Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1305277
Keep on truckin': through the pandemic and beyond A pandemic can shut down businesses pretty quickly, but there will always be essential industries that must keep going. The road to our new normal started and continues with the trucking industry. "The trucking industry is an Essential Service, delivering the food, medical supplies, and countless other equipment that Canadian businesses and people need," says Darin Bouchard, General Manager of Maxim Truck & Trailer's Brandon location. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Maxim Truck & Trailer's 18 locations across Canada stayed open and operating. When it became known that some highway truck stops and restaurants were shutting their doors to truck drivers, Maxim opened up its wallet to supply meals to fellow truckers. "This is the least we can do for our industry. We just wanted to make sure that truck drivers know we care and appreciate them," says Bouchard. Maxim distributed hundreds of free meals of a prepackaged 12-foot sub, cookie, and drink over three days at its Brandon location off the Trans- Canada highway. Portable bathrooms were also set up for the convenience of truck drivers. Maxim's efforts and the Manitoba Trucking Association's "Thank a truck driver" campaign helped raise more public awareness about the critical role the industry plays during a pandemic and as our economy starts to recover. More than 25,000 people are directly employed in the truck transportation sector in Manitoba. Numbers show that for every ten jobs created in the trucking industry, another seven jobs are created in associated industries including wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, construction and agriculture. MAXIM TRUCK & TRAILER Courtesy of Maxim Truck & Trailer YES! WINNIPEG 33