Ninety years ago, about 20 pioneering motor transport operators, tired of coordinated rail industry attacks against truckers, banded together to defend and promote the industry to governments and the public.
Representing less than 200 trucks in 1926, they created the Automotive Transportation Association – the predecessor to the Ontario Trucking Association. Nine decades; 400 more members; and countless of policy victories later, the OTA has grown into one of the strongest and most respected trade associations in Canada.
Today at its 90th executive conference in Toronto, OTA carrier members and allied trades celebrated the impressive milestone.
“By any measure, 90 years is a major milestone for any organization. That OTA has set such a high standard of excellence and achievement over that entire period and continues to do so is truly remarkable and testament to the quality industry leaders of yesterday, of today and given the continuing interest being shown in serving on the board, I have no doubt that the leaders of tomorrow will carry that legacy forward. ”
The two-day conference, which is marked by popular business speakers, networking events, and a highly anticipated awards gala dinner, this year includes a very special feature – a 90th anniversary OTA heritage exhibit.
The 350 sq ft, multi-panel display takes visitors through a time capsule of OTA and trucking industry legacy and milestones, accomplishments, triumphs, and vision for the future.
OTA filmed the exhibit in 360 virtual reality so that anyone who hasn’t had the chance to walk through it can still have a first-person experience.
Check out the 360 video below. When it loads, move your mouse around or use YouTube’s on-screen directional tool to view the exhibit in 360 degrees!
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