NationaLease Annual Meeting Recap
NationaLease held its 74th Annual Meeting on September 15-16 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Miami. Jane Clark, VP Member Services for NationaLease opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and giving a preview of the topics on the agenda, with a theme of embracing the change that is prevalent in the industry. She introduced NationaLease President, Dean Vicha, who gave an overview of the current state of NationaLease, as well as a glimpse into the future, sharing the initiatives that the NationaLease Board of Directors and NationaLease staff are currently undertaking on behalf of the membership. Dean introduced the keynote speaker, Mike DeCata, President & Chief Executive Officer for Lawson Products, Inc. Mike shared his thoughts on value, risk, and ultimately the importance of embracing change in this ever-changing industry. The first day of sessions continued with sessions from Noël Perry, Economist, Truck & Transportation Expert, and Giordano Sordoni, co-founder and COO of Thor Trucks. Day 1 of the meeting concluded with a packed Trade and Technology Show featuring many of NationaLease’s supplier partners.
The second day of the meetings began with a look at a transformative force: blockchain, presented by Chris Burruss, President of BiTA, followed by a session on Managing Workplace Risks in an Era of Legalized Marijuana. Kathryn J. Russo, Principal, Long Island Office, Jackson Lewis P.C. joined the group to shed light on this controversial, yet constantly expanding issue. Steve Tam, Vice President with ACT Research followed with a session on the current, unprecedented commercial vehicle demand, and The morning session concluded with an update on the programs and services offered by NationaLease by Jane Clark, VP of Member Services for NationaLease.
The afternoon kicked off with a session titled, “Dude, What’s My Job?” Jeff Hiller, Consultant with JB Training Solutions, shared how to identify the innate variations in generational attitudes when it comes to feedback, motivation, promotions, patience, flexibility, and more, and how to use this information to increase performance in the workplace. Truck Renting and Leasing Association’s President & CEO, Jake Jacoby, then joined the group with an update on what TRALA is doing to help protect those in our industry and what pending issues to watch. Jake brought a special guest, Congressman Brian Mast, who gave an overview of the current political climate and the issues being discussed that will impact transportation. The next speakers, Mark Blazek and Lynn Mucenski-Keck with The Bonadio Group discussed the implications of new lease standards and tax legislations. Joe Gallick, Sr. VP of Sales for NationaLease then recognized our Top Salesperson for 2017, Lacy Teague of Salem NationaLease, and gave an update on National Account results, as well as a market overview. The afternoon session wrapped up with a word from our new NationaLease Road Rescue providers, T-Fleet/Cannxus. Kirk Tilley, President of Tandet NationaLease, discussed the transition, as well as the service and technology enhancements that will be coming soon.
The evening continued with the Awards Dinner. Dean Vicha began by recognizing Hogan Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member for providing the winner of the 2018 NationaLease Tech Challenge, Richard Davis. Dean also thanked Advantage Truck Leasing, a NationaLease Member, and their Charlotte, North Carolina location for hosting this year’s Tech Challenge. Dean also recognized members that were celebrating milestone anniversaries as NationaLease members, from 15 to 40 years. Jane Clark continued with the presentation of Leadership Circle Awards. This important award is presented annually to recognize the NationaLease members that consistently exemplify their commitment to the NationaLease System. This year, 28 NationaLease members met these high standards and achieved the NationaLease Leadership Circle Award. The following are the 2018 Leadership Award Winners:
Aim NationaLease
Airoldi Brothers NationaLease
Autow NationaLease
Bentley Truck Services, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Brown NationaLease
Carco NationaLease
Carmichael NationaLease
Century Leasing LLC, a NationaLease Member
Conway Beam NationaLease
DeCarolis Truck Rental, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Fox & James NationaLease
H.K. Truck Services, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Hogan Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Hub Truck NationaLease
Interstate NationaLease
Koch NationaLease
Kris-Way Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Miller NationaLease
Parrish Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Salem NationaLease
Schilli NationaLease
Star Truck Rentals, Inc., a NationaLease Member
Success NationaLease
Suppose-U-Drive Truck Rental Service, a NationaLease Member
TCI Leasing/Rentals, a NationaLease Member
TEC Leasing, a NationaLease Member
VEL NationaLease
Velocity Truck Rental and Leasing, a NationaLease Member
NationaLease’s 75th Annual Meeting will be held September 8-9th, 2019 at the Four Seasons in Chicago, IL.
