TRACKS CO V E R S TO R Y
IN THIS ISSUE
Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: Women in RV Industry Page 46 CO N V E N T I O N
2024 Convention Workshops, Technical Forums Announced Page 14 E D U C AT I O N
More Than Just Another Sticker: Understanding Your NATM Decal Page 40 MEMBERSHIP
Hitting the Hill: Regulatory Round Up & Capitol Hill Visits as a First-Timer Page 57
The Official Publication of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers
November/December 2023 Volume 36 • Issue 6
President’s Report › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 4
as Host Hotel for 2024 Convention › › › › › › › › 25 Booth Selection Process for the 2024 Trade Show › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 26
Headquarters Report › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 6 NATM Leads Regulatory Roundup, Capitol Hill Day › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 10
2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show Developing Schedule › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 27 Thank You 2024 Convention Sponsors › › › › 28
Update your Files for 2024 NATM Political Action Committee › › › › › › › › › 11 2024 Convention Workshops, Technical Forums Announced › › › › › › › › › › › › › 14 Unlock the Secrets of Sales Success with Shawn Rhodes at 2024 Convention › › › 16
Act Fast: Booths Sold Out; Spaces Added Due to High Demand › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 29 Free Registrations for Dealer Affiliates, New Trailer Manufacturer Attendees at 2024 Convention › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 30 Statistically Speaking › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 31
TRACKS CO V E R S TO R Y
UE IN THIS ISS
Advertising Index › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 2
ON THE COVER
Contents Table of
rs and Breaking Barrie e: Shaping the Futur try Women in RV Indus Page 46 CO N V E N T I O N
Workshops, 2024 Convention Announced Technical Forums Page 14 E D U C AT I O N
Another More Than Just anding Sticker: Underst Your NATM Decal Page 40 MEMBERSHIP
Regulatory Hitting the Hill: Hill Round Up & Capitol er Visits as a First-Tim Page 57
The Official Publication
of the National Association
rers
of Trailer Manufactu
r 2023 November/Decembe 6 Volume 36 • Issue
Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: Women in RV Industry Page 46 Cover photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza Cerida Browning demonstrates her electrical skills during an all female RV training class.
NATM Names Abby Wiebler Quality Director › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 54 Renewing NATM Membership for 2024: A Symbol of Dedication to Trailer Safety › › 55
NATM Debuts New Mobile App for Convention & Trade Show › › › › › › › › › › › › › 17
NATM Revisits CVP Extension Process › › › › 35
Shaping the Future of Trailers: Show Off Your New Components at 2024 Display › › › › › › › › 18
NATM Demystifies Social Media Marketing with Three-Part Webinar Series › › › › › › › › › › 37
Destination Las Vegas: Unite with Trailer Industry at Convention › › › › › › › › 19
More Than Just Another Sticker: Understanding Your NATM Decal › › › › › › › › › 40
Tee Off Convention at Top Golf › › › › › › › › › › › 20
Dig into Expanded NATM Dealer Affiliate Program › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 44
1st Year Anniversaries › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 71
Support the Industry Through NATM Convention & Trade Show Sponsorships › › › 24
NATM Relaunches Creative Services › › › › › › › 51
Welcome New Members › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 72
South Point Hotel Offers Unbeatable Value
New Opportunities to Advertise › › › › › › › › › › 53
Press Releases › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 74
STAFF
Compliance Consultant Aaron Langer • Aaron.Langer@natm.com
DIRECTORS FEB. 2021 - FEB. 2024
Attending Regulatory Round Up & Capitol Hill Visits as a First-Timer › › › › › › › 57 Red Fern Hosts Site Tour for US Rep. › › › › › › 63 Lippert Celebrates 20 Years on NYSE › › › › › › 65 Submit Your NATM Member News › › › › › › › › 68
Tracks Editor Samantha Darling LaCount • Samantha.Darling@natm.com Executive Director Alex Stowe • Alex.Stowe@natm.com Assistant Director Meghan Ryan • Meghan.Ryan@natm.com Marketing Director Savana Morrison • Savana.Morrison@natm.com Technical Director Scott Crimmins • Scott.Crimmins@natm.com Education Director Ginger Baker-Sanhueza • Ginger.BakerSanhueza@natm.com Events Director Alieen Valido • Aileen.Valido@natm.com Quality Director Abby Wiebler • Abby.Wiebler@natm.com Compliance Manager Sean Sloan • Sean.Sloan@natm.com Member Outreach Specialist Scott Simons • Scott.Simons@natm.com
Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski • Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com Marketing Coordinator Mary Klaire Perez • Mary.KlairePerez@natm.com Bookkeeper Sherry Palmeroni • Sherry.Palmeroni@natm.com OFFICERS President Marco Garcia • U-Haul International, Inc.
Leo Akins • Forest River, Inc. Andy Derr • M.H. Eby, Inc. Rick Huddleston • White River Marine Group John Kerr • Marsh & McLennan Agency DIRECTORS FEB. 2022 - FEB. 2025 Charles Daugherty • Red Fern Dynamics Andy Gehman • MGS Incorporated Daniel Luby • BoatMate Trailers, Inc.
Vice President Andy Derr • M.H. Eby, Inc.
Nathan Uphus • Felling Trailers
Treasurer Nathan Uphus • Felling Trailers
DIRECTORS FEB. 2023 - FEB. 2026
Associate Member Representative John Kerr • Marsh & McLennan Past President Marty Lorick • Triple Crown Trailers Inc.
Dealer Programming Specialist Andrea Boetticher • Andrea.Boetticher@natm.com
Bill O'Hara • Dexter Jon Devitt • Midwest Industries, Inc. Jeff Jones • Statistical Surveys, Inc. Dustin Miller • Cross Trailers, Inc. Mike Story • LOOK Trailers Michael Etheridge • Wylie & Son, Inc. Steve Courreges • Taskmaster Components
About this publication: Tracks Volume 36, Issue 6 November/December 2023 is published six times a year (bi-monthly) for $50 per year by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, 2420 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NATM 2420 SW 17th St, Topeka, KS 66604. DISCLAIMER: The inclusion in this magazine of advertising, logos, or website links, or reference to any products, services, trade names, or manufacturers is not an endorsement by NATM of any such advertisers, links, entities, products, services, or names. NATM through this magazine provides news and opinion articles as a service to its members and readers. Often these articles come from sources outside of its organization. Statements and opinions expressed in these articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, its staff or management, or the official policies of NATM. Nor does NATM accept responsibility for any errors or omissions made in publishing or reproducing articles or advertising appearing in Tracks or for the return of unsolicited manuscripts sent to NATM. USPS Number: 022438
ISSN Number: 1552-2415
NATM Headquarters • 2420 SW 17th St. • Topeka, KS 66604 • (785) 272-4433 • Fax: (785) 272-4455
TRACKS
Advertising Index 5 Star Trailers › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › Inside Front Cover
ElkRiver Trailers › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 80
A.L. Hansen Mfg. Co. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 62
EQ Systems › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 12-13
Affiliated Resources, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 33
H.E. Parmer Company, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 17
ASA Electronics › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 22
Heskins, LLC › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 70
Canadian Load Divider Dollies Inc › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 31
Hutchens Industries, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 23
Clicklease › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 9
IDC Spring › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 51
Craftmark › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 58
Kenda/Americana Tire
NINGBO JINGYI MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO., LTD › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 43 Nordec Incorporated › › › › › › › › › › › › Inside Back Cover Optronics International › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 39 PPG › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 7 Ridewell Suspensions › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 52 Stillwell › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 32
& Wheel Corporation › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 56
The Raynor Company › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 42
LaVanture
TecNiq › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 73
DealersCircle, Inc › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 34 Demco › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 5
Products Company › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 48
Dexter › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 8, 59
Lippert › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 75
EAGLE Hydraulic Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › Back Cover
Napoleon/Lynx › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 38
Tie Down Engineering, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 2 Uprising Engineering › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 3 Wire Works East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 78
Technologies, Inc. › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › 36
Tie Down Is Your #1 Source For Manufacturing The Most Reliable Trailer Parts & Accessories: • Custom Aluminum, PVC, & Steel Fenders • Boat Trailer Accessories • And All Your Custom Fabrication Needs
Atlanta, GA. • www.tiedown.com
2
November/December 2023
www.NATM.com
3
TRACKS
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
President’s Report By Marco Garcia, U-Haul International, Inc. As 2023 comes to a close, it is important to reflect on this year’s successes and be thankful for what we have accomplished through hard work and diligence. I would like to celebrate the highlights of our efforts throughout the year, and to thank the NATM Membership, Committees, and Staff for their diligent work.
Convention & Trade Show It was great to have so many members together for the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas. A record number of people attended and the show floor was sold out showing that this show is a staple for the light- and mediumduty trailer industry. The feedback that NATM Staff received from both trailer manufacturers and exhibitors was extremely positive, with a lot of “best show ever” comments, and NATM exhibitors reported that NATM is successfully helping them grow their business by bringing in decision-makers and quality leads. As I write this in October, the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show registrations are streaming in and booth space is selling fast with the Convention Committee looking to create more exhibit space to accommodate. I am very pleased to see that the various promotions for trailer manufacturers are encouraging both first-time attendees, and those that have not attended in five years, to come to the upcoming show in Las Vegas. Booth space is now on sale for all interested parties and is first come, first served so sign up today and I look forward to seeing you there! For more information about NATM’s 2024 Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, see Page 19 or contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm.com.
Association Expansion, Growth Speaking of Aileen, NATM expanded its’ staff by adding new positions to bring expertise and attention to Association benefits. As the new Events Director, Aileen’s primary focus is the NATM Convention and continuing to bring added benefits to attendees. Ginger Baker-Sanhueza was hired as Education Director to build out the NATM Academy and bring more educational content to NATM’s publications. Andrea Boetticher was hired as Dealer Programming Specialist and she is focused on Dealer Affiliates and their specific needs and helping to grow their involvement. Klaire Perez was hired on as the Marketing Coordinator. She supports Marketing Director Savana Morrison in the development and implementation of marketing projects for the Association. Our Association has been committed to the light- and mediumduty trailer industry for nearly 40 years, with its focus on the manufacture of trailers compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This extension to include trailer dealers as affiliates was a natural next step in the evolution of our expanding trailer safety efforts. Trying to directly reach the millions of very different trailer users is not the most effective method, and therefore by offering dealers the safety resources their dealerships want, we can help close the gap of communication 4
November/December 2023
between end-user and trailer manufacturers and further improve trailer and roadway safety. Please reach out to your trailer dealers and encourage them to join as an NATM Trailer Dealer Affiliate in order to improve the safety of our nation’s roadways. For more information, contact NATM Membership Outreach Specialist Scott Simons at Scott.Simons@natm.com.
Trailer Safety Week This year, we saw increased participation in the national Trailer Safety Week held June 4-10, 2023. Trailer Safety Week is a national awareness campaign that aims to educate end-users on trailer safety including safe towing practices and maintenance. As part of NATM’s mission to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy, NATM created the nation-wide safety week with the mission “to improve the safety of the nation’s roadways by raising trailer safety awareness through education of endusers, dealers and manufacturers on safe trailering practices.” The sixth annual Trailer Safety Week was an incredible success thanks to the many TSW Allies and the work of the NATM Staff. Through social media, and with the help of the more than 540 Trailer Safety Week Allies, the importance of trailer safety reached hundreds of thousands. This year, countless social media posts were created and shared in hopes of better educating end-users on important safety measures to take when trailering. Topics covered throughout the week included driving tips, hitching, loading, trailer maintenance, and NATM’s Compliance Verification Program. All social media posts were aimed at leading viewers to www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com, which houses comprehensive trailer safety guidance for end-users. For more information on how to become more involved in the 2024 Trailer Safety Week to be held June 2-8, 2024, visit www.TrailerSafetyWeek.com.
Government Affairs Outreach Trailer Safety Week was one of the main talking points of the 2023 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits. More than 30 NATM Members and staff members held meetings with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the topics decided on by the Government Affairs Committee. Another topic these meetings addressed was the upcoming side underride guard rulemaking proposal as well as allowing the congressional members the opportunity to meet with constituents in their districts. For more information regarding the 2023 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits, turn to Page 57.
