REGULATIONS are becoming increasingly complex, so the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers used its convention, in part, to magically turn the complex into the simple.
VIN labels, trailer certification, and jack requirements were all explained during the company's 19th annual convention in Orlando, Florida.
More than 1,400 attended the event, including representatives of 197 trailer manufacturing companies.
The trade show had expanded available space and extended hours that allowed the attendees more time to view the exhibits. This year's show featured exhibits by 230 companies — occupying 300 exhibit spaces — up sharply from the 237 spaces that were sold in 2006.
Looking over the association's financial performance, Travis Eby said the association became financially stronger in 2006, the result of record levels of sponsorship activity and solid membership growth. NATM is striving to reach 1,000 members before it turns 20 years old.
One of the highlights of the association during the past years was the move into its own office building. Prior to last year, the organization rented office space. NATM paid cash for the new building.
“That is a tribute to the management of our staff and to the leadership of this association from its earliest days,” Eby said.
Leading the association this year will be:
Andy Gehman, MGS Inc, president; Travis Eby, M H Eby Inc, vice-president; Michael Terry, Cimarron Trailers, secretary/treasurer; and Carl Maxey, Maxey Manufacturing, past president.
The association's board of directors this year will include:
Matt Arnold, Mark Line Industries, Bristol IN; Bob Bushnell, Western World Inc, Caldwell ID; Eric Clement, Featherlite Inc, Cresco IA; Rick Coffey, Carlisle Tire & Wheel, Aiken PA; Jeff Jackson, CM Trailers, Madill OK; Jack Klepinger, Wells Cargo, Phoenix AZ; Chuck MacKarvich, Tie Down Engineering, Atlanta GA; Larry McDonald, Lucky “B” Manufacturing, Cookeville TN; Mike Skoglund, Carry-On Trailer, Lavonia GA; and Greg Snyder, Car Mate Trailers, Leeper PA;
The association will hold its 20th annual convention at the Las Vegas Hilton February 26-March 1, 2008.