Peter Miller
Executive Vice President of Business Development & Sales
Pro-Tech Industries
(La Vergne, Tennessee)
This article was published in the April 2020 edition of NTEA News.
What a spectacular week we had in Indianapolis at the 20th anniversary Work Truck Show. Not only did the event provide opportunities to catch up on current trends and advancements, it offered insights into future plans and business expectations. It reinforced for me again this year, the Show has definitely evolved into North America’s largest gathering of vocational trucks, equipment and products. I’d like to spend a little time recapping the event, from my perspective.
Education
Tuesday started strong with Green Truck Summit and Manufacturer and Distributor Innovation Conference. The Summit brought together government, educators, industry users and innovators to offer insights on the work truck industry’s path to zero emissions. With high participation levels, it’s evident the future of sustainable technologies within the industry is strong, as the drive and interest are clearly present.
Innovation Conference, while only on its second year, was a great resource. Experts shared real-world shop improvement strategies, including building a better team, maximizing productivity, and leveraging technology and resources. This event raised awareness of new manufacturing and fabrication processes as well as technologies that are more readily available. It was exciting to hear examples of efficiency gains for companies of all sizes in our industry.
I was able to attend a terrific session on lean presented by Paul Akers. Paul is energetic and engaging. He provided several quick takeaways and a complimentary copy of his book, 2 Second Lean, for attendees.
Exhibit hall
The exhibit hall was overflowing with energy as exhibitors and attendees came together to showcase and discuss innovations leading our industry. It was easy to lose track of time wandering through the impressive exhibitor displays featuring various vocational truck chassis, bodies, components, equipment, technology and accessories.
NTEA’s booth, which is always home-base for me, provided helpful information and live demonstrations by Association and industry experts. Demos covered the Vehicle Center of Gravity and Axle Weight Calculator, Vehicle Life Cycle Cost Tool and WorkTruckCert. On a side note, if your company hasn’t activated its WorkTruckCert subscription, I highly suggest taking advantage of this free member benefit.
Annual Meeting
At this year’s Annual Meeting, I was honored to assume the role of NTEA’s 56th Board Chair. What an experience. Of all the great moments, I would have never guessed having Ambassador Nikki Haley autograph my socks would be near the top. For all those who have asked — yes, I’m going to frame them. I’m truly grateful for all the support I’ve received.
Our 2020 NTEA Board of Directors is an exceptional group of people, truly dedicated to advancing the Association’s mission of encouraging industry knowledge, growth and profitability. With this group and the high-caliber NTEA staff, the best is yet to come.
Moving forward
Work Truck Week would not be possible without joint efforts of NTEA members, sponsors and all of us committed to this industry and its collective success. I trust the information learned and connections made will help grow your business and its profitability. If you haven’t already, save the date for next year’s Show, March 9–12, 2021, back in Indianapolis, Indiana — you won’t want to miss it. To relive the event, or share it with those who couldn’t attend, visit worktruckshow.com/2020recap for photos and videos, plus a list of media coverage the event has received so far. Can’t wait to see what the next decade brings for Work Truck Week.
