Local Trucking Executive to be Presented with Award of Excellence in Entrepreneurship

John Morgan, International Truck and Engine Corporation Canada (sponsor); Bob Gauthier, Seaway Express; Frank Klees, Ontario Minister of Transportation

Toronto –Bob Gauthier, president of Seaway Express Inc. of Cornwall, was presented with an Award of Excellence in Entrepreneurship at the 34th annual National Transportation Week Ontario Awards Breakfast (May 27 in Toronto). Gauthier established Seaway Express in 1990 to provide reliable and efficient overnight transport service between Eastern Ontario and Québec.

In just 13 years, Gauthier has grown the company into one of the leading transportation suppliers in this region. Seaway now has a fleet of 15 power units and 40 trailers, and employs 35 people. The company has enjoyed a steady 15% annual growth rate.

In 2001, Gauthier moved the company to a 32,000 square foot facility, and is now able to offer his clients warehousing and distribution facilities. The company also offers service from Cornwall to the Port of Montreal for sea containers.

Safety is one of Gauthier’s primary concerns, and he strives to maintain his company’s enviable record. In 1999, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation performed a facility audit and gave Seaway an “Excellent” rating with a score of 97%. That rating has remained unchanged to this date.

In 1997, the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce awarded Gauthier with the title “Small Business of the Year”. Gauthier is also active in the community, supporting local youth sports teams and helping to market the Cornwall area by providing trailers that are used as traveling billboards promoting tourism. Each year, Gauthier works with other local transport companies to raise money for the United Way.

The award was presented at 8:30 a.m. on May 27th at the Travelodge Hotel Toronto Yorkdale, 2737 Keele Street, North York (just north off the 401).