21 www.ortrucking.org Issue 4 | 2024 MEET OTA’S NEW BOARD MEMBERS! The OTA Board of Directors voted to accept two new Board Members for 2024–25 at the Annual Convention in August. Please join us in welcoming Paul Graves and Eric Lourenco to the OTA Board! Q: Why do you believe it’s important to be involved with the OTA? Paul Graves— General Counsel, Oak Harbor A: Oak Harbor Freight Lines has seven terminals in Oregon. What happens in Salem directly impacts our ability to provide our customers peace of mind, and the OTA is the voice for the trucking industry in the state. Q: Do you have any goals for OTA over the next year? A: Even though we face challenges with state and local governments in Oregon, I would like to see us be viewed as a trusted advocate for the industry and a source of high-quality information for policy makers and agencies. Q: Why do you believe it’s important to be involved with the OTA? A: It’s important to work together as an industry group to make sure our common goals are achieved while supporting each other. We have the opportunity to improve conditions for drivers, while helping the public understand our industry’s unique needs. Q: What did you want to take on a bigger role with the OTA and join the board? A: I see the need to help the industry and fellow OTA partners with the challenges we face daily. From workforce shortages to new regulatory initiatives, we can learn and support each other. Eric Lourenco— Regional Asset Manager, Knife River
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