Women In Trucking Association announces its August 2021 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Charlene Poe as its August 2021 Member of the Month. She is the founder and managing partner of Middletown Truck Stop Eatery & Drive-Thru, a business startup in Delaware. A conversation with a friend, who is a truck driver, led Charlene into the trucking industry unexpectedly. That conversation was about the lack of commercial truck parking in her state. She was curious about it and did some exploring. At that time, she was also doing research for a business idea she was considering starting with her family. She came across a study done by the Delaware Department of Transportation. The study confirmed the need for more commercial truck parking in the northern and southern ends of Delaware. Charlene and her family made the change in their business plans to focus on providing commercial truck parking and amenities. They are still in the beginning stages, but plan for the location to be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified commercial truck stop. The location will have an extensive list of amenities that any professional truck driver would need while over-the-road. This includes an eatery, fitness center, healthcare clinic, truck service center, and much more. Charlene and her family have a vision of effectively sustaining mobility. They will provide cleaner meat-based menu options along with some vegan/vegetarian food and drink options for healthier mobile living. Charlene and her family aim to break away from the norm by redefining the truck stop image. They are clients of the Women’s Business Center in Delaware, members of the National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO), National Association of Self Employed (NASE), and Women In Trucking Association (WIT). Securing capital is a challenge, so Charlene and her team are launching a perks-based crowdfunding campaign in the coming months on the Indiegogo platform. They will also consider investors. “Everyone has something different and of immense value to bring to the table. When you truly discover what it is that you bring to this space, do it from the heart, with all your heart. Adopt a servant/leader mindset and never, ever give up!” said Charlene.
Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America will change its name in April 2022
Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Co., Ltd. and a global leader in advanced sensing technologies in the fields of Intelligent Surveillance, Public Safety, and Industrial/Medical Imaging, announces that it will be changing its company name to i-PRO Americas Inc. on April 1, 2022. Established in 2019, Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America has focused on being a versatile and agile company that is dedicated to delivering new and innovative technologies and solutions. This name change is the next chapter in their story. “This is an exciting time for us, and the name change has always been a planned part of our journey. When we started in 2019, we committed to delivering new technologies more efficiently and more quickly. We kept this commitment,” said Bill Brennan, president. “i-PRO Americas Inc. is simply the next chapter, and we are looking forward to building on the foundation that we have laid down over the last 20 months. We will still deliver the same high-quality products and solutions. Only now it will be as i-PRO Americas Inc.” As this name change will not take place until April 1, 2022, the company will continue to go by its current name, Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions Corporation of America, until that time.
Noblelift announces its California branch expansion
Noblelift North America, a manufacturer for over 20+ years of quality material handling equipment announces its second U.S. location in Ontario, California to be opened this year by September 1, 2021, for inventory and equipment sales. “We are excited about our newest California branch to help fulfill equipment sales, fulfill shipments, and by providing an efficient stocking position,” said Don Hwang, Branch and Sales Manager, “This expansion of our second location is owed to our dealer’s confidence and continued success in offering our line of equipment, so, therefore, I thank you for believing in us.” The California branch will open for business by September 1, 2021, located at 1625 Fremont Court, Ontario, CA. 91761 with 11,700 square feet of warehousing space with 1 loading dock and 1 ground level dock. Noblelift® North America (www.nobleliftna.com) is a leading worldwide lift truck designer and manufacturer with a comprehensive range of high-performance – low-maintenance manual and electric equipment. From hand pallet trucks to electric pallet trucks, from walkie-stackers to sit-down forklifts, and scissor lifts. Noblelift® manufactures more than 200 categories and around 30 series of each product. Our products are designed to meet different application demands and are well accepted by our dealers in more than 100 countries and regions in Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and more. Noblelift® North America builds tough, durable lift trucks that deliver high productivity, the low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability, and advanced ergonomic features; accompanied by outstanding parts, service, and training support.