Thank You NATM’s success is only possible because of the hard work and dedication of its Members, and we truly value your contributions to making this year’s achievements a reality. Thank you to everyone who took the time to serve on an NATM Committee, attend the Trade Show, or take part in our government affairs initiatives including this year’s Regulatory Roundup. As I’ve mentioned above, I’m excited with the direction the Association is going and look forward to all the things we’ll accomplish in 2024. Have a safe winter hauliday season and a very happy New Year! ■ www.NATM.com
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TRACKS
H E A D Q UA R T E R S R E P O R T
Headquarters NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
REPORT
By Alex Stowe, NATM Executive Director
The end of the year is quickly approaching, and it’s the perfect time to reflect back on all that has been accomplished before the enthusiasm of the New Year kicks in. From staff expansion to providing more membership benefits, to events, and the continued progress of many beloved programs, 2023 was a great success. While 2023 was significantly less bumpy than the previous few years, we started off on a high with record attendance at the Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, and are closing out the year with preparations well underway to navigate a still uncertain economy. Fortunately, NATM and its member businesses learned a lot from the Great Recession, and the Association is doing everything it can to prepare for navigating an uncertain marketplace. NATM’s mission is to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy, and looking back at 2023, NATM definitely followed our mission. At the 2023 Convention, NATM brought together a record 1,500 attendees. By bringing the industry together for the Convention & Trade Show, NATM was able to further educate the industry on best practices via educational sessions and technical forums, while also providing an excellent opportunity for members to walk the Trade Show floor to meet with potential vendors and other members of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. Also, NATM’s Technical Staff have a booth and are happy to assist with questions members have! In taking trailer safety one step further, NATM’s sixth annual Trailer Safety Week was celebrated June 4 through the 10. Boasting more than 540 allies including members, non-members, law enforcement, and state departments of transportation among other interested parties, the awareness campaign, which earned federal recognition this year, continues to grow and work with new groups to promote trailer safety. Trailer safety is important 365 days a year, and it’s never too late to join the movement. To learn more about how your company can get involved for 2024, visit www.trailersafetyweek.com/interest. Behind the scenes, NATM’s staff grew as we now have 16 full-time employees with five new staff added in 2023 alone. With a greater focus on involving Dealer Affiliates, NATM hopes to continue to grow programming and provide value for all member types. The Association has also expanded its educational offerings, including the 6
November/December 2023
recent webinars focusing on improving and building out member’s social media presence. Unable to attend the webinars live? No problem! NATM has expanded its online member benefits page, giving Members ondemand access to webinars to suit their busy schedules. From a government affairs perspective, the Association and its representatives at K&L Gates have been hard at work. Early this year, NATM’s efforts were rewarded when Congressman Moran and Congressman LaTurner included appropriations requests on behalf of NATM in both the House and Senate budgets for 2024. This is a huge step forward in NATM obtaining funds from NHTSA to help promote trailer safety. In September, NATM Members and Staff came together in Washington, D.C. for the annual Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits, and had 66 congressional meetings. There they spoke about the Trailer Safety Improvement Act, garnering additional support in the House and requesting Senate companion legislation be created. On Capitol Hill, attendees also provided education about the industry’s commitment to safety, the value of NATM, and industry pain points like the proposed rulemaking relating to side underrides. NATM is closely monitoring the movement on this proposed rulemaking, with specific interest in how this proposed side underride rulemaking would impact the medium-duty trailer industry. While meeting with members of Congress, Roundup participants stressed the importance of using concise language with any potential rulemaking relating to side underrides. 2023 saw the expansion of member and dealer benefits, including access to more state regulation information and an improved Compliance Verification Program. Meanwhile, significant progress was made in developing NATM Academy, an online, on-demand training platform for the industry. Further, a large part of NATM’s new strategic plan includes member engagement and our marketing staff has been hard at work engaging with more of our members. Through offerings like NATM’s Woman Crush Wednesday social media campaign, the new Member News Section, and other offerings, NATM’s Marketing Staff wants to continue to hear from you, our Members. More information can be found at NATM.com. It has been another year of adapting to meet member needs and the Association is excited to continue this positive momentum into 2024! ■ www.NATM.com
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9
TRACKS
G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S
NATM Leads Regulatory Roundup, Capitol Hill Day By Brody Garland, K&L Gates
In July 2023, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) released the text of their federal funding bill for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). In line with the Republican majority’s focus on reduced federal spending, the draft bill proposed a discretionary total of $21.6 billion for programs within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which represents $7.2 billion below spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. The allocation provides $891.3 million for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as $1.3 billion for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to fund critical highway safety programs. With the release of each year’s federal funding bills, the Committee also provides bill report language suggesting specific areas of interest that the agencies should be addressing when making their spending priorities for the year. This year, in addition to discussions of automatic emergency braking, autonomous vehicle technology, and crashworthiness research, the Committee encouraged NHTSA to work in collaboration with individual states and safety-focused non-profit organizations to educate consumers on safe usage of light- and medium-duty trailers. The Committee report language showcases the importance of trailer safety initiatives and encourages federal agencies to work within their current authority to fund programs that will prioritize advocacy of these critical safety programs. Regular congressional procedure dictates that both chambers (the House and the Senate) will produce an appropriations bill for the upcoming 10
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fiscal year in each of its 12 spending accounts. In the Senate, the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee spending bill provides some $28.4 billion in funding for the Department of Transportation for FY24, setting a clear contrast with the House in terms of overall funding levels and programmatic priorities. The Senate’s allocation provides for $1.08 billion for FMCSA’s efforts to promote the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles, as well as nearly $1.56 billion for NHTSA’s highway traffic safety initiatives. Similarly to the House’s FY24 spending bill, the Senate also included report language highlighting the importance of trailer safety programs, and encouraging NHTSA to work with the states to fund efforts that educate dealers and end users of light- and medium-duty trailers on safety protocols. With both funding bills released and the priorities of each chamber set, discussions on how to reconcile the differences in the two bills will begin, culminating in year-end negotiations on all 12 FY24 appropriations bills. Regardless of the outcome of the spending levels for NHTSA at the end of the discussions, the report language urging agencies to work on trailer safety funding will remain (absent any language specifically removing it from the final THUD bill). The end result will be a codified reminder to NHTSA and other safety authorities that educating consumers on best practices for the safe operation of light- and medium-duty trailers on the nation’s roadways is a real priority, and that collaboration with safety organizations is critical. ■ www.NATM.com
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Update Your Files for 2024 NATM Political Action Committee By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) established a Political Action Committee, the NATM PAC, in 2010. The NATM PAC serves to support members of Congress who support the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and its positions on matters of public policy. Campaign finance law requires NATM to secure “prior approval” from member companies before soliciting member companies’ executive and administrative personnel, stockholders, and the families of both groups. Member companies may not approve solicitations by more than one trade association in any calendar year. If, on behalf of the company you are authorized to represent, you would like to grant prior approval for the administrative personnel, stockholders, and the families of both groups of your company to be solicited
www.NATM.com
by NATM in calendar year 2024, please complete the prior approval agreement online using the QR code on this page. Since its inception, 60 individuals have contributed to the PAC raising more than $151,000 and those dollars have contributed to over 80 incumbent campaign committees on both sides of the aisle. The PAC is governed by a Board of Directors composed entirely of NATM Members. The PAC Board is responsible for developing both an annual budget and confirming candidates to whom the PAC will contribute based on specific, established criteria. Having the PAC Board composed of industry members is a key feature of assuring PAC goals align with industry needs. To learn more about the PAC, contact NATM PAC Treasurer Alex Stowe at Alex.Stowe@natm.com. ■
November/December 2023
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Stacy Ettinger, along with Brody Garland, with K&L Gates deliver the government affairs update at the 2023 Convention. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount.
2024 Convention Workshops, Technical Forums Announced By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Education Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is thrilled to announce the lineup of educational workshops and technical forums for the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show. Carefully curated to cater to the diverse needs of all participants in the industry, the show’s educational programming aims to provide valuable insights, expert knowledge, and cutting-edge skills that will benefit each and every attendee. NATM is excited to bring you a dynamic array of sessions led by industry leaders, designed to empower you with the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions in the industry’s ever-evolving landscape.
Tuesday, February 13: ›
Workshop Session 1: Government Affairs Update Presenter: Brody Garland, K&L Gates 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Interested in learning more about NATM’s work on Capitol Hill? Come join the Government Affairs discussion covering Congressional activities and what can be expected in 2024. ›
Technical Forum Session 1: A Comparison of Cargo Trailer Assembly Methods Presenters: Ryan Faber (Portfolio Manager) and Julia Poppe (Application Engineer), 3M Company 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
A comprehensive comparison and live demonstrations 14
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of trailer assembly methods, including mechanical fasteners, liquid adhesives, acrylic foam tape, and liquid/ tape combination. Industry experts will share insights on design, assembly, and performance considerations for lighter-weight adhesives compared to mechanical fastener designs. Learn how to sell the different assembly types and hear customer testimonials on automating production for enhanced efficiency and increased output. ›
Keynote Speaker: Bulletproof Selling Presenter: Shawn Rhodes, Bulletproof Selling 12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Sales is a high-stakes battlefield, and the path to success is treacherous. It’s full of relentless stress, with unknown threats lurking around every corner. Salespeople are learning the hard way that hope is not a sales strategy. Through gripping stories from his experiences on battlefields and the front lines of sales, Shawn Rhodes unveils the secret to selling more — and serving more. Learn how to rapidly adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty and never lose a sale for the same reason again. This session will show how to rewrite the rules, defy the odds, and unleash your full potential on the battlefield of business. ›
Workshop Session 2: Beyond Compliance: Turbocharge Your Sales with the NATM Decal Advantage Presenter: Shawn Rhodes, Keynote Speaker and Sales Expert; and Scott Crimmins, NATM Technical Director 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. 2-part series www.NATM.com
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Part 1: Here is your time to connect with our keynote speaker, Shawn Rhodes, for a Q&A session — bring your toughest sales challenges! Additionally, you will discover what NATM’s exclusive Compliance Verification Program is and how to use its full potential to unlock increased profitability for your business. Part 2: In the second part, participants will be immersed in engaging role-playing scenarios, equipping them with real-world tools and techniques to leverage the Compliance Verification Program as a sales differentiator. Shawn Rhodes will guide you through some on-the-spot sales conversations so you can elevate your sales game and capitalize on the NATM Decal advantage for unprecedented growth and success!
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business owners face a multitude of HR challenges and opportunities. This workshop is designed to equip individuals handling HR responsibilities with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in this ever-evolving field. The workshop will cover the latest HR trends and provide actionable solutions to tackle HR challenges head-on. Whether you’re dealing with talent shortages, adapting to new technology, or experiencing frustrating turnover, strategies and best practices will be shared to help your organization successfully attract and retain talent. ›
Technical Forum Session 3: The Power of Innovation: Powder Coating and Towing Technologies Unveiled Presenters: Stephen Houston, Vitracoat; and Bobby Keith, Ford 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 2-part series
Join an enlightening two-part Technical Forum where industry leaders will shed light on the latest advancements in two key areas. Part 1: Vitracoat, a renowned global powder coating manufacturer, will unveil the six root causes for powder coating failures on trailers and share strategies to avoid them. Through real-life examples shared by the participants, the speaker will demonstrate effective troubleshooting techniques, empowering you with the knowledge to overcome challenges and ensure flawless powder coating applications in your own projects. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and revolutionize your powder coating practices.
Technical Director Scott Crimmins presents at the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in Forth Worth, Texas. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount.
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Technical Forum Session 2: Welding and Cutting Automation Presenter: Bill Pharmer, Airgas 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Delve into the latest equipment and trends, including cobots, additive manufacturing, Laser technology, conventional robotics, and plasma cutting. Gain valuable insights into calculating return on investment (ROI) and formulating effective deployment strategies for implementing these advanced automation solutions. Led by industry experts, this session will empower attendees with the knowledge and tools to embrace automation's transformative potential, optimizing processes, and driving productivity to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and revolutionize your welding and cutting operations with state-of-the-art technologies.
Wednesday, February 14: ›
Workshop Session 3: Top HR Trends and Solutions for Attracting and Retaining Talent Presenter: Stephanie Hand, Lutz 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
In today’s business landscape, HR professionals and www.NATM.com
Part 2: OEM automotive manufacturer member, Ford, will take the stage to discuss the newest technologies in towing, providing valuable insights into the automotive industry's towing advancements. Don't miss this opportunity to stay at the forefront of technological developments and gain a competitive edge in your field. ›
Workshop Session 4: Seeing The Forest For The Trees: Investing For The Future Presenter: TBA 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Staying informed is a key factor in maintaining a successful path to your financial goals. Join the experts as they discuss recent market trends and the long-term opportunities they are creating. This workshop will provide valuable knowledge and guidance to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of today's financial landscapes. ›
Technical Forum Session 4: VIN Calculations Made Easy Presenters: Whitney Kovalenko, Dec-O-Art 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
This workshop is designed to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of VIN-related processes, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to achieve federal compliance seamlessly. Don't miss this opportunity to streamline your VIN calculations and labeling procedures, ensuring smooth operations in the automotive industry. *As of 10/4/2023– Topics/presenters are subject to change. ■ November/December 2023
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Unlock the Secrets of Sales Success with Shawn Rhodes at 2024 Convention By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Education Director
Sales: A High-Stakes Battlefield In the ever-evolving world of sales, success is akin to navigating a high-stakes battlefield. It's a journey fraught with relentless stress and unseen threats lurking at every turn. In such unforgiving terrain, hope alone is not a strategy. Enter Shawn Rhodes, the “Chief Sales Sergeant” of Bulletproof Selling, who will be gracing the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) 2024 Convention stage as the keynote speaker.
Shawn Rhodes: From Battlefields to Boardrooms Rhodes, known for his "Bulletproof Selling," is an international keynote speaker, author of four books, and a nationally syndicated business columnist. Before dedicating his career to making salespeople "Bulletproof," he was a Marine Corps war correspondent tasked with accompanying troops into combat to witness how they became “Bulletproof” on the battlefield. His work and insights have appeared in TIME Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, NBC, Forbes, INC, and hundreds of other media outlets. Recognized as one of the industry’s top sales experts, Rhodes is known as the “O.G. of sales systems.” Wherever he speaks, he puts his experience studying more than 30,000 sales calls across hundreds of industries to work for his audiences, so salespeople and business leaders can remove hope from how they sell — and how they serve. Rhodes brings a unique perspective to the sales arena, one forged on the battlefields and honed on the front lines of sales. His gripping stories from both realms serve as powerful metaphors for overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of uncertainty.
The Power of Adaptation In his keynote presentation titled, "Bulletproof Selling," scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Rhodes will share the secret to selling more and serving more. Drawing parallels between combat scenarios and sales challenges, he will demonstrate how rapid adaptation is the key to success. Attendees will discover how to rewrite the rules, defy the odds, and unlock their full potential in the battlefield of business.
Beyond Compliance: Turbocharge Your Sales with the NATM Decal Advantage But Rhodes’ contributions to the NATM Convention do not stop 16
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Shawn Rhodes will serve as the 2024 Convention & Trade Show keynote speaker. Photo provided by Shawn Rhodes. at the keynote address. Following his keynote presentation, join Rhodes in his workshop series, "Beyond Compliance: Turbocharge Your Sales with the NATM Decal Advantage," scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. There, he will delve deep into the strategies that drive sales excellence.
Part 1: Leveraging the NATM Decal In the first part, attendees will learn how to supercharge their sales strategies by harnessing the power of the NATM Decal as a formidable sales differential. Rhodes will unveil the secrets of leveraging NATM’s exclusive Compliance Verification Program to its fullest potential, translating into increased profitability for businesses.
