Eric Jorgensen, president and CEO of JX Enterprises in Hartland, Wis., is the new chairman of the American Truck Dealers (ATD). He replaces Dick Witcher, chief executive officer of Minuteman Trucks in Walpole, Mass., who served as chairman for two years.
"We've made so much headway these last few years thanks to this man here," said Jorgensen, referring to Witcher, in remarks at the 51st annual ATD Convention & Expo in New Orleans.
"You've done a tremendous job leading ATD and helping pave a better path for truck dealers across the nation," added Jorgensen, past ATD vice chairman. "It was a pleasure working with you."
In his remarks, Jorgensen urged the nation's commercial truck dealers to continue to reach out to their members of Congress to inform them about the industry and what it does. He also highlighted the importance for dealers to be active and learn the key issues.
"It's vital that we provide continuing education for our dealers and managers," he said. "When people have the tools they need to do their jobs, success is easily achievable."
He also encouraged dealers to support a new campaign, "Trucking Moves America Forward," which aims to build appreciation for the commercial truck industry.
"Trucking certainly moves this nation forward but not everyone realizes it," he said. "This campaign will help our businesses and our relationships – from customers to Congress – and we should all be involved in this noteworthy effort."
"It's not easy selling trucks and sometimes it's even harder helping people understand why," Jorgensen added. "But as I look across the room, I realize why we're still a thriving industry and a powerful engine for our economy."
Today was the final day of the ATD convention, which ran concurrently with the National Automobile Dealers Convention & Expo in New Orleans.
Click here for Jorgensen's full remarks.
