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Pacella Trucking Express Inc.’s George Baima has joined the ranks of the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA) Silver Kingpin Award winners.

Yesterday, IANA named Pacella’s executive vice president as this year’s recipient of the award, which recognizes an individual’s contributions to the intermodal industry. The association recognized his “tireless work” in raising scholarship funds to help transportation professionals launch their careers.

Baima spent the first two decades of his intermodal career at the Missouri Pacific Railroad and its MoPac Truck Lines subsidiary, where he served in the traffic department. He later served as regional manager of MoPac Truck Lines' intermodal division in Chicago, where he worked extensively with the company's president and 1980 Silver Kingpin Award winner Charlie Groton. Baima then spent 20 years as VP of sales at Chicago's Central States Trucking Co. Inc. until he joined Pacella in 2003.

Throughout his 50-year career, Baima has served in leadership positions at many transportation associations and organizations. He was a member of IANA's board and served as chairman for two consecutive terms; president of the Traffic Club of Chicago (he remains a board member); and president and board member of the Intermodal Association of Chicago. Baima also held various executive roles with the Midwest Rail Shippers Association and the Chicago Area Transportation Association.

IANA and predecessor organizations have presented the Silver Kingpin Award annually since 1977. Past winners include the Hub Group Inc.’s Thomas Hardin, intermodal pioneer Gordon Miller, trucking industry duo Greg and Judy Stefflre, long-time Mi-Jack Products Inc. employee Raymond Tippit Sr., Rail Management Services Inc. President John Gray and Progressive Railroading co-founder Frank Richter.

Meanwhile, Kansas City Southern Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Haverty was named a national finalist for the Ernst & Young L.L.P. Entrepreneur of the Year 2008 Award in the services category. Ernst & Young named OAKLEAF Waste Management’s James Barnes the national winner in the category.

Established 22 years ago, the award recognizes entrepreneurs who have demonstrated “excellence and extraordinary success” in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

“I am honored to accept this award and to foster the entrepreneurial spirit that is part of KCS’ growth and success,” said Haverty in a prepared statement. “We think KCS will be the fastest-growing railroad in North America over the next five to 10 years.”