Suppliers Play a Big Role at 2014 NationaLease Canadian Leadership Summit

    DOWNERS GROVE, IL, December 03, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Once each year, NationaLease, one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, holds a meeting exclusively for its Canadian member companies to discuss those issues that directly impact their businesses. This year's meeting was held November 3-5 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The first day began with Dean Vicha, President of NationaLease, sharing his vision for the future of NationaLease. He then introduced Craig Bennett, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Utility Trailer, who shared insights on new trailer technology and the current state of the trailer industry. Bennett was followed by Jane Clark, NationaLease Vice President of Member Services, who provided updates on NationaLease member programs; Brad Theissen, Vice President and General Manager of Freightliner Canada, who offered predictions on the capital equipment market; and Mike Hirt of Freightliner Manitoba, who shared a dealer's perspective on the ways leasing companies and dealers can work together more effectively.

The afternoon session included a panel discussion where attendees could ask questions on a range of industry topics. NationaLease executives Joe Puff, Vice President of Truck Technology & Maintenance, and Joe Galllick, Senior Vice President of Sales, each conducted sessions on best practices for maintaining vehicles and the status of National Accounts, respectively. An update on U.S./Canada cross-border initiatives was presented by Mike Dearden, President of Dearden & Associates, Inc. Attendees later learned about the latest in supplier products and services at the company's Technology Fair.

The second day featured a Member Forum, an interactive open member discussion that covered a variety of industry topics. Rob Garcia, NationaLease Vice President of New Business Development, updated attendees on Supply Management while Jane Clark provided an update on NationaLease Rebates. The day concluded with suppliers individually giving a quick overview of their program offerings. The event ended with a Closing Awards Dinner, where Tandet NationaLease and Location Brossard NationaLease were given the Most Valuable Performance Awards, and Petro-Canada was named top Canadian Supplier of the Year.

Next year's meeting will be held November 3-5, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency in Montreal, QC.

About NationaLease
Founded in 1944, NationaLease is one of the largest full service truck leasing organizations in North America, with over 600 service locations throughout the U.S. and Canada and a combined customer fleet of over 125,000 tractors, trucks, and trailers. The company provides comprehensive fleet management services for private fleets and transportation service providers.

More information can be found at nationalease.com.

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