President’s Report

By Marty Lorick, Triple Crown Trailers

As we move into the busier summer months, I would like to personally thank you all for renewing your membership with NATM. By choosing to be a member, trailer manufacturers are agreeing to mandatory participation in the NATM Compliance Verification Program, and it is an added business expense. Your renewal signifies a voluntary re-enlistment to continue improving the safety of the United States’ roadways. Your dedication to complying to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and best practices is what makes your company a cut above in its dedication to safety, and your participation in NATM strengthens the industry as a whole. Suppliers and service providers play a huge role in NATM’s success, and their membership and dedication are critical to our ability to provide educational resources and workshops, hold the annual NATM Convention & Trade Show, and publish Tracks magazine. Associate members are also on the cutting edge of improving component technologies and advancing compliance and safety initiatives, propelling the industry forward. These Associate members support the light- and medium-duty industry through their membership dues, advertising dollars, sponsorships, and leveraging their expertise to share with others in the industry through educational articles and workshops.

Being a member of NATM is wholly voluntary, and during this time of economic uncertainty, engagement with NATM may not be at the top of your companies’ priorities, but I can assure you that you are NATM’s top priority. The Association has rapidly adjusted during this time of continuous change to ensure that members have accurate information and that there are no lapses in benefits.

For our associate members supplying parts and services to the industry, you are also assisting with improving the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, and NATM trailer manufacturing members see that dedication. NATM would be unable to achieve its growth and positive influence in the industry without dedicated suppliers, service providers, and trailer manufacturers participating in the Association’s mission to “promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy.”

S SE EE E Y YO OU U I IN N T TA AM MP PA A! !

TheThe knowledgeknowledge gainedgained keepskeeps usus sharper,sharper, thethe relationshipsrelationships keepkeep usus inin touchtouch withwith industryindustry issues,issues, andand thethe tradetrade showshow providesprovides usus thethe abilityability toto purchasepurchase productsproducts atat a a competitivecompetitive level.level.

- Patrick Jennissen, Felling Trailers

Your membership dues are invaluable to supporting the efforts of the Association, and last year membership dues allowed NATM to:

• Launch an Association health care plan and a 401k plan. See page 64 for more information.

• Update the Guidelines for Minimum Recommended

Manufacturing Practices.

• Launch the NATM Dealer Compendium—a document based off the NATM Guidelines that contains information on technical topics like brakes and safety chains as well as information on the importance of compliance and how to market compliance to end-users.

• Host the second annual Workforce Development Summit in

November 2020.

• Launch the NATM Online Resource Library to which an online shop will be added later in 2021.

• Publish a wealth of information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

• Creating the Guidance on Workplace Safety for

COVID-19

• Creating a COVID-19 Resource Center on www.NATM.com

• Sending a letter to Vice President Pence outlining the experience of NATM members during this outbreak

• Partnering with MMA to bring a weekly webinar series.

• Launch year-round sponsorship opportunities.

• Host the first ever virtual Regulatory Roundup & Captiol Hill

Visits—an important step in continuing advocacy initiatives despite barriers to in-person meetings.

• Transition the NATM Compliance Verification Program to include both remote and hybrid consultation processes, continuing to ensure compliance while protecting the health and safety of those involved.

As a result of the pandemic, NATM cancelled the 2021 Convention & Trade Show that was to be held in Nashville, Tenn. The cancellation of the show was not only a disappointment, but also a financial detriment to many businesses as the NATM Show serves as a major sales and marketing opportunity for suppliers. To create additional business opportunities, NATM created sponsorships for NATM’s webinars, new member program, and Trailer Safety Week. For more information on available sponsorships, turn to page 28. However, there are plenty of upcoming NATM events to take part in, including Trailer Safety Week (TSW) which is set for June 6-12. NATM encourages all member companies to participate in this year’s Trailer Safety Week at whatever level of engagement they feel comfortable. Please consider signing up to be a Trailer Safety week Ally and sharing the official TSW Communications Kit. This pre-crafted kit includes social and blog posts, ready-to-use graphics, and ads for websites. Visit www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com/interest to sign up. To learn more about TSW, turn to page 18.

The annual Regulatory Roundup & Captiol Hill Visits are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 22, 2021. The Association is optimistic the event will be held in-person in Washington, D.C. Though, with numerous factors to consider, including Congressional offices being open to constituent visits, a decision will be reached closer to the event. Along with the NATM Convention & Trade Show, this is one of NATM’s most important events. It is especially crucial for NATM members to participate in this event with 60 new Members of Congress and the Highway Reauthorization Bill up for renewal. Member involvement is the next step in the success of the Association’s government affairs plan.

This Association is only successful thanks to the hardworking trailer manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and dealers that are committed to safety and compliance. If you are interested in becoming more involved through committee work or have any questions or concerns about your membership in the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, do not hesitate to contact the NATM staff by emailing NATMHQ@natm.com or calling (785) 272-4433. I look forward to serving and encourage your participation and input to further the success of our Association.

Marty Lorick, NATM Board President