Part 2: Role-Playing for Success The second part of this engaging workshop promises to immerse participants in dynamic role-playing scenarios. Guided by Rhodes’ expertise, attendees will gain real-world tools and techniques to leverage the Compliance Verification Program as a sales differentiator. This hands-on session is a unique opportunity to elevate your sales game and capitalize on the NATM Decal advantage for unprecedented growth and success. Don't miss this chance to gain insights from one of the industry's top sales experts. Rhodes' presentations promise to leave a lasting impression, offering a roadmap to success in the ever-competitive world of sales. ■ www.NATM.com
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You Asked, We Listened! NATM Debuts New Mobile App for Convention & Trade Show By Catie Rutkowski, NATM Membership & Events Coordinator
Get ready for an unparalleled event experience as the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) proudly introduces its new Mobile App powered by Whova. The upcoming 2024 Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas promises to be a game-changer, offering attendees an interactive and streamlined way to navigate the event's schedule, connect with fellow participants, and engage with exhibitors like never before. With the user-friendly Mobile App at your fingertips, you'll have all the tools you need to make the most out of your Convention experience. The Whova Event app is available on the App Store and Google Play. As you gear up for the 2024 Convention & Trade Show, NATM encourages you to download the Whova App and familiarize yourself with it. Check NATM. com for app instruction. This guide will serve as your roadmap to navigating the app's features, ensuring that you're well-prepared to seize every opportunity
the Convention & Trade Show has to offer. Among the standout features in the new Mobile App is the highly requested Lead Retrieval function. No longer will you miss out on valuable connections and potential business opportunities. Exhibitors can effortlessly capture and manage leads directly from the app, ensuring that every meaningful conversation transforms into a fruitful professional connection. To learn more about harnessing the power of Lead Retrieval, exhibitors can dive into the comprehensive Lead Retrieval Tutorial for Exhibitors accessible at www.whova.com. With this new feature, NATM is committed to enhancing networking opportunities and facilitating meaningful interactions, making this year's Convention & Trade Show an event you won't want to miss. For questions, please contact Catie Rutkowski, NATM’s Membership & Events Coordinator, at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com. ■
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Shaping the Future of Trailers: Show Off Your New Components at 2024 Display By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director Innovation knows no bounds, and in the world of trailers, it's the components that drive the industry forward. For the 2024 Convention & Trade Show, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) will work to highlight the newest and hottest in the light- and mediumduty industry in its New Product Display showcase. This showcase offers NATM Trade Show exhibitors an additional opportunity to get in front of prospective customers outside of the confines of their booth space. Have a new product that will improve trailer safety or manufacturing and production? Have an exciting component to share with prospective customers? A new service that will save trailer manufacturers thousands? For just $500 a product, you’ll have the opportunity to introduce your new products to key industry leaders at the 2024 show in Las Vegas.
Recognition Not only will the new product showcase highlight your cutting-edge components, but your peers and customers will be able to participate in democracy on the show floor by voting for awards in multiple categories. From advanced suspension systems and smart braking technologies to energy-efficient lighting and state-of-the-art cargo securing mechanisms, components are the unsung heroes that elevate the trailer experience. The recognition and awards gained from participation in this showcase will assist in raising market awareness of your innovative or new product. During the course of the NATM Convention & Trade Show, attendees will have the chance to vote on their favorite products on the Convention Mobile App. Once the voting process closes, the winners are presented with awards for the inaugural event. The winning awards will be announced at the New Products Display Awards on Thursday, February 15, at 10:00 a.m. Winners will also be featured in NATM’S Tracks Magazine and will have the opportunity to be considered for a product special feature article.
Criteria and Display The New Product Display is only open to vendor exhibitors at the 2024 Convention & Trade Show and the submission must be a physical product that can be on display at the event. The product release date must be any time after January 1, 2021. 18
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Participating exhibitors must bring their product to the show floor on Tuesday, February 13, between 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. or ship the product to the warehouse addressed to NATM Show Management. The deadline to submit your product application is December 8, 2023. Scan the QR Code for the online application and to find the additional requirements to participate. Please note that NATM will be unable to accept late or onsite submissions.
Raffle Innovation is best experienced firsthand, which is why NATM is excited to offer the New Product Display showcase raffle, an exceptional opportunity for trailer manufacturer and dealer attendees to engage with the showcased products in a unique way. By participating in the raffle, attendees get a chance not only to witness the innovation of your products but to even take them home! The raffle will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 15. It is optional to participate in the raffle and exhibitors in the New Product Display are able to choose whether they participate or not during the application process. Participation in the New Product Display is $500 per product. As NATM is the only 501(c)(6) not-for-profit trade organization in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, this participation fee directly supports the educational programming and funding that has a positive and lasting impact on trailer safety nationwide. When your company contributes to NATM through exhibiting, sponsorships, and advertising, you are directly supporting initiatives that empower and improve the lightand medium-duty trailer industry at all key stakeholder levels including end-users, suppliers, trailer manufacturers, dealers, law enforcement, and traffic safety organizations. From educational outreach on trailer maintenance and safe towing practices to end-users, to improving access to reputable resources for trailer manufacturers, your involvement creates a multiplier effect of positive impact by supporting the only not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to improving light- and medium-duty trailer safety. For more information about the developing schedule, go to Page 27. If you have any questions about the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show New Product Display, contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■ www.NATM.com
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The South Point Hotel in Las Vegas will be the host hotel for the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show. Photo provided by South Point Hotel.
Destination Las Vegas: Unite with Trailer Industry at Convention By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is looking forward to returning to the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Feb. 13-15, 2024. The Convention & Trade Show hosted in Fort Worth in February 2023 saw a record-breaking number of trailer manufacturers in attendance, and NATM is looking forward to upping the ante in Las Vegas! Registration for the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show opened on May 17, 2023. To register to attend, simply scan the QR Code.
Booth Selection The NATM member rate for a 10’ x 10’ booth is $1,785. Booth spaces for non-members are $3,570. Trade Show space opened to 2023 sponsors starting May 17, and as of Sept. 5, all companies are now eligible to purchase booths. For more information about the booth selection process, turn to Page 26.
Sponsorships As always, the NATM Convention & Trade Show would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors. There are sponsorship opportunities available from $250 to $50,000 to fit any budget. Being a sponsor allows you to select your booth before previous exhibitors and the general membership, and provides a wide range of exposure, both electronically on NATM’s website and mobile app and in print on signage and branded events. This creates name recognition which helps drive customers to your booth. For more information about how sponsorships support NATM as a not-for-profit, turn to Page 24.
may qualify for NATM’s New Attendee Promotion! The New Attendee Promotion includes two complimentary full registrations, two spouse/partner registrations, and up to two complimentary hotel room nights per company at the host hotel for the Convention. Those interested in participating should contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie. Rutkowski@natm.com soon. Complimentary hotel rooms are provided on a first come, first served basis and will go fast. Deadline for the New Member Promotion is Dec. 29, 2023. To sign up for NATM Convention & Trade Show emails, visit www.NATM.com/convention.
Hotel Information NATM is thrilled to be once again returning to The South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa! The discounted NATM rate for the South Point Hotel is $80 per night including resort fees (Feb. 12-16) and $135 per night including resort fees (Feb. 16-17). Located in the heart of the Las Vegas valley, the South Point provides dual views of the surrounding valley and the serenity of the mountains that border it. Hotel accommodations can be made by visiting www.NATM.com or calling (866) 791-7627 and mentioning the NATM room block. For more information about the host hotel, turn to Page 25.
New Attendee Promotion
Please remember, the only way to guarantee a room at the special NATM rate is to book directly from the NATM website. Please note, NATM has not authorized any group hotel room services to call you or to solicit your business! These third parties also use the NATM logo in their communications, so please ensure to book with those with emails ending in @natm.com.
Are you a new member trailer manufacturer? Are you a trailer manufacturer whose company has not attended in the last five years? Are you a Dealer Affiliate? You
Questions about the show sponsorship opportunities or exhibit space? Contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■
www.NATM.com
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Attendees tee off at the 2023 Topgolf event. Photo by Savana Morrison
Tee Off Convention at Top Golf By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
Get ready to tee off an unforgettable week at the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) Convention & Trade Show in February with a swing and a smile! NATM is thrilled to once again invite attendees to the Tee Off Convention Topgolf Event, sponsored by PPG, taking place on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Las Vegas Topgolf location. It's an evening packed with camaraderie, competition, and the chance to win big in the Hole-In-One contest with a whopping $10,000 jackpot up for grabs.
Event Details: Date: Monday, February 12, 2024 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Location: Topgolf Las Vegas 4627 Koval Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89109 Transportation: Buses will be provided to and from the South Point Hotel and Topgolf. Price: $85 per person (Includes two drink tickets, dinner, and Topgolf fun, including the Hole-In-One competition) 20
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Event Schedule: 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Check-in for buses at the South Point Hotel Entrance 5:30 p.m.: Buses depart for Topgolf 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.: Tee Off Convention Topgolf Event Our Tee Off Convention Topgolf Event promises an evening of fantastic networking opportunities for the trailer industry to kickstart your week at the convention. It's the perfect chance to connect with fellow NATM members, make new industry contacts, and enjoy some competitive golfing fun.
To Register: Tickets are $85 per person and registration is a breeze! Simply visit our website at www.natm.com to secure your spot. Don't wait too long, as spaces are limited, and this event is always a popular hit! Questions? Contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at (785) 272-4433 or Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com. ■ www.NATM.com
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Support the Industry Through NATM Convention & Trade Show Sponsorships By Aileen Valido, NATM Events Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is headed to Las Vegas for the 2024 Convention & Trade Show on February 13-15, 2024, and there are still limited sponsorship opportunities available. Sponsoring the Convention & Trade Show helps reach trailer manufacturing customers and supports the industry. Not only does sponsoring provide excellent brand exposure and visibility within the light- and medium-duty trailer manufacturing realm, but it also demonstrates your commitment to the industry. If you are looking to reach the decision-makers in the industry, this is the event to make a splash! What better way to market to attendees than to show your support of NATM by sponsoring an item or event at the Convention & Trade Show? The Show offers a myriad of sponsorship opportunities to elevate your brand, including the following highly sought-after sponsorships, which are still available:
$5,000 Ribbon Wall - Attendee Favorite! Provide attendees with a little flare on their name badges with a sponsored ribbon wall near registration. From NATM credentials such as committee work and company anniversaries to fun characteristics, attendees are sure to flaunt their ribbons with pride. Sponsors may provide ribbons of their choosing to be included on the wall pending NATM approval.
$9,500 Hotel Keycard - High Visibility! This sponsorship opportunity will go fast! Don’t delay, have your company’s logo on NATM Convention & Trade Show attendees’ room keycards.
$5,500 Hole-In-One Competition - Talk of the Tee! Sponsor 200 shots, one for each attendee, to attempt to win $10,000 cash (not yours of course!) with a holein-one competition. A sponsor sign and dedicated Topgolf bay will be supplied for the competition. 24
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NATM Board Member Nathan Uphus of Felling Trailers (right) and other 2023 Convention attendees select ribbons from the Ribbon Wall. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount.
$1,500 Full Prospect Reach Email - Pre-Show Exposure! Reach potential customers before the show even starts by sponsoring a full-prospect email. Being featured in an official #NATMShow email will have attendees talking about your company long before they even step foot on the Trade Show floor.
Emails Include: Holiday Email, Early Bird Registration, Flash Sale Sponsorships are a powerful component in reinforcing your marketing program. Sponsorships allow you to reach a highly-targeted market and provide NATM funding to deliver high-quality educational programs, speakers, and networking events. If you have any questions about the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show Sponsorships, contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. ■ www.NATM.com
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The South Point Hotel in Las Vegas offers several dining options. Photo provided by South Point Hotel.
South Point Hotel Offers Unbeatable Value as Host Hotel for 2024 Convention By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is returning to the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, and the room block reservation link is now live! The discounted NATM rate for the South Point Hotel is $80 per night including resort fees (Feb. 12-16) and $135 per night including resort fees (Feb. 16-17). Located in the heart of the Las Vegas valley, the South Point provides dual views of the surrounding valley and the serenity of the mountains that border it. Hotel accommodations can be made by visiting www.NATM.com or calling (866) 791-7627 and mentioning the NATM room block.
NOTE: Rooms are unavailable in NATM’s room block before Feb. 12, 2024. Contact the South Point directly for questions regarding booking a room outside of the block at (702) 797-8901. Standard rooms measure among the largest in town and boast all the amenities expected from a first-class Las Vegas property including complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee makers, safes, plush sleeper beds, and plasma televisions. Eleven dining options are offered on site ranging from 24/7 room service to a traditional deli, 24-hour coffee shop, fine-dining steak house, and Italian, Mexican, Sushi, buffet, and gourmet restaurants. Spend time by the sprawling lagoon style pool, enjoy a 16-screen movie theater, 64-lane bowling center, spa and fitness center, and casino complete with the full spectrum of Las Vegas attractions. Planning to stay in Vegas following the NATM Convention? www.NATM.com
The South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa will serve as the host hotel for the 2024 Convention & Trade Show. Photo provided by the South Point Hotel.
Spend some extra time with your valentine while taking advantage of the affordable NATM room rates at the South Point! Enjoy all that Vegas has to offer over the weekend! Please remember, the only way to guarantee a room at the special NATM rate is to book directly from the NATM website. Please note, NATM has not authorized any group hotel room services to call you or to solicit your business! These third parties also use the NATM logo in their communications, so please ensure to book with those with emails ending in @natm.com. ■ November/December 2023
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Members mingle at the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount.
Booth Selection Process for the 2024 Trade Show By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is again using Map Your Show’s online booth sales software for the NATM Convention & Trade Show at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Feb. 13-15, 2024. This program allows realtime booth selection and significant time savings for exhibitors.
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Phase 2: 2023 non-sponsor exhibitors selected their booths July 5 – Aug 7, 2023
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Phase 3: The general membership is able to choose booth space as of Aug. 8, 2023
The NATM Convention Committee updated the booth costs for 2024 at the end of March. The cost for NATM Members for a 10’x 10’ booth is $1,785. Booth spaces for non-members of NATM are $3,570. The booth cost includes two complimentary booth worker registrations, carpeting of the booth, a 6-foot table, two chairs, a wastebasket, and new for 2024 — complimentary Wi-Fi for exhibitors.
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Phase 4: Non-members are allowed to choose booth space as of Sept. 5, 2023
The opportunity to select exhibitor space at the 2024 trade show was made available to suppliers and service providers in the following phases: ›
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Phase 1: 2023 sponsors chose their booths first in the order of their sponsorship levels during the following dates: ›
$30,000 and higher –May 17-21
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$10,000 – $29,999 –May 22-30
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$7,500 – $9,999 –May 31-June 5
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$5,500 – $7,499 –June 6-11
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$2,500 – $5,499 – June 12-18
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$1,000 – $2,499 – June 19-25
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$250 – $999 – June 26-July 4
November/December 2023
On the day your booth selection window opens, you will receive an email from NATM notifying you that the booth sales application is now available online for your company. The email contains a unique code that when entered, pre-populates the online booth sales application. Once logged in, exhibitors can view the 2024 Trade Show floor plan and select the desired booth(s). During the completion of the online application, exhibitors pay for their booth(s) with a credit card. Once NATM approves the application, an email containing login credentials to the exhibitor dashboard is sent. The dashboard allows exhibitors to update their company profile and contact information and view other important information relevant to the upcoming show. As always, the sign-up for booth space is first come, first served. You can sign up at any time after your group’s window begins. If you miss the window for your group, the privilege of choosing during your group’s time is lost. If you have any questions regarding how to book your exhibit space at the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show, contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen.Valido@natm.com or (785) 272-4433. ■ www.NATM.com
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2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show Developing Schedule South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa, Las Vegas
Monday, February 12
3:50 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Room: TBD NATM PAC Reception**
11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Trade Show Open
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Room: TBD Newcomer Orientation & Reception
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Lunch with Exhibitors
Tuesday, February 13
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Room: TBD President’s Reception
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Trade Show Reception
8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registration
Wednesday, February 14
Thursday, February 15
7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – Noon Registration
7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall Exhibitor Move In
9:00 a.m. – Noon Exhibit Hall Trade Show Open
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Room: TBD Workshop Session 3: HR Insights Unveiled: Empowering Your Workforce
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall Coffee with Exhibitors
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. South Point Hotel Entrance Tee-Off Convention Topgolf Check-In 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tee-Off Convention Topgolf
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Room: TBD Workshop Session 1: Government Affairs Update 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Room: TBD Technical Forum Session 1: A Comparison of Cargo Trailer Assembly Methods 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Room: TBD Awards Lunch & Keynote Speaker Noon – 6:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Exhibitor Move In 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Room: TBD Workshop Session 2: Beyond Compliance: Turbocharge Your Sales with the NATM Decal Advantage 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Room: TBD Technical Forum Session 2: Welding and Cutting Automation
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8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Room: TBD Technical Forum Session 3: The Power of Innovation: Powder Coating and Towing Technologies Unveiled 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Coffee Break 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Room: TBD Workshop Session 4: Seeing The Forest For The Trees: Investing For The Future 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am Room: TBD Technical Forum Session 4: VIN Calculations Made Easy
10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Exhibit Hall New Product Display Awards 11:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Exhibit Hall New Product Display Raffle Noon – 5:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Exhibitor Move Out
**The PAC Reception may only be attended by NATM's "Restricted Class," which includes certain NATM employees, individual and other noncorporate NATM Members, and certain employees of corporate members with pre-approval.
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C ATNEVGEONRTYI OTNI T L E CO
2024 Convention & Trade Show Sponsors
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November/December 2023
www.NATM.com
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Members mingle at the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount.
Act Fast: Booths Sold Out; Spaces Added Due to High Demand By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The enthusiasm gathering for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ (NATM) 2024 Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, Feb. 13-15, 2024, has been unprecedented, with industry players eager to connect, showcase innovations on the Trade Show floor, and network. The response has been so overwhelming that the Trade Show floor sold out in October and additional booths have been added based on continued demand. This high demand highlights the significance of this event in the light- and medium-duty trailer industry and underscores the value of participating as an exhibitor to showcase components, parts, and services to trailer manufacturers. The NATM Convention Committee determined the booth prices for the 2024 event, ensuring that it remains accessible to all members. A 10'x10' booth can be reserved for the exclusive NATM Member rate of $1,785. It's important to note that booth spaces for non-members will be available at a rate of $3,570 – so make sure to join NATM to cut those fees in half. For more information about joining NATM, contact Scott Simons at Scott.Simons@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433. As a valued exhibitor, your booth cost includes several amenities to enhance your exhibiting experience. Each booth comes with two complimentary booth worker registrations, allowing you to have adequate staff to engage www.NATM.com
with attendees. Additionally, you’ll have access to free lead retrieval on your phone through NATM’s mobile app, your booth will come fully carpeted, and you'll receive a 6' table, two chairs, and a wastebasket to create a professional and inviting space. New this year: Wi-Fi will be provided to exhibitors to ensure that you can run business smoothly while meeting with new customers on the Trade Show floor. The NATM Convention & Trade Show is known for its high demand, and with the original Trade Show floor design already sold out, it's crucial to act swiftly. Booth sales opened to all starting Sept. 5 and the sign-up process is first come, first served and requires payment with credit card online at the time of selection. For a preview of the Trade Show floor, scan the QR code on this page. To participate in the booth sales, contact NATM Events Director Aileen Valido at Aileen. Valido@natm.com or by calling (785) 272-4433. The NATM Convention & Trade Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, forge valuable partnerships, and showcase your brand to a highly engaged audience. It is an event that can propel your success in the trailer manufacturing industry. NATM looks forward to seeing you at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas this February! ■ November/December 2023
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Free Registrations for Dealer Affiliates, New Trailer Manufacturer Attendees at 2024 Convention By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is excited to welcome new Trailer Manufacturing Members and NATM Trailer Dealer Affiliates to the 2024 NATM Convention & Trade Show at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, Feb. 13-15, 2024. Make sure to take advantage of the promotion and hit up this industry favorite event for suppliers and service providers. NATM Trailer Manufacturer Members and Dealer Affiliates who have never attended the NATM Convention & Trade Show, or who have not attended in the last five years, are eligible for two complimentary full registrations and two complimentary spouse/partner registrations per company as part of the New Attendee Promotion. Full registration includes access to all events (excluding Topgolf) outlined in the show schedule. See the developing show schedule on Page 27.
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The deadline to qualify for the New Member/Dealer Promo is Dec. 29, 2023. Please submit your application to receive the two free hotel room nights per company to NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com. The NATM Convention & Trade Show is the annual trade show for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. With more than 1,500 trailer manufacturer and supplier attendees per year and growing, this industry favorite event provides education, networking, and communication for those in the industry. To take advantage of the New Attendee Promotion, contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com or call (785) 272-4433! ■
www.NATM.com
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Statistically Speaking By Jeff Jones, Statistical Surveys, Inc. Registration for the light- and medium-duty trailer industry was down 6% in July 2023. Below are the details of the market’s performance for the five trailer segments as reported by Statistical Surveys:
The following are the top five states in sales growth for all trailer segments in the first five months of 2023.
Ranking
State
Percent of Growth
Trailer Type
July 2023
Jan. - July 2023
1
Tennessee
29.4%
Industry
-6.0%
-8.5%
2
South Carolina
19.3%
Open
-9.7%
-12.0%
3
Kentucky
17.3%
Enclosed
-6.4%
-6.6%
4
New York
13.7%
Livestock
3.8%
3.1%
5
North Dakota
8.5%
Horse
-12.8%
-9.5%
Boat
5.2%
1.1%
Industry registrations for the first seven months of 2023 are down 8.5% over 2022. If there are any questions, or if Statistical Surveys, Inc. can help, please contact Jeff Jones at (254) 715-1314 or jjones@statisticalsurveys.com. ■
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Technical Director Scott Crimmins and a Member take a closer look at a trailer during a CVP Consult. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount.
NATM Revisits CVP Extension Process By Scott Crimmins, NATM Technical Director
NATM trailer manufacturing company members are required to pass biennial Compliance Verification Program consultations that verify that the companies have the processes in place to build trailers that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. With about one out of every two member companies failing either their initial or recertification consultation, companies have to make the corrections identified by the NATM consultant’s report they received from their consultant, and submit those in order to receive their certification/recertification status. Even one failed checklist item will not allow a Member to pass. A lot of the time, once a correction is done, all it takes is texting or emailing their NATM Consultant a photo of the correction to serve as proof. Prior to 2019, NATM provided all Members 60 days following the consultation to make corrections. After 60 days had passed, Members could apply for up to three 30-day extensions and after this, Members could apply for 90-day extensions granted for good cause at the discretion of NATM Technical Staff. However, this process is time consuming and often results in delaying corrective action required in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, other applicable federal regulations, and select industry best practices. In order to speed up the process and get member companies www.NATM.com
into compliance more expediently, the NATM Board of Directors in 2019 approved changing the extension process. Member companies will still have 60 days to take corrective action, at which point they may apply for one 60-day extension, after which Members may apply for additional 90-day extensions for good cause at the discretion of Technical Staff. The downside of going past the initial 60-day allowance is that a previously certified Member will see their name removed from the online Member Directory listing on the NATM website until such time they gain back their certification. It is important to note NATM will be taking a harder-line stance on “good cause” extensions where historically the Association has been more relaxed. Members should expect less time for corrective action than they may be accustomed to based on this policy change. Once the extension expires and a member no longer communicates with their consultant, they will receive a certified letter giving them one last attempt to either submit corrections or sign another extension request within 10 business days, or else run the risk of NATM terminating their membership. If you have any questions about the changes above, please contact NATM Technical Director Scott Crimmins at Scott.Crimmins@natm.com. ■ November/December 2023
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NATM Demystifies Social Media Marketing with Three-Part Webinar Series By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) hosted the first installment of its three-part webinar series on how members can best use social media for their businesses. The series, titled, "From Likes to Leads: Harnessing Social Media for Trailer Industry Success," saw great engagement during the first webinar, "Establishing Your Digital Foundation." The webinar brought together social media experts to share their knowledge and experience. Panelists included: Wes Kowal, the Marketing Coordinator for inTech. His responsibilities include content creation, digital advertising, and web development and he ensures inTech’s digital presence aligns with the company’s objective and reaches its target audience. Savana Morrison, NATM Marketing Director. She has been with NATM since 2017 and launched the national campaign Trailer Safety Week and oversees the Association’s Marketing Department and strategies. Rebecca Gerads, Senior Marketing Coordinator for Felling Trailers Inc. She joined Felling in 2004 and has done digital and print media, and excels at balancing product promotions and company culture. Heather Gonzales, Marketing Director for Triple Crown Trailers and Down To Earth Trailers, coined “The Marketing Girl.” She oversees social media, webpages, and PR for both companies. Jacob Crabb, Executive Vice President of Brand at Diamond C Trailers, known as “The Trailer Nerd.” Crabb’s segment was pre-recorded and can be accessed via the Member Benefits Page on NATM.com In "Establishing Your Digital Foundation," the panelists outlined how the different social media platforms can best be utilized and shared their most used platforms and the strategies they employ. They
www.NATM.com
discussed what they’ve used to establish their brands on social media like creating a cohesive look and using hashtags. Panelists said they use analytics to track what gets the best engagement and shared how they use that information. One of the main takeaways was to be consistent with social media. If your company hasn’t posted in six months, your target audience may start to wonder if you’re still in business. The panelists also discussed how important it is to engage with your audience. They suggested sharing content from accounts that have also shared yours and responding to all comments, not just the positive ones. If you missed the first installment, NATM Members can view the recording on the Members Only Side of the NATM website. Don’t miss out on the second and third webinars! Ask your questions to this panel of experts by registering with the QR Code on this page. You must register individually for each webinar. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation containing a personalized link to access the webinar.
Upcoming: ›
Crafting Compelling Content for Social Media — Webinar 2 of 3 Thursday, October 19, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Central
›
Nurturing a Thriving Online Community — Webinar 3 of 3 Thursday, November 16, 2023 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Central
What do you want to learn about next? Educational content ideas can be sent to NATM Education Director Ginger Baker-Sanhueza at Ginger. BakerSanhueza@natm.com. ■
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E D UECGAT I OYNT I T L E C AT OR
The NATM Decal can be see on ready to sell trailers. Photo provided.
More Than Just Another Sticker: Understanding Your NATM Decal By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
T
he mission of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy. The most visually prominent way a member company can show their commitment to trailer safety is with the NATM Decal. “The NATM Decal is like a symbol of trust for a trailer, signifying its quality and safety compliance,” said Andy Derr, Design Engineer with M.H. Eby. “When you apply the Decal, you're not merely applying another ‘sticker’ to the trailer; instead, you're communicating to consumers the paramount importance of trailer safety. Adding the NATM Decal implies that the trailer has undergone a comprehensive review by a team of compliance experts,
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ensuring its readiness for safe towing on the road.” “We really put a lot of stock into having that decal prominently displayed at our facility. It typically is very prominently displayed on our entryway as well as trailers,” said Rod Hathaway, Chief Operating Officer of Maine Trailer Inc. “I’m very proud of it. I promote the heck out of it whenever I can.” NATM adopted the first iteration of the Decal in 1990 for Members to promote their membership. With the establishment of the Compliance Verification Program (CVP) in 2002, the Decal came to mean even more, and NATM created a new red, white, and blue circular decal to draw attention to Members who had voluntarily participated in and passed a compliance consultation.
www.NATM.com
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haul their garden tracker from their home to their cottage – they should feel comfortable that we’ve researched and we’ve put a lot of faith in our manufacturers so that they can safety tow this product with a load, as specified, from point A to point B.” “Many consumers are unaware that the trailer manufacturing industry is primarily self-regulated,” Derr said. “Consumers often assume that a manufacturer's product complies with all road rules and requirements, and they might not realize that the trailer they've just purchased could lack essential safety features such as reflectors, lights, or conspicuity tape. The Decal communicates that they can rest assured that their new trailer is safe and ready for the road.”
An NATM Decal is proudly displayed on a M.H. Eby Trailer. Photo provided by M.H. Eby.
“The Decal demonstrates that the trailer they’re considering has been verified by a third party to at least meet the minimum safety requirements of the road,” Derr said. “In addition to lights and reflectors, the inspection also ensures that the manufacturer is following safe practices regarding capacities, wheels and tires and other aspects of the trailer.” While compliance with federal regulations is the law, the commitment to having a third party verify compliance is no small undertaking. The choice to join NATM and expend resources to verify compliance deserves recognition. Communicating that level of commitment to dealers and end-users can be one tool for increasing the marketability of trailers. “That’s been a big deal for me and my sales team,” Hathaway said. “This is our 39th year in business, so we’re not new to the industry, yet, we have a lot of younger staff members, and we’ve always promoted that Decal as being meaningful. It's something that we point out to our consumers that this product that they’re buying does meet some industry standard and that does have value. We want to be recognized for selling that value.” The NATM Decal is an outward symbol of safety and its recognition continues to grow. With the recent growth of the Dealer Affiliate Program and nationally recognized Trailer Safety Week, trailer safety education continues to expand and with it so does knowledge of the importance of the red, white, and blue NATM Decal. That small circle allows dealers and consumers the peace of mind of not needing to be experts on regulatory compliance but instead allows them to simply focus on selecting the right trailer for their needs and hitting the road. “I think that Trailer Safety Week has certainly brought a lot of recognition to that decal. Something that we’re tried to promote via our social media is that safety is an important aspect for an industry that's kind of under the radar,” Hathaway said. “A person that’s not used to buying a little 5x10 trailer so they can www.NATM.com
The NATM Decal also holds value beyond its symbolism for dealers and end-users. NATM regularly works with law enforcement on stolen trailer issues. As thieves tend to scratch off labeling and VIN numbers that would identify a trailer, they often leave the NATM Decal attached. NATM has been able to connect law enforcement agencies all across North America with the manufacturer of the trailer to resolve these crimes because of the serialized decal. Further, the Decal allows small businesses and large businesses alike to access the resources made available through NATM via the scannable QR code found on each NATM Decal. NATM’s Members work hard and spend valuable time and money to ensure they comply with the CVP. The NATM Decal is a visual, outward way members can show off this above-and-beyond commitment to road safety. One easy way to support this mission and make the Decal even more recognizable is to purchase Decals. “We’ve always been very faithful and supportive of the NATM Decal. It means a lot. We try to instill a lot of confidence in our customer base that we’re selling a product that meets standards for our industry,” Hathaway said. “I think that there is tremendous value in knowing that this product has been fully vetted, that specifications are met, that inferior products aren’t used that may put safety or the lives of the people in the towing vehicle at risk – that to me is the most important aspect.” “Members of the NATM are committed to manufacturing quality, safe trailers,” Derr said. “The organization has a growing number of resources for manufacturers and dealers to help keep all the trailers on the road safe and roadworthy. The NATM Decal communicates that the manufacturer supports the industry and is committed to maintaining the reputation that the NATM has built.” To purchase Decals or marketing materials about the importance of the NATM Decal, contact NATM at (785) 272-4433 or at NATMHQ@natm.com. Maine Trailer has been a Member of NATM since 2021. Learn more about them at www.mainetrailer.com. M.H. Eby has been a Member of NATM since 1998. Learn more about them at www.mheby.com. ■ November/December 2023
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Dig into Expanded NATM Dealer Affiliate Program By Andrea Boetticher, NATM Dealer Programming Specialist
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) is expanding its Dealer Affiliate Program based on the business needs of the trailer dealer industry. You asked, and NATM listened! Dealer Affiliates can take advantage and start using many of these benefits right away, and other benefits will continue to be launched in the coming months. The NATM Dealer Affiliate Program is organized through five major categories: ›
Education and Resources
›
Network and Community
›
Services and Solutions
›
News and Publications
›
Industry Data and Surveys
Take a look at the program benefits in each of these categories.
Education and Resources Online Education through NATM Academy Full courses, micro-courses, training, and other education will be accessible online and on-demand through the NATM Academy. Education will be tailored for dealer owners and their staff in the following focus areas: dealer owner, leadership development, financial management, operations and office management, and sales, service, and parts department management. Dealer Management Guides If you have ever found yourself needing to create a procedure document or need a starting point for best practices related to your business, the Dealer Management Guides will be of 44
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interest to you. The NATM Dealer Management Guides are best practices, standards, and templates for everything related to operating a trailer dealership including topics like creating a business plan, developing employee manuals, procedures for financing, banking, contracting, and much more. Education and Resources for Dealers’ Customers In addition to education and resources for dealer owners and their staff, the Dealer Affiliate Program will be offering additional resources for dealers to pass on to their customers. With its focus on safe trailering, NATM can serve as a bridge between dealers and their customers. NATM is stepping up its efforts to improve the safety of the nation’s roadways through increased awareness of safe trailering. And as an NATM Dealer Affiliate, dealers show to customers that same commitment to safety. Dealer Affiliates have access right away to NATM’s existing trailer safety education resources such as brochures on safe towing, pre-departure checklists, and fact sheets on state towing laws, regulations and requirements. On top of that, NATM is working on creating an even more robust catalog of customer resources on safe trailering, including a suite of online interactive tools like a glossary of trailering terms, guides on how to understand trailer labels and weight ratings, as well as infographics on how to properly load a trailer, and much more.
Network and Community As small business leaders, NATM recognizes that dealers do it all, but they don’t have to do it alone. That’s why the next category of benefits focuses on network and community. The NATM Dealer Affiliate Program provides many opportunities for dealers and their staff to engage with each other and industry partners — the program itself is built by the community of trailer dealers. Here are some of the ways Dealer Affiliates will be able to network and join the community, with more opportunities to connect www.NATM.com
DEALER
with the whole trailer industry coming in the future. NATM Connect — A Private Online Community Forum NATM will offer dealers and their staff access to a private online community forum where they will be able to network, discuss topics and ideas, and ask questions. The community allows dealers to instantly engage with other professional peers who understand the same challenges and needs. The discussion board is organized based on how dealers’ businesses operate, making it easy to connect to the right people. For example, if a service technician has a question, they can post it on the service board to learn how others in the industry troubleshoot the same issue, or if an owner is interested in connecting with other dealer owners to discuss leadership development ideas or tips on how to motivate staff, they can connect in the dealer owners group in the community. NATM Connect gives dealers access to the industry and opportunities to network and connect without the need to interrupt day-to-day business. Opportunities for Volunteering through the NATM Dealer Affiliate Committee
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affinity programs are thoroughly vetted by dealers to ensure the program is beneficial and provides true cost savings. Services and Solutions Directory Word of mouth is often the best recommendation. NATM will be offering Dealer Affiliates a services and solutions directory, with listings coming straight from dealer peers. This directory will include everything from CRM systems, financial and accounting software, to website hosting, marketing solution providers, IT management and cyber security solutions and more. The directory will be an objective source to help dealers search for something new or switch providers.
News and Publications Tracks Magazine NATM Dealer Program Affiliates continue to receive a subscription to Tracks Magazine. Printed bimonthly, the magazine includes technical articles, industry updates, Association news as well as other relevant topics for the trailer industry.
NATM is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the success of the trailer industry. It exists to serve the industry and can only operate with participation from dealers. With that in mind, there are opportunities for dealers to volunteer with the Association to help build programs like the Dealer Affiliate Program.
What do you want to read about? NATM is always taking requests on what dealers find relevant and want to read about. Tracks also regularly hosts articles featuring dealers and their businesses at no cost! If you have a topic suggestion or are interested in a feature article, contact Advertising@natm.com.
Business Engagement Groups
Dealer Monthly eNewsletter
The NATM Dealer Business Engagement Groups will be an opportunity for dealers to interact with a small group of non-competing peers to explore topics related to business management, growth, and profitability. In each engagement group, dealers will be able to discuss challenges, build relationships with peers, and brainstorm ways to implement new ideas.
In the coming months, NATM will be developing a monthly eNewsletter specifically for trailer dealers with curated topics just for them.
Services and Solutions When professionals in an industry come together with their association, there are huge benefits. One of the benefits is a market curated specifically for dealers’ business needs. This third benefit category — services and solutions — will take form in two major ways. Affinity and Discount Programs In addition to the existing services available to Dealer Affiliates, NATM will be building out its affinity program to offer beneficial services and solutions to dealers. The NATM www.NATM.com
Industry Data and Surveys NATM will be providing valuable industry data and surveys so dealers can forecast trends and measure their business operations against the broader industry. This category will focus on three major areas including economic outlook webinars and resources, trailer dealer industry surveys, and workforce surveys. More details will be coming in the future. As NATM Staff and the Dealer Affiliate Committee continue to expand the NATM Dealer Affiliate Program, NATM would love to hear from you. If you have questions about the program or have a dealer who is interested in joining, contact the NATM Dealer Staff — Membership Outreach Specialist Scott Simons at Scott.Simons@ NATM.com and Dealer Programming Specialist Andrea Boetticher at Andrea.Boetticher@NATM.com. ■ November/December 2023
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RV technician class students perform a pressure drop test. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: Women in the RV Industry By Ginger Baker-Sanhueza, NATM Education Director
A Journey of Empowerment through the RV Technical Institute and RV Women's Alliance Partnership
I
n an industry that has long been considered a male stronghold, a quiet revolution is taking place. Women are not only embracing the joys of RVing but are also stepping into roles that were traditionally reserved for men. One of the driving forces behind this transformation is a remarkable partnership between the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) and the RV Women's Alliance (RVWA), which offer groundbreaking all-women’s courses. As the newly appointed Education Director of the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), I was intrigued by RVTI's collaboration with RVWA and their education initiatives within the RV industry. I was eager to understand their
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approach to technical education and the various learning options they provided, both in-person and online. To gain an in-depth understanding of the RV industry and this partnership, I enrolled in RVTI's All-Women’s Level 1 RV Technician course.
Empowering Women with Knowledge: RVTI plays a crucial role in preparing technicians for the RV industry, ensuring that they are well-trained to meet the growing demand for RV servicing and repairs.
www.NATM.com
MEMBERSHIP
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opportunities for women to thrive in this industry." According to their website, the RV Women’s Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of female leaders and innovators in the RV Industry. Tracy Anglemeyer, RVTI’s Director of Recruitment, who also serves on the RVWA’s Executive Committee, states that one of the barriers they discovered when polling women was that they were holding back asking questions or participating fully when in a mixed-gender setting. To combat this, RVTI and RVWA came together to start an all women’s technician course proving their commitment to providing inclusive and empowering education.
“It’s worked. Now 37% of all our inquiries are now ladies,” Anglemeyer said. “Let’s face it, two years ago, 17% of RVs were owned by single ladies. This year it’s 24%. Single ladies are becoming a big presence in RVing. They would love to have a female tech working on their RV.” These specialized courses create a nurturing environment where women can take risks in their learning, grow, and excel in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. RVWA also supports these women through various educational resources and mentorship programs after course completion.
Bill Stewart guides student Veronica McCrory through electrical connections. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza. "Our mission is very simple,” said Curtis Hemmeler, the Executive Director of RVTI. “It is to train, certify, and recruit technicians into the industry for the purpose of allowing the consumer to have a better experience." RVTI does this through various certificate-awarding courses offering a curriculum based on the safety standards of the industry. The Level 1 RV Technician course provides a solid foundation in RV systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting. From electrical systems to plumbing and everything in between, the curriculum leaves no stone unturned. The hands-on training offers a real-world learning environment, ensuring technicians gain practical expertise to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.
The Power of Partnerships: RVTI and RVWA One significant milestone in empowering women in the RV industry has been the partnership between RV Technical Institute and the RV Women's Alliance. "Our partnership with RVTI has sparked tremendous interest and growth in women's participation in RV education” said Jessica Rider, Managing Director of the RV Women's Alliance. “Together, we're breaking down barriers and creating www.NATM.com
A Dedicated Instructor: Bill Stewart Bill Stewart, the Director of Education at RVTI and the instructor of the All-Women's Level 1 Training course, played a pivotal role in my journey. His exceptional teaching skills ensured that the complex topics we encountered were not just understood but remembered. The course was rigorous yet his passion for empowering women in the RV industry was evident. "Women bring a unique skill set to our industry,” Stewart said. “They pay attention to detail, problem-solve effectively, and have a natural ability to nurture. These qualities make them invaluable in the world of RVs."
Diversity Fuels Progress “Having a diverse workforce is beneficial to any industry. It allows free thinking and organizations benefit from having both male and females work together for the common goal of the organization,” Rider said. “Specifically, having women in the technical side of the industry helping consumers continue to enjoy the benefits of their RV’s provides opportunities for more diversity in camping and a comfortability amongst women, which is a growing segment of RV owners.”
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Bill Stewart leads a demonstration to an all-female RV technician class. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza. Continued from Page 47
Student Perspective: Cerida Browning's Inspiring Journey I also had the privilege of speaking with Cerida Browning, a fellow student who embarked on this educational journey with me. Cerida's background is impressive; she retired as a Chief Warrant Officer from the military intelligence field after 20 years of service. She shared her motivation for joining the RV industry: "I see so much potential in the industry, and I don't think it's exploited enough. I'm here to learn, and I see this as an opportunity to give back to the community. That's the one thing that stays with you when you're a soldier. You always want to make a difference." Browning hopes to attend RVTI’s Level 2 Technician course after her successful completion of Level 1 training.
Cerida Browning, U.S. Army Veteran and aspiring RV Technician, attends the RV tech course. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
www.NATM.com
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Continued from Page 49
Empowered for Repairs and Beyond “Getting my RVTI Level 1 certificate has inspired me to continue learning about RV repairs," said Erika Rendón, a high school teacher from San Antonio, Texas, and an avid RVer. "I look forward to getting my second certificate in the summer of 2024. It has empowered me to know more about how these systems work together. This was the best decision I could have made for myself and I am thankful I pushed myself to get this done.” After successfully completing the course, RV Women’s Alliance goes beyond certification, offering a mentorship program for career guidance and access to continuing education. They foster networking and community-building opportunities, creating a supportive environment for women in the RV industry to grow and excel. The RVWA is not just for women.
Erika Rendón, an educator and RV owner, joined the class from San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
The Road Ahead for Women in the RV Industry
Bill Stewart guides students through a propane test during RVTI's All-Women’s Level 1 RV Technician course held July 24-28 in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo by Ginger Baker-Sanhueza.