H&E opens new branch in Kansas City, MO
Effective August 2, 2021, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces its expansion into the Midwest and the state of Missouri with the opening of its new Kansas City branch. The branch is located at 720 E. 3rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-1031, phone 816-897-2500. The 21,000-square-foot facility sits on nearly 2 acres with a fully fenced yard area, offices, parts warehouse, and a repair shop with six service bays and an overhead crane. It is capable of servicing a variety of construction and general industrial equipment for customers in Missouri and Kansas. “Although this past year brought a series of changes and challenges across the national construction landscape, the local Kansas City business climate has been anything but lackluster. The $1.5 billion international airport is currently under construction, and developers have unveiled plans for projects that range in scope from large multi-family residential proposals to the sprawling billion-dollar office and mixed-use developments,” says Branch Manager Jeremy Miller. “Kansas City’s consistent population growth is estimated to reach 2.27 million by 2023. This growth, coupled with a developing transportation system and stable economic base, continues to make Kansas City a prime target for industrial and commercial construction. With this new location, we’re excited to introduce prospective customers in the Midwest to the unparalleled, first-class service H&E customers have already become accustomed to at our other branches across the country. We’re continuing to move in the rental fleet and are ready to supply whatever equipment solutions our customers may need.” The branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, earthmoving machinery, compaction equipment, generators, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Blue Diamond, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Okada, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Takeuchi, Towmaster Trailers, Wacker Neuson, Wirtgen, Yanmar, and others. In addition to a large rental equipment fleet, the facility provides expanded new and used equipment sales, parts availability within 24 hours for most items, in-shop, and mobile service repairs, and other value-added services.
Yellow Corporation receives Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award
Yellow Corporation has earned Norfolk Southern’s Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award for 2020 and is the first less-than-truckload (LTL) company to receive the award. Yellow has one of the largest LTL networks in the United States and utilizes the Norfolk Southern network for intermodal service to move its trailers and domestic intermodal containers in the eastern United States. “This award highlights a joint commitment to safety in shipping hazardous materials by the men and women on the front lines of the Yellow and Norfolk Southern teams,” said Darren Hawkins, Yellow CEO. “Utilization of intermodal service to move our trailers and domestic containers is an important part of our emissions reduction strategy.” The Yellow/Norfolk Southern partnership yields not only safety benefits but also advances freight sustainability. Yellow recently received its designation as a partner of the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay voluntary emissions reduction program for the 17th consecutive year. Norfolk Southern acknowledged Yellow’s ongoing commitment to safety in issuing the Thoroughbred Chemical Safety Award and having done so under extreme supply chain conditions during the pandemic. “I am proud of the Yellow team and our partners at Norfolk Southern in making safety priority one in transporting our customers’ shipments,” said Tamara Jalving, Vice President of Safety at Yellow. “The pandemic created unique challenges for our freight transportation professionals and their best defense was an absolute commitment to safety.”
Flux Power reaches a new milestone of 10,000+ Battery Packs Shipped to Customers
Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion industrial batteries for commercial and industrial equipment, announced on July 30th that over 10,000 battery packs have been shipped to customers. Flux Power’s lithium-ion battery packs are used by customers throughout North America in applications such as material handling equipment, airport ground support equipment (GSE), and stationary energy storage. “We are excited to reach this milestone at Flux Power,” commented CEO Ron Dutt. “We believe these 10,000+ battery packs are a testament to the contributions of our employees and the customer demand for innovative and safe lithium-ion solutions.”
Yellow Company, Holland, earns “Carrier of the Year” honors
For 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yellow Corporation operating company Holland received multiple “Carrier of the Year” honors from customers and shippers. DHL Supply Chain, an international courier, package delivery, and express mail service recognized Holland as “Regional Carrier of the Year.” Each year, DHL only gives this award to one carrier in appreciation of its performance and support of DHL’s business. Total Quality Logistics, which connects its customers with shipping needs and carriers that have available capacity and service offerings, honored Holland as its “Quality Carrier of the Year.” Total Quality Logistics made the award based on market share, on-time percentage, claim the percentage, and technological integration capabilities. Also, in 2019, Yellow companies received two “Carrier of the Year” awards from TQL. For the 8th time, Echo Global Logistics named Holland “Platinum Carrier” for the year. Echo Global Logistics is a provider of technology-enabled transportation and supply chain management services. Each year, Echo Global Logistics evaluates carriers and selects those that provide standout service, commitment, and performance for the previous year in customer service and communication, invoice accuracy, claims, responsiveness, website, and training. “What’s incredible is the fact that, during a global pandemic and the most challenging year of our careers and in our industry’s history, our employees showed up in a big way for our customers, and these awards are a testament to them exceeding expectations on the job,” said Jason Bergman, Chief Commercial Officer for Yellow. “If Yellow can earn awards for excellence while navigating the tremendous obstacles COVID-19 fallout presented, I am excited to see what the future holds for the Company and our 30,000+ employees.”
TVH hires Chris Davis as new Southeast Regional Business Development Manager
TVH in the Americas (TVH), a global provider of quality replacement parts and accessories for the material handling and industrial equipment industries, is pleased to introduce Chris Davis as the new Southeast Regional Business Development Manager. In this position, Chris will work to continue building deeper relationships between TVH and its customers in the Southeastern United States. Chris brings over 25 years of experience and a thorough understanding of the material handling industry to this position. He began his career as a forklift technician before transitioning into a customer service position. Most recently, Chris has spent over a decade in multiple sales positions on both the east and west coast where he was responsible for the substantial growth of his markets. “I’m very excited to welcome Chris to our team. Chris is a high-energy, passionate, and experienced sales professional with a proven track record of success,” says Chris Aiello, Business Development Manager. “We are certain he will be a strong asset to our Business Development team, contributing to the growth of not only his geographical sales territory but also the overall growth and success of our company.” Chris, who is originally from South Carolina, is looking forward to returning home and working once more with old friends in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Maria Silva joins JLG® and JERR-DAN® as Vice President of Human Resources
Focused on leading “People First” initiatives for the Access segment JLG Industries, Inc. and Jerr-Dan Corporation, LLC, both Oshkosh Corporation companies have announced that Maria Silva has been named Vice President of Human Resources for the Access Segment. The company’s Access business includes a broad range of world-leading access equipment, including JLG® boom, scissor, low-level access, vertical, stock picker, and towable lifts, as well as telescopic handlers and Jerr-Dan® towing and recovery equipment. In her new role, Silva will lead the company’s workplace transformation efforts, including the career growth of existing and acquisition of new team members and implementing and executing HR policies, programs, and services. Additionally, she will advocate for and lead the Segment’s continued “People First” initiatives. “Everything we do today honors our 50+ year history while keeping a sharp eye on tomorrow, from innovative product design to progressive manufacturing, to team member development. Maria will play a critical role in retaining and recruiting talent across every area of the business, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment that will allow the JLG and Jerr-Dan brands to lead well into the digital future,” said Frank Nerenhausen, Access Segment President. “I am honored to join the Access Segment and represent two market-leading brands like JLG and Jerr-Dan,” says Silva. “To lead the human resource function in a people-first culture — from employees to customers, even suppliers and the local communities in which they live and work — is a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m looking forward to developing team members worldwide and identifying and onboarding the new talent, who together will drive JLG’s and Jerr-Dan’s continued market leadership. Silva joins the Company with more than 25 years of human resource leadership and business management experience in the chemical, plastics, and oil and gas drilling industries, supporting both domestic and global operations. Most recently, she was the Vice President of HR for Valaris, where she led an 18-month merger integration, to ensure business continuity and strategy implementation within the human resources function. Before that, she was the Vice President of Business Development, responsible for overseeing growth strategies for Latin America. She started her professional career with The Dow Chemical Company where she worked in human resources, marketing, training, and customer relations. Silva is originally from Colombia. She has earned advanced degrees in industrial engineering and marketing from Universidad de Los Andes and Colegio de Estudios Superiores Administracion and is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Neal elected Long Beach Harbor Commission President
Weissman was selected as vice president, both to serve one-year terms Harbor Commissioner Steven Neal was elected Monday as president of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, the five-member panel that oversees the Port of Long Beach. The board also elected Sharon L. Weissman as Vice President and Bobby Olvera Jr. as Secretary. Each July, Commissioners select a president and two board officers to serve one-year terms. Neal represented North Long Beach on the Long Beach City Council from 2010 to 2014. A longtime community leader, he is the senior pastor for LIFE Gospel Ministries. He is a co-founder of the Economic Policy Impact Center, a nonprofit agency working to advance economic opportunity for working families, Executive Director of the Long Beach Collective Association, and has served on the boards of Long Beach Transit and the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network. Mayor Robert Garcia appointed him to the Harbor Commission in 2019. “I’d like to thank my fellow Commissioners for the faith they have placed in me,” said Neal. “Over the last year, the Port of Long Beach has surmounted an unprecedented pandemic to keep moving the products desperately needed by homebound Americans. I look forward to working with my colleagues, staff, and Executive Director Mario Cordero to ensure this port remains a top commercial gateway for decades to come.” Under the City Charter, the Board sets policy for the Port and directs the Port’s Executive Director, who leads about 550 employees in developing and promoting the Port of Long Beach.
H&E opens new branch in Fresno, CA
H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) just announced the opening of a new rental branch in Fresno, CA, bringing the number of H&E California facilities to 11. The new location is at 4199 E. Jefferson Avenue, Fresno, CA 93725-9707, phone 559-570-6700. The 10,000-square-foot facility sits on six acres with a fully fenced yard area, offices, parts warehouse, and a repair shop with five service bays. It is capable of servicing a variety of construction and general industrial equipment and joins the H&E facility in Lodi in serving central California and the San Joaquin Valley. “This new location just off the Golden State Highway will provide even greater coverage for our central California customers, especially when paired with nearby H&E facilities. Fresno will bridge the gap between our Lodi branch to the north and the Bakersfield location to the south. Centrally locating this new facility is about taking care of our loyal customers in Merced, Mariposa, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties, but we can also now reach farther and invite others to experience the H&E difference too,” says Branch Manager Ed Sollid. “We have built a team that is customer-oriented, aggressive and running on all cylinders. We are like a well-oiled machine that is built to last. We’re ready to assist with any project in the area, including highway, rail, and commercial construction.” The branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, earthmoving machinery, compaction equipment, generators, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Atlas Copco, Blue Diamond, Bobcat, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hy-Brid Lifts, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Okada, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Takeuchi, Towmaster Trailers, Valew, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others. In addition to a large rental equipment fleet, the facility provides expanded new and used equipment sales, parts availability within 24 hours for most items, in-shop and mobile service repairs, training, and other value-added services.
Green Cubes Technology appoints Power Industry Veteran as Chief Operating Officer
Ken Johnson adds manufacturing and supply chain expertise to global operations Green Cubes Technology (Green Cubes), the provider in producing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) power systems that facilitate the transition from lead-acid batteries and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power to green Li-ion battery power, appointed Ken Johnson as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the company. Mr. Johnson reports to Keith Washington, president and CEO of Green Cubes, supporting all business units and operations. Mr. Johnson provides leadership to supply chain, operations and manufacturing roles to build processes for continued growth for Green Cubes within Telecom, Materials Handling, and Industrial Automation markets. Mr. Johnson will manage Green Cube’s production facilities in Malaysia, Slovakia, Kokomo (Indiana), and Dunlap (Tennessee). “Ken has led both domestic and international operations and supply chains through new product introduction, lean transformations, inventory reductions, and overall working capital improvement,” said Mr. Washington. “I am confident his experience and focused vision will help Green Cubes successfully execute its continued growth within strategic markets and geographic locations.” Mr. Johnson has a history of success in energy storage and power electronics technology as an operations leader with a demonstrated track record of success in these markets, spending over 25 years in global manufacturing and supply chain with companies such as IBM, Danaher, Eaton, and Active Power. The range of products manufactured under Mr. Johnson’s supervision includes personal computers, motors, DC power systems, and single-phase/three-phase complex Uninterruptable Power System (UPS). Mr. Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degree from Texas A&M in Industrial Engineering.
