Oil Patch bits: Norum takes gavel as new ATA president

Petroleum News

On May 1 Josh Norum of Sourdough Express was passed the gavel to become the 2020-2021 president of the Alaska Trucking Association. The outgoing president is Jamie Benson of Federal Express.

“I have been a part of this group for six years now and am proud to be able to serve on an organization that has been a much needed advocate for the trucking industry,” Norum said. “I am the fifth member of my family to be the ATA president — my Great Uncle Gene Rogge (1959-1960), Great Grandpa Leo Schlotfeldt (1963-1964), Grandpa Whitey Gregory (1982-1983) and Uncle Jeff Gregory (1999-2000).”

Sourdough Express, which operates facilities in Anchorage and Fairbanks, is a fourth generation family organization. Since 1898, it has been servicing the commercial freight needs of Alaska businesses throughout the state including the oil and gas industry.

ATA is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. From its inception, the organization’s goal has been straightforward — to foster and promote the interests of the trucking industry in Alaska.

Among other things, ATA works to promote highway and driver safety, influence government and regulatory agencies, boost the industry’s image, and provide education and information about the industry.