Specifically, we recently confirmed two new Directors who take their places this month to help guide and administer the very necessary hands-on work of the LATC by applying their strong transportation and business experience.  We welcome Mr. Michael Birditt of Heitz Trucking and Mr. Mario Morales of CSX Intermodal, Inc.  Please see page 7 for more info, then come on out to the 3/9 lunch featuring David Parker of Covenant Transport and to also wish Mario and Michael well in their new roles.

Our Calendar of Events (page  3) continues to expand with details/reservations now available for our June and July meetings, departing slightly from our norm being later in the month, featuring Bill Graves of the American Trucking Association and former Governor of Kansas, and Reuben Slone of OfficeMax.   Keep the ideas coming!

 Our Charity Committee, led by Ms. Katrina Gunderson, continues to research and update the Board on worthwhile giving and community involvement philanthropy events.  Stay tuned for details on opportunities to participate in the forthcoming Easter Community Party for A Better L.A. along with on other future LATC efforts.

Our Annual Golf Tournament (4/15, see page 10) will be another fun and terrific sponsorship opportunity, to check out our new premier California Country Club host site this year, and also to get in on the awesome array of terrific awards and prizes, but all still at the same prices as in past years.  Sign up now at www.latc.la.

This is the time also to ensure annual membership dues are renewed and contact info is updated in order to ensure your spot in the upcoming LATC Directory due out next month.  This is also an excellent industry marketing resource for advertising with several options available and at newly reduced prices (details page 11).

Staying involved in our community and industry, the LATC will again be in support of and attendance at the Journal of Commerce Transpacific Maritime Conference in Long Beach 3/1-2, and the Port of Long Beach, Pulse of the Port: Peak Season Forecast for Industry and Tenants, on 3/31 at the Hyatt Regency in Long Beach.  Trying to also help keep up on the major current issues of our industry and state, please check out my article on the facts, fiction and impacts of the coming CARB regulations, and don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts.