​Bobby Berkstresser Honored With NATSO Hall of Fame Award

March 2018

Alexandria, Va. -- NATSO, the trade association representing the truckstop and travel plaza industry, is pleased to announce that Bobby Berkstresser, owner of Lee Hi Travel Plaza and White's Travel Center, will receive the NATSO Hall of Fame award during the Opening Keynote Session of NATSO Connect on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1:00 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee. The NATSO Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals for their notable participation in their communities, industry and the association.

Berkstresser started in the truckstop industry in 1981, when he purchased Lee Hi Travel Plaza in Lexington, Virginia. In 2010, he bought White's Travel Center in Raphine, Virginia, and has since grown both locations. Today, Berkstresser employs 430 people and has used his business success to give back to his community. Berkstresser donates to the local fire department, hosts fundraisers for local parent-teacher organizations, fundraises for charities supporting breast cancer, has co-sponsored five Habitat for Humanity Houses, and supports the St. Christopher's Fund.

"The nice thing about being successful is that it allows you to do these things for your community," Berkstresser said. "If you have been blessed like I have, then there is a certain obligation for you to do your best and represent your business well." In addition to the work he does through his travel plazas, Berkstresser sits on the Boards of Directors for the Rockbridge Area Leadership Scholarship, Bank of Botetourt, WE Skelton 4-H Camp and the Stonewall Jackson Hospital.

Tom Heinz, president of Coffee Cup Fuel Stops, a past NATSO Chairman and the 2017 recipient of the Hall of Fame Award, said Berkstresser represents the industry well. "When he does something he is all in. It doesn't matter what it is. It is so refreshing to be around people like that," Heinz said. "Anybody in the industry who knows Bobby, knows how hard he works and knows his energy is almost boundless."

Berkstresser has been a member of NATSO since 1991 and has spent countless hours volunteering for the NATSO Board of Directors, serving as Chairman in 2011. He also has donated his time and resources to the NATSO Foundation.

Members of NATSO's executive committee and past recipients of the Hall of Fame select the honoree. Heinz and NATSO President and CEO Lisa will present the award to Berkstresser. The full lineup of speakers, exhibitors and schedule appears at www.natsoconnect.com.