Chairman’s Message

SDTA’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JERRY OLLERICH, CHAIRMAN BOB WILLEY, VICE CHAIRMAN JUSTIN ANDERS, TREASURER TOM MURPHY, SECRETARY ROBERT CHRISTIAN, PAST CHAIRMAN RICK HOOGENDOORN, ATA VICE PRES. MYRON L. RAU, PRESIDENT CHRISTINE ERICKSON, EXEC. DIRECTOR

SDTA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS GREG BALDWIN JEFF BENNETT STEVE BENNING PHILLIP CHRISTIAN DAVE DAILEY SHANNA GRAY EVAN GRONG PETE HALVERSON ERIC HAMIEL JEFF HANNAHS RANDY HARTLEY STEVE HOFFMAN LARRY KLAAHSEN JUSTIN LARSON CHRIS LUTICK THOMAS MURPHY MATT PARKER BRETT SNOOZY BRIAN STERN RYAN VIESSMAN

SDTA’S PAST CHAIRPERSONS STAN ANDERS LARRY ANDERSON ROBERT APPELWICK DAVID BULTSMA TED BULTSMA RICH BURNS ROBERT CHRISTIAN DARROLD DEAN BERNARD FELDHAUS MIKE HABECK RICK HOOGENDOORN ALTON PALMER JEFF PARKER GENE PHILLIPS MICHELLE SCHIPPER RANDY THOMPSON WAYNE VIESSMAN

It is my distinct honor to serve as your Chair during this two-year term, especially during our very successful, recent state Convention. Many good things occurred: #1. Myron presided over his final convention as SDTA President and he was in rare form, as always. Myron will be on board until his retirement date of April 1, 2022. His experience as lobbyist, esteemed leader, and “people person” has served our Association well for over 20 years. Kudos to Myron and my best to him as he embarks on the next part of his life’s journey. #2. Our present/new Executive Director, Christine Erickson, attended all the Convention events and was introduced to the attendees. Our Association is fortunate to have Christine represent us. She is approachable, intelligent, qualified as our voice in Pierre, eager and ready to learn the ins and outs of heading our Association. She and Myron will “tag team” for the next seven months. Welcome Christine! #3. My Chairman’s Award was presented to Tom Murphy of Parker Transfer. He is a vital part of our Association, especially as he headed the Selection Committee to vet all 60 (!) candidates for the Executive Director position. He is also head of the Next Gen Committee and his award is well deserved. #4. The Driver of the Year Award was presented to Douglas Houselog, Orion Food Systems. As Steve Hoffman, SDTA Council Chairman and all involved in the SDTA Safety Management Council can attest, this year’s Driver of the Year candidates were outstanding and in very close contention for the Award. Congratulations to Doug Houselog and my thanks to the Safety Management Council for their work. Photos of the Convention highlights are on the following pages of this publication. On a less light note, if you have a driver with a suspended DUI conviction, and his CDL was revoked for the mandatory one year, please refer to the case cited below. Very interesting to read the details of the case’s outcome. https://ujs.sd.gov/uploads/sc/opinions/29471f53361f.pdf It is my hope that you enjoy the beautiful weather of the season. Except for the wind, these days are perfect for driving a semi as we all provide for our families and our nation.

Jerry Ollerich, SDTA Chairman Jerry Ollerich Trucking, Owner