Four trucking industry supplier representatives have been named Recognized Associates of the Technology & Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations for outstanding contributions to the improvement of equipment, its maintenance and maintenance management.


The Recognized Associates, along with two recipients of TMC's Study Group Secretary Award, were honored during the Industry Awards Luncheon at TMC's 2009 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 9-12.

The 2009 recipients of TMC's Recognized Associate award are:
* Richard Smith, national account manager for Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems
* Paul Zola, area manager for Whiting Door Manufacturing Corp.
* Randy Patterson, fleet development manager for Bandag
* Paul Greenlaw, national fleet manager with ArvinMeritor.

Smith, Macon Georgia, has been a TMC member since 2001. He has contributed as a Meeting Mechanic, a Sergeant at Arms, and mentor to First Time Attendees, helping our meetings run smoothly and creating a welcoming environment for new members. Smith has contributed to the work of both the S. 6 Chassis and Brake Systems Study Group and the S.7 Trailers, Bodies & Material Handling Study Group.

Zola, Akron, N.Y., has been a TMC member since 2000. He has served as a Meeting Mechanic and Sergeant at Arms. He has contributed to the development and updating of Recommended Practices as task force chairman for the S.7 Trailers, Bodies & Material Handling Study Group. He is currently chairman of S.7's Trailer Corrosion Control Task Force.

Patterson, Brandon, Miss., has been active with S.2 Tire and Wheel Study Group since joining in 1994. He has contributed to the development of numerous Recommended Practices, and has been a task force chairman, a moderator and panelist for numerous technical sessions. Patterson started his career as a fleet technician, providing him a special interest in becoming lead judge for tire and wheel stations at TMCSuperTech competitions. He has also served as secretary of S.2 and is a member of the sergeant at arms committee.

Greenlaw, Stone Mountain, Ga., has been a TMC member since 2003. He is a meeting mechanic and sergeant-at-arms for S.14 Light- and Medium-Duty Trucks Study Group. He has stepped into a number of roles as needed in S.14, including acting task force chairman and task force secretary, and had provided brake expertise with medium-duty vocational vehicles.

Recognized Associate status is conferred annually to top TMC Associate Members who have:
• Given a minimum of five years of active service in support of TMC leadership and/or activities;
• Supported TMC by organizing, chairing, and participating in several sessions, or have served as sergeants of arms or other supporting meeting functions;
• Contributed service to the Council in areas separate from their individual technical expertise or business interests; and
• Earned the respect of their peers in the trucking industry.