Shifting Gears – NATM’s Dealers Committed to Compliance Program

Recently, the NATM Board of Directors felt it was time to reorganize the Dealers Committed to Compliance (DCTC) program to reduce confusion about the Association’s mission, who members are, and NATM’s resources to trailer dealers. To create a united industry and stop the confusion from spreading, the NATM Board of Directors determined that it was time to change DCTC’s direction.

The DCTC’s ‘Affiliate’ category has been eliminated. However, dealers will still receive complimentary issues of Tracks’ Spring and Fall Special Editions plus the yearly Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide. Dealers will continue receiving updates on regulatory changes, industry trends and other information that impacts the trailer industry.

Current DCTC dealers will automatically receive the previously mentioned NATM communications. Dealers who are not current participates, may sign up by emailing Kendra.Fritz@natm.com or by calling (785) 272-4433. In late June, dealers may also subscribe online when NATM launches its updated website at http://www.NATM.com.

Dealers are vital to the overall success of the industry. NATM welcomes dealer’s input regarding how the Association can remain relevant and continue growing, improving and promoting the industry’s success.

The entire DCTC article with additional information is available in the Tracks July/August Edition available later this month.

NATM ISO 17020 Update

Next week NATM will undergo an ISO 17020 accreditation assessment. This is an important step in strengthening NATM’s Compliance Verification Program, one the Association has been working toward for several years.

The November/December 2014 Edition of Tracks outlined the handful of areas for improvement that the assessor discovered during the document review phase. These changes were made quickly, and staff has been successful at addressing the issues outline. Read Tracks article.

In March, NATM had a planning visit wherein the assessor visited NATM headquarters. The assessor, after noting only minor suggestions for improvement, commended NATM on its level of preparedness compared to most organizations undergoing its first accreditation.

NATM staff have been gearing up for the assessment next week and are well prepared. An update on the assessment will be out soon after the assessment, so be on the lookout!

Kendra Fritz

kendra.fritz@natm.com

2015 Regulatory Roundup

Sign up now for the NATM Regulatory Roundup and Capitol Hill Visits, May 14, 2015, Washington D.C.

Each year, NATM hosts Capitol Hill Visits and scheduling meetings so that members may meet with their Representatives and Senators. These meetings allow NATM members to discuss the impact of legislation on the industry and educate legislators on the issues facing the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.

The Regulatory Roundup consists of speakers and presenters including staff members of key congressional committees as well as other industry experts discussing the industry’s issues and future.

NATM has a block of hotel rooms ($229/night) with a reservation cut-off of April 7. If you do not need a hotel room, you may register to attend through April 22, 2015. Contact Allison Malmstrom for more information, (785) 272-4433 or allison.malmstrom@natm.com.

Tire Tariff Update

We have made significant progress towards our goal of getting specialty trailer tires excluded from the investigation related to the importation into the U.S. of certain passenger vehicle and light truck tires from the People’s Republic of China, an investigation which was initiated by a labor union. 

Last week, K&L Gates filed comments on behalf of NATM with the U.S. Department of Commerce on the matter.  Yesterday, the union that initiated the proceeding filed an official rebuttal to the docketed comments received from NATM and other organizations, stating, in part, that it agrees with NATM’s position that certain specialty trailer tires should be excluded from the scope of the investigation.  They also outlined in detail which specialty trailer tires it believes should be excluded; they specifically reference NATM’s comments.  Please contact me if you would like a copy of the rebuttal.

We view this development as a very positive step towards the desired outcome of excluding specialty trailer tires from the investigation.  However, the Department of Commerce must still act before the scope is officially modified, which we hope will be the case in light of the union’s comments. 

NATM will continue to monitor the investigation closely and will continue to cooperate with the Department of Commerce to advocate for the interests of our members.

Pam O’Toole Trusdale
Executive Director
National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)
(785) 272-4433

 

Kathleen Dultmeier Joins NATM Team as Marketing Coordinator!

In June, Kathleen Dultmeier was named Marketing Coordinator for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers. With 20-years of marketing and communication experience and a love for association work, Dultmeier’s skills were a good match for the organization.

“Kathleen’s personality and experience were a perfect fit for NATM,” said Pam Trusdale, NATM Executive Director. “We wanted someone who could provide professional materials, creativity and innovative ideas while keeping with the teamwork environment. Adding Kathleen completes our staff so now NATM can work at full capacity.”

Dultmeier has a variety of work experience: newspaper, radio, healthcare, electric energy, wildlife and parks, and agriculture. A 1994 Washburn University graduate, Dultmeier has a B.A. in Mass Media, and in 2010 earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Baker University.

As Marketing Coordinator, Dultmeier will be managing the NATM website, producing promotional materials and attending trade shows. She has an 18-year old son who will attend college this fall; a 9-year old daughter entering adolescence, two small dogs who think they are human; and an extremely patient husband.

Welcome Dultmeier to her new position by emailing or calling: Kathleen.Dultmeier@natm.com or (785) 272-4433.

 

NHTSA Federal Register Notice: Recall Reports

NATM Members,

NHTSA is requiring manufacturers to submit recall reports and associated documents online through a web-based portal beginning August 2014.

Please click here to access an advance version of a Federal Register notice regarding this training.

NHTSA is offering training on the new system between July 28 and August 8, 2014, and participants must register by July 28, 2014.

More details on the training including dates can be found in the document that can be accessed here.

NATM will continue to monitor these developments and keep you up-to-date once the official notice is published in the Federal Register.

