Pictured Above:
LEFT: (L-R) MTA President Earl Coleman, Driver of the Year, Dennis Barkman and his wife Bev.
RIGHT: Shaw Tracking’s Steve Atnikov, award recipient Dale Bjorklund and MTA President Earl Coleman.

2009 Driver of the Year
Dennis Barkman, Penner International Inc.
Dennis Barkman, a long-time employee of Penner International Inc, was recently awarded top honours at the 2009 Manitoba Trucking Association’s annual awards dinner. With his 27 years of driving experience, enviable safety record, and community involvement, Dennis was a worthy choice.

Dennis grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba. After leaving the farm, he drove a cement mixer truck, feed truck, worked as a city driver, and hauled lumber from Northern Manitoba. He returned to farming, but trucking was in his blood and he became a long-haul highway driver. Since then, he has driven for well over 20 years. This committed professional has taken driver training courses with Penner International and Reimer Express Lines. He has received numerous “Compliments of Driving Skill and Courtesy” nods from DriverCheck. He has also taken defensive driving courses for school bus drivers. According to Jac Doerksen, Driver Relations and O/O Business Development Manager at Penner International Inc., “Dennis continues to strive for excellence with safe and on-time delivery. He consistently maintains a great attitude. We are lucky to have him as part of our team.”

His practical experience and classroom knowledge have led Dennis to create a legacy in the trucking industry as he has taught his own son how to drive a long-haul tractor.

Finally, Dennis is committed to his community. He has worked as a Sunday School department leader and was involved with a children’s camp for 10 years (four as camp director). His hobbies include woodworking, photography, and being able to spend quality time with this family.

Shaw Tracking / MTA Dispatcher of the Year
Dale Bjorklund, Payne Transportation LP
Dale Bjorklund, from Payne Transportation LP, was presented with the Shaw Tracking / MTA Manitoba Dispatcher of the Year award.

The MTA was overwhelmed with letters in support of Dale’s nomination –from his co-workers, customers, and even one from the President of Payne Transportation LP, Tom Payne Jr., who describes Dale as having a “gregarious personality” and “very well-liked among his co-workers and contacts.” One of his co-workers says “Dale excels in all of the areas a driver expects of an efficient dispatcher.” Customer service is his top priority; he goes above and beyond what is required on a daily basis to make both drivers and customers happy.

Dale is also a driving force behind the charity drives at Payne Transportation LP. He is very involved on their social committee, planning events to raise money for charity runs, organizing Christmas hampers, company barbeques, etc.

Pictured Above:
LEFT: (L-R) (L-R) Martin Thibodeau (RBC Royal Bank), award recipient Clayton Gording and Clayton’s wife Lorraine.
RIGHT: Tom Payne Jr., Payne Transportation LP, Glenda and Roger Gagne

2009 RBC Royal Bank / MTA Service to the Industry Award
Clayton Gording, YRC Reimer
Clayton Gording of YRC Reimer is the recipient of the 2009 RBC Royal Bank / MTA Service to Industry award.

Clayton was born and raised in rural Western Canada. His career in trucking began after he graduated from post-secondary studies in an entry level clerical position. He showcased his considerable skills and his career flourished, first getting promoted to sales representative, and eventually terminal manager. His successes in that position led him to larger terminals, and he settled into a 16-year career as terminal manager at Reimer’s largest terminal in the country. In 2001, he assumed responsibility for terminal operations, line haul operations, vehicle purchasing and company-wide vehicle maintenance as VP of Terminal Operations for the Western Region. Two years ago, to culminate his career, Clayton was promoted to the position of President at YRC Reimer, a position he still holds.

Within the industry he has been a strong supporter of industry associations and in particular the MTA. Clayton is committed to the advancement of human resource issues, which is demonstrate by his firm’s on-going participation in the numerous Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council (CTHRC) steering committees and working groups. He led his firm to become one of the earliest recognized and respected for establishing a standard for commercial driver training in Manitoba.

On a personal level, Clayton participates in a curling league, and enjoys his summer months with his wife, taking in the beautiful Manitoba scenery at his cottage. They have two grown sons, and have been further blessed with a daughter in-law and are expected to become grandparents to twins.

2009 Payne Transportation LP / MTA Associate of the Year
Roger Gagne, Grote Industries
Roger Gagne of Grote Industries was the recipient of the 2009 Payne Transportation LP / MTA Associate of the Year award.

A lifelong Manitoban, Roger entered the industry with a position in shipping and receiving. Due to his skill and abilities, he was promoted to into sales and eventually worked his way to an outside sales position. After changing employers and position a few times, he found a position that seemed made for him – Accounts Manager.

Roger has been a long-time member of the MTA. The Associated Trades Division is lucky to have someone as involved as Roger; he has served over eight years on the Associated Trades Division Executive Committee. He is known for his profound and sincere concern for the well-being of the Associated Trades Division and the MTA. Over the years, he has served on a numerous committees and has participated as an exhibitor at the truck shows and the Vehicle Maintenance Council (VMC) mini trade shows. He has further shown his support by volunteering to assist with the re-organization of the VMC and has provided his mentorship in assisting and guiding them in organizing its educational and social events. Roger is well-known for being “fun spirited” and has successfully co-chaired golf tournaments and numerous MTA events dinners.

Roger’s efforts go beyond his contributions to the industry. he has spent nine years as Chairman of the St. Vital Fourth Scouts where he supported the troops, organized events, and fundraising efforts. Roger is happily married to Glenda and they have three grown children, Mike, Matthew and Marissa and now a new granddaughter.