MHEDA staff gives back this holiday season
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) staff members fulfilled the Christmas wishes of ten children and two seniors as part of the Catholic Charities annual Christmas Gift Program. MHEDA staff members donated funds and were able to purchase clothing, shoes, household items, toys, and gift cards for these needy families as a part of their annual holiday Give Back program. This is the 2nd year the staff has participated in this worthwhile program. “Just as our members are committed to giving back, the MHEDA staff is dedicated to serving those in need from our local community. Now more than ever, it’s important to support families who are struggling especially during this holiday season. We applaud the hundreds of members who contribute to worthy causes throughout the year and recognize those who also support the give back initiatives that have become a mainstay of MHEDA events. We are grateful to be part of such a generous industry.” Liz Richards, MHEDA CEO.
MHEDA says Convention is on for 2021
Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is inviting its member to mark their calendars for the annual MHEDA Convention in Austin, Texas on April 24 – 28, 2021 at the JW Marriott Austin Hotel in vibrant downtown Austin, Texas. “We are planning a safe, socially distant, and responsible Convention designed to give you the opportunity to meet in person with your material handling business colleagues,” says MHEDA CEO Liz Richards. ” While we may not be shaking hands, we will be tipping our hats to one another for surviving a momentous year in history,” Richards added. Convention details and registration will be available in January. MHEDA is optimistic about the future and looks forward to seeing its members again in Austin!
2021 Economic Outlook Forecasts 7.8% expansion in Equipment and Software Investment growth and 4.7% GDP growth despite uneven recovery
Equipment and software investment growth fared better than overall GDP growth in 2020 as businesses invested to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and growth should remain well into positive territory at the beginning of 2021. Annual equipment and software investment growth of 7.8 percent is forecast for 2021. Annual U.S. GDP growth for 2021 is forecast at 4.7 percent, according to the 2021 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook released on December 16th by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. Scott Thacker, Foundation Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Ivory Consulting Corporation, said, “This update while reflecting widely disparate performance in various segments of the economy, indicates the worst of the economic downturn appears to be in the rearview mirror — although that does not mean the road ahead is clear. Equipment and software investment surged to an annualized rate of 47 percent in Q3 after an unprecedented 28 percent decline in Q2. In Q3, investment levels in 11 of the 12 equipment verticals that the Foundation monitors improved, and nine experienced double or triple-digit growth. Prospects of widely-distributed vaccines in 2021 should provide a boost to the economy, particularly in transportation-focused industries.” Highlights from the 2021 Outlook include: While equipment and software investment is forecast to grow 7.8 percent (annualized) in 2021, some industries will likely continue to struggle under the weight of the pandemic until a vaccine is widely available. The U.S. economy expanded at an unprecedented 33.1 percent (revised) annualized rate in Q3 as the nation partially reopened. However, GDP is still well below its level at the end of 2019, underscoring the long road ahead to a full recovery. The U.S. manufacturing sector recovery continued in late 2020. Shipments and new orders of core capital goods rose to record levels as firms in several industries responded to elevated demand. Though output is relatively close to pre-pandemic levels, manufacturing employment remains significantly depressed. On Main Street, the fragile equilibrium of the late summer and early fall faces another serious threat this winter. Record COVID cases and deaths have forced several major cities to impose new lockdowns, and the effects are beginning to show. Small business revenues are falling while Main Street awaits the vaccine and another targeted federal relief effort. The Federal Reserve remains committed to keeping interest rates at or near zero for several years. The Fed also intends to continue its liquidity-boosting measures, though its officials have stated that monetary policy alone is likely insufficient to prop up the U.S. economy. The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is released in conjunction with the Economic Outlook, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. In addition, the Momentum Monitor Sector Matrix provides a customized data visualization of current values of each of the 12 verticals based on recent momentum and historical strength. Momentum readings are below the five-year average in six of 12 verticals, and all 12 verticals are accelerating. Over the next three to six months, year over year: Agriculture machinery investment growth will accelerate. Construction machinery investment growth should rebound. Materials handling equipment investment should return to positive growth. All other industrial equipment investment growth should experience a strong resurgence. Medical equipment investment growth should continue to strengthen. Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth should improve from current levels but may remain in negative territory. Aircraft investment growth appears to have bottomed out earlier in the year and should improve, but is likely to remain in negative territory. Ships and boats investment growth should turn positive. Railroad equipment investment growth should strengthen. Trucks investment growth appears likely to rebound after bottoming out in Q2 Computers investment growth should remain robust and may strengthen further. Software investment growth should improve. The full report of the Momentum Monitor is now available at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/momentum-monitor/. The Foundation produces the Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook report in partnership with economic and public policy consulting firm Keybridge Research. The annual economic forecast provides the U.S. macroeconomic outlook, credit market conditions, and key economic indicators. The report will be updated quarterly throughout 2021. Download the full report at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/u-s-economic-outlook/. All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.
