NORTHFIELD LINES, INC. NAMED “NATIONAL MOTORCOACH OPERATOR OF THE YEAR 2012” BY METRO MAGAZINE

John Benjamin, owner of Northfield Lines was presented February 9, 2012 with METRO Magazine’s “National Motorcoach Operator of the Year” Award at the United Motorcoach Association Expo, which was held in Long Beach, California.

The award is one of the top honors at the convention and states: “For their industry contributions and success in running one of the most well-regarded bus companies in the nation.”

John Benjamin was happy honored to accept the award on behalf of himself and his brother Larry, who passed away in November from Lung Cancer.

“METRO Magazine contacted me about this award eight days before Larry passed away. What a gift it was to share this with him, and I know he felt as honored and proud as I do, that our company’s hard work and dedication has been recognized.”

“My brother and I started in this business just over 23 years ago. At that time we had 6 motor coach vehicles and 32 school buses. Today, we are operating 37 motor coach vehicles and 80 school buses. Our success would not have been possible without our dedicated and hardworking employees” John said.

According to METRO Magazine, recipients of this award have employed innovation in their business, whether in marketing, the use of technology, training or safety, and have been involved in giving back to the industry.

METRO Magazine is one of the oldest and largest magazines entirely devoted to public transportation in the world. It has served the rail market since 1904 and the bus market since buses were invented! Metro's editorial and marketing staff is dedicated to providing readers with the most timely and insightful coverage of the public transportation industry, especially its transit and motorcoach segments.

UMA 2012

Driver Profile - Mike Maertens

Mike Maertens has been driving for Northfield Lines for 5 years. He has been married for 46 years to his wife Carolyn and has two daughters, Laurie and Shari. Mike has five grandchildren, Scott, Kate, Eric, Drew and Abbie who he loves spending time with.

Before becoming a Motorcoach Operator, Mike was a machinist and material control manager for 33 years at MGS Machine in Maple Grove. At MGS Machine, he designed and built custom packaging machines. For the past 11 years, Mike and his wife Carolyn operate Treats of Lonsdale Dairy Freeze every March through September.

Mike enjoys all of his trips. "I like the constantly changing groups and meeting people from all over the world." he said.

When he isn't driving or working at Treats of Lonsdale, Mike enjoys fishing, deer hunting, four-wheeling with his grandchildren and riding motorcycle.

Weekend Getaway with the Lady Riders of Faribault Harley Davidson

Are you looking for a fun, stress-free mini-vacation? Look no further! Northfield Lines and the Lady Riders of Faribault Harley Davidson have teamed up and created a Winter Weekend Getaway!

Saturday & Sunday, January 21 & 22nd, 2012

Tour cost includes roundtrip motor coach transportation, hotel accommodations, Reserved seating for the Johnny Holm Band at the Medina Entertainment Center, Wine tasting, chocolate sampling, outdoor activities, 3 meals and lots of fun!

Couples welcome. Space is limited.

Cost is $199.00 per person based on double occupancy.

Contact Margaret or Lisa at Northfield Lines - 507-645-5267 or 800-944-2190.

Meet The Driver - Angela Ubl

Angela Ubl has been a professional driver for approximately 3 years. She is married and has three children, one son and two daughters.

Before becoming a professional driver, Angela was a Realtor.

As for a favorite trip, Angela said "I have a hard time naming one trip as my favorite, because what I enjoy so much about my job, is the diversity it provides. I'm always going different places and meeting new people. Each trip is a unique experience because of that. So as far a a favorite trip, I enjoy the ones when I get to know the group and can help them have a great trip."

In her spare time, Angela enjoys drawing, reading, walking, hiking, biking, boating, camping, gardening and cross country skiing.

Meet The Drivers - Barney Morcilio

Barney Morcilio has been driving for Northfield Lines for 10 years. Barney and his wife Patsy live in Savage, MN. They have two daughters, and two grandchildren, who are now the love of their lives.

Prior to becoming a motor coach operator, Barney was a member of the Minneapolis Police Department for 26 years. He worked in several units including Internal Affairs, Robbery/Homicide and the Gang Unit. While working as a police officer, Barney also managed to squeeze in a career as a swimming coach. Over the last 30 years, he as the assistant coach at Burnsville Swim Club and the head coach at both Richfield and Maple Grove Swim Clubs.

So far, Barney has enjoyed the majority of his trips and finds it difficult to pick one favorite out of the many he has done.

Barney spends his spare time fulfilling his wife's "Honey Do List" as well as supporting the Minnesota sports teams, particularly the Vikings.

Thank You.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your kind thoughts, prayers and words of encouragement over the past 7 months.

Larry will be missed greatly by so many. I will miss his sense of humor, contagious smile and his creative sense of business but most of all, I will miss him as my brother and closest friend.

Thank you again and God Bless.

John

John C. Benjamin - President
Northfield Lines, Inc./Benjamin Bus, Inc.
32611 Northfield Blvd.
Northfield, MN 55057

www.northfieldlines.com