NATM has been named a 2018 All Star Award winner by Constant Contact, a company in email marketing solutions. The annual award recognizes the most successful 10 percent of Constant Contact’s customer base, based on their significant achievements using email marketing to engage their customers and drive results for their organization during the prior year.
 
NATM has made significant strides in enhancing its email marketing strategies. The Association’s communications department has been hard at work in its efforts to reduce the amount of emails that hit users’ inboxes.

“We’re happy to be recognized by Constant Contact for achieving strong marketing results and engaging with our customers. We’re grateful for our subscribers who are consistently engaging with our content as well as providing constant feedback for how we can improve our marketing efforts,” said NATM Executive Director Kendra Ansley.
 
Small businesses and nonprofits using Constant Contact’s email marketing tools are eligible for this award. Criteria used to select this year’s All Stars included the following during 2018:

• Level of engagement with email campaigns
• Open, bounce, and click-through rates

• Use of social sharing features
• Use of mailing list sign-up tools
• Use of reporting tools

 
“Constant Contact’s primary goal is to fuel small business success. We know it’s not an easy road for small businesses, which is why we work to provide easy and affordable marketing tools and advice that can elevate their customer engagement and awareness to new levels,” said Holli Scott, Vice President of Customer Success. “The campaigns created by this year’s All Stars demonstrate that a business, regardless of its size, can accomplish their marketing goals and we celebrate NATM's impressive achievements with this All Star Award.” 

Not subscribed to NATM’s mailing list? No worries! You can subscribe to NATM's monthly newsletter, NATM Insider, here or text “NATM” to 22828 to automatically subscribe. For more questions or concerns regarding NATM’s marketing efforts, contact NATM Marketing Coordinator Savana Morrison.

As of January 31, 2019, all unpaid memberships are considered past due.
Membership renewals for 2019 have been mailed, and the main contact for your company has received several email notices as well. If you would like to confirm who your main contact is, please contact NATM Membership & Education Director Kelli Maydew or call NATM at (785) 272-4433. You can also log into the Members Only portal of www.NATM.com and select the “Update Your Contact Information” link to make edits instantly to this information. 

In addition to paying your membership dues by check or over the phone by credit card, you are also able to pay online using the Members Only portal at www.NATM.com. Once you are logged in using your company’s login credentials, select “Pay My Bills.” If you need your credentials, or have any questions during this process, please contact NATM Membership & Education Director Kelli Maydew.
​
NATM is committed to improving the compliance program, delivering safety education and information, increasing consumer awareness about the importance of buying compliant trailers, providing opportunities for member input, and continuing to develop relationships with key decision makers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies to advocate for industry needs.  
 
NATM, the Board of Directors, committees, and staff are working diligently to provide more value to members, and we look forward to working with you in 2019. We sincerely hope that you will allow us to continue to serve your needs and provide value to your organization.
 
Please contact NATM Membership & Education Director Kelli Maydew if you have any questions at (785) 272-4433 or email Kelli.Maydew@natm.com
​

After a slow start and the complications of a several week partial government shutdown, the 116th Congress has taken shape. Committee assignments have been established and the new Congress includes 30 incoming members to the key committees of jurisdiction over transportation and infrastructure issues. If your Representative or Senator is featured on these lists and you are interested in inviting them to tour your facility, please contact Meghan Ryan at NATM headquarters.
 
A wave of retirements, electoral defeats, and a shifting majority brings 16 new Democratic members to the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I), as well as eight new members on the Republican side of the aisle. Below are the newest faces to the House T&I committee rosters.  

​The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation welcomes both a new Chair and Ranking Member, with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) taking the gavel from newly elevated Majority Whip John Thune, and Senator Maria Cantwell replacing the recently defeated Senator Bill Nelson. In addition, the committee welcomes three new members:

After two years serving at the helm, NATM President Patrick Jennissen says his goodbyes to the NATM Membership
​
Thank you to everyone that attended the recent NATM Convention & Trade Show! For those of you unable to attend the NATM Annual Membership Luncheon, I recently stepped down from President to Past President, and I am entrusting Owen Shelton in my stead.