Applied Manufacturing Technologies hires Senior Engineer and Controls Leader Arthur J. Kahler
AMT hires Arthur J. Kahler to support an increase in demand for the company’s engineering services and control system integration solutions Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s largest independent automation engineering company supporting manufacturers, robot companies, systems integrators, line builders, and users of robotic automation worldwide, has announced the hire of Senior Engineer and Controls Leader Arthur J. Kahler. “AJ brings a long history with many different aspects of controls to his position at AMT,” said Chief Operating Officer Craig Salvalaggio. “With AMT’s growth in systems integration and controls solutions, we will leverage AJ’s ability to work with many different control and technology platforms. In addition to his technical leadership, he will support the team professionally with mentorship in their careers and overall group leadership.” Kahler brings more than ten years of experience in industrial automation and control systems to his position at AMT. His most recent position was senior field service engineer at Rockwell Automation where he supported a large array of products, managed automation projects, developed standards, and commissioned systems, as well as specializing in CIP motion, networks, HMIs, and process control. Kahler also has industry experience in PID loops and process control in the chemical industry. A graduate of Macomb Community College, Kahler holds his Associate’s degree in science as well as having completed several technical courses in controls engineering.
2021 based on 2020. The way I see it.
When Dean, the General Manager & Publisher of Material Handling Wholesaler, gave me this topic to cover for the January 21 issue I thought “Gee Dean, if I knew the answer to this question, I would be in my private jet heading to the Caribbean with my hot wife, a case of Scotch, and five boxes of Churchill size cigars.” But after settling down, curiosity got the better of me and I started researching the storyline and jotting down various topics I believe will be part of the 2021 landscape. Here is the list I started with and I am sure you can add another 100 topics to my list: RECOVERY Headwinds or tailwinds Business Resilience Your current business processes Your post-COVID-19 business process’ It is the Balance Sheet that counts Revenue recovery Do not count on major recovery in 21 Additional stimulus Changes to anticipate THE ECONOMY Recession or Depression Vaccine acceptance The Biden Plan-Infrastructure Plan The Biden Plan- Taxes The Biden Plan-Spending INDUSTRY ISSUES Customer status Supply chain status Personnel status Inventory availability OEM financial health Refurb units HOW DO WE PLAN FOR 2021? Revenues Costs- fixed Cost- variable Cost- Semi-variable Financing HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE BACK? COVID-19 vaccine acceptance Consumer spending. Employee demands increase Before we go any further, I want to mention last month’s lead story by Dave Baiocchi. What he covered about directions OEM’s are taking should wake all of us up. The acceptable playing field, as far as OEMs are concerned, is moving higher and higher and will continue to do with the hope of maintaining and increasing market share. On the other hand, with COVID-19 and a potential long-term recession facing us, a dealer should avoid overextending their operations beyond reasonable financial guidelines. You should be committed to your OEM but at the same time communicate what you can and cannot do until this pandemic is under control and the economy returns to 2019 levels. Material handling dealers have access to the retail, wholesale, distribution and logistics services, manufacturing, and other venues where lift trucks or warehouse distribution systems are employed. If this continuing customer base is active and essential, dealers should have a constant base level of work and products to sell these customers. But is it the same level as 2019 revenue? How about for Q1 20? I bet not. Customers are encountering the same financial pains as everyone else, with the added issue of having more efficient and more knowledgeable competitors planning to increase sales because of a lower-cost alternative. Current customers still operating using the same business model as they were 10 years ago will find themselves at risk, which extends that risk to you. Come to think about it, you also need to review your current business model, and compare it to your competitors and other