The Technology & Maintenance Council bestowed its Silver Spark Plug Award on five active members during the group's annual meeting in Tampa, Fla., this week.


Silver Spark Plug is among TMC's most coveted, and through the years its recipients are greatly respected, members say. TMC is part of the American Trucking Associations.

To be eligible, candidates must have been active as Full (fleet) and Associate (supplier) members of TMC for at least five years. They must have contributed "ideas, practices, or innovations in the management and maintenance of commercial motor vehicles that have contributed materially to improvement of equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management," say the group's rules.

Roy Gambrell, TMC's general chairman, announced the honorees and listed the work they have done for the council and its programs:

Lee Long, Southeastern Freight Lines - A member of TMC since 1996, he served on TMC's Professional Technician Development Committee. He worked on technician recruitment, production of instructional standards for technicians, was a PTDC chairman, and led TMC's National Technician Skills Competition, called SuperTech. He was frequently seen spotting trucks, charging batteries, and shuttling tools from station to station. Long was elected to TMC's Board of Directors in 2011, and is now vice chairman and chairman of meetings.

Jim LeClaire, Horton - A TMC member since 1998, LeClaire has been active in the Engines study group. He has chaired several task forces, including one that developed a recommended practice on spec'ing and maintaining fan drives. He served as a panelist and organizer for educational sessions on engines, and known for his annual donation of a cash consolation prize for the TMC SuperTech competitor that just misses the cutoff for the Hands-on Skills Competition.

Norm Ball, Michelin Tire North America - A member of TMC since 1988, and active for more than 24 years in the Tire & Wheel study group that produced respected technical references for tires and wheels. He chaired several task forces, including one on the impact of flammable bead breaking compounds and tire casing data markings.

Doug Jones, Michelin Tire North America -- Has been a TMC member since 2000. Jones has been active in the Tire & Wheel study group, in which he contributed to numerous recommended practices and task force efforts. He chaired a task force on troubleshooting irregular wear in radial tires, served as a panelist for numerous educational sessions, and has shared his knowledge as a guest on the SiriusXM Satellite Radio Show, "Tech Talk With TMC."

Greg Shipman, Vertical Alliance Group - A TMC member since 1996, he has been active in TMC's mentor program, supported safety and information technology activities, chaired a task force that established seat belt installation standards, and served as a task force and study group secretary. Shipman was previously named a Recognized Associate.