About Us

At the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation, we cultivate cutting-edge programs, accentuate opportunities within Iowa's trucking industry, and dedicate ourselves to impactful initiatives that strengthen and elevate the industry.

what drives us

A vision going forward

In 2014, the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation proudly assumed ownership of the 10,000 square foot IMTA building, a pivotal element in the mission of both organizations. Following the transfer of ownership, a joint board meeting was convened to formulate a strategic plan, recognizing the significance of preserving and investing in the building as a symbol of pride and prominence for the trucking industry.

Our mission

Support, strengthen and complement the efforts of the Iowa Motor Truck Association.

Our vision

Creation of innovative programs and initiatives that highlight and underscore the many opportunities that exist in Iowa’s trucking industry while also ensuring that IMTA headquarters building is always a source of pride and unity.

Our values

Continued commitment to the collaboration of quality efforts that truly move the needle in supporting and strengthening Iowa’s trucking industry.

legacy investment opportunities

Pillars of focus

During the early 2000s, the Foundation Board established that the foundation's endeavors would be governed by four core principles: Supporting & Sustaining the IMTA/IMCF Headquarters, Public Awareness & Outreach, Workforces Development, and Sustainable Funding.

Supporting & Sustaining Headquarters Building

The IMTA/IMCF headquarters is strategically located at the foot of the Iowa State Capitol. As part of the prestigious Capitol Complex, this building is a visible and poignant symbol of the trucking industry’s stature in the State of Iowa. Ensuring that our headquarters is always a first class statement for the industry is a top priority.

Historical perspective

In 2011, the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission, a long-time tenant of the IMTA building, was required to vacate the premises due to new legislation mandating state agencies to occupy state-owned buildings. Despite efforts to find a new tenant over the next two years, the increasing popularity of East Des Moines as a rental property market made it challenging. By 2014, the Foundation, which had undergone restructuring, decided to acquire ownership of the building as a 501C3 entity to benefit from lower property taxes. After finalizing the deal in 2015 and extending a 50-year lease to IMTA, the Foundation established a detailed expense-sharing agreement, with IMTA handling daily operational costs and the Foundation taking responsibility for major capital expenses. One of the immediate priorities was replacing the problematic HVAC system with a geothermal one.

What's on the horizon

In 2014, the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation assumed ownership of the 10,000 square foot IMTA building, emphasizing its significance as a prominent location near the State Capitol and a source of pride for the industry. A strategic planning session in 2015 led to a commitment to maintain the building's professional image and energy efficiency, including the installation of a geothermal system in 2017 and replacement of windows in 2019, taking advantage of energy credits. Further enhancements, such as beautifying the outdoor area and renovating the underutilized "west wing," were discussed and are planned for a capital campaign in 2023 or 2024.

Public awareness and outreach

Telling the story of Iowa’s trucking industry and educating the public on the value of trucking is at the core of this important pillar, serving as a beacon for fostering understanding and appreciation. Through the lens of this pillar, we've not only highlighted the vital role of trucking but also highlighted the dedicated individuals behind the wheel.

Trucking show trailer and driving simulator

The Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation places significant emphasis on public awareness and outreach as its second pillar of importance. Effectively communicating the story of trucking in Iowa is a crucial role undertaken by the Foundation, and dedicated efforts in this initiative have yielded positive results. The key tool for this endeavor is the IMTA show trailer, featuring a driving simulator at its core. Despite a hiatus during the pandemic, the show trailer has been back on the road continuously, and operational costs are shared by the Foundation.

Over the past two years, the number of outreach activities featuring the show trailer and the team of driving and workforce ambassadors has nearly tripled. Collaborations with the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa Department of Education, and Iowa Workforce Development have expanded opportunities to engage with students across the state, with a particular focus on the high school student population, making significant strides in promoting the trucking industry.

Future public awareness and outreach priorities

The Foundation board recognizes how important it is to be constantly looking for ways to heighten and increase the awareness and appreciation for Iowa’s trucking industry.  Not only do these campaigns shed a positive light on the industry but these campaigns are also a strong foundation for building the workforce for the industry. Building positive awareness of the role of trucking in turn attracts people to consider working in the industry. Because of the important correlation, the Foundation board has continued to be strategic in its efforts to further build up this important pillar beyond the efforts of the show trailer. Below is a list of other initiatives that will be developed over the next several years.  

1

Development of a maintenance professionals outreach effort – appointment of a task force to determine the most effective way to get high school students interested in this field of expertise.

2

Exploring other avenues for increasing awareness and appreciation for the industry – advertising/sponsorship opportunities with college football/basketball programs, billboard campaign, more effective social media campaign. 

Workforce development

Transforming the future of Iowa’s trucking industry by investing in efforts today about the countless job opportunities that exist in the industry is a mission of pillar III.