equipment-related business offerings. Not doing so could put you in the crosshairs of your OEM to move you out of your territory as Dave discussed last month. In terms of the economy, it appears we are stuck in neutral until the virus is under control and our population believes that is the case. Two different issues, with both requiring getting control of the virus. Me, I do not see this happening until late in 21 or not in 2021 at all. The budgets I am preparing for 2021 are flat and mirror Q2-Q3-Q4 2020 results. This budget naturally contains heavy cost reductions in terms of payroll and other variable and semi-variable expenditures, with an assumption that when revenues and profits increase, both payroll and expenditures will also increase to support higher revenue levels. I just cannot make myself believe that GDP will return to 2019 levels in the next twelve months. Too many companies and businesses have closed. Too many people remaining without a viable income to support their families. And not enough consumer spending to bring GDP up in any significant way. AND SEEING THAT CONSUMER SPENDING MAKES UP 70% OF OUR ECONOMY I GUESS OUR CITIZENS WILL TELL US WHEN THIS PANDEMIC IN UNDER CONTROL AND WE ARE BACK ON TRACK TO 19 LEVEL WHEN SPENDING HITS 19 LEVELS. When do you see this happening? Am I being too pessimistic about this? Maybe. Who knows, maybe the vaccine will produce a miracle which provides more flexibility regarding our business activities. But even if that occurs will there be adequate income to spend to get us to pre-COVID-19 levels? I doubt it. The time it will take to convince the population to participate in the vaccine program, provide comfort, and get them back to work will be tough to do in the next twelve months. Heck, it may take six months to convince people to get the vaccine shots. Let’s move on to the “economy” The Biden Plans propose to raise $3.375 trillion in taxes over a 10-year period. They will increase spending by $5.37 trillion over this same period. The taxes will come from corporate tax ($1.4 trillion), payroll tax ($993 billion), and individual tax ($944 billion). Over the same period, there will be spending on education ($1.9 trillion) and Infrastructure ($1.6 trillion.) About 80% of the increase in taxes fall on the top 1% of the income distribution, primarily those making more than $400,000 per year. Our problem or maybe benefit is that most of these changes will probably not take place until after 2021. On a more specific tax issue, the IRS has stated that the spending of the PPP funds received will not be deductible for tax purposes in the year spent. In other words, the PPP funds spent are taxable. And from an accounting standpoint, the forgiveness amount will be recorded as miscellaneous income. So, make sure you know your situation if you are a PPP recipient. After going through this 2021 planning process, I suggest you plan for the worst and hope and produce better or best. Doing your homework to mitigate revenue losses by going after the
PTDA welcomes three new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), the association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomed three new member companies. New Distributor Member: TBC, Inc. Texas Bearing Company (Amarillo, Texas) is an independent distributor of bearings, power transmission equipment, fluid power components, and a full line of screening, crushing, washing, and material handling equipment. Their ability to consistently provide unsurpassed service and quality products has helped establish long-term relationships with Texas operations and beyond. With seven stocking locations across Texas, they are able to service a wide array of industries. All locations are on call 24/7/365 for after-hours service. “We have joined PTDA in order to help strengthen our relationships with our existing manufacturers, pursue new relationships and to build on best practices in this ever-changing world we are doing business in,” said Berry Smith, president. Learn more at www.texasbearing.com. New Manufacturer Member: Ewellix USA LLC (Center Valley, Penn.) is a manufacturer of linear motion components providing state-of-the-art linear solutions designed to increase machine performance, maximize uptime, reduce maintenance, improve safety and save energy. Their focus is to provide high-quality products manufactured in the U.S. as well as other factories around the world for a wide range of industries including medical, mobile machinery, auto assembly, and many more. They have over 50 years of experience with an