Up Front – Grand Achievements

Shannon Newton
President, ATA

What should you carry on an 18-mile trek descending 5,000 feet into the Grand Canyon? I’ve spent a lot of time researching this question over the last few weeks. The internet has innumerable lists and a few warnings. A headlamp and some SPF made my packing list. Comfortable shoes were a must. I planned to bring sunglasses, chapstick and layered clothing for protection against the elements. Water, obviously, but how much is enough for a 12-hour hike?

When it was time to step onto the trail, I wanted to be ready to enjoy the awe-inducing view of wind-sculpted rock walls and be prepared for the thirst, hunger, muscle fatigue, blistered feet or any other challenge I might encounter.

I was joining a group of friends to hike seven miles down the South Kaibob Trail to the Colorado River Basin, make a stop at Phantom Ranch, and then climb back up the 10-mile Bright Angel Trail all in one day. Expected to take from sunrise to sunset, this is a feat only 1% of Grand Canyon visitors achieve.

Today—calves sore and memories still fresh—I can say I did it, and though I overpacked, I’m really grateful for all the snacks and that extra pair of socks.

While I celebrate this personal accomplishment, for which I was well-prepared and supported by friends and good fortune, some of my colleagues in Florida and Iowa are celebrating huge professional achievements of big industry goals aided by great support networks and good timing. Major tort reform initiatives were passed in both states this spring.  Each providing protection to trucking companies from the threat of nuclear verdicts. (Read more about these measures here.)

Iowa’s reforms come after years of effort from their state trucking association. And in Florida, being prepared when the opportunity presented itself allowed for a monumental victory in the sunshine state. These types of wins sometimes come after several failed attempts to enact change, by chipping away at trial attorneys’ stronghold on policymakers, or are enabled by circumstances beyond our control and influence when an opportunity presents to insert ourselves into the solution.

In Arkansas, we’ve invested a lot of resources into shaping the legal environment. One of the obstacles in our way is that major reform in the state would require voters to approve a constitutional amendment, per an interpretation of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

There are a couple of paths to putting an amendment on the ballot—a legislative referral or a citizen-initiative with signature gathering, but both have challenging terrains. Another avenue is to support the election of Supreme Court Justices who may interpret the constitution differently and allow legislation to address fairer practices and penalties.

Adventure and achievement are possible at any elevation, whether you’re battling yourself or a system. All the relationships we’ve made, personal stories we’ve shared, dollars we’ve spent have been considered carefully for the trek ahead. They are all part of our preparation.  It is necessary weight we carry so we are ready when timing and luck align with our trail.