ALEXANDRIA, VA – During its recent Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) honored 13 of its members who have served the association and industry for more than a quarter of a century.

“This year’s 30th Anniversary Meeting was a celebration of our history and, most importantly, an opportunity to recognize the individuals that have contributed to our success,” said president and CEO Peter Vroom.

One member who was honored, Steve Lawrence, president of Lawrence Leasing, Red Wing, Minn., was one of the original founders and board members of the organization in 1978.

Lawrence has served as TRALA chairman, board secretary, government relations committee chairman, and a member of the board of directors.

“This year TRALA elected its youngest chairman in our history, Mike McMahon, Southeastern Leasing and Rental, who represents a new generation of leadership for our organization,”

Lawrence said. “It gives me great hope for the future as I see a new generation of TRALA members anxious to participate within its leadership. TRALA is a great tradition and it is just getting started.”

Other honorees recognized during the Annual Meeting include:

• Joe Benacci, president of Amtralease Truck Rental, Erie, Pa.

• Doug Clark, president of NationaLease, Cherry Hill, N.J.

• Pat Crahan, V.P. of Government Relations, U-Haul International, Phoenix, Arizona.

• Paul DeCarolis, president of DeCarolis Truck Rental, Inc., Rochester, N.Y.

• Tom Fleming, president of Aim NationaLease, Girard, Ohio

• Bill Hicks, president of FirstLease, Inc., Norcross, Ga.

• Jerry Kress, president of Carmenita Leasing, Santa Fe Springs, Calif.

• Don Krom, general manager of Southeastern Leasing and Rental Co., LLC, Charlotte, N.C.

• Bob Shingle, president of PRIMMS, L.P., Lisle, Ill.

• Mark Siegal, president & CEO of Edart NationaLease, Hartford, Conn.

• John Simourian, CEO of Lily Transportation Co., Needham, Mass.

• Bob Southern, president of PACCAR Leasing Company, Bellevue, Wash.