“We’re close to 2,000 members now. It’s not just women,” Anglemeyer said. “It’s also men – anyone who wants to help elevate women, educate women, and be a mentor.” “The RV Women’s Alliance continues to strive to include both women and men in our organization as we feel it is beneficial to maintain open communication from all parties to grow the diversity of the industry,” Rider said. “We will continue to work with the RV Technical Institute to address the growing need for technicians and how we are best equipping women to take on this role.” To read more about their mentorship program, visit www.rvwa.org . 50
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My journey through RVTI's all-women's course is a testament to the changing landscape of the RV industry. Women are breaking barriers, learning the ropes, and making their mark as technicians, educators, entrepreneurs, and mentors. RVTI's partnership with RVWA demonstrates a commitment to providing inclusive and supportive educational opportunities that are helping pave the way for a more diverse and skilled workforce in the RV industry. As my experience shows, knowledge is not just power; it's empowerment. As the new Education Director at NATM, our team is excited to build the NATM Academy that will offer an online learning platform for both women and men to further their education in the trailer industry. Recently, NATM has revamped a social media campaign called “Women Crush Wednesday” to help highlight women in the manufacturing industry and shine a light on their remarkable skills and talents that contribute to the success of this industry – and the trailer industry is all the richer for it. Together with our membership, we’re here to help steer this industry into an exciting future where gender diversity is not just recognized but celebrated. ■ www.NATM.com
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NATM Relaunches Creative Services By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
Have dreams of seeing your name in print or online for everyone to see? NATM believes you shouldn’t have to have a design team to make it happen. The Association’s Marketing Team has several talented designers who know exactly what will look best on any of NATM’s ad options. They will also ensure they’re in the correct format
and dimensions, so you don't have to. NATM Creative Services are competitively priced at $100 an hour. Your ad will be fully custom-designed with consideration given to your company’s colors, fonts, logo, etc. The photos and information included can be fully provided by you or you can tap into the staff’s design expertise if you don’t know where to start. You give final approval of the ad design with a round of edits with every ad. You can request Creative Services or get more information on this exciting service by emailing Advertising@natm.com. ■
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New Opportunities to Advertise with NATM By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
Placing advertising in front of key audiences in the trailer industry is one of the easiest and most effective benefits of National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) membership. Your marketing options for 2024 have been newly revamped by the Marketing Team. Expand your brand and reach a broader audience with NATM’s updated multimedia packages. The 2024 media kit options offer brand-new opportunities. The packages have been renamed the heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty packages with options to fit your needs and budget. These packages offer 25-35% discounts from the individual, full-price purchases. A new marketing opportunity the Marketing Team is especially excited about is the Feature Blog Post, which is now a part of all three packages. The Feature Blog Post is written by NATM Staff after you answer a few simple questions making it easy for you to promote your company! You can discuss new products, location changes, the start-up of your company, or anything that makes your company stand out. Blogs can be found at www.natm.com/news/blog and are shareable on all your favorite social media sites and your company website. Advertising in the bimonthly Tracks Magazine is a membership favorite. In 2023, NATM shipped over 12,000 issues of Tracks all over the country. Each issue also is featured on NATM’s website at www.natm.com/news/tracks-magazine. NATM. com has seen over 56,000 new visitors so far this year. Advertising in Tracks is included in all three packages and can be purchased à la carte with three different ad-size options. If digital advertising is more what your company is looking for, NATM has even more options! Ad spots are available on www.NATM.com, the Online Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide, NATM ENewsletter, and the Featured Member Directory Upgrade. NATM members can upload their company logos and update and edit company information on NATM’s online Membership Directory. If you want a featured directory listing, the new NATM.com offers this option for you. With this feature, you will receive better visibility by displaying at the top of the category and have an expanded listing where you can promote special offers, your website, and even link to your social media feed. Contact NATM Tracks Editor, Samantha Darling LaCount, at Advertising@natm.com for any and all advertising questions. ■ www.NATM.com
November/December 2023
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NATM Names Abby Wiebler Quality Director
The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has named Abby Wiebler as Quality Director. Wiebler has been with NATM since 2021. She was previously serving as the NATM Administrative Services Coordinator. “Over the last two years with NATM, Abby has worn many hats to support Association programming, including providing excellent customer service, executing Decal sales, and assisting the NATM Convention & Trade Show with attendee registration," said Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director. "Her promotion as NATM Quality Director is a natural next step in better utilizing her skillset. Abby has an eye for detail, excellent organization, and a teamfocused mentality which makes her an ideal Quality Director and teammate. We are excited to see her take on this new challenge and we are glad to have the opportunity to invest in her growth and learning as a professional.” As Quality Director, Wiebler will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the Quality program. One key responsibility of this role is facilitating the yearly ISO accreditation audit. While NATM will continue to conduct a yearly internal audit of processes, accreditation with ISO’s 17020 requirements ensures that NATM’s methods are up to an internationally recognized standard. “I am excited to embark on the accreditation process,” Wiebler said. “NATM has always had a high standard when it comes to our methods and practices, especially with the Compliance Verification Program. Our staff works hard to keep that standard up and it will be nice to see their hard work reflected in this accreditation.” Wiebler is a graduate of Washburn University with a major in International Business. In her free time, she enjoys going to museums and always has a book in hand. You can contact Abby Wiebler, NATM Quality Director, by calling (785) 272-4433 or emailing Abby.Wiebler@natm.com. ■
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Renewing NATM Membership for 2024: A Symbol of Dedication to Trailer Safety By Meghan Ryan, NATM Assistant Director
As the only not-for-profit 501(c)(6) association serving the light- and medium-duty trailer industry, the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) stands firmly in its commitment to advancing and unifying the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. For nearly 40 years, NATM has improved the safety of the roadways through its Compliance Verification Program and has facilitated invaluable connections among its Members. As we approach a new year, NATM invites you to renew your membership and continue this journey with us. Renewing your NATM membership is a symbol of your ongoing dedication to the betterment of the industry and the improvement of trailer safety and performance. NATM has evolved into an association that unites trailer manufacturers, trailer dealers, suppliers, service providers, OEM automotive manufacturers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the nation and abroad. Annual membership dues directly contribute to NATM’s robust portfolio of programming and initiatives to improve trailer safety at multiple levels. This includes the NATM Compliance Verification Program, the newly launching NATM Academy, Trailer Safety Week, publications, and educational programming for our members. The 2024 membership renewals are sent to main contacts in mid-November, which makes this the perfect time for the Association to reflect on how membership dues are critical in supporting the actions, services, and educational programming that NATM provides for its members and the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. NATM is constantly evaluating costs and benefits to ensure your annual membership investment is being met with valuable returns. In 2023, membership dues allowed NATM to: ›
Host the highly successful 2023 NATM Convention & Trade Show in Fort Worth, Texas, that featured over 1,500 attendees and a record number of exhibitors.
›
Expand the NATM Staff with five new staffers to address educational programming, marketing, the compliance program, dealer programming, and events.
www.NATM.com
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Continue the Association’s Strategic Plan focusing on industry growth, increasing brand awareness, and continuously improving the NATM Compliance Verification Program.
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Grow the reach of the annual Trailer Safety Week, including the expansion of strategic partnerships and access to additional resources.
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Devote resources to marketing the NATM Compliance Verification Program and benefits of the Association to the industry as well as end-users to grow the value of the NATM Compliance Decal.
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Educate members of Congress during the annual Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits.
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Update the 2023 Guidelines for Recommended Minimum Manufacturing Practices for Light- and-Medium Duty Trailers, also known as the Guidelines.
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Host the 2023 Webinar Series “From Likes to Leads: Harnessing Social Media for Trailer Industry Success” to empower members to revolutionize their online presence and achieve remarkable growth through strategic social media marketing.
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Continue offering the NATM Association Retirement Plan for member companies to offer their employees.
NATM’s commitment is to its members and ultimately to trailer safety. Supporting NATM Members’ ability to grow and prosper, while also contributing to the safety of the nation’s roadways, is what drives the Association’s work. Your support of this mission and your integral feedback along the way is vital to NATM’s success. NATM looks forward to continuing this important work in the coming year!
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2024 NATM Membership Dues Your 2024 NATM membership renewal notice was emailed to the attention of your accounts payable department in November. For international members, invoices were emailed. Dues will stay the same once again for 2024 as NATM understands the economic difficulties many companies are facing. For 2024, Membership Dues are: ›
Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers): $995
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Branch Regular Members (Trailer Manufacturers): $325
›
Associate Membership (Suppliers/Service Providers): $860
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Branch Associate Membership (Suppliers/ Service Providers): $150
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Trailer Dealer Affiliates: $150
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Branch Trailer Dealer Affiliates: $150
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Tow Vehicle OEM Membership (Automotive Manufacturers): $150
You have the option to renew your membership online at www.NATM.com. Log into the NATM Member Compass to view and pay the invoice. Should you decide to pay online, please advise accounts payable to disregard the notice. Membership dues must be paid no later than Jan. 31, 2024. Any dues not received by Jan. 31, 2024, will be considered delinquent, and all membership benefits will be terminated until paid per the NATM Bylaws.
For Trade Show Exhibitors, it is important to note that NATM DUES MUST BE PAID BY DEC. 31, 2023, to maintain the member rate for booths at the February 2024 Convention & Trade Show. NATM greatly values your membership, and 2024 promises to be another fantastic year to be a NATM Member. You can pay by check, over the phone, or online at www.NATM.com using the NATM Member Compass section at any time. If you have questions, contact NATM Membership & Events Coordinator Catie Rutkowski at (785) 2724433 or Catie.Rutkowski@natm.com. ■
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NATM Members a tour of the Capitol building during the 2023 Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits event. Photo provided by event attendee.
Hitting the Hill: Attending Regulatory Round Up & Capitol Hill Visits as a First-Timer By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
V
isiting Washington, D.C. has always been on my to-do list so when I found out I was one of the staff attending the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) annual Regulatory Roundup & Capitol Hill Visits this year I was excited. I envisioned everyone in suits, lots of coffee, and maybe a celebrity sighting or two. These events are hosted in person in Washington and play a pivotal role in improving legislators’ knowledge of the light- and medium-duty trailer industry. This year, the events were held Sept. 18-20. The event is split into two separate days to allow participants to spend a full day on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress.
www.NATM.com
Monday is when participants could attend a tour of the Capitol. My flight got in too late for me to attend, but those who did enjoyed it and as a bonus said the Pledge of Allegiance with Rep. Kevin McCarthy. Later that evening, NATM hosted a PAC Reception for NATM PAC members. Getting to take a casual tour ahead of the long work day on Tuesday and having a chance for members to get together with refreshments and hors d'oeuvres after a day of travel was a great way to start off the trip.
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November/December 2023
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Continued from Page 57 Tuesday was the busiest day since Capitol Hill visits were scheduled throughout the day. During the Capitol Hill Visits, teams disperse to visit several congressional offices. Teams are made up of between three and five participants with at least one experienced team leader. Handout materials and talking points are provided to each participant, along with educational materials to share with the Senator, Representative, and/or their legislative staff. This is a great opportunity for members to stay informed about industry developments and foster positive relationships with regulatory bodies. While all NATM members are encouraged to attend, members in key districts are contacted to attend in order to have a constituent present at the meetings. We started bright and early Tuesday morning with a quick debrief and breakfast. The teams are emailed out ahead of time but this is everyone’s first chance to meet up, grab the needed materials, and make a plan for the day. I was part of "Team Andy." Whether it was named so for Andy Gehman of MGS Incorporate, or Andy Derr of M.H. Eby, Inc. was hotly debated all day. It depends on which one you ask. Both have been to this event before so being on their team took a lot of stress off me because they really knew what they were doing. Making sure any first-time participants like myself are paired with experienced team members is taken into consideration by NATM and K&L Gates when the teams are formed. My team also included Holly Stanford and Konrad Pilatowicz of U-Haul. All together the team had 8 meetings. Some were overlapping, but the team was able to divide and conquer and the day went very smoothly.
Every year based on member and Association needs we take new talking points to these meetings. This year, the highlights were: •
Who NATM is
•
Trailer Safety Week
•
The Compliance Verification Program
•
House support for The Trailer Safety Improvement Act, H.R. 6915
•
Developing companion legislation in the Senate
•
The NHTSA advance notice of proposed rulemaking on side underside guards
I have to admit I was a little intimidated before that first meeting. I’d never been to Washington before and I’d certainly hadn’t met with any members of Congress before. The biggest surprise for me was that almost all our meetings were with staffers and they’re all so young! I’m only 31, but I would say the majority, if not all of them, were younger than me. The first meeting I attended was with Rep. Mike Carey himself, but the rest of the day we met with the Congressional offices’ staff members. The Senator and all the staffers were very 60
November/December 2023
Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) takes a meeting with NATM Members. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount. approachable and each meeting was a pleasant one. You could be mistaken in thinking that the meetings are a waste if they’re not with the Congress member, but these staffers know their stuff. It’s their job to take these meetings and give the highlights to the representative or senator. They’re all so intelligent and know what is going to resonate with who they work for. There were a few meetings where the group started to explain why it is the Association’s stance that light- and medium-duty trailers could be unintentionally included in the side underride guard rulemaking should it proceed. NATM provided handouts that included helpful talking points, visual aids, and easy-tounderstand calls to action for the Congressional offices. There were two staffers who I remember us not even needing to get into the explanation of why. Right away they said, “Oh yeah. That doesn’t make sense to require side underride guards on trailers that sit so low.” I was so surprised every time the meeting started and they just got it. The staffers my group and I met with were attentive and I felt they were really interested in hearing about the member businesses and NATM and hearing the purpose behind our visit. I began to understand the importance of NATM and its Members coming to Capitol Hill to represent the industry and ensure its voice was heard. Wednesday is Regulatory Roundup and is a nice half day after a long day the day before. This event features expert speakers on the topics of trade, tariffs, and government affairs. During previous Regulatory Roundups, attendees www.NATM.com
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ABOVE: (From left) Konrad Pilatowicz, U-Haul; Andy Derr, M.H Eby; Emma Keiser, Legislative Assistant for Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA); Holly Stanford, U-Haul; and Andy Gehman, MGS Incorporated, discuss NATM. Photo by Samantha Darling LaCount BELOW: (From left) Ty Scott, Hydrastar; Dustin Miller, Cross Trailer; Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN); Randy McMann Dexter; and Brent Freel, Kampco, pose for a photo during their Capitol Hill Visit with the Senator. Photo provided by event attendees. with him and ask him questions. Next was the "Chiefs Panel" which was comprised of Steve Carlson, from the office of Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH); Braden Dreiling, from the office of Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS); and Bob Carretta, from the office of Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX). The bi-partisan panelists also touched on the possible shutdown, supply chain issues, and trailer safety. To round out the day, we heard from Russ Martin, the senior director of policy for the Governors Highway Safety Association, and Tim Carlton, the legislative director for the National Governors Association.
have heard from Congressional staffers, officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and experts from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). We got to rest our feet and have the contacts come to us at the K&L Gates office, which if you were lucky enough to book a room at the host hotel is right across the street.
In ways, this trip was exactly what I was expecting. Everyone was in suits and I had some great coffee. I even got my celebrity sighting when we walked past Bill Nye (the science guy!) having lunch. I was very surprised by how interested in hearing what we had to say everyone we met with was. I was expecting a lukewarm reception at best. It was also very eye-opening how much prep work goes into this event. I kind of just got to show up with my camera, but other NATM Staff and K&L Gates spend countless hours making sure that when Members make this trip they are able to capitalize on it.
