In 2008, the goal for the membership committee was to recruit 1,000 members. That was the year that the economy was strong and we had our biggest convention with almost 1,500 members in attendance. Participation in the compliance program was growing and we sold over a half million compliance decals. We reached our membership goal.

By the fourth quarter of 2008 everything changed and over the next few years we struggled along with our members. We watched as production slowed down and companies downsized, merged and some went out of business. We worked with members and offered payment plans and kept a good solid membership base.

Membership numbers did decline between 2008 and 2011. The decrease in members and decrease in decal sales meant a decrease in revenue for the association. However, throughout this period NATM maintained all of the same member services and even added new programs. The board of directors felt that it was more important than ever to continue the programs that are important to our members and help them through the economic downturn.

One of the most significant new member benefits we added during this period was our government affairs program. Trailer manufacturers are often caught up in regulations or legislation intended for automobile manufacturers. Some of these would be costly for our members, i.e. the nine dollar per vehicle tax in the proposed Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010. This is just one example of why association membership is even more important in difficult times. We can be more effective as a group than one individual company. We are out there working on your behalf so you can focus your efforts on running your business.

So after struggling through several difficult years, things are beginning to look up. 2011 was a good year for NATM and I believe that is because things are looking better for our members. I think we hit our low on membership and now it is starting to grow again. We began getting more new member applications about mid-year 2011 and we are continuing to get more new members every week.

Here are some of the year-end highlights for 2011:

Members voted unanimously to require participation in the Compliance Verification Program as a condition of membership for trailer manufacturers

758 members, including 86 new members

91 percent of the regular members in compliance

499,842 compliance decals sold

Sold out the 2011 trade show (with a waiting list)

Lead a coalition (NATM, NMMA, RVIA) working on a uniform brake standard

Ended the year with a balanced budget

Established a Dealers Committed to Compliance program to recognize trailer dealers that sell NATM Compliant Trailers.

We are already off to a great start for 2012. As of this writing over 70 percent of you have renewed your membership for 2012. Decal sales in January this year are 50 percent higher than January 2011. The trade show sold out again this year and attendance is up. By the end of this year we will be able to say that all NATM members have verified that they manufacture compliant trailers. I think things are going to continue to look up throughout the year – thanks to your ongoing support and participation.