Attendee Comments

"Wanted to let you know how impressed we were with our first SSA Convention. The tire and wheel seminar and the brake seminar were especially interesting, but all the sessions were very helpful. We plan to implement some of the suggestions in our shop very soon… We also plan on participating in the Financial Analysis next year...Thanks for the great convention."

-Plaza Truck Service and Equipment

2010 Convention Presentations

Click the slide images below to download presentations in pdf format.

Industry Tech Developments

Ind Tech Dev

Eric Brothers, a respected journalist in the Trucking Industry reviewed developing trends in our industry that include globalization of product lines, vertical integration and a push on the part of OEMs to "think globally and build locally". With the advent of new hybrids, electric vehicles and other green power trains, the immediate future promises to be very interesting for the heavy duty vehicle service sector.

 

Tire Safety Issues

TIA

Repeating the mantra, "Torque means nothing" Kevin Rohlwig of the Tire Industry Assn. dispelled many commonly held myths about working with tires and presented some very dramatic videos to demonstrate how serious this issue can be. His presentation was voted The Most Valuable of all the seminars presented in New Orleans.

 

 

Understanding Workman's Compensation

Work Comp

Toby Stubbs or Corkill Insurance made a presentation on workman's compensations plans for repair shops. He discussed the impact that workers comp claims have on premium costs and helped to clarify the concept of the experience modifier and how it can be used to manage costs. He also revealed some of the ways that a small business can shop for the lowest priced insurance coverage between competing brokers.

 

Profit Planning Analysis

Profit Planning

Everyone who attended the convention was given a copy of the Profit Planning Analysis report for 2010. Bill Wade, SSA Executive Director, highlighted the key information in the presentation, "Understanding SSA Profit Planning Analysis: Making the Numbers Work for You." Everyone present agreed that it would be beneficial if more members would participate in the program. It's easy to do. It's anonymous. It's one of the real benefits of SSA membership.

 

Building Your Brand

Build Brand

Your brand is probably the most valuable asset you own. Craig Fry highlighted the changes that have taken place in media advertising in recent years and how local businesses can capitalize on creative techniques to build and strengthen their brands. Hint: The internet, the internet and the internet.