2024 AGM & Management Conference | May 31 - Jun 1
This summary serves as your mirror into one of our biggest events of the year, offering insightful summaries of the business sessions, honouring outstanding achievements, and capturing the essence of the conference through photos.
BCTA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Management Conference was held at the beautiful Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort, the perfect backdrop for this year's event. The conference commenced with the AGM and open board meeting. During the AGM, attendees reviewed the association’s performance and outlined future goals. The election of BCTA’s next board of directors also took place, culminating in the appointment of Justin Cheverie, President of Paz Fuels, as the new chairperson. A heartfelt thank you goes to our previous chair, Doug Sutherland, President & CEO of the Sutherland Group, for his dedicated service. Congratulations to our newly elected board and to Justin Cheverie for his new role. Learn more about our Executive Committee and Board of Directors here.
Additionally, Long Service Member Awards were presented to the following valuable members:
Thank you for your continued support! Click here for the complete list.
Following the AGM, an open board meeting featured Dave Earle, BCTA President & CEO, who provided a comprehensive update on BCTA’s activities over the past year and shared an overview of future objectives. A notable highlight was the presence of Steven Laskowski, President of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), who addressed the attendees. Laskowski offered insights into the current issues CTA is tackling, with a particular focus on the Driver Inc. initiative. His participation underscored the collaborative efforts within the industry to address pressing challenges and advance the interests of the trucking community.
Business Session: Making Sense of Climate Change
The first business session of the conference featured Andrew Weaver, internationally acclaimed climate scientist, who delivered an insightful – and eye-opening –presentation on climate change. Weaver framed our current climate within the context of the last 800,000 years, offering a deep historical perspective. He also explored what the next century holds, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific projections and the urgent need for action. Weaver’s presentation underscored the critical importance of environmental awareness and the role the trucking industry can play in addressing climate change.
Welcome Night Reception & Dinner
The evening continued with the Welcome Night reception and dinner. The festivities began with a fun icebreaker game that quickly became a hit among attendees. Participants had to match their loads with the correct transportation travelling to the right destination, resulting in much laughter and engagement (we never did find the sea container from the Port of Rotterdam match to take Dave’s giant inflated rubber duck to Hong Kong!).
Saturday, June 1
Saturday morning of the conference began with a delicious breakfast buffet. The morning's highlight was the second business session, featuring a presentation by David Irvine, known as the Leader’s Navigator.
Business Session: Authentic Leadership: How to attract and retain the right people and succeed in your company
Irvine’s session on “Authentic Leadership” delved into the essence of true leadership, emphasizing that it isn’t determined by one’s title, office size, or credentials. Instead, genuine leadership is characterized by a person’s attitude, actions, and the impact they have on others. His inspiring and practical presentation captivated the audience, offering valuable insights on becoming a more influential and effective leader in all facets of life. The standing ovation Irvine received made it clear that attendees were engaged and left the session with actionable strategies to enhance their leadership skills.
Luncheon & Driver of the Year Presentation
The luncheon on Saturday was a pinnacle moment of the Conference, where we presented the BCTA and Volvo BC Driver of the Year award. This award is the highlight of the event, shining a spotlight on a professional truck driver who exemplifies the best qualities of our industry.
We are proud to announce that this year’s recipient is David Currie of Scamp Transport. David’s exceptional talent and dedication, coupled with his long-standing service to the industry, unwavering commitment to safety, and utmost professionalism, made him the clear choice for this award. It was a joyous occasion as David, accompanied by his family, graciously accepted the award, underscoring the significance of his contributions to the trucking community. The room was filled with admiration and applause, celebrating David’s remarkable achievements and the high standards he sets for the industry. Learn more about David’s inspiring journey into his trucking career here:
Business Session: British Columbia Economic Update
Following the luncheon, attendees reconvened for the next business session featuring Ken Peacock, Senior Vice President & Chief Economist of the Business Council of British Columbia. Ken, a familiar and respected voice, provided an insightful update on BC’s economy. He delivered a balanced overview, presenting both the positive and negative aspects of the current economic climate. His analysis covered the state of the global economy and the various factors influencing economic performance in BC, with a focus on the trucking sector. Ken’s comprehensive review offered valuable context and foresight, equipping attendees with a deeper understanding of the economic challenges and opportunities ahead.
Reception and Banquet
The conference concluded with a memorable Saturday night reception and banquet. This year’s theme was “Four Seasons,” and we were delighted to see attendees dressed in stunning interpretations inspire by Mother Nature, showcasing the beauty of spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Thank you, Doug
During the evening, we also took a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Doug Sutherland, our past chair, for his invaluable contributions over the years. Doug’s unwavering support and tireless efforts have significantly shaped our association. His commitment to excellence and his passion for advancing the industry have left an indelible mark, and we are grateful for his service.
Additionally, we extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors whose generous support makes this event possible, as well as to our members for their enthusiastic attendance and active participation.
We are already looking forward to next year’s AGM & Conference and cannot wait to see everyone there- stay tuned for details!