NATM received positive feedback from Members regarding this year’s lineup. The featured speaker to kick off the day was Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN). He spoke about interest rates, the pending government shutdown, and electric vehicle legislation. Members in attendance were able to engage
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to represent the lightand medium-duty trailer industry on Capitol Hill with NATM and its incredible Members. It was a rewarding experience to see Members’ voices heard and to know we were actively advancing the Association’s mission of safety and industry success. ■
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(From left) Jonah Daugherty, Taylor Alenne, Rep. Andrew Clyde, Charles Daugherty, and Pam Daugherty pose for a photo during the Congressman's site tour. Photo provided by Red Fern.
Red Fern Hosts Site Tour for US Representative By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
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ed Fern Dynamics hosted a site tour for U.S. Representative for the 9th District of Georgia, Representative Andrew Clyde, who represents the Cleveland, Georgia-area, where Red Fern is based. Charles and Pam Daugherty, owners of the company, said Clyde toured the plant and stayed for about three hours. “He got to see our whole operation and then we had an opportunity to talk about the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM), Trailer Safety Week, and the importance of how when legislation goes into effect it affects trailer manufacturers as a group,” Charles said. “He asked us a lot of questions about our plans, our business, what we’re doing, where we’re headed. It was a very productive and very good visit.” The Daughertys were introduced to Clyde in 2022 during NATM’s Capitol Hill Visits & Regulatory Roundup. It was their first year attending the annual event where members have scheduled meetings with their representatives and senators and are able to talk about industry concerns face-to-face. The couple also attended the 2023 event, which was held Sept. 18 - 20. Charles says they didn’t know what to expect during
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their first time at the event. The meeting with Clyde was their first of the day. Pam says they were impressed because he was the one who asked if he could come to tour their site before they had a chance to bring it up. It took several months to make happen with the representative’s busy schedule. Once he was finally able to make it out to visit, Pam says they had donuts, took pictures, and discussed the niche food truck industry Red Fern operates in. “Cargo trailers have been built for decades, so NATM has a lot of members that build those trailers. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with them unless you’re using them for the wrong purpose,” Charles said. “The load is supposed to be placed on the floor of the trailer. With a mobile kitchen, it's everywhere. It's on the roof. It’s on the sidewalls, so we have the first purpose-built trailer for a mobile kitchen that allows you to do all the mechanical systems to code. When they designed the cargo trailer, they never thought that anybody would be hooking up 240- or 120-volt electric, plumbing
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(From left) Taylor Alenne, Rep. Andrew Clyde, and Charles Daugherty pose with a custom trailer. Photo provided by Red Fern. Continued from Page 63 systems, or LP gas systems. There are no provisions for that. You don’t put your Corvette in a dump trailer and carry it around town nor do you put gravel and mulch on a flatbed.” While they were able to tell Clyde all about their company and their business challenges, the conversation naturally turned to trailer safety. It is a big focus for Red Fern and the Daughertys. It’s a major reason why they joined the NATM. They are concerned with the safety of people turning a regular utility trailer into a food truck. “Even though it was a site visit for us and for him to see a business in his district, we did talk a lot about NATM because we’re so passionate about safety,” Pam said. “We’re not just talking about the safety of pulling a trailer down the road. In our industry, it’s the safety of what people are doing inside of what is essentially a metal box – cooking with LP gas, high-voltage electric, and dangerous fumes. For us, anything that has to do with being safe is important, so it was really great to be able to talk with him about that. That’s when we really got to expand a lot on NATM, what NATM does, and the Compliance Verification Program. Then we did talk to him about Trailer Safety Week and we’ll be talking to him about it again. We’re really, really trying to get that out there and get it across to people that just because it’s on the road doesn’t mean that anybody’s checked to see if it’s safe to be on the road. He was a little shocked about that.” Trailer Safety Week (TSW) is NATM’s annual initiative to 64
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improve the safety of the nation’s roadways by raising trailer safety awareness through education of end-users, dealers, and manufacturers on safe trailering practices. To read more about TSW, visit www.trailersafetyweek.com. Charles says they find that participating in the Capitol Hill Visits & Regulatory Roundup annually is important because members of Congress are inundated with so much information it’s important to keep the light- and medium-duty trailer industry on their radar. He says he didn’t realize how important the staffers were to getting information to each Congress member. “Our biggest takeaway last year was understanding how important the interns and all the people that work for them are,” Charles said. “The amount of information that they have to disseminate and then bring to that representative or senator to discuss is overwhelming. Whether it’s a Democrat or Republican office, these are some of the smartest people we have. It’s fun to meet with them and see kind of how things come together.” “Just the opportunity to sit down with someone in the office who is taking the time out of their very crazy schedule to hear what we have to say – I think that's significant,” Pam said. Red Fern Dynamics has been a Member of NATM since 2017. You can find out more about them at www.redferndynamics.com. To submit article ideas or your own membership stories, contact Tracks Editor Samantha Darling LaCount at Samantha.Darling@natm.com. ■ www.NATM.com
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Lippert executives and guests gather on the platform for the New York Stock Exchange bell ringing on August 16, 2023, to celebrate the company's 20th year on the exchange. Photo provided by Lippert.
A Ringing Success: Lippert Celebrates 20 Years on NYSE By Samantha Darling LaCount, NATM Tracks Editor
On August 16, 2023, a bustling day on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Jarod Lippert, Jason Lippert, and a host of other company executives gather on a raised platform. Jason, the company’s CEO, does the honor of banging the gavel marking the end of business for the day. It is a celebration full of clapping, cheering, a few fist pumps, and of course, bell ringing. Lippert was invited to be recognized at the closing bell to celebrate hitting 20 years on the stock exchange. “It’s an honor to be able to take some of our executive management from the company and be able to take part in the history. It was pretty cool,” said Jarod, Lippert’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The closing bell is kind of a neat honor because it’s the end of the day. It’s when Jim Cramer's show starts on CNBC. A lot of people know who Jim Cramer is. He was there when we were walking the floor, so he really is right down there and the show is right www.NATM.com
down on the floor. It was neat to see how that works.” This wasn’t the Lippert team’s first time ringing the bell. They also were invited back in 2003. Back then, they were Drew Industries but that changed in 2016. The company has a long history which includes a few name changes. The company was founded as B&L Industries by Don Baldwin and Larry Lippert in 1956. The company has been handed down through generations of Lippert leaders. Larry Lippert bought the company outright in 1957. In 1977, his son, Doug Lippert, became the CEO and President. Then in 2003 Doug’s son and Jarod’s brother, Jason, took over and became CEO. Lipperts have been present
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Lippert, then named Drew Industries, was honored during the NYSE closing bell back in 2003. Photo provided by Lippert. Continued from Page 65 at both bell ringings. While having a Lippert in charge has been a constant, the company has seen a lot of change. Jarod describes the company’s history as having three phases. “The company’s gone through a lot of different iterations. When my grandfather started it, it was obviously brand new. He was trying to make something out of nothing after WWII. Times were tough and he was an entrepreneur just making a name for himself, trying to build something. When my dad took it over, his main job was to take something that was very fast-growing, very unorganized and make it a stable, big player in the manufacturing industry to the point where we had a solid foundation to grow on. He did that right up until we went public. He took the company public which was a huge deal — getting the backing of a publicly traded company allows you to grow even faster. That was the second phase of the company,” Jarod said. “Jason started the third phase, which was rapid, rapid growth. We went from just producing manufactured housing chassis to basically everything for RVs, utility trailers, equestrian trailers, and any product you can think of we probably make. That growth in the RV and expanding beyond RV into marine 66
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and utility trailer industries is the phase we’re in now.” Jarod says he is proud just to be a part of the journey and see the company’s rapid growth firsthand. When he started with the company 22 years ago, they were a $150 - $200 million company. Today, they’ve eclipsed $5 billion in revenue. “It’s been extremely rewarding to see something your grandfather started 60-plus years ago that quite frankly a lot of times we didn't know if we’d be able to make payroll the next week back in the 50s and 60s to a period where we are employing 15,000 team members and we’re in 10 different countries now. Just seeing that growth really is the American dream.” Jarod credits the company’s growth to both acquisitions as well as organic growth. The company has been busy on both fronts. Jarod says he’s been a part of 75 acquisitions. Lippert also prides itself on listening to and being trusted by its customers. “A lot of what we do really starts out with our customers. They bring an idea to us and say, ‘Can you do this?’ and we will figure out a way to do it, whether it be organically grow our entry door line, which is thousands of entry doors a day, or our axles,” Jarod said. “The axle operation that we started, we started www.NATM.com
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organically. We didn't buy a company. We started our own axle operation, and we’ve grown to thousands and thousands of axles produced a day with multiple locations across the U.S.”
product that people want to buy. You bought an RV because of the RV brand, not necessarily because of the suppliers that produce the components that are inside of that RV.”
“It’s those partnerships that are important,” Jarod said. “Our customers trust us to innovate and come up with a product that is valuable to them, that they can incorporate into their vehicle whatever that vehicle may be whether it be a boat trailer or RV. We make windows for school buses. We make glass components for heavy equipment haulers and construction equipment. We take a lot of those capabilities and say, ‘What other industry can we get into?’ That’s how we’ve grown to where we are today.”
Name recognition is personal to the Lippert family, of course. There are currently three third-generation Lipperts working for the company. Jarod, Jason, and their youngest brother, Jayde, who works in business development. Aside from being known for good products, they also want the company to be known for doing good.
Jarod says he likes to step back and enjoy the moment for times like these. The company has big goals for the future but it’s important for him to soak it in and enjoy having been a part of the force that got them here. “We hope to go back and ring the bell again on our 25th, 30th, 35th anniversaries. We plan on being around a long time,” Jarod said. “It's fun to do these kinds of things. It's fun to celebrate all of your accomplishments because our industry is all about work hard, play hard. It's a tough industry to be in, but it's nice to celebrate the wins.” The company has a lot of wins in mind for the future. They are far from done and are looking to continue their growth. “I’ve always wanted Lippert to be a household name, a brand that people recognize alongside other really large brands,” Jarod said. “We’ve come a long way, but it's really hard to be a recognized brand when you’re the product that’s in the
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“Manufacturing is a tough industry to be in but we’re not using manufacturing as an excuse to churn and burn people. We’re really trying to create a great working environment,” Jared said. The company has over 100 plants around the world and each plant is really its own business. Jarod says that’s been challenging to get their value and culture elements to trickle down but it’s something they’re dedicated to. “That's a huge goal of ours to just grow the brand into something that’s recognized not only for the products that we make but for the culture and the business that we’ve built. We really focus on leadership, culture, and philanthropy,” Jarod said. “Business can be a force for good. We want to take care of our people as best as we can.” Lippert has been a Member of NATM since 2001. To learn more about them visit www.lippert.com. To submit article ideas or your own membership stories, contact Tracks Editor Samantha Darling LaCount at Samantha.Darling@natm.com. ■
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M EM C AT EB GEORRSYHTI IPT L E
Have News You Want To Share with the Entire Industry? NATM Has Just the Place for You! By Savana Morrison, NATM Marketing Director
NATM is dedicated to providing its Members with various opportunities to elevate their trailer businesses. One such opportunity is the NATM Member News section which can be found at www.natm.com/news/natm-member-news. This online platform serves as an avenue for Members to share their company news with the rest of the trailer industry. Whether it's the latest press release, a product announcement, or other exciting company happenings, the NATM Member News section is the perfect place to feature them. Please note that only NATM Members and Dealer Affiliates are allowed to submit entries to the Member News section. Furthermore, submissions must adhere to the guidelines set by the Association. This ensures that the news being shared is of high quality and relevant to the industry. If you're a NATM Member and have some exciting news to share, be sure to submit it to the NATM Member News section and let the rest of the trailer industry know what's new with your company! Submissions may also be included in the Member News section of Tracks magazine.
Submission Ideas Include: ›
Product launch
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Announcing a new partnership
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Highlighting your company culture
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Introducing your newest employee
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Receiving an award
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Promoting trailer safety
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Hosting educational events
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Publishing informational industry content
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›
Celebrating a promotion
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Reaching a company milestone
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And more!
Submit your content by visiting www.natm. com/natm-member-news-guidelines.
