NATSO, the trade association representing the truckstop and travel plaza industry, announced that Chuck Bosselman, owner of the Bosselman Family of Companies, will receive the NATSO Hall of Fame Award at The NATSO Show 2012 in Las Vegas, Nev., in February. The 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. He 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, he has 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.
“Chuck’s commitment to his customers and to the truckstop industry is evident to all who know him,” says Bobby Berkstresser, NATSO chairman. “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 countless 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 also is a leader in his community, 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 been presented only 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 kickoff keynote on Sunday, Feb. 19.
