Jerry Weidmann

Thought-provoking keynotes, educational opportunities, networking, camaraderie and recognitions marked the 57th annual convention of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA).

Attendance of 620 "surpassed levels we haven't seen since 2005", says Jerry Weidmann, convention chairman. "While we know much of that is due to the improving economy, we also believe that you see the value in this convention and the topics and sessions we have in place." Among attendees during the 5-9 May events in Miami Beach, 172 were present for the first time at a MHEDA convention.

MHEDA president Richard Donnelly says: "We have all been through a difficult past few years and have learned some tough lessons. No-one wants to be put back in the same positions we were in early 2009, and while business has greatly improved, we are all a little hesitant as to how to proceed. Throwing bodies at our businesses won't work, but we all need to ramp up to satisfy the customer."

Re-Imagine Your Business was the convention's theme.

"The world has changed, and we need to respond by re-imagining new and innovative ways of going to market, leading our people, coaching our teams and working smarter," says Donnelly, executive vice president of Raleigh, North Carolina-based Gregory Poole Equipment Co.

Weidmann observes, "The mood of attendees was reflective of how things are changing for the better. The direction for manufacturers and distributors is going up and continuing to go up."

Organisers set an agenda of keynote speakers extending from Walter Bond's motivational presentation to Alan Beaulieu's economic outlook and David Avrin's market positioning and branding remarks, notes Weidmann, who is president-elect of MHEDA and president of the Wolter Group LLC of Brookfield, Wisconsin and its Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp unit. William Walker dealt with issues on the sales side, and Bob Curry addressed financial performance issues, Weidmann notes.

MHEDA has retained Curry's firm, Currie Management Consultants Inc of Worcester, Massachusetts, for guidance in improving the association's financial benchmarking reports.

Chuck Frank was presented with the traditional past president's green jacket and recognised for accomplishments during his 2011 tenure in the association's top position.

More than 80 manufacturers displayed products and services at an exhibitors' showcase.

Among MHEDA's newest membership-oriented activities is the 2-3 August emerging leaders' conference at Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca, Illinois.

Vernon Hills, Illinois-based MHEDA is a national trade association dedicated solely to improving the proficiency of the independent materials handling equipment distributor.


Howard Bernstein scholarship


In late 2011, the founder and recently retired chief executive officer of a Schiller Park, Illinois-based business established the Howard Bernstein industrial distribution scholarship with a donation of USD150,000.

Bernstein wants the scholarship perpetuated to help promote the materials handling industry to young people. Bernstein, who was MHEDA's 1965 president, spoke at the 2012 MHEDA convention.

"We have to attract young, bright minds into the industry that has been so great to me," he said. "We need to get young people involved with materials handling because it's such an important industry. These are labour-saving devices and systems. It is equipment that industries need."

Bernstein finds the industry exciting and a learning opportunity. "You learn to communicate with people at all levels, not just the executive. You really learn what makes the world go round and become an expert in all industries. In doing so, you broaden your scope of understanding and truly make yourself a better, more well-rounded person."

Those seeking a Howard Bernstein scholarship can apply through the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc, which MHEDA and the Material Handling Industry of America endorse and support. A candidate must be enrolled in an industrial distribution program or a comparable engineering curriculum at a pre-qualified institution.

Howard Bernstein

Bernstein started his materials handling business, originally Atlas Lift Truck Rentals & Sales Inc, in 1951 and, over six decades, expanded his enterprise to include seven companies that offer materials handling products and services. Allen Rawson is now president and CEO of the business entities.

Atlas represents Toyota forklifts, Bobcat skid steer loaders and Big Joe electric walkies and stackers. The Atlas international division is the leading wholesaler of used forklifts in North America, according to George Sefer, Atlas vice president of sales for Atlas Toyota.

In addition to its Schiller Park headquarters, Atlas has Chicago-area branches in Bedford Park, Batavia, Mokena, Wauconda, Yorkville and West Chicago, with certain locations focusing on specific equipment brands.


Remembering Dan Reilly


MHEDA paid tribute to Daniel R Reilly, 85, of Libertyville, Illinois, who died on 1 May after a lengthy illness.

"For 25 years, Dan was at the helm of MHEDA and instrumental in the growth of this association," says Liz Richards, executive vice president of MHEDA. "We celebrate Dan's life for his accomplishments and all that he and his wife Roz did to pave the way for this industry association."

Richards characterises Reilly as "a man with tremendous energy and passion for this industry and particularly for MHEDA".

A memorial mass was held 3 May at St Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville. Memorial donations may be made through the Alzheimer's Association website.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Rosalind; four children; and 12 grandchildren.