I would like to use this chance to reflect on my time spent on the NATM Board of Directors and attempt to thank the many people that made this experience great. The mission of NATM is to promote trailer safety and the success of the trailer manufacturing industry through education and advocacy, and I am proud to say that the current performance of our Association is meeting those goals.

There are many reasons that I am proud of what NATM accomplished over the last two years, including the first Trailer Safety Week that took place across the nation and online June 3-9, 2018. Although 2018 brought new challenges because of tariffs, NATM still made great strides in our government affairs efforts with productive meetings on Capitol Hill, and a record-breaking seven legislative plant tours in which NATM members hosted members of Congress to visit their facilities and discuss the issues facing the light- and medium-duty trailer industry.

I believe in what NATM is trying to achieve, and because of that, I became involved on various committees and eventually joined the Board of Directors. I spent enough time volunteering on the board to become familiar with the Association, its mission and its members that once it was my time to serve as president, I realized the position of president of NATM was not intimidating, but instead rewarding. In addition to the Association’s successes, I would also like to note that I have had a gratifying experience personally.

Working with the board and committees and serving with such an impressive group of leaders has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. Volunteering on these committees was not only about what I could contribute but was also a learning experience for me in association management, strategic planning and regulatory issues and I look forward to continuing as past president and serving on the executive, finance, convention and government affairs committees.

I would like to encourage those that have reservations about getting involved to go ahead and join this great group of volunteers and serve on a committee or on the NATM Board. Each committee requires varying commitments of time and draws on expertise in a wide range of subject matter, from technical to education. It’s a great opportunity not only to support the industry, but also to grow professionally and learn more about the industry. NATM staff and board members are more than willing to coach new volunteers and help them settle into their role. Although committees have been set for 2019, if you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to NATM Executive Director Kendra Ansley at Kendra.Ansley@natm.com or at (785) 272-4433.

I am proud to be a small part of the accomplishments that the Association made during my tenure. Throughout my career, I have utilized the NATM’s conventions, meetings and publications to increase my knowledge of the trailer industry and have applied that knowledge to improve my company in ways I never could have imagined. I am pleased that NATM continues to be “the premier” Association for our industry.

I would like to thank the many people that made this experience gratifying. Thank you to all the members that make this Association a possibility. If it wasn’t for all of you, the compliance program and our work to improve the safety of the industry would not be possible.

Those that took a step further to attend the convention, volunteer on a committee or attend the Regulatory Roundup also deserve recognition. It is only with your commitment and support that we will raise awareness of our industry and continue to improve trailer safety and the success of the industry.

Very little would be possible without a strong staff to keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly. Executive Director Kendra Ansley, and the NATM staff have continued to serve the needs of members and improve benefits and services. The NATM staff has evolved into an extremely dedicated and dynamic unit that is capable and enthusiastic about adding value to your business through regular communication, new and updated resources, and beyond. I encourage all of you to be active in the Association and to provide additional input so that NATM is strong and of value to you.
​
Thank you for a wonderful two years,
Pat Jennissen

​Midsota Mfg., a manufacturer of specialty utility trailers, has been an NATM member since 2001. Bauer has been in the trailer industry for 18 years, 14 of those serving as owner and company president of Midsota. In 2017 Joel received the NATM Young Professional Award. Joel has been a regular attendee of the NATM Annual Convention. Bauer has experience serving as a board member, including 3 years on the board of his church serving as treasurer for 3 of those years, as well as serving 1.5 years on the city planning commission. When asked about his qualifications, Bauer said, "I believe my history owning and growing Midsota Manufacturing Inc. over 14 years with 3 different business partners will bode well for my input to the NATM in both the trailer manufacturing industry and working closely with others that may have a different view point to obtain common goals for the association."

MGS Incorporated - Fort Collins (formerly Maxey Mfg.), a manufacturer of specialty utility trailers, has been a member of NATM since 1994. Maxey's previous board experience includes the NATM Board of Directors (2001 - 2008), Colorado Motor Carriers Association, and Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the course of his experience in the trailer manufacturing industry Maxey has served as operations manager, general manager, Vice President and Colorado Operations General Manager. A regular attendee of the NATM Convention and Regulatory Roundup, Carl has also served on the Executive and Government Affairs committee as well as NATM President. In 2009 Maxey was awarded the NATM Outstanding Member Award. When asked to elaborate on his qualifications, Maxey noted "I am very experienced with the multiple levels of challenges trailer manufacturers confront daily, the many issues that the industry will face in the year ahead (skilled labor shortage, supply chain disruption), and I have the passion to serve the industry."

