Even though we’re easing into a time of year that’s steeped in tradition, we decided to break a long-standing tradition—and do it right before Thanksgiving. Now, don’t be alarmed. I think it makes good sense, so hear me out.

Back in 1979, this magazine partnered with the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) to annually celebrate an individual for outstanding achievement, advocacy, and leadership in the transportation and logistics industry. We officially call it the John T. McCullough Logistics Executive of the Year Award in honor of the former chief editor of Distribution, a predecessor of LM. And, of course, the winner graces the November cover of LM and the award is presented during the opening ceremonies of the NITL Annual Meeting taking place November 11–14 in Atlanta.

In that time we’ve recognized hall-of-fame-bound shippers like William Smith from General Mills (1983), Robert Corcoran from U.S. Steel (1992), and John Gentle, a true sage who offered more than 35 years of principle-driven leadership to the logistics and transportation department at Owens Corning (2006). The full list of other shipper superstars is simply too long to run here.

When the League broke down the walls and put shipper/carrier collaboration at the top of its agenda, a few carrier executives were handed the McCullough for their devotion to top-notch service and their passion for doing everything in their power to improve the overall transportation infrastructure. It was only fitting that Don Schneider (1993) would be the first carrier stalwart to receive the award, followed by Norfolk Southern’s David Goode (1997), and ABF’s David Stubblefield (2003), among others.

All past winners share an uncommon enthusiasm for stepping out of the day-to-day grind to put in the extra effort to implement positive change, be it to mentor new stars, launch cutting-edge services, implement aggressive savings strategies, lead a NITL committee, or walk the halls of Capitol Hill to make sure that rational legislation sees the light of day. And traditionally, these winners have been individuals.

But, this year we’re breaking the mold for good reason. While all of the past recipients have devoted their careers to bettering global transportation and logistics, there’s one entity that’s been there all along to facilitate their work and offer these stars a higher platform from which their voices can be heard—and it just so happens that this entity is celebrating 100 years in existence this year.

When NITL President John Ficker called a few months ago and ran his idea for the 2007 winner by me, I didn’t bat an eye. “We’re going to give the award to the League itself this year,” Ficker said. “We decided that this executive committee represents an entity that has great history, but we just happen to be sitting in these chairs today. We’re honored to be sitting here, but if it wasn’t us it would be someone else keeping the League alive and relevant. It’s the League that should be celebrated.”

For exhibiting great resiliency and the ability to remain relevant during a century of continuous change, LM is honored to present the 2007 McCullough to the NITL. And for more insight into how the NITL has rolled with the changes, read my discussion with its current Executive Committee. I’m sure you’ll be inspired to get more involved to make sure the League sees another 100 years.

Comments? E-mail me at michael.levans@reedbusiness.com