In The News
A Wilmington weekend
The 8th annual Expedite Expo is now history and another great show was produced with the assistance of the sponsors, exhibitors and of course, the attendees.
The aisles of the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington, Ohio were busy with showgoers - single attendees, groups of expediters and entire families taking in the sights of North America's original expedited trucking show.
With over 100 exhibitors filling the Roberts Centre display floor, there was something of interest for everyone. From the expedited carriers and the expedited truck dealers and vendors to the "living statues", stilt-walkers, magicians, live music and entertainment, attendees were engrossed by the sights and sounds of the show.
ExpeditersOnline's General Manager Lawrence McCord says, "While no attendance records were broken, we have to count the 2008 Expedite Expo as a success! Careers were begun, trucks were purchased, friendships were renewed and networking prevailed."
"It wasn't the largest Expo, but it was one of the best ever!"
Paul Bigelow of Cleveland, Ohio says that he has been looking into an expediting career and a trip to the Expo is part of his research:
"I came for the truck buying and maintenance seminars and got a lot of good information. I was surprised how big the show was and how many truck dealers there were - there was lots to see!"
McCord says that one component of the show in particular caught his attention: "The Expediter Workshops were well-attended and they continue to be a very popular feature of the Expo."
"This year, we even had an individual fly in from California just to attend the sessions and we recognize that these seminars are very important to our audience."
"We saw great interaction between attendees and exhibitors at the Workshops and people with serious questions about the expediting business had those questions answered. Because of this, I left this year's event with a renewed commitment to improve and enhance the Expediter Workshops."
McCord also compliments his exhibitors: "The exhibitors really made a concerted effort in their presentations and booth displays. They were very attractive and represented their company's products
very well."
The Waits family (Rick, Andy, Levi and Amy) are from Peebles, Ohio and they tell us they came to the Expo to see the "shiny trucks."
Rick works in a stone quarry and says that he and wife Andy considered a career in trucking, "but then the kids came along and I like to stay home now."
In addition to the Expo's exhibitors' presentations, the event offered members of the expedited trucking community the opportunity to say hello to old friends and to make new ones. There has always been a significant difference between the Expedite Expo and the "typical" trucking show and it can be summed up in one word - friendship.
Show Director Debbie McCord states, "It's great to see the expediting community come together in one place with enthusiasm and camaraderie."
"I was talking to a first-time trucking show attendee who remarked, 'These expediters seem like a big family. Even if they drive for different companies, everybody seems to know each other!'"
She continues, "I sensed a spirit of determination from the expediters present, a feeling that times might be tough but we'll make it through."
"One of the new additions to the Expo this year was Rob Williams, who covered the "information station duties. Rob is the host of our radio program, "Highway Headlines" and he did a wonderful job of keeping the attendees informed (via the Roberts Centre P.A. system) about show specials, giveaways and exhibitor locations. Thanks, Rob!"
"And thanks also go out to our great friend Dave Nemo for his live satellite radio reports, interviews with show visitors and emcee duties. We couldn't do it without you Dave!"
At 3:00pm on Saturday, it was time for the Progressive Insurance Expedite Driver Choice Awards.
Ms.Shelly Benisch of Commercial Insurance Solutions took the stage to announce the winning expedited truck exhibitor - Stoops Specialty Trucks of Ft. Wayne, Indiana for its Freightliner Columbia with SST Sleeper package.
SST Sales Manager Jeff Jones tells us, "Winning the Expediters Choice Award was very exciting! I've had a lot of opportunities over the years but to be recognized by the people in the industry is very flattering to me."
"This award would not have been possible without our business partner and friend of the last twelve years, Keith Bentz and his talented team of people at Bentz Transport Products. I also have to thank Freightliner corporate engineering as well as Mr. Stoops who gave me the opportunity to get this program off the ground four and a half years ago."
"The people who are most responsible for this award however, are my customers of the last fifteen years. This truck is the product of a lot of people's ideas - it was driven by customer demand."
The winning ballot in the Drivers Choice Awards was submitted by Brian and Sandy Atkins of Rochester, New York who didn't get to the Expo (their first) until 2:00pm Saturday. Brian says the couple left Rochester at midnight after Sandy's late shift at work and put the pedal down to make it to the show.
Brian tells us, "I have my Class A license and have been looking at getting back into trucking. I've always liked the expediting side of the business, but I want to get some experience before I get my own truck."
When asked if the Expo had matched his expectations, Brian says, "It sure has. I wanted to come here, get some information, talk to some companies and win a thousand dollars!"
Another year, another great Expo.