OPERATIONS

Finance
Josh Johnson, Big Tex Trailers*
Jim Berry, Dexter Axle
Patrick Jennissen, Felling Trailers
Charles Lange, Legend Mfg.
Richard Lavanture, LaVanture Products
Marty Lorick, Triple Crown Trailers
Carl Maxey, MGS Incorporated
Owen Shelton, Boatmate Trailers
 
MEMBER SERVICES

Convention
Jim Berry, Dexter Axle*
Robert Roden, H.E. Parmer Co.*
Brent Freel, KampCo Steel Products
Pat Jennissen, Felling Trailers
Josh Johnson, Big Tex Trailers
Brian Jones, Champion Hoist & Equip.
Marty Lorick, Triple Crown Trailers
Stacey Miller, Dexter Axle
Joe Ostrowski, Kenda/Americana
Dustin Smith, Optronics
Greg Snyder, CAR MATE Trailers
Ron Yarnell, PPG
 
Education
Buck Hataway, Axalta*
Joel Bauer, Midsota Mfg.
Brent Bystrom, 3M
Shaun Douglass, Optronics
Michael Etheridge, Wylie Mfg.
Stephen Houston, Vitracoat
Eric Kazmierzak, Laclede Chain
Justin Kurth, Tracker Marine
Gary Sale, Diamond Vogel
Greg Snyder, CAR MATE Trailers
Brian Wise, BWise Mfg.

Government Affairs
Leo Akins, Forest River*
Chris Connington, Hopkins Mfg./TAG
Charles Daugherty, Red Fern Dynamics
Les Eaves, Delta Trailers
Andy Gehman, MGS Incorporated
Pat Jennissen, Felling Trailers
Brett Johnson, Oprtonics
John Kerr, Marsh and McLennan
Lucas Landis, ATC Trailers
Mike Lemrick, Gem State Mfg.
Dustin Miller, Cross Trailers
Jake Morrison, H&H Trailers
Ty Scott, Hydrastar
Joe Steinberger, BWise Mfg.
Don Taylor, Brakequip
Jacob Woodard, Manus Products
 
Marketing
Stacey Miller, Dexter Axle*
Johnathan Bradley, Big Tex Trailers
Rebecca Gerads, Felling Trailers
Ryan Griesemer, Ridewell Suspensions
Jeff Jones, Statistical Surveys
John Kerr, Marsh and McLennan
Tary Krahenbuhl, Austin Hardware
Cary Kronebusch, Peerless Industrial Group
Amanda Seabaugh, Ryerson
Catherine Shaw, North West Rubber Ltd.
 
Membership
Marcus Hester, Optronics*
Cary Loeser, Automotive International*
Joel Bauer, Midsota Mfg.
Rick Coffey, Carlstar Group
Andrew Douglass, Rumber Materials
Mike Lloyd, Aluma
Chris Pokornowski, Towmaster, Inc.
Ami Stombaugh, Taskmaster Components
Michael Swedak, WC Manufacturing & Specialty Co., Inc.
Robert Tsas, AkzoNobel Coatings, Inc.
 
TECHNICAL

Technical
David Mihalick, Bison Coach LLC*
Lyle Berning, Novae Corp.
Jon Devitt, Midwest Industries
Fred Dosmann, Dec-O-Art, Inc.
Nick Dorfer, BrakeQuip
Nick Gamby, TexTrail Trailer Parts
Randy Gressley, Big Tex Trailer Mfg.
Taylor Jones, B&W Trailer Hitches
Tom Kaufman, Hillsboro Industries
Tim Lammers, Demco
Bryce McIntyre, American Eagle Accessories Group
Randy McMann, Dexter Axle
Shannon Papa, U-Haul
Owen Shelton, BoatMate Trailers
Brandon Starkey, EZ Loader Custom Boat Trailers
Luis Vendrell, U-Haul
 
