$110,125 Raised for Make-A-Wish

Omaha Truck Center, Inc. hosted its 14th annual Omaha Truck Center Golf Invitational to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska. This year's event raised $110,125 for the Nebraska children who have life-threatening medical conditions.

The event, held June 20 at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, included a golf tournament and a live and silent auction. All of the money raised went directly to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska.

"OTC is proud of its commitment to Make-A-Wish," said Trey Mytty, president. "We have been supporting this event for 14 years, and are looking forward to many more years of helping grant wishes for Nebraska children."

Previous OTC owners Jim and Cindy Schlarb were honored for their contributions to Make-A-Wish. Evonne Williams, president of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska, presented the Schlarbs with the chapter's first ever "Grand Benefactors" award.

Williams said the Foundation values the support of Omaha Truck Center and its fabulous customers and vendors.

"This golf benefit is still the largest external fundraiser for our chapter," Williams said. "We could not grant wishes for Nebraska children without your support. One of the best things about your donation is that 85% of it goes directly to granting wishes of Nebraska children."

Make-A-Wish exists to fulfill the wishes of children between two-and-a-half and 18 years of age who have life-threatening medical conditions. All children, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or family income, are eligible to have their wishes fulfilled. If you are aware of such a child, please have his or her family contact the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nebraska at 800-760-9474 or visit www.nebraska.wish.org.


TREY MYTTY NAMED NEW OWNER

Trey J. Mytty is the new owner of Omaha Truck Center, Inc., a leading Freightliner dealer based in Omaha, Neb. Mytty purchased the business from previous owners Jim and Cindy Schlarb.

Employed full-time with Omaha Truck Center since 1996, Mytty has held several increasingly responsible positions, most recently as executive vice president. He previously worked at OTC part time while obtaining his marketing degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Mytty was named the Midlands Business Journal's Young Business Person of the Year for 2006. He and his wife Jennifer have two children, Avery and Talen.

IF I HAD JUST ONE WISH...

As you plan your charitable giving for 2008, please remember the annual Omaha Truck Center golf benefit for Make-A-Wish.

Thanks to generous supporters like you, we have raised more than $800,000 in 13 years. You have helped us grant wishes to more than 135 children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Last year set a record at $121,716 and we couldn’t have done it without you.

So please mark your calendars for the 14th annual golf benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, held at the Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha on Friday, June 20, 2008. By enjoying a golf outing, you’re helping kids who really deserve it. It doesn’t get much better than that. Thanks and hope to see you there!

If you would like further information do not hesitate to contact Bruce Fox at 800-777-2440.


TEACHING TRUCK TLC IS NEW CENTER'S GOAL

by Stacie Hamel, World-Herald Staff Writer

The Omaha Truck Center, Inc. has opened a training center for diesel technicians next to its corporate headquarters to address what it calls a nationwide shortage of such skills.

The truck dealer - which operates 11 locations in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas - built the $750,000 facility at 10560 I St., which replaced its training facility in Lincoln.

The company considered seeking State of Nebraska accreditation for its technician program but is leaning against taking the extra step, said Trey Mytty, executive vice president.

Instead the company will work closely with community colleges to train technicians without competing with the college programs, Mytty said. Community colleges don't have the same equipment and tools that the truck center offers, he said.

The Omaha Truck Center can offer classes that count toward associate's degrees, even though it doesn't have accreditation, Mytty said. "If we're an accredited location, then we're in competition with community colleges."

The Omaha Truck Center also is providing information about diesel technicians jobs to area high school guidance counselors and contacting former members of the military who may have mechanical experience but need training to work on over-the-road tractors.

The 9,000 square-foot facility includes two classrooms, shop space for four tractors and room for stand-alone engines, rear-ends and other equipment.

The facility is the company's response to changing technology, growing freight demand and more trucks on the road, Mytty said. "Our need for technicians seems to grow all the time." [Omaha World-Herald, 4-7-2006]