Washington County Chamber of Commerce named state champion for driver appreciation

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Blair's community counts on great trucking companies with professional drivers to move everything from groceries and gasoline to concrete. This year in particular, professional truck drivers, are shouldering a big responsibility as the supply chain is strained due to employee shortages, clogged ports and rising fuel costs.

In response, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce stepped up big with a driver appreciation event which included local police, a motorcycle group and an honor guard all standing to salute Blair truck driver Leroy Loftis for his service as a driver and a veteran. 

For their efforts, Dave Zelnio, director of marketing and communications for the Nebraska Trucking Association, presented Jordan Rishel, Washington County Chamber executive director, with the 2021 NTA Chamber Challenge State Champion Level Trophy during a ceremony Nov. 9 in Lincoln. 

The NTA Chamber Challenge asks chambers to honor a local driver with in a creative and spirited way which also sends the message to local press and social media that truck drivers are essential.

“We were blown away by the whole production that the Washington County Chamber created,” Zelnio said. “The NTA believes that truck driver appreciation directly affects the ability for the industry to recruit and retain its drivers. Chambers are a great partner in doing that and Washington County just hit a big home run.”