ST. LOUIS, Mo. –Four companies have signed on to sponsor the United Motorcoach Association’s first-ever UMA Annual International Driver Competition, scheduled for Feb. 28 during Expo.
Co-sponsoring the event are Prevost, Crum & Forster Insurance, Shriver-Capacity Insurance and Bob Evans Restaurants, an Ohio-based national chain.
UMA Chairman Dale Krapf of Krapf Coaches in West Chester, Pa., said that because of the generosity of the sponsors, “UMA will be able to spotlight the most important aspect of the motorcoach industry, our drivers.”
“This exciting new event will showcase the drivers’ skills and professionalism as the public face of motorcoach operations,” Krapf said. “This is a logical extension of the many state and regional competitions, and with the support of (our sponsors), we now have a powerful way to underscore our industry’s continuing focus on safety and professionalism.”
Jack Forbes, vice president of sales for Prevost, said the company understands that drivers are a key part of every operator’s success.
“We always want to promote awareness of driver and passenger safety; this competition offers an important method to achieve that awareness,” Forbes said. “Prevost is committed to attracting and training drivers in order to grow the industry, and has also enjoyed the partnership with UMA through the Prevost Preparatory School for Professional Drivers. The driver competition is another way we can support drivers and their professional development.”
Trevor Eisele, vice president, public auto insurance, for Crum & Forster’s Transportation Division, said the company is pleased to sponsor the competition “in support and recognition of the United Motorcoach Association’s efforts to promote and highlight UMA members’ commitment to drivers and safety.”
“At Crum & Forster, we believe that one of the most important elements to developing and maintaining a safe motorcoach operation is hiring and retaining the best drivers,” Eisele said.
Eligibility for the driver competition includes membership in the UMA Driver Member program, participation in the UMA Safe Driver Recognition Program, championship in a state or regional competition and/or recommendation from their employer.
Contestants are eligible for a complimentary hotel stay and a free 2017 UMA Motorcoach Expo registration.
The winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, framed certificates and recognition at the UMA Leadership Awards Celebration on Feb. 28 during Expo in St. Louis.
The competition has already attracted more than 50 competitors from 21 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. For additional information and to register for the competition, please visit https://motorcoachexpo.com/uma-driver-competition.
