STATE COLLEGE, PA – The Ward Annual Meeting (the WAM) is three days of collaboration between sales and operations, and a blueprint from Ward leadership that lays out the path towards its yearly goals. It’s also an opportunity to: touch base on leadership qualities, develop teamwork tools, gain insight on current economic trends, and recognize Ward’s top employees and departments.
Adam Brenneman (former Penn State/UMass TE and current ESPN Analyst) presented to the group on Day 2. Adam’s strong voice delivered stories of adversity and leadership. In addition, the examples of leadership styles he experienced from three different coaches provided insight into how influential one’s comments and actions can be.
Day 2 also included a presentation to the Operations team on the importance of teamwork from former Pennsylvania State Senator John Yudichak. “It was an honor to spend time with the managers and executive leadership team of Ward Transport & Logistics, who have vaulted the company into one of Pennsylvania’s top logistics companies.”
Bob Costello (Chief Economist for American Trucking Associations) presented a 2023 trucking industry forecast and economic trends. With his finger on the pulse of multiple industries, Bob can provide a detailed analysis of the economy. “I think there will be a mild recession, but it will not be terrible. It’s not falling off a cliff, especially in the LTL space. By the time we get through the second quarter, maybe into the third quarter, things will start picking up and returning to more normal freight levels.”
“I think there will be a mild recession, but it will not be terrible. It’s not falling off a cliff, especially in the LTL space.”
Bob Costello
Chief Economist for American Trucking Association
The collaborations and celebrations that make the WAM the WAM eventually wrap up, and the group returns to their respective teams around the Ward to set their sights on the 2023 goals.
2022 aWard Winners:
Pinnacle aWard | Outstanding Sales Excellence
Bridgett Rupp
Logistics Solutions Manager
Pittsburgh, PA
Brian Scott
Corporate Account Executive
Charlotte, NC
W.W. Ward Founder’s Trophy | Service Center of the Year | Toledo, Ohio
Ken Hill
Service Center Manager
Toledo, OH
A.C.T. aWards
This award is to provide recognition to employees who support sales and operations and consistently A.C.T. in the best interest of the customer for a minimum of three years and demonstrate achievement, customer excellence, and teamwork in all they do.
Zack Stewart
Tech Optimization Manager
Altoona, PA
Cindy Hammel
Director of Special Projects & Costing
Altoona, PA
A.C.E. aWards
This award is to provide recognition to employees in Sales and Operations who produce “best in class” results for a minimum of three years and demonstrate achievement, commitment, and excellence in all they do.
Keith Cavanaugh
Operations Manager
Pittsburgh, PA
Rick Kraft
Service Center Manager
Cleveland, OH
Excellence In Teamwork aWards
This award is to provide recognition to departmental teams/business units that demonstrate Obsessive Customer Service by providing a high level of support to Operations, Sales, and other support teams within the company.
Customer Service
Maggie McCulloch
Customer Service Manager
Process Improvements
Tim Patch
Director of Process Improvements