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 THE HISTORY OF THE NC DUMP TRUCK ASSOCIATION:
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Our Association is probably one of the oldest of its kind in the nation.
In 1969, an unfavorable bill, primarily directed to our industry, was introduced in the State legislature. The bill would require that any load that might blow, leak, sift or otherwise escape from a truck had to be covered with a tarp. This bill was labeled, by some, as the "chicken feather bill". Several dump truck operators throughout the state met in Raleigh to discuss ways to oppose this bill. A committee was hastily formed to run interference on this bill and donations were asked for from those present to hire legal council to assist in our opposition.
Working along with the Legislative Committee in the House, where the bill originated, our committee of truckers was able to help draft a bill, one where by, we felt we could live with and at the same time one that satisfied the legislators. (In December of 2001, this law was again modified and we were not in agreement with the final wording, however, we were unsuccessful in getting our message heard.)
When we first met in Raleigh to discuss this bill we also saw the need to form an association for just such situations as this that affected our industry. At the same time we were working on the tarp bill, we were also working with our legal council, J. Melville Broughton of Raleigh, on forming our association. On April 1st, 1970 we received our charter for the NCDTA, as a non-profit organization.
Our bylaws were drawn up dividing the state into three divisions. The first division being the eastern, the second being the central, and the third being the western. Each division would have 3 Directors. Their terms would first be staggered so that one would be elected from each division at our annual meeting, one each year and each serving a three year term.
In the very beginning, we held a meeting in each of the three divisions inviting all known dump truck operators. In each meeting we explained the purpose of the NCDTA and offered the truckers the opportunity to join. We also offered suppliers and vendors the opportunity to join as associate members. Some years later we added one Jr. Director to the Board of Directors from each division, each serving a one year term. In 1994, the 3 Jr. Directors were made regular Directors. This gives us a total of 12 Directors, consisting of 3 Directors from each of the 3 divisions, and the remaining 3 Directors are nominated and chosen AT LARGE, and all of these 12 Directors each serve a three year term. In January 2001, we added two additional directors, those being associate directors. This was the first time in the history of this organization that we asked for board participation by our associate members. These directors will continue to be chosen by their peers and will serve a one year term. Our board is now made up of 14 volunteers working on behalf of our members and this industry.
To do all this and make our association successful does require some staffing. The NCDTA has a permanent office and staff in Summerfield, NC. Over the years and prior to 2000, we always maintained an office in Raleigh, which allowed us the opportunity to constantly monitor the legislature for items upcoming or pending that would effect our industry whether on a positive or negative side. Our goal is to again provide a variety of services to members and with strong emphasis on representing the interest of this association and our members, before the legislature, regulatory bodies and administrative agencies.
The NCDTA is supported primarily by membership dues, which are tax deductible. Our membership in 1970 consisted of approximately 40 members, which included a combination of regular members and associate members. 39 years later our membership had grown to just under 150 regular members and associate members. |
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