tom McLeod, McLeod Software; Buck Moore, Buddy Moore Trucking; Tommy Neely, Ross Neely Systems; Bo Watkins, Watkins Trucking Co.; Taylor White, Alabama Motor Express; Keith Wise, R.E. Garrison Trucking; and Daniel Wright, Wright Transportation
“I thank you all for your support and dedication in making the 2019 ATA Golf Classic a success,” he said. “Your efforts will benefit Alabama’s business climate and the state’s trucking industry for many years to come.”
New ATA President and CEO Mark Colson, who officially took over August 1, noted that the event’s record turnout and support speak to the strength of the Association’s membership. In his short time as head of the state’s trucking association, he added, he is regularly reminded about what makes the trucking industry so special.
“Two words I keep saying that embodies this industry and the people in it are passion and excellence,” Colson said, “and when you look around here today that’s what you’ll see. It pumps me up every day.”
Colson also praised the ATA staff and the team at the ATA Comp Fund for their support partnerships throughout the planning stages.
