The NationaLease Spring Maintenance Managers Meeting in Greenville SC in May provided a mix of technology, product, and professional education, as well as a measure of motivation and inspiration provided by 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, member companies that provided particularly outstanding reciprocal road service to fellow members throughout the year.
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 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.
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.
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.