Maintaining determination, building relationships and focusing on customers were among the topics at the annual convention of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors' Association (MHEDA).

"Even in light of April unit sales numbers that continued the pace we have seen in 2009, a real determination exists in the minds of distributors and manufacturers to make the most of opportunities that present themselves," says Duncan Murphy, MHEDA 2009 president. "Convention attendees know there is no magic pill. While here, they are looking for new ideas on which to build, filling the proverbial bathtub one drop at a time."

MHEDA offered four general sessions, 12 educational workshops, an exhibitors' showcase and multiple networking opportunities during the May 2-6 convention at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa, in Palm Desert.

"The speakers and workshop presenters came prepared specifically for this and have delivered the goods," Murphy says. "We have seen how important relationships are - building them now and not just when something is needed."

Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst, economist and principal at the Institute for Trend Research, in Concord, New Hampshire, told convention attendees October 2009 was the turning point for the economy bottoming out. He says a long, slow recovery is underway. Beaulieu's twin brother, Brian, also with the institute, had addressed the MHEDA 2008 convention.

Murphy says: "Everyone in your company must be engaged and customer focused. The creative work the forklift industry does today will determine who in the industry will get the business in the future."

Murphy is president of forklift distributor Riekes Equipment Co, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Vernon Hills, Illinois-based MHEDA represents all segments of the materials handling industry and offers resources such as education, networking opportunities, industry-specific information and statistical and trend analysis.