ARLINGTON, Va., August 4 /EMWNews/ -- The Trucking

Association Executives Council recently honored ATA Vice President of

Strategic Planning and Outreach Elisabeth Barna with the J.R. "Bob"

Halladay Award for her dedication to the trucking industry.



    The Halladay Award, named after former ATA Senior Vice President for

Federation Relations Bob Halladay, recognizes individuals for outstanding

contributions in assisting and supporting the work and efforts of ATA's 50

state trucking associations. The periodic award is presented only when the

region hosting the TAEC Annual Meeting has determined a person worthy of

the award.



    The award was presented by Karen Rasmussen, the outgoing TAEC National

Chair, and President and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association, at the

TAEC Annual Meeting held July 20-24 in Whitefish, Mont.



    "It is entirely fitting that TAEC selected Elisabeth Barna to receive

the 14th J.R. 'Bob' Halladay Award," said Rasmussen. "State executives who

were privileged to work with Bob Halladay recognize many of the same traits

in Elisabeth: dedication to the industry; timely responsiveness; creativity

and caring; and complete support for the state trucking associations. Much

of what she does to help us is behind the scenes and without fanfare or

recognition, making this award even more deserved."



    "I am honored that TAEC thought of me for such a prestigious award,"

said Barna. "Working with the state trucking associations is extremely

rewarding and truly a highlight of my career."



    Halladay said: "Elisabeth has been a strong link in the ATA Federation

concept since her very first day as an ATA staff member. I am delighted to

see her get this well-deserved recognition, and I congratulate her as well

as the entire TAEC."



    Halladay served as the first elected Chairman of ATA's Trucking

Association Executives Council. During his tenure he wrote "The Story of

the American Trucking Associations," a history of the group published in

1994.



    The Trucking Association Executives Council is comprised of staff

executives of state trucking associations and conferences affiliated with

American Trucking Associations. This mission of TAEC is to promote the

trucking industry; contribute to the improvement of the associations and

organizations established to serve the trucking industry; and to advance

the professional stature and capabilities of the executives of those

associations.



    The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade

association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other

trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state

trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering

every type of motor carrier in the United States.