Evolution and foundation values

Over the years the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation has continued to evolve. From the earliest days as the Foundation was finding its legs, founder Vern Simpson urged Foundation leaders to “always stay on top of what’s going on in the industry and figure out a way to be relevant and valuable in finding solutions to what is impacting the industry, that is the only way we can truly compliment the efforts of the association.” 

Those sage words of wisdom have continued to be the hallmark of the Foundation’s efforts. Foundation leaders have always been committed to getting behind initiatives that will have a positive impact on the trucking industry. Every other year, the Foundation Board evaluates their four pillars and creates strategies in these important areas. 

Expanding workforce development initiatives

The Foundation Board, recognizing ongoing driver and maintenance professional shortages, aims to broaden its workforce development outreach. In response to Governor Reynolds' request, the Foundation hosted a workforce summit in November 2021, highlighting the significance of this initiative. The summit, initially focused on attracting truck drivers, revealed the need for a more extensive effort in attracting individuals to the dynamic trucking industry, prompting the Foundation to develop a strategic plan with innovative priorities post-summit.

1

Creation of a workforce executive committee comprising industry and external stakeholders to identify key focus areas and assess the necessary measures, including legislation and funding, to drive progress in workforce development.

2

Establishing a "Trucking U" program in collaboration with Iowa State University, The University of Northern Iowa, and The University of Iowa to provide webinars, educational sessions, and potentially a conference, introducing students to diverse employment opportunities in the trucking industry.

3

Development of internship programs for IMTA members, the most popular and effective means of introducing college students to the industry, with IMCF supporting members in program setup and promotion to colleges and universities statewide.

Sustainable funding

Ensuring that the Foundation will have an ongoing source of funding through innovative, effective, and long-term financial partnerships and investments by the members.

Foundation's funding initiatives

Founded in 1986, the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation received initial funding from Vern Simpson, Vernon Van Wyk, and George Crouse. Ziegler/Caterpillar and Cummins later contributed to establish a diesel mechanics scholarship program. Since its early days, the Foundation faced challenges in securing sustainable funding, prompting discussions on developing ongoing programs. All Foundation contributions are 100% tax deductible, a key factor consistently attracting donations.

Strategic Partnership and Endow Iowa Tax Credit

In 2014, the Foundation partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to utilize the Endow Iowa tax credit program, offering incentives for contributions. Endow Iowa provides a 25% Iowa tax credit, alongside federal deductions, for qualified gifts. Donors have a five-year window to use these tax credits.

Legacy contributions and successful fundraising

The Foundation secured legacy contributions from members, including CRST the Transportation Solution, Inc., the Ruan family, Steve Schuster from Schuster Company, and Don Decker with Decker Truck Line. Annual live and silent auctions during IMTA's convention also contribute. Acknowledging member interest in supporting the Foundation, Chairman Steve Schuster emphasizes creating a strategic and accessible fundraising program for all contributors.

Meet our foundation board members

The Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation Board holds two in-person meetings a year and two virtual meetings. The Board is comprised of motor carriers, allied members, as well as retired IMTA members that are passionate about the Foundation.

Steve Schuster
Schuster Company
adrian dickey
dickey transport
Jackie Johnsrud
Retired
Brad kohlwes
argee transport
justin philipp
Simon's Trucking
JACK SAWYER
dES mOINES
TRANSPORTATION
Dave Van Wyk
retired
delwin Van Wyk
retired
Jeff Wangsness
jmt trucking company
brenda neville, cae
foundation president

Foundation Pillars

Foundation testimonials

Pillar 1:  Supporting & Sustaining Headquarters

We are committed to reinvesting in the headquarters building because this building is a very visible symbol of who we are as an industry. When people walk into this building and feel good, they also have a very favorable impression of Iowa’s trucking industry.

steve schuster
Foundation Board Chairman
Schuster Company

Pillar 2:  Public Awareness & Outreach

The IMTA show trailer not only has the simulator to see firsthand what it’s like to drive a “big truck”, it has so many educational, hard-hitting facts for everyone to read. If more people were able to take a moment to see what it is like behind the wheel of a semi, maybe they would realize it’s not just about holding a steering wheel and looking out the windshield.

Dave Neuwohner
Foundation Supporter
All Seasons Trucking

Pillar 3: Workforce Development

We have had the same areas of focus now for quite some time and it is exciting to see the progress, even if slow, that we are making in developing meaningful and lasting programs in key areas, such as workforce. These are programs that complement the efforts of IMTA and that is always a priority in our efforts too.

Brad Kohlwes
Foundation Board Member
Agree Transport

Pillar 4:  Sustainable Funding for the Foundation

We continue to have members of all sizes inquire about the possibility of financially supporting the foundation and based on these ongoing requests, we believe it is incumbent that we create a program that will allow everyone who is interested to make a contribution to the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation.

steve schuster
Foundation Board Chairman
Schuster Company