Women In Trucking Association announces continued Gold Level Partnership with Expediter Services
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced that Expediter Services has renewed its Gold Level Partnership, helping the nonprofit organization advance its mission to encourage the employment of women in transportation and logistics, celebrate their success, and minimize the obstacles they face. In addition to providing financial support, the company actively participates in the association. Jason Williams, president of Expediter Services, serves on the WIT board of directors. As well as in 2017, WIT teamed up with Expediter Services to launch an innovative program that served as a platform to assist in establishing 150 new women-owned small businesses within transportation. The program is over two-thirds complete as it has helped launch 114 women-owned businesses. “Being a part of WIT has continued to bring value to us through the opportunity to network with talented people who are also trying to stay in front of our changing industry with all of its challenges,” said Williams. “The ability to be in working conversations with so many great people has certainly allowed our company to make better decisions. Our team at ES values the relationship that we have built over the years with WIT, and we are looking forward to doing our part to positively contribute to the important work that WIT does for the trucking industry.” “We’re thrilled to continue our valuable partnership with ES,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “Their commitment to helping women find their path to success in trucking is crucial to advancing our mission.”
TVH Americas promotes Jeannette Walker to Vice President of Sales
TVH in the Americas (TVH), a global provider of quality replacement parts and accessories for the material handling and industrial equipment industries, is proud to announce that Jeannette Walker has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. Jeannette began her career at TVH in 2001, and since then has held positions in Finance, Customer Support and launched the Marketing Department in 2007. In her role as Global Marketing Director, she was responsible for managing the Marketing Departments in both the Americas and Europe, combining them into one global team. Most recently, in her position as International Sales Director, Jeannette was responsible for the International, Mexico, and Brazil Sales teams in the Americas. As the Vice President of Sales, Jeannette will oversee the International, Domestic, Canada, and Mexico sales departments for TVH in the Americas. She will be instrumental in leading the sales teams by providing thoughtful leadership and an overall vision of how to develop and execute sales strategies to meet company goals now, and in the future. “Jeannette has a very thorough understanding of our customers and their expectations and is a great fit to take the lead in continuing the growth of our customer base in the Americas,” said Simon Witdouck, Senior Vice President of TVH Americas. “I am confident that her experience, ability to manage our various sales teams and her knowledge of our customers’ needs will ensure her success in this role.”
KION Group donates €1 million in emergency aid to the German Red Cross following rain storms
Group provides logistical support for the German Red Cross deployment in affected areas Forklift trucks loaned to the German Red Cross free of charge KION Group employees given paid leave to volunteer with aid organizations The KION Group is supporting relief workers in their tireless efforts to cope with the heavy storm damage in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. The intralogistics company is donating €1 million in emergency aid to the German Red Cross. The national relief organization has been actively assisting in the rescue, care, and shelter of those in need in the areas. “The images of flooding and destruction are shocking, and the people living in those areas have been hit hard. Many have lost everything they own, and some are also mourning the death of friends and relatives. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected,” said Gordon Riske, Chief Executive Officer of KION GROUP AG. “We would like to thank the professional and volunteer relief workers on the ground who are giving their all to mitigate the impact of this tragic natural disaster.” The German Red Cross is a recognized umbrella organization of the non-governmental welfare sector, providing facilities, programs, and services through both volunteers and full-time workers. In Germany, the organization is also involved in civil defense and disaster response. In the event of a disaster, the German Red Cross is committed to using all available helpers and all available resources to rescue people and help them in their time of need. Currently, more than 3,500 German Red Cross helpers are in round-the-clock operations in flood-hit areas. The financial support that the KION Group is providing to the German Red Cross is distributed to the respective regional and local organizations by the national headquarters in Berlin. This ensures that emergency aid is sent where it is needed most urgently. In addition to emergency financial aid, the Frankfurt-based intralogistics company is also making equipment and personnel available. “We are offering paid leave to all employees who are volunteers with an aid organization, such as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, the German Life-Saving Association, and the German Red Cross, and providing active support on the ground to those in need in the flood-hit areas,” says Anke Groth, Labor Relations Director and CFO of KION GROUP AG. “We have also agreed to grant the German Red Cross free access to our forklift trucks to make it easier to manage the logistical challenges.” The equipment will help to ensure that people in the affected areas have access to what they need. “We are immensely grateful to the KION Group for its support and this generous donation,” says Christian Reuter, secretary-general and chief executive officer of the German Red Cross. “Many people in the disaster-hit areas are desperate as they have lost almost everything, so it’s important that we can provide assistance quickly.”
