NationaLease Spring Maintenance Managers Meeting Generates New Ideas, Provides Training, Inspires Attendees

    OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL, June 08, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The NationaLease Spring Maintenance Managers Meeting in Greenville, SC, in May provided attendees with a stimulating mix of technology, product, and professional education, as well as a strong measure of motivation and inspiration provided by its keynote speaker, Jay Blake, racing's only blind race crew chief.

The four-day event also included a ceremony announcing NationaLease's Exceptional Service Award winners, which are NationaLease member companies that provided particularly outstanding reciprocal road service to fellow members throughout the year. "This year's event not only broke attendance records, but it also provided members with solid service and profitmaking tips to help them grow their businesses," said Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America.

A highlight of this year's meeting were educational tours of the Michelin Greenville plant and training facility, along with trips to the Michelin test track, which included high-speed rides on the two-mile test track.

The general session opened with the keynote address by Jay Blake, a well-respected and popular speaker, who told the audience how his life drastically changed after an industrial accident that left him blind. Blake shared his perspective on life and how he was able to overcome daunting obstacles in order to follow his dreams.

The event's Round Table discussion addressed issues that included diesel particulate filters; how to handle downtime on new trucks; working with OEMs and dealers on new technology issues; training drivers to assist emissions issues; and natural gas engines. The lively analysis was led by Tom Boyer of Hogan Truck Leasing, a NationaLease Member; Ronny Brown of Catawba Rental Company, a NationaLease Member; Ray Keller of Salem NationaLease; Jim Ryan of Kris-Way Truck Leasing, a NationaLease Member; and Kenny Watts of Carco NationaLease.

NationaLease executives provided industry updates and led breakout sessions on a number of key topics. Kelly Kordowski unveiled the newest video explaining the NationaLease Reciprocal Service program, while Jane Clark presented a session on recruiting diesel technicians. This year's Idea Session generated 15 innovative ways technology and tools can contribute to a more productive maintenance operation, earning Hayes Conn of Hub Truck NationaLease first place.

At the awards ceremony, NationaLease Vice President of Maintenance Andy Stopka presented the Exceptional Service Awards to companies which went "above and beyond" to provide exceptional service. For the first time in three years, the "Extra Mile Award" was presented to the person who exemplified the spirit of service of the organization. Kevin Fleming of Fleming NationaLease, Springfield, VA, was the winner.

This year's winners of the Platinum award are Aim NationaLease, Girard, OH; Diamond Truck Leasing Corporation, a NationaLease Member, Woburn, MA; Fox & James NationaLease, Latrobe, PA; Larsen NationaLease, Bensenville, IL; and Parrish Leasing Inc., a NationaLease Member, Fort Wayne, IN..

Gold winners are Advantage NationaLease, Lititz, PA; Fleming NationaLease, Springfield, VA; and Hogan Truck Leasing, Inc., a NationaLease Member, St. Louis, MO. Silver winners are Lesco NationaLease, Chattanooga, TN: Minuteman Trucks, Inc., a NationaLease Member, Walpole, MA; Salem NationaLease, Winston-Salem, NC; and Success NationaLease, Kansas City, KS..

For more information about sponsorship opportunities for the 2013 NationaLease Spring Maintenance Managers Meeting, contact Kate Barnes at [email protected] or at 856-382-4701. More information on NationaLease, go to www.nationalease.com.

About NationaLease
NationaLease is one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, with more than 600 service locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, a combined customer fleet of 125,000 tractors, trucks, and trailers, and annual revenue in excess of $4 billion. The company provides comprehensive services for private fleets and transportation service providers and comprises 175 independent businesses employing 22,000 people. The website is www.nationalease.com.

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