President’s Report

By Marty Lorick, NATM Board President

For the July/August issue of Tracks and in celebration of Independence Day, it is a very appropriate time to be thankful for all the opportunities we have as Americans and as trailer manufacturers. With the upheaval that COVID-19 has created in our communities and economy, it is crucial our Association continues to champion the needs of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. It is our responsibility to advocate on behalf of our member companies, the thousands of workers the industry employs, and the many communities that have flourished as a result of these businesses.

Simply participating in the Compliance Verification Program (CVP) is not enough to bring about positive change at a national level. We must take it a step further and advocate on behalf of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. The official NATM Government Affairs Program began when Carl Maxey, NATM President 2005-2006, established the first NATM Government Affairs Committee. Former President Maxey, along with the NATM Board of Directors, decided that NATM needed to become more proactive in addressing legislative and regulatory issues rather than continuing the reactive approach that NATM had unintentionally adopted for several years. Soon after, the NATM Government Affairs Committee determined that to be effective on legislative and regulatory issues NATM needed government affairs representation in Washington, D.C. and chose K&L Gates to guide the Association in 2008. K&L Gates has led numerous efforts on behalf of NATM with a long list of successes, including the doubles towaway language that was included in the FAST Act of 2015. To learn more about NATM’s advocacy, visit www.NATM.com/advocacy. In addition to voting, NATM members advocate on behalf of the industry during the Association’s annual Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits. This year, the event will take place on September 22. For more information about this year’s event, turn to page 12.

NATM also utilizes a Political Action Committee (PAC). The NATM PAC was established in 2010, and it has since been active in each congressional election. The NATM PAC is an effective tool in helping NATM educate political leaders on the Association’s priorities and NATM’s great work improving the safety of the industry and nation. For more information about the NATM PAC, contact NATM Assistant Director Meghan Ryan at Meghan.Ryan@natm.com, call (785) 272-4433, or turn to page 16.

Inviting Members of Congress to tour NATM Member facilities, either virtually or in person, is another great way to educate legislators about our industry. NATM encourages both suppliers and trailer manufacturers to schedule legislative plant tours or round tables to build relationships with political leaders. All Members of Congress have an impact on the outcome of any legislation, so it is essential to recruit advocates that understand and support the trailer industry. Hosting a plant tour is a simple process, and NATM will assist with the invitation and scheduling. For more information, turn to page 14.

2021 marked the fourth annual Trailer Safety Week, held June 6-12. This year built upon the success established in years past with additions like a dedicated media push to local outlets across the country and a focus on end-user engagement. The 2021 TSW saw over 317 allies committed to trailer safety and education—a 37 percent growth from 2020.

This year marked the first year the TSW made a strategic effort to reach law enforcement and public safety officials. These individuals and departments play a large role in distributing safe trailering information to their communities. Because of this, the TSW crafted the offical Law Enforcement Kit with relevant regulations, safe trailering practices, and an invitation to join TSW. To learn more about the TSW success, turn to page 22.

I am proud to be a part of this great nation, this great industry, and this great Association. Thank you for your support and participation!