The Moving and Storage Institute has honored Charles G. "Charlie" McDaniel, chairman of the board of The Hilldrup Companies, with the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service.
McDaniel received the award at a banquet during the American Moving & Storage Association's Annual Education Conference & Expo in Phoenix on Feb. 23.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service is presented each year by AMSA's Moving & Storage Institute to an individual who has demonstrated leadership, professionalism and integrity and made a significant contribution through technology, operations and/or sales innovation that has led to industry growth and advancement.

"Charlie McDaniel has set the highest benchmark for quality and customer service, and is extremely deserving of this recognition," said Chip Dircks, MSI chairman. "We are proud to be able to call Hilldrup a member."

A former AMSA chairman, McDaniel became only the third president of Hilldrup in 1976, a firm his father acquired from its founder, R.G. Hilldrup, in 1940. He also served on the Board of Directors of UniGroup for 22 years and is a former board secretary-treasurer.

During his tenure, McDaniel created his firm's own employee training center, complete with a furnished model three-bedroom home.

The Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service is given to an active AMSA member with at least 20 years of service in the moving and storage industry. The recipient must have contributed to the planning, promotion and execution of a special project and/or have advanced the industry through technological development, services or techniques. In addition, the winner must have enhanced the overall public image of the moving and storage industry through leadership within the community.

The Moving & Storage Institute Board of Directors, state association executives, past recipients of the award, and AMSA's Board of Directors nominate and vote for the winning candidate.