NASSTRAC recently announced that Chris Norek, Ph.D. and founding Senior Partner with Chain Connectors, Inc., an Atlanta-based supply chain consulting boutique which focuses on training and education of both large enterprises and SMBs, has been named the 2011 'NASSTRAC Member of the Year.' Each year, this honor is bestowed upon an individual transportation executive who has demonstrated personal leadership, commitment, and dedication to the industry as well as to the association. NASSTRAC provides advocacy, education, provider relations, and networking for professionals involved in all areas of transportation, ranging from full truckload and LTL to containerization and global logistics.

'Chris, with more than 20 years in the industry as well as academia, has earned logistics and transportation degrees from Penn State, Tennessee and Ohio State. With that, he brings an array of knowledge and expertise to the association and has been NASSTRAC's Education Committee Chairperson for several years. He is also the association's current 2nd vice president,' says Joe Estrella, president of NASSTRAC and Director of Transportation & Logistics Network CVS/Caremark. 'Chris has made significant contributions as a leader of NASSTRAC that include accomplishments in engaging providers into the organization and educational and strategic planning for our annual conference. He's been a true asset to NASSTRAC.'

In addition, NASSTRAC announced that Martin Mantilla, vice president of business development for Special Dispatch of California, is the recipient of the 2011 'NASSTRAC Associate Member of the Year.' Mantilla made NASSTRAC history by earning the coveted award for the second consecutive year. Each year, the association presents this award to an individual from the service provider community who has shown leadership, continued commitment to the industry, and support of NASSTRAC. A Carrier Advisory Council board member since 2008, Mantilla tirelessly recruits not only his employers, but his customers into the organization. His passion for NASSTRAC is evident as he led the association in bringing new retail shippers into membership this past year.