engineering team that is always developing new, innovative products with their customer’s individual needs in mind. “At Ewellix, we want to be close to our customers no matter where they are. We joined PTDA to connect with a network of industry leaders to build powerful and long-lasting relationships,” said Tarek Bugaighis, president. Learn more at www.ewellix.com. New Associate Member: BackboneAI (New York, N.Y.) builds frictionless data networks through intercompany automation, a completely new category of automation. It transforms supplier and customer relationships through real-time data synchronization, fast API connectivity, and third-party application and database integration. Founded in 2019 by serial entrepreneur Rob Bailey, BackboneAI helps companies work together more efficiently by automating their intercompany data processes and optimizing communication through technology. “It is an honor to be a part of such a prestigious institution,” states Rob Bailey, CEO and Co-Founder of BackboneAI. “We look forward to helping PTDA members in bringing new digital transformation solutions to industrial suppliers and distributors.” Learn more at www.backbone.ai. The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $20 billion in sales and span over 2,700 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply to the PT/MC industry. PTDA is dedicated to providing exceptional networking, targeted education, relevant information, and leading-edge business tools to help distributors and manufacturers meet marketplace demands competitively and profitably.
Call for Nominations: 2021 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award
Women In Trucking Association (WIT), Truckstop.com, and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) are seeking nominations for the 2021 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA). The award started in 2015 as a way to recognize the achievements and leadership of outstanding individuals involved in logistics in North America. “Each year we continue to be more impressed by the women nominated for the Distinguished Woman in Logistics award as the ranks of women increase in supply chain and the level of professionalism is elevated throughout the industry,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “It is our honor to recognize such influential women through this award.” Sponsored by Truckstop.com and TIA, the award is open to high-performing women in any field related to logistics, including supply chain management, third-party logistics, and trucking. Previous DWLA winners include: 2020: Sue Spero, president of Carrier Services of Tennessee, Inc. 2019: Judy McReynolds, chairman, president and CEO of ArcBest 2018: Renee Krug, CEO of Global Tranz 2017: Andra Rush, chair and CEO of Rush Trucking Corporation, CEO and president of Dakkota Integrated Systems, and chair, CEO and president of Detroit Manufacturing Systems 2016: Shelley Simpson, chief commercial officer; EVP People and HR, J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. 2015: Kristy Knichel, president of Knichel Logistics “As an organization, few have done as much as Women In Trucking to further the causes of women in transportation and logistics,” said Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer, Truckstop.com. “Recipients of The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award exemplify leadership and service within their communities and the industry as a whole. We are proud to support this incredible award and look forward to highlighting the achievements of these incredible leaders.” The award selection committee includes representatives from WIT, Truckstop.com, TIA and academia. The 2021 winner will be announced during TIA “Capital Ideas” Conference and Exhibition, on Friday, April 9 in Phoenix, AZ. “We at TIA are delighted to support Women In Trucking generally, and the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award in particular,” said Anne Reinke, CEO of TIA. “Whatever TIA can do to help showcase accomplished women in the trucking and logistics industry, we want to do. This award serves to inspire young women who are determining their future careers, and it validates women already in business for contributing mightily to a vital and essential industry.” Anyone may nominate a candidate by completing and submitting the nomination form at https://www.womenintrucking.org/distinguished-woman-in-logistics. Nominations are due February 10, 2021. For additional information regarding the nomination process, send an email to Lana@womenintrucking.org.
