The Outlook for trailer demand, an analysis of the global economy, and tips for managing younger employees were among the topics presented at the 65th annual Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association convention held April 30-May 3 at the La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, Texas.
Ken Vieth, senior partner and general manager of ACT Research, provided a detailed report on the “subdued” trailer market and offered his thoughts on when — and why — demand for trailers will rebound. Hint: it may be sooner and stronger than you might think.
Don Reynolds, founder of 21st Century Forecasting, underscored global trends that are affecting the U S economy, including the trailer manufacturing industry. He explained what they are, how they work, and what the economic outlook will be for the next year and beyond.
Bruce Tulgan, founder of RainmakerThinking, shared what he and his company has learned through consistent interviews of managers and employees. Based on that research, he offered a fast-paced explanation of the minds of younger employees, what their values and expectations are, and how creative managers can use that information to produce motivated contributors to their companies.
The association also heard from representatives of a dozen associate member companies — suppliers of goods and services that can help trailer manufacturers produce a higher quality or lower cost product.
Details of these presentations can be found on the pages that follow.
TTMA OFFICERS 2008 - 2009
Chairman of the Board
Jeff Pitts
Pitts Trailers
Pittsview, Alabama
Vice-Chairman of the Board
Dave Tate
East Manufacturing Corp
Randolph, Ohio
Treasurer
DonWahlin
Stoughton Trailers Inc
Stoughton, Wisconsin
Chairman, Policy Committee:
BillGreubel
Wabash National Corp
Lafayette, Indiana
Vice-Chairman Policy Committee:
Dave Shannon
Beall Corporation
Billings, Montana
President:
Dick Bowling
TTMA
Alexandria, Virginia
Chairman Tank Conference:
Randy Arlt
Polar Tank Trailer Llc
Holdingford, Minnesota
Vice Chairman Tank Conference:
Steve Slaughter
Heil Trailer International
Chattanooga, TN
Chairman for Associates:
Dominic Grote
GROTE INDUSTRIES
Madison, Indiana
Vice-Chairman for Associates:
Darrell Thompson
SAF HOLLAND
Northville, Michigan
Immediate Past Chairman Associates:
Denny Weisend
Hayes Lemmerz International
Northville, Michigan
Chairman Convention Committee:
Dave Tate
East Manufacturing Corp
Randolph, Ohio
Vice Chairman Convention Committee:
Mark Kulyk
Rogers Brothers Corporation
Albion, Pennsylvania
TTMA 2008 - 2009 DIRECTORS
Tom Anderson
LBT, Inc
Omaha, Nebraska
Bruce Black
Trailmobile Trailer LLC
Northbrook, Illinois
John Davis
Reinke Manufacturing
Deshler, Nebraska
Dan Giles
Fontaine Trailer Company
Haleyville, Alabama
Dick Giromini
Wabash National Corporation
Lafayette, Indiana
Glenn Harney
HYUNDAI TRANSLEAD
San Diego, California
Dale Jones
Timpte Inc
David City NE
Rob Maharrey
Lufkin Trailers
Lufkin, Texas
Charlie Mudd
Vanguard National Trailer
Monon, Indiana
Rick Mullininx
Great Dane Trailers
Savannah, Georgia
Rick Odle
Talbert Manufacturing, Inc
Rensselaer, Indiana
Bill Persinger
Wilson Trailer Company
Sioux City, Iowa
Gary Smith
Kentucky Trailers
Louisville, Kentucky
Grant Smith
West-Mark
Ceres, California
Bruce Yakley
Brenner Tank LLC
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin