At its 2012 convention and expo in Las Vegas, ATD will offer a variety of workshops focusing on how dealers can stay on top of federal regulatory changes, improve employee retention and achieve greater profitability.


The workshop program will start on Friday, Feb. 3, with a presentation on the state of the commercial vehicle industry from Eric Starks, president of FTR Associates. Several sessions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday will focus on topics such as DOT compliance, alternative fuels, technician apprenticeships and truck leasing.

"Medium- and heavy-duty truck dealers face a growing number of policy and profitability challenges," says David Yglesias, convention chairman. "All of these sessions are designed to show dealers how to get the most out of the industry's steady recovery in 2012."

The 2012 convention sessions are:

-"Health Care Reform: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," presented by Steve Gregory and Jeff Kweder, Shepherd Insurance and Financial Services; and Kevin McKechnie, American Bankers Insurance Association

-"2012 Update on Federal Regulations," presented by Doug Greenhaus and Paul Metrey, NADA Regulatory Affairs

-"DOT: Compliance, Safety and Accountability 101," presented by Steve Piwowarski, U.S. Department of Transportation

-"Alternative Fuels 101," presented by Roe East, Cummins Westport, Inc.

-"Technician Apprenticeships," presented by Chuck Roberts, AYES

-"Service Absorption and Service Profit," presented by Keith Ely and Allen Phibbs, Keith Ely and Associates

-"Truck Leasing 101,"presented by Dean Vicha, NationaLease

-"Managing Salespeople and Vocational Marketing Tips," presented by Mike Rumsey and Joshua Tregear, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America