ProMat 2021 in person canceled as plans for ProMatDX goes forward
The MHI Board of Governors, MHI has made the difficult decision to cancel its in-person ProMat event in Chicago in April of 2021. The MHI Board determined that due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the current state and local regulations, it was not possible to hold a live event for attendees and exhibitors. This will be the first time in ProMat’s 35-year history that the in-person expo has been canceled. However, because supply chains are more vital to global commerce than ever before, ProMat will continue to deliver the unrivaled solution-sourcing, education, and networking it is known for through a state-of-the-art digital expo – ProMat Digital Experience (ProMatDX). In April of 2021, ProMatDX will provide one digital platform where the industry can come together to find manufacturing and supply chain solutions, problem-solve, connect with their peers and learn the latest trends and innovations that will take their supply chains to the next level of agility and resiliency. ProMatDX will provide not only sponsor and attendee interaction but also the ability to see equipment and system solutions in-action. This exciting, new digital experience will also offer cutting-edge streamed educational opportunities, including keynote and seminar sessions on leading trends and technologies from industry thought leaders. “For 75 years, MHI has been here to serve this industry and to bring it together. While the on-going pandemic makes it impossible to hold ProMat in person in 2021, connecting the industry and delivering value to our audiences is still our top priority. MHI is harnessing all of the power of the MHI and ProMat brands to continue to deliver this value digitally in 2021. We will utilize the most advanced technologies to connect all our audiences through the digital experience platform ProMatDX” says John Paxton, COO/CEO Designate of MHI. ProMatDX will continue to provide ProMat’s unrivaled manufacturing and supply chain solution sourcing with AI-based matchmaking, live video meetings, product demos, and live chat. Educational opportunities to connect will include streamed seminar and keynote sessions as well as daily wrap-ups and news, and video interviews from the expo. “Due to the pandemic, connecting the manufacturing and supply chain industry has never been more critical.,” adds Daniel McKinnon, MHI EVP of Exhibitions. “While nothing will ever replace the in-person ProMat expo, ProMatDX will utilize the latest digital event technologies to provide all our audiences with the unrivaled education, connections and market access the industry needs now more than ever to solve today’s unique supply chain challenges.” April 12-16 will be the most important week of 2021 for the manufacturing and supply chain industry to power up their supply chains for future success.
Women In Trucking announces its December 2020 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Mona Chisum as its December Member of the Month. She is the driver supervisor for TP Trucking. Chisum’s story began in 1988 when she drove her first truck. Teri and Amzel Butler owned a small logging company that Chisum’s husband at the time worked for as a log hauler. They lived on the job and Chisum’s husband watered the road at night with their 1956 Peterbilt water truck so it wouldn’t be as dusty the next day. One evening, Chisum tried driving the rig herself. “The minute I got my hands on the wheel, it felt like I was home,” said Chisum. There weren’t many female drivers, especially log truck drivers at that time. Amzel Butler not only partnered with her husband in the company, but she was also a log truck driver. “Amzel is the reason I ventured into the transportation industry. My deep admiration for her was the catalyst that got me where I am today, the driver supervisor for TP Trucking,” said Chisum. Chisum thought driving a water truck off-highway in the evening hours was a far cry from being a truck driver. In 1990, she had two small children and needed a job that would help support her family. She decided to take the test to obtain her CDL. She spent a few weeks learning how to drive a logging truck. The pre-trip gave her some trouble at first, but ultimately she became a CDL holder. FV Martin Trucking hired Chisum, where she said it was like having 29 big brothers to learn from every day. While employed with FV Martin, she drove log trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks, and water trucks. She even experienced having one of their trucks as a tender on some forest fires. In 2002, Chisum became the safety director at FV Martin. She enjoyed this role because she wanted to help the drivers be the best they could be. During that time, she learned a lot about DOT and OSHA regulations and even taught some highway drivers to be log truck drivers. In 2004, after 14 years, she left FV Martin to work as the safety director for a growing refrigerated freight company, Cross Creek Trucking. “While there [at Cross Creek] I learned even more, but this time about life over the road. During that 11-year span I traveled cross country and learned to navigate big cities, manage my time to the best advantage, learned to live in a sleeper for several weeks at a time, and saw some of the most beautiful sights in North America,” said Chisum. Then in 2015, Chisum joined TP Trucking for what she believes is a long-term career move. She started out as a flat-bed driver and is now the driver supervisor. Her job duties include helping with electronic logging and dispatch devices, on-boarding of new employees, and equipment allocation, to name a few. For anyone, especially women, who are thinking about venturing into the trucking world, Chisum advises removing the word “can’t” from your vocabulary. “When I started in this industry, there weren’t many women and it’s so nice to see more and more out on the roads. Just because you haven’t tried it doesn’t mean you can’t do it,” said Chisum. She suggests to take the time and work on strengthening your weaknesses. If you’re not very good at backing, take the time in the middle of the day when no one is around to practice. If you’re nervous about navigating the urban areas, get out a map, use Google and a GPS so you’ll feel comfortable about where you’re going.