Yellow Corporation receives EPA’s SmartWay Voluntary Emissions Reduction Program Designation for 17th consecutive year
Yellow Corporation has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for the company’s annual emissions report from the agency’s SmartWay voluntary emissions reduction program. The EPA’s SmartWay program helps companies boost sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Yellow is a Charter Partner of the EPA’s award-winning program. “We are honored to join forces with the EPA’s SmartWay program,” said Darren Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer of Yellow, one of the nation’s largest transportation companies with more than 13,000 tractors, 41,000 trailers, 300 facilities, and 30,000 employees across the country. “With every mile we drive, we strive to improve our environmental footprint. Yellow is undergoing one of the largest fleet refreshes in the company’s history, acquiring more than 2,200 tractors, 2,500 trailers, and 400 domestic intermodal containers this year. We intentionally seek out new equipment with the most advanced emissions reductions technologies and fuel-saving features. As one of the original 15 Charter Partners of SmartWay, we are proud that 3,000 leading supply chain companies have now joined this public-private sustainability program” added Hawkins. Last year, EPA SmartWay recognized the Yellow Companies as a “High Performer.” Companies earn this recognition through achieving significant freight efficiencies that merit special attention based on their annual emissions report. “We are confident that our sustainability strategy will be an essential contribution to SmartWay’s goal of reducing the trucking industry’s carbon footprint in our nation’s supply chain,” added Hawkins. SmartWay was launched in early 2004 by the EPA and 15 Charter Partners represented by industry-leading supply chain companies, environmental groups, The American Trucking Associations, and Business for Social Responsibility. Partners rely upon SmartWay tools and approaches to track and reduce emissions and fuel use from goods movement. The Partnership currently has over 3,000 Partners including shippers, logistics companies, truck, rail, barge, and multimodal carriers. https://www.epa.gov/smartway
California Warehouse Executive elected to Industry Board
Members of the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), the resource for warehouse logistics, recently elected Jeremy Van Puffelen, vice president of business development of PRISM Logistics, to the association’s board of directors. IWLA is the only supply chain industry association focused solely on the needs of third-party warehousing providers. PRISM Logistics is Northern California’s leading 3PL and a family-owned company. He will formally be recognized during the 2021 IWLA Convention & Expo Nov. 3 in San Antonio, Texas. IWLA is a family tradition. Van Puffelen’s father, Jere, served as the 2009-2010 IWLA Chairman of the board. “I have been involved in warehouse logistics all my life,” Van Puffelen says. “IWLA functions and annual meetings anchored even family vacations.” The younger Van Puffelen worked as a warehouseman while attending Diablo Valley College in Northern California, moving over the years from janitor to forklift operator to warehouse lead to supervisor. He transitioned into an office role where he learned the ins and outs of customer communication and managing facilities. Now serving as the PRISM Logistics vice president of business development, he is also a partner in the company. “We’ve doubled the company since 2014,” he says. “I honestly credit the developmental support from the IWLA as a contributor to our success. It’s been a great group for learning that has helped us in so many ways to grow.” “I’m pleased to serve on board of the IWLA, one of our industry’s leading organizations in terms of supporting and developing warehouse logistics professionals and a powerful voice advocating on behalf of our businesses,” Van Puffelen says. The IWLA Convention & Expo, Nov. 1-3, in San Antonio, Texas, will include Van Puffelen’s formal installation to the board. Find out more at www.IWLA.com.
Diversified Product Development hosts Grand Opening at new manufacturing facility
Diversified Product Development, marketer of the LineWise™, LiftWise™, RailWise™ and DesignWise™ brands, hosted a grand opening ceremony on June 22, 2021, at its new manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas. Approximately 100 people attended the event marking the company’s strategic move, which will help Diversified grow and better serve its customers. The new facility is 60,000 square feet, which is more than 10 percent larger than the company’s previous building. Diversified also invested in multiple equipment upgrades to increase its capabilities, such as doubling its jib crane capacity and adding a 10-ton bridge crane. Diversified currently employs 52 people, including engineers, designers, sales, and support staff. “Everyone is excited about our new state-of-the-art facility,” said Ray Fritel, president of Diversified. “Our company has grown steadily over the years, with plans to grow even more, and the new headquarters will help us better achieve our goals.” Diversified’s LineWise division designs, engineers and manufactures a full line of utility products, including line lifters, insulated work platforms, phase lifters, transmission temporary conductor supports, and more. LiftWise is the material handling division, offering a wide range of products for material handling in assembly, welding, and equipment servicing, as well as other various lifting solutions. DesignWise is a division of Diversified that offers a breadth of services to clients including exploring new markets and products; redesigning or modernizing existing products; improving ergonomics; increasing maintenance efficiency; and making products faster and more profitable. Finally, RailWise is the company’s newest brand, which encompasses a growing line of products for the hirail market.