Submission Guidelines: All submissions accepted are subject to the policies and approval of NATM. NATM reserves the right to withdraw or reject any submission at any time without prior notice to the content owner when, in the sole judgment of NATM, it conflicts with board policy. Submissions containing pictures, illustrations or graphics deemed obscene, vulgar, racist or discriminatory, or otherwise offensive or inappropriate with the character of the publication are prohibited. All submissions featuring trailers must demonstrate compliance with the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers’ Compliance Verification Program. NATM reserves the right to reject any submission that does not meet applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, regulations and/or industry best practices outlined in the NATM Compliance Verification Program. Further, any non-compliances alleged or discovered on a NATM member trailer shall be subject to investigation and if necessary, corrective action, as outlined in the NATM Compliance Verification Program Policy and Procedures Submissions heavily featuring non-member trailer industry businesses will not be accepted. Approved submissions will be uploaded to NATM.com within 5 business days of receiving approved content. ■ www.NATM.com
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CELEBRATING YOUR
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5 Star Trailers Corp. Advanced Aluminum Advanced Cylinders, LLC Alubond USA INC. Anhui Qingtai Auto Parts Co., LTD API Baltic Stages Beaufort Trailer BEAVERFIT NORTH AMERICA LLC Circle B Trailers Clegg Industries, Inc Consolidated Forest Products, LLC Far-Out Trailer, LLC Friesen Trailers Grafx Central Inc Harmony Trailers Manufacturing Haul Mor Trailers Hull & Hitch LLC I-Load, LLC K2 Manufacturing Makaira Boats Maximus Group Napoleon/Lynx www.NATM.com
National Coatings & Supplies NY-NJ Trailer Supply Orrco International Ozark Trailer MFG and Sales PANORAMIC SOLUTIONS INC PassTime Peterson Manufacturing, LLC Probity Tax Recovery Roberlo USA Round House Industries Schupan Industrial Recycling Smouse Trucks, Vans & Trailers, Inc South Texas Tractor Southeastern Commercial Fabricators, LLC Staghorn Industries, LLC Sutong Tire Resources Synergy Upfit Inc The Trailer Guys of Florida TKB Manufacturing Trackabout Off Road Campers Trojan Tarps, LLC Unique Fastener 2020 LLC Wire Wizard Welding Products November/December 2023
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Welcome New Members SUPPLIER/SERVICE PROVIDER BALAJI SPRINGS PVT LTD Khasra No. 228 Mohiuddinpur Delhi Road Meerut, UP, India 250205 • Axles/Hubs/Springs, Suspensions Briargate Supply LLC 884 County Line Road Bensenville, IL 60106 • Adhesives/Tapes, Cargo Control, Mud Flaps/Splash Guards KSC ENGINEERS PVT LTD B31 Sector 65 Noida, Uttar pradesh, India 201301 • Automotive OEM, Axles/Hubs/ Springs, Caps, Castings, Fabricated Parts, Fasteners, Jacks/Landing Gear, Metal Stamping, Plastic Components, Rubber Products, Suspensions Michelin NA 1 Parkway South Greenville, SC 29615 • Tires, Towing Accessories Pro-Series Batteries 35687 State Highway 86 Golden, MO 65658 • Batteries/Accessories RABWIN INDUSTRIES PRIVATE LIMITED SF No 138/2, SNMV College Road Malumichampatti Post Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India 641050 www.rabwin.com • Engineering, Fabricated Parts, Jacks/Landing Gear RV/AC Solutions 6864 E Genesee St Fayetteville, NY 13066 • Automotive OEM, Electrical, Engineering Saylor Wheel LLC 1710 Cypress Ave Greenwood, MS 38930 • Wheels/Rims
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SouthernCarlson 10840 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68154 • MROP Supplies
Redding Equipment Sales 8537 Commercial Way Redding, CA 96002 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair
Standard Paints Inc 940 S 6th Ave Mansfield, TX 76063 • Flooring, Lumber, Paints/Coatings/ Galvanizing, Sales/Marketing
Rentz of Clearwater 1255 N Hercules Ave Clearwater, FL 33765 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair
Toca Industry Technologies Inc. 837 REDWOOD AVE Manteno, IL 60950 • Castings, Fabricated Parts, Flooring, Locks, Mud Flaps/ Splash Guards, Suspensions United Treating and Distribution 338 E Washington Dr Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 www.unitedtreating.com • Flooring, Lumber
TRAILER DEALER AFFILIATE BlueLine Equipment 1697 Mesquite Avenue Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 • Trailer Sales Crossfield Capital LLC 6013 Road 1011 Bainville, MT 59212 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair Deerfield Trailer 2571 W Hillsboro Blvd C/O DEERFIELD TRAILER Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 • Trailer Service/Repair Ohio Enclosed Trailers 1300 Hook Drive Middletown, OH 45042 • Trailer Sales
SOMERSET AUTOMOTIVE SALES NETWORK, INC. 13500 Intrepid Lane Fort Myers, FL 33913 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair Storage In Motion 3508 Brecksville Rd Richfield, OH 44286 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair The Trailer Spot 122 Nicewood Place Amherst, VA 24521 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair West Coast Trailer 7141 Gasparilla Rd Port Charlotte, FL 33981 • Trailer Sales, Trailer Service/Repair
TRAILER MANUFACTURER Apex Energy Services LLC 10920 Whispering Path Dr Shreveport, LA 71106 • Custom Design, Equipment David And Spoke 6080 Center Drive, Ste 600 Los Angeles, CA 90045 • RV/Towable, Specialty ED TRAILERS KM 8.9 Carretera Rubio, Calle Pino #64 Campo 22 Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico 31607 • Auto Hauler, Dump, Enclosed Cargo, Equipment, Gooseneck, Landscape, Utility/Flatbed
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Energy Tree LLC 2009 W Osage St Pacific, MO 63069 • Custom Design, Portable Equipment
Quality Cargo LLC 7977 U.S. 129 Nashville, GA 31639 • Cargo, Enclosed Cargo, Gooseneck, Trailer Service/Repair
High Tide Trailers 3734 FM 2668 Bay City, TX 77414 • Aluminum
Silverback Trailers 10528 Tanner Rd #A Houston, TX 77041 • Auto Hauler, Dump, Equipment, Gooseneck, Landscape, Motorcycle, Trailer Service/Repair, Utility/Flatbed
Kammerer Dynamics, Inc. 5780 East Concrete Drive Kendallville, IN 46755 www.kammerer-kdi.com • Custom Design, Equipment, Portable Equipment, Specialty, Utility/Flatbed
South Coast Trailers 10848 FM 2432 Rd Conroe, TX 77303 • Equipment, Gooseneck, Trailer Service/ Repair, Utility/Flatbed
Macon Welding & Manufacturing 3139 Marie Circle Macon, GA 31216 • Agricultural/Farm, Auto Hauler, Custom Design, Equipment, Landscape, Specialty, Trailer Service/Repair, Utility/Flatbed
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Press Releases Industrial Wood Technology Releases New Thermally Modified Lumber Product: Apex Fortified Lumber
TYLER, Texas — Industrial Wood Technology (IWT) now offers APEX Fortified Lumber, its new thermally modified lumber product that is stronger, lighter and more stable than treated lumber and other lumber products, while still being resistant to rot and decay.
Along with trailer decking, IWT plans to produce residential and commercial decking, siding and trim products under the APEX product line. For trailer decking, APEX offers a cutting-edge solution to the problems that come with traditional trailer decking options.
APEX has all the benefits of pressure treated lumber with none of the chemicals. The thermal modification process used by IWT removes all the attractants and nutrition sources that allow mold, insects and other organisms to grow on and cause the decay of normal lumber.
“APEX solves the never-ending issue with trailer decking of shrinkage, which causes boards to warp and bust through the fasteners on trailers. With APEX, there’s no more of that. These boards are stable,” Gillin said.
“Innovation was the founding principle of IWT - it’s what brought us Blackwood and it’s what has driven us to revolutionize the trailer decking industry again with APEX,” said Kyle Gillin, president of IWT.
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With APEX, faded and gray trailer decks are a thing of the past. “APEX also addresses the issue of trailer decks fading in the sun before they are ever sold. With our coating, you won’t have to worry about sun-fade while the trailer is still sitting on the lot. ■
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Bob Clements International Announces New Training Program LIBERTY, Mo. — Bob Clements International (BCI), the leader in dealership training & development is excited to announce the new training program, “5 Weeks to a Profitable Service Department!”
Taking less than 30 minutes a day (for five weeks), this program was designed for experienced service teams, as well as new hires. It allows everyone to get on the same page, reduce chaos in service, and generate obscene amounts of money.
Newly added to the Dealer Toolbox, this training program is a quick-start guide to implementing the Bob Clements International Service processes.
Register for the Dealer Toolbox to access this exclusive training visit bobclements.spiffy.co/checkout/dealer-toolbox-yearly! ■
LIPPERT AXLES ALWAYS TAKE YOU FARTHER. THE INDUSTRY LEADING LIMITED AXLE WARRANTY Our state-of-the-art robotic welders ensure the highest precision and quality on every component. We offer a full line of reliable 2 – 16K spring axles, 2 – 12K torsion axles and 10 – 16K heavy-duty capacity axles to meet your unique specifications. We now offer Valcrum Premium Oil Caps standard on 8K – 16K spring and torsion axles.
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Iowa Spring Expands Manufacturing Capability Through Acquisition of Northeast Spring ADEL, Iowa — Iowa Spring announced that it has acquired Northeast Spring of Reading, Pennsylvania. The acquisition of Northeast Spring closed on September 15, 2023, and expands Iowa Spring's growing presence as the premier supplier of precision-made springs for the overhead door, construction, agriculture, and recreational equipment industries across the globe. "I am so proud to be able to offer a place for Northeast Spring's legacy to continue," said Iowa Spring CEO Tim Bianco. Northeast Spring is a family-owned and operated business that has supplied high-quality, custom-made springs for over 25 years. Primarily serving the overhead door industry, Northeast Spring operations include both its Reading, Pennsylvania headquarters as well as its Villa Rica, Georgia facility. The company name and management team will remain intact with founder John O'Leary remaining onboard for the next three years to ensure a smooth transition. "Our team has worked tirelessly for more than two decades to build a highly respected company that is focused on family values, quality and integrity," said O'Leary. "With so many spring companies being acquired by large private equity groups, it was essential to me to find a like-minded buyer that could be trusted to keep our team intact and who could uphold our company's legacy and reputation. Iowa Spring is a perfect match, and I am confident in knowing that Northeast Spring will be in good, capable hands moving forward." Following the acquisition, Iowa Spring President & CEO Tim Bianco will oversee operations of Northeast Spring in addition to its three existing facilities: the original Iowa Spring facility, its recent 55,000 square foot nearby expansion facility, and its sister company Southern Atlantic Spring of Granite Quarry, North Carolina.
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"I am so proud to be able to offer a place for Northeast Spring's legacy to continue" said Bianco. "John O'Leary and his team have built a thriving business with an outstanding reputation. The Iowa Spring team is excited to welcome Northeast Spring to our family. As a group of like-minded companies, this acquisition represents the opportunity to offer our customers additional capacity and locations to better serve their needs. "With an ethos of family, high quality, and customer satisfaction, we look forward to leveraging our newly expanded group's capabilities to best serve the overhead door and other target markets." The companies' combined capabilities will position the Iowa Spring group to provide a wide depth and breadth of high quality, custom manufactured springs while maintaining a "customer-centric" focus. ■ About Iowa Spring In operation for over 45 years, Iowa Spring is a precision manufacturer of springs used in the overhead door, construction, agriculture, and recreational equipment industries. Iowa Spring is proudly owned and operated by its original founders, with two locations based in Adel, Iowa. The group also owns a sister company, Southern Atlantic Spring of Granite Quarry, North Carolina. With the addition of Northeast Spring, the Iowa Spring group of companies now span five North American production locations encompassing 375,000 square feet of manufacturing space. For more information about Iowa Spring, visit www.iowaspring.com About Northeast Spring Northeast Spring is a manufacturer of high-quality custom springs, including overhead door springs for OEMs, direct use manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. Northeast Spring is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, with an additional manufacturing facility in Villa Rica, Georgia. For more information on Northeast Spring, visit www.nespring.com.
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Dexter Introduces Fortress Bolt-on and Threaded Aluminum Oil Caps ELKHART, Ind. — Dexter, the leading manufacturer of trailer axles and trailer brakes with over 60 years in the utility trailer, recreation vehicle, heavy duty, manufactured housing, agricultural, marine, and specialty trailer markets, is pleased to introduce a genuine bolton and threaded aluminum oil cap bearing protection solution backed by Dexter’s 5-year warranty. The Fortress aluminum oil caps are engineered and designed by Dexter as a bona fide superior bearing protection solution for several Dexter axle capacities. As part of this improvement, Dexter has redesigned its 9K through 12k hubs to accommodate a bolt-on style cap similar to those that are proven and used in the heavy duty/over-the-road market. Fortress bolt-on caps are available on Dexter axle capacities 9K through 12K, offering industrial-grade fortification and a superior design and seal. Fortress threaded caps are available on Dexter axle capacities 7K through 8K and 15K through 16K. Dexter is also introducing a line of threaded caps for aftermarket kits for axle capacities 7K through 16K. “Available for oil or grease applications, Dexter Fortress
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is designed to provide your trailer’s bearings with optimal protection,” says Dexter Product Manager, Matt Brady. Brady continues, “Dexter is proud to offer the first ever bolt-on caps for 9K through 12K axles. Six mounting screws with lock washers secure the bolt-on cap to your Dexter axle, sealing the wheel end of your axle and providing a complete system that has been rigorously tested both on the road and in our state-of-the-art testing lab by Dexter engineers.” “Dexter is continually investing in new product innovation and finding ways to make current products even better,” says Bryan Thursby, Dexter’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Dexter decided to engineer, develop and tool a superior bearing protection cap based on customer feedback while offering the longest warranty available.” The new Dexter Fortress bolt-on and threaded aluminum oil caps will be introduced into production in October 2023. Shortly thereafter, Fortress will be available in aftermarket kits to distributor and dealer customers across North America. ■ To learn more about Dexter Fortress visit ww.dexteraxle.com/fortress.
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Powerbrace.com Receives 2023 WebAward KENOSHA, Wis. —Powerbrace, a designer and manufacturer of door securement products for the transportation industry, has been recognized with a 2023 Web Marketing Association (WMA) Manufacturing Standard of Excellence WebAward. The WMA presented this award to Powerbrace for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development for their website, www.powerbrace.com.
evaluated each website in seven categories. One judge noted that powerbrace.com has “great use of high-quality visual elements…”. Powerbrace is honored to receiving the Standard of Excellence award, which the WMA states “recognizes the standard of excellence for which all web sites should strive.” ■
Powerbrace, in partnership with Northwoods (nwsdigital. com), recently redesigned its website in conjunction with their new brand strategy. Powerbrace.com was entered into this year’s WebAwards program and competed headto-head with other manufacturing websites. Expert judges
Powerbrace has designed and manufactured the highest quality swing door securement products (lockrods, compression latches, hinges, etc.) since 1960. These solutions are provided in a variety of durable materials, lengths, and finishes to meet the needs of the truck trailer, specialty trailer, truck body, and intermodal transport markets.
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About Powerbrace
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OWNERSHIP Publication Title: Tracks
Publicaton Number: 1552-2415
Filing Date: 08/01/2023
Issue Frequency: Bimonthly
Number of Issues Printed Annually: 6
Annual Subscription: $50 Member $100 nonmember
Complete Mailing Address of Known Office: 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604
Contact Person: Samantha Darling LaCount
Telephone: 785-272-4433
TRACKS
Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: National Associaton of Trailer Manufacturers Editor: Samantha Darling LaCount 2420 SW 17th St Topeka, KS 66604 Publication Title: Tracks Extent and Nature of Circulation
Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 09/01/2023 Avg. No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months
No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date
A. Total Number of Copies (Net Press Run)
B. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)
1
Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions
1,657
1,599
2
Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions
1
2
3
Paid Distribution Outside the Mails
0
0
4
Paid Distribution by Other Classses of the Mail Through the USPS
110
100
1,768
1,701
1
Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County
40
76
2
Free or Nominal Rate In-County Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through USPS Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail
0
0
C. Total Paid Distrubtion
D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution
3 4
0
0
91
125
E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribtuion
131
201
F. Total Distribution
1,899
1,902
G. Copies Not Distributed
10
10
H. Total
1,909
1,912
Percent Paid
93.10%
89.40%
0
0
a. Paid Electronic Copies B. Total Paid Print Copies + Paid Electronic Copies
1,768
0
C. Total Print Distribution + Paid Electronic Copies
1,899
1,902
D. Percent Paid (Electronic & Print Copies)
93.10%
89.40%
Publication Statement of Ownership: This statement will be published in the 11/1/2023 Issue of Tracks Magazine Editor Signature: Samantha Darling LaCount 08/01/2023
www.NATM.com
November/December 2023
79
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