By Sandi Soendker
managing editor

Planning, forecasting, setting objectives and determining plans of action – that was the job of OOIDA’s Board of Directors and executive officers when they assembled in November at the association’s headquarters in Grain Valley, MO. The board’s order of business focused principally on the association’s strategies for 2005 and shaping the organization’s official position on current key issues.

OOIDA President Jim Johnston swore in of five alternate board members. They are Dee Jones, Redfield, AR, member since 1992; Bruce Worth, Hartley, IA, member since 1993; Jim Moore, Caldwell, ID, member since 1998; William “Lewie” Pugh, Freeport, OH, member since 1998; and Sue Lynch, Prairie du Chien, WI, member since 1997. Lynch has served as alternate for the past two years.

OOIDA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs Rick Craig updated the board on key regulatory actions, including background checks and idle-reduction measures.

President Johnston moderated a lengthy discussion on the new hours-of-service rules and the pending rulemaking on electronic on-board recording devices. The board agreed on the need for flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of drivers and roundly rejected government efforts for mandatory black boxes.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer reported on the progress of the association’s current lobbying on Capitol Hill and future strategies in achieving target goals on behalf of the membership via the legislative arena. He announced the location of OOIDA’s new government affairs office in Washington, DC. The office is at 122 C Street NW, Suite 520. It is just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building and is next door to the U.S. Department of Labor.

OOIDA General Counsel Paul Cullen Sr. reviewed progress of the association’s legal actions. Cullen advised the board on cases now concluded or nearing conclusion and reviewed the status of pending litigation.

The OOIDA Board of Directors meets twice a year to conduct the association’s business, to assess organizational needs for various projects and to discuss specific and measurable goals regarding the association’s target issues. The next board meeting is scheduled for May 11-14.

sandi_soendker@landlinemag.com