Propane Council launches national brand for Propane
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) launched a new identity for propane that signals a seismic change in how to view this reliable energy source. The new brand, PROPANE Energy for Everyone™, highlights propane’s role in ensuring energy equity and reducing carbon emissions. “Americans are beginning to appreciate the value of propane in a wider energy mix after seeing the vulnerabilities of the electric grid in Texas and California and around the country,” says PERC president and CEO Tucker Perkins. “Propane is clean, affordable, and available right now. Unlike the electric grid, it does not require trillions of dollars in infrastructure investment that will create a burden on those who can least afford it. Propane offers solutions for climate, health, and equity.” The PROPANE Energy for Everyone™ brand was created by PERC’s newly selected creative agency of record, Elevation Advertising, after a competitive review. It is rolling out to propane industry partners in anticipation of consumer and market-specific campaigns this fall. “As we familiarized ourselves with the energy sector as part of the competitive review, we realized that propane has a remarkable story that’s not being told,” says Elevation’s co-founder and executive creative director, Aaron Dotson. “Propane is part of a clean energy mix that complements other renewable systems to help reduce carbon emissions today, right now. With the national energy conversation shifting more toward sustainable solutions every day, it’s the perfect time to share propane’s story.” The PROPANE Energy for Everyone™ brand was the top performer in testing with homeowners, business owners, energy influencers, and propane professionals. Millions of Americans use propane for heat, hot water, cooking, and power generation at home and at work. It is also a popular fuel for school buses, emergency first-responder equipment, high-end restaurants, remote farms, and countless other applications. “That’s why propane is energy for everyone,” adds Dotson. “Because everyone deserves access to energy. Everyone.” “The Pro-Energy Icon that forms part of the logo is designed to recall the many users and uses of propane,” Dotson says. “But it’s also calling to mind a stylized landscape of the cleaner world it’s helping to create.” The new brand platform is being introduced to national propane providers and state associations with video, direct mail, and marketing collateral that they can use to communicate the benefits of propane to their customers. “The many propane industry volunteers who helped us choose a new agency and develop the new brand proved themselves to be extremely strategic thinkers,” says Erin Hatcher, senior vice president of marketing and communications at PERC. “With their help, Elevation accomplished an incredible amount of thoughtful work in a short amount of time. We’re excited to be forming this partnership as we continue to educate people about the many benefits of clean propane, the energy for everyone.”
CLARK appoints of Reliable Forklifts as the Authorized Dealer for the Arizona Market
CLARK Material Handling Company has announced the appointment of Reliable Forklift Sales, LLC, as an authorized distributor of CLARK products for the Arizona market. “CLARK is very pleased to be represented by Reliable in the Arizona market. As a full-service material handling solution provider, Reliable delivers a wide variety of options for customer material handling needs. Their ongoing and clear focus on delivering great service and support to their customers makes them a great fit with CLARK,” commented Dennis Lawrence, president and CEO at CLARK Material Handling Company. Reliable Forklifts president, Don Carlson noted, “We are very excited to be part of the CLARK family and being able to provide our customers access to this great brand of products. Working with a manufacturer who shares our commitment to customers and to giving back to our communities fits in well with our core values.” He continued, “Our success relies on providing customers with exceptional products and services. Through our partnership with CLARK, we will continue to deliver in that commitment to quality.” Reliable Forklifts will support CLARK new equipment, aftermarket parts, and service efforts in Arizona from 2150 E. University Dr. in Phoenix, AZ. Additional information can be found on the web at www.reliableforkliftsales.com or by calling them direct at 602 415-9996.