NATM Hosts Annual Membership Meeting
Tracks
NATM Hosts Annual Membership Meeting By Elizabeth Moore, NATM Tracks Editor
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) held their annual membership meeting virtually on Feb. 18, 2021. The Association works to improve the safety of the nation’s roadways through its Compliance Verification Program (CVP) to ensure federal compliance of light- and medium-duty trailers under 26,000 lbs. GVWR. The membership meeting is usually held in person during the NATM Convention & Trade Show but was moved online due to the cancellation of the show. The event serves as a chance for members to discuss the Association’s successes and programming over the year. Topics covered included the financial health of the Association, membership benefits, marketing initiatives, educational programming, and the Association’s strategic planning. Membership Types With the Dealer Affiliate Program established and growing, NATM is once again looking to broaden membership opportunities to bolster trailer safety and education. The Association has proposed a new NATM membership type to be
voted on by the entire NATM membership in early spring. More details to come! Membership Benefits Even with all the obstacles 2020 presented, NATM continued to push forward to provide key benefits to members, including resources that could be utilized immediately in response to COVID-19. The Association brought members regular updates regarding changing regulations surrounding essential businesses, workplace safety, and available relief mechanisms. In addition, the Association: •
Created the Guidance on Workplace Safety for COVID-19
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Created a COVID-19 Resource Center on www.NATM.com
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Sent a letter to Vice President Pence outlining the experience of NATM members during this outbreak
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Partnered with Marsh and McLennan Agency to bring a weekly webinar series
As a result of the pandemic, NATM cancelled the 2021 Convention & Trade Show that was to be held in Nashville, Tenn. in February. The cancellation of the show was not only a disappointment, but also a financial detriment to many businesses as the NATM Convention & Trade Show serves as a major sales and marketing opportunity for suppliers and service providers to the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. To create additional business opportunities, NATM created year-round sponsorships for NATM’s webinars, new member program, and Trailer Safety Week—set for June 6-12. To view current sponsorship opportunities, visit page 28. Despite the dramatic shift in programming to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association launched new, and improved, existing benefits. In 2020, NATM launched an Association Health Plan, an Association 401(k) program, the online NATM Resource Library, and added monthly training for the compliance team. To find out details on the Association’s Affinity Programs, turn to page 64. The NATM Online Resource Library has informational articles and resources spanning across many categories, including: business administration/HR, technical, membership/marketing, the Compliance Verification Program (CVP), and a section
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May/June 2021
www.NATM.com
