Headquarter’s Report
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Headquarter’s Report By Kendra Ansley, NATM Executive Director
Spring is upon us! In years past, this time of year manufacturing kicks into high gear as consumer and dealer demand spikes, but the industry did not see the usual winter slow-down this year, and orders remain strong for the majority. The need for a strong, stable workforce to meet demand remains a primary challenge for the industry, and NATM is continuing to work with members to try to support efforts to close the gap. Looking to increase diversity inclusion initiatives (D&I) can be one way to tap into underrepresented populations and maintain employment levels. Turn to page 22 for the beginning of a D&I series. NATM also encourages its members to use the NATM Job Board to find candidates—learn more on page 26. As we all look forward to warmer weather and the continuation of increased production and sales, trailer safety will be key as trailer owners get back out on the road in full force. Ensuring trailers are road ready and compliant as well as providing resources to dealers and end-users about the safe use of trailers is the foundation of NATM’s mission—to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy.
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March/April 2021
NATM has released a number of fantastic resources for dealers in the last six months, including the NATM Dealer Compendium which includes over 300 pages of federal and state regulatory information as well as consumer resources. The Association also launched the NATM Resource Library for members and dealer affiliates which contains on-demand content such as technical and business management resources, archived educational articles and pre-recorded webinars. In addition, the online resource library contains useful information about how to use NATM compliance as a sales tool. NATM recognizes that communicating the importance and depth of the compliance program to end-users can be difficult, but the resources in the library will help dealers explain technically complicated, expansive regulations in a concise and simple way without overburdening the end-user. It is important to help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing a compliant, road-ready trailer. NATM is continuing to grow the resource library to ensure members and affiliates have the information they need at the touch of a button. The Association’s efforts to grow consumer awareness about safe trailering and regulatory compliance doesn’t end with
www.NATM.com
