News Release

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

This year’s event broke attendance records while delivering solid, business-building education for maintenance professionals in the NationaLease network of independent full service truck leasing companies.

June 11, 2012, Downers Grove, IL –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 kbarnes@nationalease.com or at 856-382-4701.  More information on NationaLease, go to www.nationalease.com.

About NationaLease
Founded in 1944, NationaLease is one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, with over 1200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada and a combined customer fleet of over 175,000 tractors, trucks, and trailers. The company provides comprehensive fleet management services for private fleets and transportation service providers. More information can be found at nationalease.com.

Media Contact for NationaLease
Rob Tacey
Director, Communications & Public Relations
press@corcentric.com
(302) 897-3094

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Caption 1:
Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, opens the gathering of maintenance managers from across North America.
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Caption 2:
The 2012 NationaLease Spring Maintenance Managers Meeting broke attendance records while in Greenville, SC.
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