Call for Nominations: Women In Trucking 2021 Female Driver of the Year Award
Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is seeking nominations for the annual Women In Trucking Female Driver of the Year award sponsored by Walmart. The second annual award recognizes outstanding female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively working to enhance the public image of the trucking industry. “We are pleased to sponsor Women In Trucking’s Female Driver of the Year award as a way to recognize and empower women who are making an impact across the industry,” said Ryan McDaniel, vice president of transportation and Women In Trucking board member. “I’m proud of the work Walmart and Women In Trucking are doing to advance women within transportation.” The application is open to any female driver who has safely driven at least one million consecutive, accident-free miles. The driver must be nominated by the motor carrier by which she is currently leased or employed and must have three years of experience with that company. “Female drivers are still in the minority and we consider them all to be pioneers today,” said Ellen Voie, WIT president and CEO. “This award allows us to recognize a woman who is a positive example of a successful and accomplished driver and give her the recognition she deserves.” The finalists and overall winner will be recognized at the 2021 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, Ky. on Friday, March 26. The winner will be chosen based on her safety record, positive community contributions, and impact on the public image of the trucking industry. She will receive a plaque, commemorative ring, and more. Nomination forms can be submitted at https://www.womenintrucking.org/female-driver-of-the-year. Nominations are due February 1, 2020.
Prest writes final column and wishes MHI continued success
George Prest has written his last update as CEO of MHI, ahead of John Paxton stepping into the role on January 1, 2021. In it, he said: “If 2020 has taught us anything it is that the health and safety of our workers and all our stakeholders must be our top priority.” He continued: “For me, the pandemic reinforced my sense of our common humanity, our responsibility to each other. It’s in times of crisis like these that leaders reveal their true commitment to workers and corporate social responsibility. As Winston Churchill famously said: ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste.’ This year has delivered a wealth of opportunities for supply chain practitioners and organizations to embrace Mr. Churchill’s wisdom. While safety has always been a priority in our industry, the pandemic has added additional layers to safety and health protocols that are now necessary. Personal protective equipment, social distancing measures, deep cleaning protocols, sanitization stations, temperature checks, flexible work schedules, staggered work shifts, and adjusted facility floor plans are now all on the table as tools to put worker safety first. Leading firms are accepting the challenge to do all of the above to ensure worker safety. They are also implementing robotics and automation solutions and other emerging technologies to further assist in worker safety and operational efficiency during these unprecedented times. In fact, MHI’s third ‘U.S. Roadmap on Material Handling Logistics: Transformation Age’ includes a COVID-19 section that details how the adoption of these technologies is accelerating due to this crisis. You can learn more at mhi.org/transformationage. Putting safety first requires leadership from the top and a clear, multi-pronged approach with strong communications programs. For safety programs to work, it takes a culture of collaboration, consensus, and adherence across the extended value chain of internal stakeholders, suppliers, and sub-contractors. MHI is supporting this collaboration at our ProMat next April. ProMat 2021 will feature a new Robotics & Automation Solution Center and, like in your own operations, we are dedicated to the safety and health of all our attendees. That is why plans are underway for unprecedented safety measures including social distancing, health checks as well as hybrid and digital show offerings. In closing, I would like to thank all of you for the role you have in making our industry so great. This is my last CEO Update as I am moving on to the next chapter of my journey. I have been humbled and honored to be a part of the leadership of this industry. I want to thank the MHI Team, for they are the champions that live the mission of providing member value every day. To the Board of Governors, thank you for being such a big part of the vision and your unwavering support of the team. To John Paxton, a great leader who will take over the CEO role on January 1, 2021, I wish Godspeed as you take the organization and industry to the next level. Wishing all of you the best with your individual journey.”