Guidelines
Lyle Berning, Novae Corp.*
Willie Bauer, CAR MATE Trailers
Paul Feight, MGS Incorporated
Rick Huddleston, Ranger Boats
Erik Ohlsson, Optronics
Paul Murphy, MVSCS
Dan Presley, Big Tex Trailer Mfg.
Nathan Uphus, Felling Trailers
 
Technology
Marco Garcia, U-Haul*
Ellis Breskman, Z Tech
Elton Cordell, Lippert Components
Jonathan Gravell, Truck System Technologies
Jeff Gray, ASA Electronics
Kirk Hawkins, 3M
Daniel Luby, BoatMate Trailers
Rod Ludwig, Midwest Industries
Dave McKee, BWise Mfg.
Todd Brinkman, GM
Mark Leonard, EFI Global
Stephen Robertson, Toyota
Ray Smith, RS Supply LLC
Nathan Uphus, Felling Trailers
Jamie Wenger, Royal Adhesives & Sealants

*Indicates Committee Chair

​NATM continuously aims to provide exceptional membership services and benefits. One way the Association attempts to do this, is by conducting a phone survey to both Regular and Associate members, in hopes to better understand the current climate of the supplier and manufacturing industries.
​
There are several common themes that have surfaced when asked about challenges or barriers that members are experiencing:

• Tariff/rising component prices
• Uncertainty in the marketplace
• Workforce challenges
• Transportation availability and costs
• Marketing

 
Armed with this knowledge, NATM will strive to provide educational opportunities and resources in the coming year to assist members in tackling the hurdles that they may be facing or expect in 2019. The 2019-2021 strategic plan aligns well with the feedback received. The Board, committees, and staff are already at work to address these barriers and add more value for your investment. NATM will provide updates on these actions in upcoming issues of Tracks and the NATM Insider eNewsletter as well as Government Affairs updates via email.
​
If there are additional topics or hot button industry issues that you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact Kelli Maydew, NATM Membership & Education Director. 

Membership renewals for 2019 have been mailed, and the main contact for your company has received an email notice as well. If you would like to confirm who your main contact is, please contact NATM Membership & Education Director Kelli Maydew or call NATM at (785) 272-4433. You can also log into the Members Only portal of www.NATM.com and select the “Update Your Contact Information” link to make edits instantly to this information. 

In addition to paying your membership dues by check or over the phone by credit card, you are also able to pay online using the Members Only portal at www.NATM.com. Once you are logged in using your company’s login credentials, select “Pay My Bills.” If you need your credentials, or have any questions during this process, please contact NATM Membership & Education Director Kelli Maydew.

For trade show exhibitors, it is important to note that NATM DUES MUST BE PAID BY DEC. 31, 2018 to maintain the member rate for your booth at the February 2019 trade show in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
​
NATM is committed to improving the compliance program, delivering safety education and information, increasing consumer awareness about the importance of buying compliant trailers, providing opportunities for member input, and continuing to develop relationships with key decision makers on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies to advocate for industry needs.  
 
NATM, the Board of Directors, committees, and staff are working diligently to provide more value to members, and we look forward to working with you in 2019. We sincerely hope that you will allow us to continue to serve your needs and provide value to your organization.
 
Please contact NATM Membership & Education Director Kelli Maydew if you have any questions at (785) 272-4433 or email Kelli.Maydew@natm.com
​

​Educational Workshops
The 2019 Convention agenda has been finalized! Attendees with full registrations may attend all events at the convention, including the educational workshop sessions and networking events, with the exception of the golf tournament. Booth workers or those with a trade show only registration may want to consider upgrading to a full registration if they wish to attend the educational sessions and all of the networking events.
The educational workshops for 2019 were carefully selected for both trailer manufacturers and suppliers alike. This year the convention will offer four different educational workshops February 19-20. The workshops are as follows*:

Workshop One (Tues. Feb. 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m.)
Strengthen Your Business by Integrating
Quality into the Process
Grace L. Duffy, ASQ Quality Management Division
Quality is something we do every day. The business runs better when we use the elements of quality for planning, managing and improving products and services. We don’t just make products better, we improve the way our business increases profits and reduces expenses. This session shares how to start an integrated quality management system from scratch. It focuses on small- to medium-sized businesses.