 

NATM Headquarters Announces Promotion

The National Association of Trailer Manufacturers is pleased to announce the promotion of Meghan Ryan within the Association’s headquarters located in Topeka, Kan.

Meghan Ryan has been promoted to the position of Communications Director from Tracks Editor. Tracks is the bi-monthly publication of NATM and has subscribers across the U.S. and at member companies intermittently throughout the world.

In addition to developing a more comprehensive communications campaign and building on the Association’s profile through focused publications, Ryan will continue working as editor of Tracks magazine, serving as the staff liaison for the marketing committee and as the quality representative on the quality committee. Ryan is a graduate of Washburn University and is involved in the Topeka alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta and the Washburn honor society, NoNoSo.

With the constant growth and development of the Association, NATM is pleased with this recent promotion within the staff in order to expand the Association’s capabilities.

2014 NATM Convention & Trade Show Analytics Executive Summary

Participation

• Second highest attended NATM event in recent history with 880 registrants (15% increase over 2013 show).
• Sold out trade show floor 3 weeks before the event.
• Highest number of trailer manufacturers in attendance since 2010.

Exhibitor Survey

• 100% of exhibitors surveyed agreed that NATM Convention & Trade Show is a high quality exhibition that benefits their company.
• Of those surveyed and who plan to exhibit at the 2015 trade show, 100% said they will return and 1 said they will take more space.
• 46% of exhibitors introduced a new product. This is an opportunity for many exhibitors to increase their booth traffic by introducing new products.

Attendee Survey

• 95% of attendees said the value of NATM’s trade show was good to excellent
• Attendees gave the trade show a rating of 4 out of 5.
• 89% of responding attendees have a role in purchasing products
• Significant increase in number of first time attendees (13%)
• 92% of attendees indicated they will definitely or probably attend NATM’s convention in 2015.

Workshop Attendee Survey

• Overall Speaker approval rating was 4.18 out of 5

Attendee Comments from Workshops

• Very realistic. I’m impressed with how well it was presented. [I learned]New tactics I need to adapt to our current procedures. THANKS!!! Well done.—Attracting and Retaining Quality Employees workshop
• [The speaker] made me feel comfortable and engage me even though I have a language barrier. – Attracting and Retaining Quality Employees
• Glad NATM is doing this! – Transitions: How Successful Family Companies Structure Their Business for Future Success
• Very beneficial and informative.- Technical Forum: Morning Session
• SAE Session was very well prepared & Informative—Technical Forum:  Session 2

Next Show

• February 11-13, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
• 2015 exhibit space will be released first to 2014 sponsors, followed by pre-registered exhibitors. The space will open to all other eligible exhibitors by mid-to late June 2014.

 

ATC Trailers Receives NATM Green Manufacturing Award 2014

NATM President Mike Lloyd with Lucas Landis of ATC and Ron Yarnell of PPG for the NATM Green Mfg Award

 NATM presented Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC Trailers), Nappanee, Ind., with the NATM Green Manufacturing Award Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at the Awards Luncheon during the 26^th Annual NATM Convention & Trade Show. The NATM Green Manufacturing Award is presented to an NATM trailer manufacturing member annually to recognize the best innovation or novel solutions by a manufacturer in our industry that positively impact our environment. NATM has partnered with PPG Industries, Inc., the founding sponsor of the Green Award, who donates $5,000 to the charity selected by the award recipient. Their financial support reflects PPG’s commitment to improving the environment.

ATC Trailers has been pro-active in their commitment to sustainability. A pillar of ATC’s core values is to enhance the communities they are a part of. Examples of their commitment to sustainability include recycling of 100% of wood scrap, aluminum and steel, while also recycling employee waste and eliminating one-time use paper products. This alone has generated an average of $4,500 per month as well as keeps the waste from filling landfills. ATC has increased its energy efficiency and is in their 4th year of a LEAN manufacturing transition. The company has utilized natural ventilation for the summer months and high efficiency wood-fired boiler in the winter months. One result of this effort is a huge reduction of utility costs from $221,520 annually to $113,625 annually. The company also complies with water-run off requirements, and has improved air quality through a new ventilation system and placed limits placed on smoking areas with the health of their employees in mind.

ATC has plans to continue with its green improvements with a switch to energy efficient light bulbs and increase natural lighting as well as introducing a rain capturing system in order to utilize the grey water in the facility.

NATM President Mike Lloyd and Ron Yarnell of PPG presented Lucas Landis the 2014 Green Award to ATC Trailers. ATC selected Goshen’s Farmer’s Market to receive the donation. Goshen Farmer’s Market is governed by The Community Sustainability Project, an Indiana nonprofit corporation.  Their mission is to create a viable market for locally-grown and crafted products in order to promote and educate about agricultural, environmental, economic and community sustainability.

For more information about the Green Manufacturing Award winning ATC Trailers, visit www.aluminumtrailer.com.

Rep. Lynn Jenkins Visits NATM Headquarters

NATM Executive Director Pam Trusdale with Rep. Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) at the new NATM headquarters in Topeka, Kan.

Feb. 20, 2013, Representative Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) visited the newly purchased and remodeled NATM headquarters in Topeka, Kan. Executive Director Pam Trusdale led the tour of the renovated building and Jenkins was impressed by the before an after photos of the building.

Rep. Jenkins was recently awarded the Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award by the National Association of Manufacturers for her 97 percent key vote rating supporting manufacturers and their employers in the US. Jenkins also visits with NATM members during NATM’s annual Regulatory Roundup held in Washington, D.C. to learn about the concerns facing the trailer industry.