OTA Dispatch Issue 4 2018

20 Oregon Truck Dispatch Boshart Trucking, cont. Shelly points out, “We’re often all in our own silos, but OTA brings truckers together to share common goals and identify what problems we have. A single voice is not as loud as all of us combined.” There is no box that you can fit the trucking industry into, so Boshart is happy to have a one-stop shop. If someone at the company has a question about reporting, safety, a requirement, or topics like the weight-mile tax, the first phone call they make is to OTA. For Shelly, government affairs have always been the most important part of OTA. She personally became involved about five years ago and testified during Oregon’s last four sessions when the CARB legislation was introduced. She was impressed with the institutional knowledge Bob Russell (previous OTA Vice President of Government Affairs) brought to the group and believes it’s necessary for our industry to get more engaged. President/CEO, Jana Jarvis, represented members of the ag community so she helped Shelly effectively communicate the needs of the trucking and resource industries to the legislature. Macey is currently part of the Mega Transportation Committee mandated by the Trans Package and is one of only three private sector representatives on the committee. She’s also involved with the Farm Bureau, Oregon Seed Council, and Oregon Ag Link. “OTA has also shined as a resource by tying in FMCSA and the newest requirements into curriculum and training programs,” said Shelly. She is part of the OTA Government Affairs Committee, attends the Annual Mixers, attended the Annual Convention with Macey this fall, and both hope to get a team together for the annual Truck Driving Championships (TDC). Although Shelly has been increasingly involved in government affairs, she never expected to run for office—that is, until this year. The previous house representative in her district, Andy Olson, had helped meet the needs of the people in his area for over 14 years and was well respected by both parties. When he decided to retire, he recommended Shelly to run in his place. Because policies impact working families—like Shelly’s family and the mechanics, drivers, and other people that work for her—she accepted the nomination. “The campaign was extremely positive. I received plenty of encouragement and support from the industry and local people—including local trucking companies. This response was very gratifying, coming from the community where I was born and raised—a community that continues to support one another and one I’m proud to be a part of,” Shelly described. OTA is thrilled to announce that Shelly won the election for House District 15 and is now the only OTA member in the legislature! Both Boshart owners have not been excited about the direction the state is headed but instead of complaining, they both want to make changes. In Shelly’s new role as a legislator, she hopes to represent the voice of small business and natural resources. She is a realist and plans to work with OTA on issues that affect the industry. Every issue comes down the pipeline, and her goal is to share real life stories and data to minimize unnecessary consequences in unexpected bills. Shelly urges everyone to take action on behalf of their individual interests and passion. “If you’re a business person—get involved in your local chamber.” Participate in OTA’s Trucking Day at the Capitol! Both Shelly and Macey are happy they get to support the local ag industry. “Although ag is big, it’s also a small community. We all grew up in it, so while we get to provide a service, we also support our neighbors. The community saw us grow up, and we think they are proud of us. The saying ‘when you love what you do you never work a day in your life’ holds true to our business.”  Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. OTA is thrilled to announce that Shelly won the election for House District 15 and is now the only OTA member in the legislature!