News Release

T. Boone Pickens Headlines NationaLease 68th Annual Meeting for Full Service Truck Leasing Industry

Industry challenges and opportunities, the current political and energy situation, and the contributions of diesel technicians were among the broad range of topics covered during the 68th Annual Meeting of NationaLease, the full service truck leasing organization.

October 04, 2012, Downers Grove, IL – The 68th Annual Meeting of the NationaLease organization of full service truck leasing companies held in September at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore featured T. Boone Pickens, legendary oil and gas entrepreneur and advocate for domestic clean energy production, as the keynote speaker. The event also included a lively Industry Panel on issues facing the industry, spirited addresses on the presidential election, educational sessions, and a salute to performance excellence among NationaLease’s top diesel technicians.

The meeting kicked off with a presentation by Newsweek Contributing Editor Eleanor Clift, who gave a Washington insider’s view of the upcoming election. Breakout sessions followed, led by NationaLease members on topics that included the latest news in the insurance industry, best practices in the organization’s Emergency Road Service Network, and the strategic vision for the organization. The first day was capped with a Trade and Technology Show.

The second day opened with an address by Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, on the state of the organization. Next on the agenda was the popular Industry Panel, led by Terry Young, President, Advantage Truck Leasing, a NationaLease Member, headquartered in Charlotte, NC. A group of industry experts fielded questions on issues ranging from the availability and performance of equipment to the current market conditions facing the rental and leasing industry. Arun Raha, Director of Economic Analysis for Eaton Corporation, then shared his perspective on the global, North American, and U.S. economy and its impact on the transportation industry.

Keynote speaker T. Boone Pickens participated in a spirited give-and-take conversation with NationaLease Vice President of Member Services Jane Clark. He gave his unvarnished opinions on everything from the current political landscape to his passionately held thoughts about solutions to America’s energy dependence.

This year’s event was also an opportunity to salute the best of the NationaLease organization’s diesel technicians. Bob Mryzglod of Aim NationaLease, Girard, OH, was honored as the Top Tech, winning the award after a written and hands-on competition showcasing the skills of NationaLease diesel technicians throughout North America. Also saluted was Lacy Teague of Salem NationaLease, who won the NationaLease Top Sales Award for 2011.

Other highlights of the NationaLease meeting included a presentation of the new NationaLease Website, a new campaign on improving Reciprocal Service, and an introduction of new members. Tom James, President and CEO of TRALA (Truck Renting and Leasing Association), outlined current issues facing the industry, while David Hames of Daimler Trucks North America shared facts and figures on current and future market conditions.

In a closed session, David Nitzsche, Senior Vice President of Supply Management, gave details on new NationaLease supply management programs. The event closed with the annual Awards Dinner, during which 36 members were recognized for their outstanding adherence to NationaLease’s high standards.

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 Photo 1:
Oil and gas entrepreneur and advocate for clean domestic energy, T. Boone Pickens, engages in a lively discussion with Jane Clark, Vice President of Member Services, as the keynote speaker at the NationaLease 68th Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
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Caption Photo 1:
One of the most popular sessions at the NationaLease meeting is the Industry Panel, comprising top executives with the nation’s largest full service leasing companies and with leading suppliers.
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