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Mar 1, 2008 12:00 PM

During his first address as the chairman of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) board of directors, Joe McAleese, president and chief executive oficer of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, encouraged members to be in a position to adapt, achieve, and grow as the trucking industry enters what is expected to be a period of long-term growth. McAleese was installed as the organization's 2008 chair during the Heavy Duty Dialogue in Las Vegas.

McAleese urged his fellow members to plan for sustainable growth, recognize the emergence of the global economy, and ensure safety through means such as new technology and anti-counterfeiting measures.

“As we look to the future of our industry, we must be even more steadfast in our efforts to develop and protect our brands and our intellectual property,” McAleese told the audience. “We must create even more attractive work environments that enable us to win the competition for talent.

McAleese, who will serve as chairman during HDMA's 25th anniversary, spoke about the economic difficulties the industry has faced over the past year and stressed it will likely be the second half of 2008 before things turn around. But he was optimistic about the future, citing the economic indicators that forecast a prosperous period in the years to come.