The Transportation Marketing and Sales Association (TMSA) turned the spotlight on industry brilliance at the ELEVATE Conference in New Orleans in June, where the association honored trendsetting achievements with its Trailblazer and Rising Star awards during the Blazer’s Bash.
The event was a vibrant celebration of marketing and sales excellence, bringing together the best and brightest in transportation and logistics.
“One of my favorite parts of the TMSA ELEVATE Conference is the Blazer’s Bash, where we get to celebrate and honor all the hard work this industry does in marketing and sales,” said Jennifer Karpus-Romain, TMSA Executive Director.
"These awards are a testament to the incredible talent and innovation in our industry. It’s truly inspiring to see."
Praising Industry Innovators
The Trailblazer Award shines a light on outstanding sales and marketing initiatives that are driving the industry forward with creativity and innovation. This year’s winners have set a new benchmark in the transportation sector with their groundbreaking campaigns and strategies. The Rising Star Award, on the other hand, applauds exceptional newcomers who have made a significant impact within their first five years in the industry.
In a special highlight of the evening, TMSA also presented two long-time members with Lifetime Achievement Awards, acknowledging their enduring contributions to the industry: Candi Cybator, Director of Marketing at PITT OHIO, and David Hoppens, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Momentum Transportation - Landstar Agent.
“It was really special to be able to call former long-time TMSA CEO Brian Everett on stage with me and surprise both Candi and David with Lifetime Achievement Awards,” Karpus-Romain said.
“TMSA is for the members and would not exist without its strong volunteer base. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to showcase two of most dedicated members in this way.”
Additionally, Eileen Dabrowski, Learning & Development Innovator at Werner Enterprises, was named the 2024 TMSA Member of the Year; and Conrad Winter, Content and Web Copy Writer, was named the 2024 TMSA Partner Member of the Year.
View the Trailblazer and Rising Star winners below.
2024 Trailblazer Recipients:
- Alter Marketing Services
- Bennett Family of Companies
- BlueGrace Logistics
- broadhead in partnership with Norfolk Southern
- Drop & Hook
- IMC
- ITS Logistics
- Trailer Bridge, Inc.
- Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)
- Position : Global
- Quality Carriers
- Saddle Creek Logistics Services
- Verst Logistics
2024 Rising Stars
- Caitlyn Hardy, Trailer Bridge, Inc.
- Kaitlyn Quin, NFI Industries
- Juliana Garcia Galan, GLT Logistics
With applications for the Sales Mountain Mover and Marketing Mountain Mover awards still open until August 2, there’s even more excitement to come. Submit your top sales and marketing professional here.
About Transportation Marketing & Sales Association (TMSA)
TMSA is the only association dedicated to advancing the success of marketing and sales professionals in all modes of the commercial freight transportation market. From president and vice president to manager, director and coordinator, members are at all levels and represent all market segments including motor carriers, 3PLs, railroads, air carriers, ocean lines, port authorities, OEMs, media and suppliers.
TMSA's mission is to enable sales and marketing professionals to learn and give back to the transportation and logistics industry through education, connections and resources, ultimately strengthening their individual development, their businesses and the industry-at-large. TMSA's vision is to be the pre-eminent non-profit sales and marketing association that transportation and logistics professionals turn to for industry-specific education, connections, and resources.