Workshop Two (Tues. Feb. 19, 1:30-3:00 p.m.)
Government Affairs Update
Darrell Conner, K&L Gates
NATM Government Affair Representative Darrell Conner will provide an update on NATM’s work in Washington D.C., congressional activities and federal agency efforts. Plus, a recap of past activities and a look ahead at what to expect in 2019.

Workshop Three (Wed. Feb. 20, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)
Practical Recruiting & Retention Strategies
Tracey Goold, Marsh & McLennan Agency
Let’s get real about recruiting and retention! We can all do research on benchmark data that improves recruiting and retention but how does that actually fit in to your specific company, culture, and business plan? We know that compensation and benefits are important but not everything. Also, increasing compensation and/or benefits is not always practical. Join us for an engaging discussion about practical tips that will make a difference in how you recruit and retain your star players, including two to five action items you can implement as soon as you return from the convention.

Workshop Three (Wed. Feb. 20, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.)
Health Insurance: Cost Control & Association Health Plan Strategy
Lisa Clark and John Kerr, Marsh & McLennan Agency
It’s no secret that health care costs are rising. Pharmaceutical costs and use, new, expensive medical technology, chronic care and provider consolidation are factors contributing to increasing costs. As costs increase, frustration grows for health insurance buyers and the consumers of health care in our nation. Advances in medical technology and expanded pharmaceutical dependency will only grow and continue to drive your health care costs higher. So what is a business owner to do? How can consumers of health insurance better manage the costs of the benefit they are providing?
Association Health Plans (AHPs) will allow businesses to join together through an Association (NATM) to form a larger, more influential buying pool for the purchase of health insurance. This leverage should allow the AHP to negotiate more aggressive insurance pricing as well as the cost of administering those plans. Join Lisa Clark and John Kerr with Marsh & McLennan Agency to learn more about NATM’s forthcoming AHP.
*Workshop times and content are subject to change.

Technical Forums

Looking for technically-oriented education opportunities? Plan on attending the Technical Forum at the 2019 Convention & Trade Show! The Technical Forum sessions are as follows*:

Technical Forum One (Tues. Feb. 19, 9:30-11:00 a.m.)
Trailer Brakes and Suspensions for Light- and Medium-Duty Trailers
Bill Snider, Dexter Axle Company
Join Dexter Product Training Manager Bill Snider as he discusses electric, electric over hydraulic, surge hydraulic, and air brakes in both drum and disk applications. The forum will cover advantages, design, manufacturing differences, and recommendations for operation and maintenance of the different brake options. Snider will also explore trailer axle suspension applications that utilize leaf spring or torsion elements including the effects of suspension travel, loading, alignment and tire wear, as well as operational and maintenance considerations.

Technical Forum Two (Tues. Feb. 19, 1:30-3:00 p.m.)
A New Generation of Trailer Brakes
Todd Brinkman, General Motors
What would it take to stop a truck and trailer in the same distance as a truck alone? Join Todd Brinkman from General Motors to find out!

Technical Forum Three (Wed. Feb. 20, 8:00-11:00 a.m.)
Successful Application of Arc Welding Robotics
Brian Doyle, Miller Welding Automation
& Mike Mueller, B&W Trailer Hitches
This presentation is intended to help those new to automation and the seasoned user apply arc welding robotics successfully, and use the technology to improve their quality, throughput, and costs. Real world examples will be used to illustrate the concepts presented.

Emerging Trends in Trailering
Colin Holthaus, NATM
Join NATM Technical Director Colin Holthaus as he provides an update on towing trends, including both tow vehicle and trailer technology advancements such as the “smart trailer,” advanced towing features, and more.
​
Your Tire Recordkeeping Obligations – Practical Guidance for Compliance
Panel
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has indicated an increased interest in compliance with tire recordkeeping regulations. Regulations can be confusing and the roles of tire suppliers, trailer manufacturers, and dealers in the process is complex. A panel of industry experts including a former FMCSA Administrator, tire suppliers, trailer manufacturers, and industry EWR and Recall consultant along with the NATM Technical Director will describe the regulations, possible compliance practices, and answer questions from industry attendees.