BTA’s General Counsel recognized for years of service to the industry
Kansas City, Missouri — On Nov. 2, 2017, Bob Goldberg, the Business Technology Association’s (BTA’s) general counsel, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Cannata Report’s 32nd Annual Awards & Charities Dinner held at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey.
“Over the 32 years, we’ve had five recipients who have received a Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Frank Cannata, president and CEO of The Cannata Report, in his comments announcing the award winner. “Tonight we’re going to present the sixth. I don’t know of anyone over the years that I’ve been in the business — and I go back to 1971 — that has given more to the independent dealer than Bob Goldberg.
“He is truly the dealer’s best friend,” Cannata continued. “He is also our best friend. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness, his generosity, his advice, his counsel … beyond being generous, he just wants to help people who he feels are helping dealers, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Goldberg stepped forward to receive the award surrounded by passionate applause.
“I’m nothing more than the voice of independent dealers throughout the country and the world,” Goldberg said during his acceptance speech. “We’ve come a long way … I am deeply humbled and I’m honored, but I couldn’t have done it without the dealers’ support and the dealer communication and the relationships we’ve had throughout the years. And it goes beyond the dealers. We’re at a point in our industry where we truly are partners — where we work together, we profit together, we grow together. Where issues aren’t confrontational; issues are matters to be resolved in a business context to move forward and to grow together. So I am deeply honored by this recognition and I appreciate it very much.”
“For 32 years, it has been our pleasure to give out awards for outstanding performances,” Cannata said. “Presenting Bob Goldberg with our Lifetime Achievement Award was one of the most gratifying experiences I have ever experienced. No one deserved it more.”
Goldberg has more than 37 years of industry experience. Upon graduation from law school in 1973, he joined the Antitrust Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. Goldberg’s government career continued with the Federal Trade Commission until 1977, when he transitioned to private practice. He was a partner with the firm of Freeman, Atkins & Coleman, where he specialized in antitrust and trade regulation matters. Goldberg then joined the law firm Schoenberg Finkel Newman & Rosenberg LLC, and was a partner with the firm from 1984 to 2008. In 2008, he became of counsel to the firm, continuing to collaborate and mentor with the firm’s attorneys and staff. Today, he provides BTA members with no-fee advice and guidance on a diverse range of topics.