Gary L. Gibson, president of Tri-State Sterling Trucks in Cincinnati, Ohio, began a two-year term as ATD chairman at the organization's recent convention.


Improving truck manufacturers' perceptions of ATD will be a high priority for Gibson. "ATD needs to encourage truck manufacturers to leverage ATD-NADA assets through their dealers," said Gibson. "In light of the continuing battle over CAFE, it seems there will be ample opportunity to demonstrate to truck manufacturers the importance of a close and supportive relationship with ATD."

In a speech to attendees of the 45th annual ATD Convention & Expo in Dallas, Gibson emphasized the need to recruit qualified dealership employees, especially truck technicians, to protect the industry's long-term viability. "We need to raise the profile of our business in the minds of people who may not know they can find well-paying careers as sales and service professionals in our dealerships," said Gibson.

Noting the many challenges currently facing the retail truck industry - from the strained economic environment to the pending legislative and regulatory challenges - Gibson said, "Dealers will have their hands full as they attempt to operate profitably during these difficult times. But ATD, along with NADA, will actively work to represent the interests of dealers."

"Another initiative that comes to mind is strengthening our ties with manufacturers on lobbying efforts," Gibson said. "Whenever the legislative interests of truck dealers and
manufacturers are aligned, truck makers could become more effective by leveraging ATD's respected position on Capitol Hill."

Gibson has been active in the industry for many years. He joined the ATD committee in 2001 as a Ford line representative. In 1995, Gibson was instrumental in forming the Ohio Truck Dealers division of the Ohio Automobile Dealers Association and was elected its first president, serving in that capacity for eight years. Gibson also served on the Ford Heavy Truck National Dealer Council from 1987 to 1989, and the first Sterling National Dealer Council from 1999 to 2001. In addition, he has served on numerous advisory boards and committees of truck and component manufacturers. Gibson previously served as ATD vice chairman. He succeeds outgoing ATD Chairman George Grask.