Bill Temple of the Manitoulin Group has been named the 2008 OTA/Shaw Tracking Dispatcher of the Year.

Temple, based in Gore Bay, Ont., was presented with the award at the OTA’s annual convention on Friday.

“The award goes to a dispatcher who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to customer service, safety, driver well being, courtesy, team work, problem solving and community service/volunteer work,” said OTA president David Bradley. “Dispatchers perform a critical role in the supply chain and it is a pleasure to recognize one of the best.”

'Unlike any other program of its kind, the Dispatcher of the Year Award is a strong testament to hard work and dedication from the people who matter most – customers and fellow peers. The evaluation process of this award is based on ongoing commitment to customer service, safety, driver well being, courtesy, team work, problem solving, and community service/volunteer work,' added Mike Ham, vice-president business services, Shaw Tracking.

Temple has been dispatching trucks for Manitoulin for 30 years now. He began his career in trucking 38 years ago, loading trucks for JET Transport which was later purchased by Manitoulin Group. Currently, he dispatches loads to more than 100 drivers who haul to points throughout North America. Temple won a cash award as well as a plaque.