Trucker Buddy International, Inc. wins ASAE's 2006 Associations Advance America Award of Excellence

The Waupaca, Wisconsin, based organization has won the AWARD OF EXCELLENCE in the 2006 Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards Program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) , Washington DC.

Trucker Buddy International, Inc. received the award for its mentoring success via penpal relationships between professional drivers and elementary classes, and is one of just 16 organizations nationally to be honored. The program is now in the running to receive a Summit Award, ASAE's top recognition for association programs, to be presented in ceremonies at ASAE's 7th Annual Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, in the fall of 2006.

The Trucker Buddy program matches classes of students with professional truck drivers. Every week drivers share news about their travels with their class. Once a month, students write letters to their drivers. Students' skills in reading, writing, geography, mathematics, social studies, and history are enhanced and learning is fun. Since 1992, Trucker Buddy has helped educate over a million schoolchildren and introduced them to caring, compassionate men and women, professional truck drivers. Trucker Buddy is a not for profit charitable organization funded through the generosity of industry corporations.

Now in its 16th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America (AAA) Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward - with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting, business and social innovation, knowledge creating, citizenship, and community service. Although association activities have a powerful impact on everyday life, they often go unnoticed by the general public.

"Trucker Buddy International, Inc.'s program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society," remarked 2005-2006 Associations Advance America Committee Chair, Bill Bergman, CAE, president of William S. Bergman Associates.

For more information about Trucker Buddy International, Inc. contact Ellen Voie, CAE, Executive Director by calling 800-MY BUDDY or visit www.truckerbuddy.org.