Warren Transport’s Sturgeon named APTA chairman

ST. JOHN — Members of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association have elected Vaughn Sturgeon of Rexton, N.B.-based Warren Transport, as the next chairman of the carrier group.

He replaces Lee Ann McConnell of McConnell Transport Ltd. in Jacksonville, N.B., who recently completed her term.

“I am honoured to be elected to this position by a group of my peers who I have such high regard for,” Sturgeon says. “I am following a very strong chairperson who has really set the bar for commitment and dedication to the position, and I hope to follow that example. I look forward to leading the board at a pivotal point for creating opportunities and implementing strategic change within the Association.”

Sturgeon identified industry awareness, improved board governance, and increased membership as a key part of his mandate as chairman.

“As members of the APTA, we need to get out there and promote the Industry and tackle our image problems head on. I look forward to working with the board and executive to increase our involvement in this aspect of the association’s mission,” he continued. “Our commitment to safety and the environment is not recognized by the general public and we need to work to change that …

“We also need to develop better relationships with smaller transport companies to assist them in coping with rising costs in the industry such as fuel and insurance.

“Overall, the trucking industry has always faced many challenges but the people who choose to work in this business are resilient, strong business people so I am confident that through the APTA, we can continue to work together to build a better Industry over the next two years.”

Other newly elected officers, include:

Gordon Peddle, D.D. Transport Ltd., Mt. Pearl, NL — First Vice Chairman; Gerry Dowden, East Can Transport Services Ltd., St. John’s, NL — Second Vice Chairman; Jean St. Onge, Midland Transport Limited, Dartmouth, NS — Secretary/Treasurer.