Virginia Bertling
Virginia was born in Iowa City, Iowa on July 3, 1939. She has two children, Charles Kuebrich and Kimberly Kuebrich-Yordi. On April 25, 1990, Virginia married Norbert Bertling in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Virginia began her career in the towing and recovery industry at Holiday Wrecker Service in 1977. She started out as a dispatcher and quickly assumed the duties of office manager. In that position, her duties expanded to include bookkeeping, payroll, dispatch, and managing driver’s hours. Upon leaving Holiday Wrecker Service, she joined Trebron, Inc. where she currently serves as the company’s Vice President with oversight of the finance and administration departments.
Over 20 years ago, Virginia was among a group of visionary leaders who joined forces to form the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Iowa (TRPI). She volunteered countless hours to the setup and early management of the association. Virginia was also instrumental in recruiting members and organizing the annual tow show.
To date, Virginia has assisted the TRPI in creating a legislative committee that makes regular visits to the Iowa State Capitol to speak on behalf of Iowa’s towing industry. She is also regularly featured in TRPI’s public relations campaigns that include scores of press releases, editorials and public safety announcements. TRPI has become a valued partner with Iowa Motor Truck Association’s commitment to homeland security through the National Highway Watch campaign where Virginia has successfully completed the training program and serves as a master trainer.
Through her enthusiasm and dedication, she was able to keep Iowa’s towing industry at the forefront of important issues impacting towers statewide. In only a decade, the TRPI had outgrown the capabilities of its volunteer management staff. Virginia and a team of volunteers were instrumental in the transition of turning over the responsibilities of the organization to the Iowa Motor Truck Association. Virginia continues to play a key role as an officer and board member of the TRPI as well as a valued friend and liaison between the Iowa Motor Truck Association and TRPI.
Virginia holds memberships with various associations throughout Iowa and the U.S. including the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, TRAA and TRPI. In 1997, she was the recipient of the IMTA Women in Transportation Award. In the future Virginia hopes to retire and travel with her husband.
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HALL OF FAME NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Tow Equipment/Product Innovation
Innovation of a product sold in the marketplace that has helped move the industry forward. Candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of service to the industry.
Exemplary Dedication
Candidate must have 20 years running a towing business in an outstanding and exemplary manner, promoting a positive image of the towing industry and have positive relations with the community, i.e., performing services for the community about and beyond the services for hire. Limit: One inductee per year.
Industry Leadership
Leadership involved with an outstanding project that has had a dynamic and lasting effect on the towing industry. Candidate must have minimum 10 years service to the towing industry.
Professional Achievement
Creating a product or service of any kind that has had a significant and lasting effect on thousands of towing professionals. Candidate Must have a minimum of 10 years to the industry.