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CHICAGO, IL— Vending and office coffee service operators who have
signed up drivers for the Route Driver Rodeo competition at the National
Automatic Merchandising Association’s (NAMA), Fall Expo in Atlanta, GA, are in
for a good time.
“Route drivers are the unsung heroes of the
vending and OCS industry. This will be a fun way to shine a bright spotlight on
these hard-working, dedicated professionals as they show off their expertise,”
Eils said.
Sponsored by General Motors Isuzu Commercial Trucks, Hackney
& Equipment Innovators in cooperation with the Georgia Automatic
Merchandising Council and NAMA, the Rodeo will give the vending and office
coffee service drivers an opportunity to showcase their driving skills, as they
compete for more than $6,000 in prizes. It will be held on the closing day of
the Expo, Saturday, Oct. 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 pm.
The Route Driver
Rodeo’s objective is to promote safety in companies and on highways; recognize
and reward driver excellence; improve driving performance; develop a sense of
pride among employees; and provide the opportunity to demonstrate skills,
knowledge of the vehicle and awareness of safety regulations, said
Eils.
The Rodeo consists of a written test, pre-trip vehicle inspection
and a driving obstacle course, explained Eils. Winners will receive $1,000 for
third place; $2,000 for second place; and $3,000 for first place. Companies
sponsoring the winning drivers will receive vendible product prizes equal to the
amount won by drivers from Buddy’s; ConAgra Foods; Vend & OCS; Kraft Vending
& OCS; Nestle’s Beverages; Poore Brothers and Kar Nut
Products.
General Motors Isuzu Commercial Trucks will provide two 16-foot
tilt cabs, over the engine trucks to use in the competition. If a driver has not
had the opportunity to drive one of these, he/she will find it quite easy to
maneuver, Eils said.
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