Shannon Newton
President, ATA
As the first nine weeks of the school year come to a close, report cards are finding their way home to kitchen tables across Arkansas. For parents, it’s a moment of pride — or maybe a little anxiety. For students, it’s a snapshot of effort, focus, and follow-through. For some families, that means high-fives and refrigerator magnets; for others, maybe a few tough conversations about where there’s room to improve. Either way, it’s a moment to pause, measure progress, and talk about what comes next.
This season happens to coincide with one when we deliver a few report cards of our own. This week, we began notifying members of the Arkansas General Assembly who earned the title Champion of Trucking — a way to acknowledge those who supported the policies and priorities that matter most to our industry during the 2025 legislative session. Refer to Page 31 for a complete list of the 2025 Champions of Trucking.
If the phrase report card makes you flash back to sweaty palms and nervous glances at your parents, you’re not alone. Report cards sum up a lot of work in a single snapshot. They’re about accountability, motivation, and — when the grades are good — a little bit of bragging rights. Our version isn’t based on pop quizzes or perfect attendance, but on measurable
actions: votes cast, bills sponsored, and investments that moved the ball forward for Arkansas trucking. You can’t evaluate what you don’t measure, so it’s important that we do measure. Knowing how lawmakers show up for trucking tells us a lot about how we should show up for them. The legislative session is full of competing priorities. But when we identify our key issues and track how legislators engage with them, we gain clarity. It helps us strengthen relationships with our allies, educate those who may need more context, and make informed decisions when it’s time to support candidates or build coalitions in the future.
Recognition matters. The Champion of Trucking awards aren’t about flattery — they’re a tangible way to spotlight lawmakers who take the time to understand our industry and the people who keep Arkansas supplied and moving. Many of them proudly share the recognition with their constituents, signaling that they stand with the men and women who deliver for Arkansas every day.
This recognition isn’t about winners and losers; it’s about transparency. It shows who understands the value of trucking to our economy and communities — and reminds everyone else that we’re paying attention.
Because the truth is, whether it’s in the classroom or at the Capitol, everyone performs a little better when they know someone’s keeping score.
