Billboards Promote Industry

In an effort to promote industry image and recognize Hennepin County (Minn.) school bus drivers for exceptional service, AAA Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Auto Club Foundation for Safety have named three school bus drivers to the School Bus Driver Hall of Fame for the second year in a row. “Often, our community only hears about the few unfortunate situations involving school buses and children,” says Julie English, AAA Foundation spokesperson. “However, the vast majority of drivers have a deep concern for the safety of their student riders. The AAA Minneapolis School Bus Driver Hall of Fame highlights this bigger, positive picture and thanks these unsung heroes.” Hall of Fame nominees are judged by AAA Minneapolis staff, based on driving record, rider awareness of safety rules, training, performance appraisals, reliability, punctuality, attitude, parent comments and relationships with schools and students. The three winners receive a $100 American Express gift check, a certificate of merit from AAA Minneapolis and a certificate of commendation from Gov. Jesse Ventura. In addition, their photographs appear on 11 school safety billboards across Hennepin County during the month of September. “It is our duty and honor to support school bus safety in our community, with this public endeavor and others,” says Dawn Duffy, public relations manager for AAA Minneapolis, an automotive, financial and community service organization.