Gary Bond ready to lead state trucking association

The Alabama Trucking Association Board of Directors has elected Birmingham banking executive Gary Bond to serve as its Chairman for fiscal year 2016-2017.

Mr. Bond replaces Greg Brown of B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. whose term ended June 30 (ATA operates on July 1st fiscal year).

Mr. Bond is vice president for BancorpSouth Equipment Finance, which offers heavy equipment financing and leasing options for various business sectors, including trucking and construction. He has been in banking for more than 30 years – 15 of those with BancorpSouth. He holds a degree in business from the University of Alabama.

In his acceptance speech at a ceremony in Montgomery earlier this week, Mr. Bond identified several broad goals for the Association, including bolstering the Association’s membership; increasing the involvement of existing members at Association events and industry safety initiatives; and solidifying the Association’s standing as the state’s preeminent voice for industry and highway safety.

“I am so honored and privileged to serve our great Association,” he said. “I have always admired the outstanding leaders that have come before me, and I look forward to working with our Association’s leadership, membership, and staff to continue improving Alabama’s trucking industry.”

ATA President Frank Filgo said Mr. Bond is a popular member who was first appointed to the Board in 1999. Since then, he has remained among its most supportive and effective participants.

“With his many years in banking, Gary is uniquely qualified to lead the Association because he is keenly aware of the financial and regulatory pressures that trouble trucking business owners,” Filgo said. “He will be a powerful asset for our Association, as we work to create a strong, nurturing business environment for Alabama truckers.”

Among the more specific goals Mr. Bond identified for his stint as ATA Chairman are:

• Prepare and initiate ATA’s 2017 legislative agenda focusing on highway safety (bills to include mandatory seatbelts for all auto passengers, fines for super speeders, and the proposed Anti-Road Rage Act);
• Increase weight exemptions for trucks using LNG & CNG;
• Support efforts to increase highway funding;
• Prohibit expanding definition of independent contractor as it relates to trucking industry employees;
• Seek additional funding for trucking enforcement;
• Improve protocols to ensure prompt, reliable, and professional towing assistance;
• Support agendas of trucking business partners, including the Business Council of Alabama; Alliance for Toll Free Interstates; Truckers Against Trafficking; Alabama Civil Justice Reform Council; and the Business Associations Tax Coalition; and
• Establish regional motor carrier CEO forums addressing issues of common interest

Mr. Bond lives in Hoover, Ala. with his wife of 34 years, Joy. They have two adult children, Lori Anna and Michael.