ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- NATSO, the trade association representing the truckstop and travel plaza industry, has announced that Chuck Bosselman, owner of the Bosselman Family of Cos., will receive the NATSO Hall of Fame award at The NATSO Show 2012 in Las Vegas in February.
The NATSO Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals for their notable participation in their communities, industry and the association.
As an early leader in the truckstop industry, Bosselman has shaped many of the practices drivers find standard today. Bosselman was among the first to offer showers, movie theaters and fast-food restaurants within a truckstop.
Bosselman is a second-generation business owner. His father, Fred, founded the first Bosselman's location in 1948. In 1967, Bosselman became general manager of the Grand Island I-80 Bosselman Truck Plaza. Since the 1970s, Bosselman has established himself as a true leader by expanding the business into 20 states. Today, the company includes a Bosselman Travel Center, six Grandma Max's and Max's Highway Diner restaurants, 42 Pump & Pantry convenience stores, 34 Boss Shops, Sam Bass' Saloon & Steakhouse, one Hampton Inn, six Motel 6s and three Pump & Pantry Motels and more.
The company also owns the Nebraska Danger indoor professional football team.
"Chuck's commitment to his customers and to the truckstop industry is evident to all who know him," said NATSO chairman Bobby Berkstresser. "He has devoted his life to building his family's business and improving the quality of life for professional drivers. In addition to being a business owner, he is an innovator. His ability to think outside of the box and his allegiance to his fellow operators have benefitted the entire truckstop and travel plaza industry."
Bosselman has spent many hours volunteering for the NATSO board of directors and the NATSO Foundation, and he was a founding member of AMBEST--a network of independently owned truckstops. Bosselman is a leader in his community as well, supporting groups such as the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America.
Since 2004, the NATSO Hall of Fame award has only been presented four times. Members of NATSO's executive committee and past recipients of the Hall of Fame select the recipient. NATSO will present the award to Bosselman at The NATSO Show during The NATSO Show Kick-Off Keynote featuring JetBlue founding executive Ann Rhoades on February 19 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The full lineup of speakers, exhibitors and schedule appears at www.natsoshow.org
Founded in 1960 as the National Association of Truck Stop Operators, Alexandria, Va.-based NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.
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