Pub2 2021 Issue1

8 Kentucky Trucker Message from Rick Taylor I realize the pandemic isn’t quite over yet, but the U.S. seems to be getting closer to a post-pandemic normal. Let’s hope it stays that way. I think it will. As more and more people get vaccinated, we can slowly start relaxing all the guidelines we’ve had to live with for a while. How is Kentucky doing on vaccinations? As of May 24, 2021, more than 2 million people have received at least one shot. That accounts for 45% of the state’s population. Of that 45%, slightly less than 1.7 million (37%) have been fully vaccinated. Please encourage anyone you know who hasn’t been vaccinated to get the vaccine as soon as they can. More than anything else, the vaccine will make it possible for the trucking industry, in particular, to go back to normal. The timing for people getting vaccinated couldn’t be better; spring and summer are beautiful seasons in Kentucky. Truckers have done a fantastic job of keeping goods flowing through difficult times. We appreciate the hard work you’ve done and the way you have shown everyone what it means to be a professional trucker. I appreciate you, and I respect your effort and achievements. Thank you! Every time I go outside at this beautiful time of year, I find myself wanting to make plans to do something fun and different. You may feel the same way. What are your plans as restrictions ease? Now might be the time to get reacquainted with all the things you normally do in Kentucky when you are a tourist. Here are some suggestions you could check into: Do something related to horses. You could tour a thoroughbred or bluegrass horse farm, visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, or go to Churchill Downs or the Keeneland horse tracks. Museums can be fun. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, the National Corvette Museum, the Ark Encounter, and the National Quilt Museum would all be fun. Kentucky distilleries have a great reputation. Check out the Kentucky Bourbon Trail; Angel’s Envy Distillery and the Buffalo Trace Distillery are also good choices. Do something different. The Old Louisville Ghost Tour was recommended by The New York Times, or you could visit Lost River Cave or the Big Four Bridge. Whether you go out or stay home, now is also a time to value your families and friends and to appreciate being able to socialize with them on something other than Zoom. If I can help you during the next few months, please let me know. The association always stands ready to listen to your needs and get you any necessary resources. We were here for you before the pandemic and during the pandemic; we will still be here for you in the future, too. Rick Taylor, President Kentucky Trucking Association Rick Taylor, President/CEO Kentucky Trucking Association