35 www.ortrucking.org Issue 3 | 2023 harmful legislation to which they want to provide financial assistance. The committee then works closely with OTA in Action and the Government Affairs Committee to decide where that year’s PAC funding will be allocated. In addition to the committee’s regular fundraising cadence, the TruckPAC Committee is also responsible for hosting the annual Bob Russell TruckPAC Golf Tournament, which took place July 18 this year. The golf tournament is one of the primary fundraising activities for TruckPAC and gives members an opportunity to get together and compete for bragging rights and cash prizes while actively supporting OTA’s efforts to advocate for Oregon trucking. The TruckPAC Committee also hosts a dinner at the Annual OTA Leadership Convention & Exhibition, which takes place every August in Bend. The dinner offers attendees an opportunity to hear from a high-profile Oregon political leader and talk with them about the industry’s priorities, while supporting TruckPAC through their ticket purchase. Members of OTA’s Leadership Circle receive two free tickets to the dinner. This year, TruckPAC will take on additional hosting opportunities at the Annual Convention as they host a golf tournament on the first day of the convention to raise money for OTA’s Legal Fund. OTA formed a separate Legal Fund a few years ago to ensure the industry is prepared to protect itself. The Fund was developed proactively to ensure OTA could initiate its own legal action if needed or work with other associations or stakeholders on issues that impact the trucking industry. “A few years ago, we decided that we needed another tool in our toolbox to protect our industry,” said Erik. “This is becoming increasingly more important as we continue to see a lot of issues coming up that are making our ability to operate a successful business in the state more difficult.” Between the legal fund, the annual fundraising events, and working with our lobby teams to allocate PAC donations, the TruckPAC Committee plays a critical role in OTA’s advocacy efforts. Working alongside other committees and OTA leadership, TruckPAC often plays the role of relief pitcher, called up to support OTA’s advocacy work when they need a heavy hitter. “I think the PAC supports our other committees more than anything,” said Erik. “We’re constantly working with the Government Affairs Committee and OTA in Action to understand what they need help with.” To learn more about TruckPAC or make a donation, visit ortrucking.org/Oregontruckpac/ or contact OTA at info@ oregontrucking.org. “Our goal is to create our own war chest to combat some of the harmful legislation and proposed policies that affect how we operate as an industry.”
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