Last week in Orlando, Florida, 225 IMG Shareholders, staff, and industry partners gathered for the 2013 Maintenance and Safety Forum (M&SF), one of IMG’s two annual meetings.

Last week in Orlando, Florida, 225 IMG Shareholders, staff, and industry partners gathered for the 2013 Maintenance and Safety Forum (M&SF), one of IMG’s two annual meetings (IMS is the Global Passenger Network’s Canadian and American member). Government guests from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCSA) conducted special sessions on Tire Pressure and load issues, plus were active participants in round table discussions. This close quarter access to executives highly placed in FMSCSA was welcomed by all, at a time that there is significant regulatory changes forthcoming in the industry.

A highlight of IMG’s M&SF event is the presentation of two annual awards. The 2013 Safety Award was presented to Vandalia Bus Lines of Illinois, proudly accepted by Mr. Dennis Streif. The Safety Award is given to the company that has demonstrated the highest level of safety throughout their organization. The award winner not only meets the highest level of Federal, state and local regulations but goes above and beyond implementing company safety measures that insures that their employees and customers experience the safest work and transportation conditions possible.

The 2013 Spirit Award was presented to Young Transportation of North Carolina, and accepted by Hank Garbee. This award is given to the IMG Operator who acts in the “spirit” of IMG philosophies, best practices, operations from a maintenance standpoint and who demonstrates a leadership role that benefits fellow members and the IMG organization.

The winning spirit continued for many IMG companies as they were recognized for tremendous achievements at the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and NTA Convention that immediately followed IMG’s M&SF.

Johnny Walker, President of Star Shuttle and Charter, his wife Suzie, son Austin, daughters Sarah and Abby were all on-hand to share in the exciting win of UMA’s Vision Award, Large Operator category. The UMA Vision Awards program was designed to recognize and reward the best in the motorcoach industry.

Lamers Bus Lines President, Allen Lamers accepted The Green Highway Award, created to promote the motorcoach and its application as a viable solution to the reduction of carbon emissions and to encourage industry leadership with a positive impact on our environment. The award is presented to the motorcoach operator who demonstrates the greatest commitment to “green stewardship” in the areas of internal corporate initiative, external corporate stewardship or community and industry-wide green leadership. The award is also based on aspects of a company’s operation – Administrative, Maintenance and Equipment,

Dan Dipert and his family were on hand as Dan, who founded Dan Dipert Tours 40 years ago, received NTA’s Pioneer Award, which recognizes individuals who’s accomplishments have resulted in a significant change in the travel industry that benefits NTA and its members.