Members of the Tennessee Motorcoach Association gathered at the organization’s annual meeting in Johnson City, Tennessee, on June 2-5, where winners of the driver competition and other awards were announced and new board members were elected.
Volunteers set up the competition course for the annual driver competition held at nearby Winged Deer Park on June 2-5. A challenging course and written exam yielded the three top drivers. Darryl Lindsay, of Olympus Coach, took top honors, followed by Keith Hart, of Nooga Shuttles, in second place, and Kim Ferguson, of Todlow Coach, in third.
“It was great working with the TMCA on this fun and important event,” said Mark L Szyperski, President/CEO of On Your Mark Transportation, who organized the course.
“The first-place winner will be joining the 2025 UMA International Driver Competition in Oklahoma City,” said Ken Presley, Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/Chief Operating Officer for the United Motorcoach Association. “We look forward to seeing him join other top drivers from across the country.”
- Clarke Power Services – Associate Supplier of the Year.
- Johnny Baker– Tour & Travel Associate of the Year.
- Sharon Cole – Travel Planner of the Year.
- Olympus Car & Coach – Operator of the Year.
- Vera Ann Myers – Volunteer of the Year.
Another event was “The Seat Belt Convincer,” an initiative sponsored by the University of Tennessee, the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and Southeastern Transportation Center. Participants buckled-up for a 5- to 7-mph “crash” that demonstrates the impact of a low-speed crash. Most commented they “could not imagine how a crash impact would feel any faster” – convincing any doubters that seat belts are more than just a good idea, but that they save lives.
Other activities included presentations of travel and tourism destinations and venues; the OEM discussion “Tire Construction and Best Practices” by Brady Evans, of Bridgestone; a regulatory update from Preston Cox, of FMCSA; a talk by Michael Vescio titled “The Value of Networking”; and presentations from TSA and Mark Szyperski, of On Your Mark Transportation.
“No question about it, the meeting has been packed with quality presentations that everyone benefited from and events that spotlighted the Tri-Cities area as a top motorcoach tour destination,” Presley said. “The area is so rich in Appalachian history and spectacular scenery.”
4 new board members
In the TCMA board of directors election, four new members were chosen: Stacy Barry, Ryhan Cornell, Dave Alverson and Timothy Lee O’Bryan.
Barry is the owner of Sharin’ the South Tours in Nashville. She joined the travel industry after being a school counselor and teacher for over 12 years. Her business brings groups of 30 or more to destinations in the southeast United States. Sharin’ the South plans full itineraries that include motor coach, accommodations, and all meals, tours and attractions.
Ryhan Cornell is the account executive with ABC Companies. A third-generation member of the founding family of ABC Companies, she grew up in the family’s motorcoach business, gaining hands-on experience ranging from operational tasks at the Faribault, Minnesota facility to vehicle detail work and parts management in Winter Garden, Florida. during her high school years.
Dave Alverson is the owner of Nooga Shuttles. Founded in 2018, Nooga Shuttles started as a small transportation service for Chattanooga events. Over the years, the business has expanded its fleet and service to include charter bus and tour packages. Alverson has over 16 years experience in the transportation industry and is also the owner of Rocket City Shuttles, ‘
Timothy Lee O’Bryan, Agency Partner with Acrisure Southeast Region, started working at Service Insurance Agency in March 1992, becoming the president of the agency in 1996 and joining Acrisure in 2023. Acrisure provides insurance solutions for transportation risks throughout the southeastern United States.
