Mary Lou Rajchel Farewell Dinner January 22, 2014; Tampa Sheraton East hotel February 5, 2014, was the last day for FTA President and CEO Mary Lou Rajchel.
Representatives of the regulatory, enforcement and industry sectors gathered together with FTA members and staff on January 22 to share thoughts on Mary Lou’s accomplishments and wish her good luck as she closes the chapter on her time with the FTA. Speakers included: Col. David Dees (MCCO, retired); David Rancourt; Julie Jones (Executive Director, DHSMV); Col. David Brierton (FHP); Doug Callaway (FDOT); Richard Schuler (Publix Super Markets); Sally Patrenos; Jeff Marple (SEIDS); and others. It was a wonderful send- off for a very important and effective FTA President and
grow its educational offerings and increase participation from members and non- members alike. Interestingly, it is the technical workshops that get the most interest from prospective FTA member companies. Publix Super Markets’ Jeff Day, an active member of the TMC executive committee, is often heard explaining that the FTA training is the best value he can get for technical training in the state. The FTA Safety Management Council
(SMC) is no different. Under Rajchel’s careful orchestration, the SMC events have grown in size and complexity. The Florida Truck Driving Championship is a signature event that attracts over 200 drivers annually. Perhaps one of her more prudent decisions was to encourage and support the Championship as one of the centerpiece components of the FTA public profile. By continually elevating the event’s image in the eyes of both the public and the FTA leadership, Rajchel increased awareness of the safety aspects and built a strong bond between the SMC itself and the FTA President’s office. Under Rajchel’s leadership, the FTA
Mary Lou advocate for [Florida’s trucking industry] and our transportation system,” Biter said. “Through her participation, we can better meet the needs of the industry as we work to ensure that Florida’s transportation system is the best in the nation.” Rajchel also took on the mantle of Chief
Trucking Advocate by working with the Florida Chamber Foundation on its Trade and Logistics Study – Phases 1 and 2, which address the business perspective in economic growth as tied to transportation and freight movement. Dominic Calabro, President & CEO of
Florida TaxWatch, appreciated Rajchel’s steady influence at both his organization and at the FTA. “When I think of Mary Lou, a couple of
words come to mind,” Calabro said. “Quiet confidence, a real professional. She is a quiet innovator; not a lot of fanfare.”
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Infrastructure Is Key When long-time members look back on
the history of the FTA, they invariably say that this is the “most we’ve done in a very long time.” What they tend to mean by that is the breadth and depth of programs that have developed under Rajchel’s leadership. For instance, the Technology and
Maintenance Council (TMC)—now a mainstay of the FTA calendar year—was reestablished in 2009. The council had dissolved years before, but there was renewed interest in reviving the once-dynamic group. Today, the FTA’s TMC hosts the annual
Florida SuperTech competition, which showcases the technical skills of the state’s most-qualified diesel mechanics. The sophisticated contest brings support from many major trucking companies and suppliers from across the state and nation. In addition, the TMC continues to
expanded its educational program offerings, its regional meetings, NATMI certification, and webinars. The popular FTA Educational Institute is an example of one of her longtime concepts that has become a must-attend for many FTA companies. This commitment to building a great FTA product is what set Rajchel apart. For her, the FTA had to create real value for its membership and then make that value accessible, timely and affordable. Comcar Industries’ Mark Bostick sums
up Rajchel’s influence at FTA this way: “Mary Lou has been a tremendous asset
to the Florida Trucking Association over the past seven years,” he said. “Under her leadership, the FTA has achieved much success and reached new heights in serving and representing the trucking industry.”
Partnerships Abound “Trying to keep decision makers and the
general public informed is daunting,” said Richard Schuler, past FTA Chairman and Vice President of Distribution for Publix Super Markets in Lakeland. “It is difficult for people to have informed opinions without the knowledge, but it is really difficult for them to ➤
Florida Truck News Q1 WINTER 2014
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