If, as expected 2019 marks the high-point of the decade-long rise in trailer production, the Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association 77th Annual Convention was an appropriately appreciative gathering. The convention was held April 24-27 at the Hyatt Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, FL.
“The convention went off flawlessly,” said outgoing TTMA Chairman Gary Smith of Kentucky Trailer. “The location was great, and attendance was terrific.”
Smith, speaking to Trailer/Body BUILDERS following the event, specifically singled out the fleet panel discussion during the second day’s general session as being “a great benefit” to members and associates. He also pointed to the Closing Banquet’s focus on the TTMA Plant Safety Award recipients—rather than entertainment—as “a really positive decision.”
Indeed, in looking back at his tenure as chairman and his subsequent rotation into a leadership role with the policy committee, Smith emphasized the creation and ongoing development of the Safety Committee as a highlight.
“The idea of having a Safety Committee that in many ways functions like the Engineering Committee—identifying and sharing best practices across the industry—has tremendous potential. And, obviously, when we can recognize top performers, similar to what we did at the conclusion of this convention, it just gives everyone the encouragement that excellent results in the area of safety can be achieved.”
Smith also praised the TTMA staff—President Jeff Sims, Administrative Manager Carrie Renuart, and Engineering Manager John Freiler—for making an “outstanding year” as chairman “easy.”
With nearly 500 registrants, including 77 “first-timers,” the traditional schedule of business meetings and general sessions, golf and tennis events, the poolside games, beach excursions and a boat cruise all drew capacity crowds. And, of course, the Welcome Reception around the resort fountains, the Ladies’ Coffee, the “Fleet Trailers in Paradise”-themed Associates’ Reception and Dinner, and the Closing Banquet each lived up to everyone’s high expectations.
And, during both general sessions, select associate members took to the stage for 4 minutes apiece to tout the latest and greatest in goods and services to benefit trailer manufacturers.
The TTMA 78th Annual Convention will be held April 22-25, 2020 at the La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio. Registration and the hotel room block will open in early 2020.
2019-2020 Officers:
Chairman of the Board:
Bob Wahlin
Stoughton Trailers
Vice Chairman of the Board:
John Cannon
Wabash National
President:
Jeffrey Sims
TTMA
Treasurer:
Andy Tanner
Talbert Mfg.
Chairman Policy Committee:
Rick Mullininx
Great Dane Trailers
Vice Chairman Policy Committee:
Gary Smith
Kentucky Trailer
Chairman, TTMA Convention Committee:
John Cannon
Wabash National
(also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board)
Vice Chairman, TTMA Convention Committee:
New 2nd Vice Chair:
Jay Kulyk
Rogers Brothers
2019-2020 Board of Directors:
Dave de Poincy, East Manufacturing Corporation
Terry Elias, Lode-King Industries
Frank Flowers, General Engines Company, Inc.
Gary Gaussion, Silver Eagle Manufacturing
Jan Hoover, Strick Trailer, LLC
Stuart James, Hyundai Translead
Bill Persinger, Wilson Trailer Company
John Rust, Trail King Industries, Inc.
Brent Yeagy, Wabash National Corporation
Jeff Thompson, Timpte Inc.
2019-2020 Tank Conference:
Chairman of the Tank Executive Conference:
Peter Weis
Polar Tank Trailer LLC
Vice Chairman of the Tank Executive Conference:
Cory Kirk,
Tremcar
Gary Christen
Etnyre
Zach Coley,
Heil Trailer International
Mike Keenen
MAC LTT