The Young Executives Network (YEN) was founded in 1996. The group was initiated by the NTEA Board of Trustees to help young professionals grow in the truck equipment industry. When the organization was first formed, it served primarily to bring together member company employees ages 18–40 to develop future leaders of the truck equipment industry through education, career development and interaction with other members in a forum that is professional and ethical.
Today, the YEN continues to pursue the endeavors outlined in its original charter, and the group has expanded its focus to include an ongoing review of technology and its impact on the NTEA membership as a whole.
The YEN is currently composed of about 300 men and women who represent small and large companies — distributors, manufacturers and industry-related suppliers — and hold job titles across the spectrum from technician to sales representative, from manager to president. The YEN helps its members connect with others of similar interests, positions and companies. By communicating questions and common concerns, YEN members create solutions and ideas. In 2004, the YEN Steering Committee met with members of the NTEA Board to discuss creating additional value for YEN members by fostering engagement. A common thread that the YEN and Board felt that ties the
18- to 40-year-old segment together is their enthusiasm for and understanding of technology and its impact on business.
In 2004, the YEN conducted a Technology Survey of the NTEA membership, the results of which were presented at the 41st Annual NTEA Convention. The YEN used the survey information to develop its 2005 Business Workshop that included facilitated discussion groups to analyze and resolve a specific scenario relating to technology in the workplace.