Episode 128 – ProGlove
In this episode, I got a chance to speak with Tracy Hansen of ProGlove. Tracy is the president, North America & Global CMO at ProGlove. We discuss ProGlove’s solution, disruptive innovation, and industry 4.0. Key Takeaways ProGlove is a German-based engineering company that is taking a human-centric approach to innovation and shaping the future of smart wearables for industry 4.0. Their newest glove system is a lightweight hand wrap that carries not only the scanner for scanning items for picks and other tasks but also has a display built-in. This is different in comparison to other wearables where you see the display on your wrist and the scanner is typically a ring scanner on your finger. This puts everything in one place for better comfort and visibility as well. One of the major benefits of ProGlove’s scanning devices is the freedom that it gives to the worker. Tracy has a great example where she asks the question can you do a cartwheel with your current solution. In most cases, you probably cannot but the freedom that ProGlove gives your hands allows you to do so much more. Due to this freedom, your productivity will increase because you will pick up valuable seconds on every pick that is typically spent picking up, checking, or manipulating a handheld device in some way. From a safety perspective, ProGlove also gives users better peace of mind by allowing them to have their hands free to lift properly and also hold on to things as necessary. Additionally, Tracy explains a new feature that they have rolled out that helps to keep social distancing in place in the workplace. The unit can sense where other units are so that it will give the user a notification when they get too close to someone else. The device emits a buzz that allows the user and those around to know that they are violating social distancing protocols. The weight of the device also helps to reduce the stress on the worker from doing repetitive motions which helps to reduce potential strain injuries. Tracy and I discuss how the transformation of the industry has been so rapid over the last few years with automation and digitizing many processes, however, humans are still very much a necessity. We discuss how even though so many things are advancing in robotics and industry 4.0 there is still a need for the human workforce. Tracy makes some really great points about how automation and robotics need to be human-centric to allow humans to be more capable and more effective at their jobs. Listen to the episode below and let us know your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 128: ProGlove
Combilift & award-winning Author, Emer Conlon – A Great ‘Combi’nation in children’s book release
An exciting new children’s book has been launched today November 24, 2020, just in time for Christmas! With Combilift’s unique portfolio of forklifts, the company is revolutionizing the way businesses handle and store materials, especially long and awkward loads, or when space is limited. Employing more than 600 people in their headquarters in Monaghan and with customers in more than 85 countries, Combilift is a formidable force in the material handling industry. Innovation permeates throughout the company and this has now been extended to capture children’s imaginations at the grassroots level. At first glance, the pairing of a children’s book and one of the largest indigenous companies in Ireland, may not seem like a likely fit. However, when asked about this, Emer explains, “I approached Combilift just over a year ago, with a view to proposing a novel, unique way to communicate with existing and potential customers, as well as being involved in the education of the next generation. The idea was to write a children’s book which ‘cartoon-izes’ the main Combilift products and transforms them into characters that children will love. I wanted to also use it as a marketing tool for the adults and so I used the USPs of the actual forklifts and turned them into the superpowers of the characters! That way both adults and children would get something from the book!” Emer continues, “Martin McVicar (CEO & Co-Founder) really liked the idea – especially the educational aspect for children and as a result of his astuteness, we proceeded with the book, and CombiKids was created. So Combilift is ‘Lifting Innovation’ and now CombiKids is ‘Lifting Imaginations’ “ According to Emer, when writing the book, “The Forklift Trucks and Their Secret Superpowers”, it was important to achieve a balance between Combilift branding and creating a story featuring endearing characters that children would fall in love with. The Combilift adventure is a real page-turner, filled with drama and excitement. The book also has a couple of ‘baddies’ – these are not Combilift trucks I may add! It is a wonderfully appealing story for children. For further enjoyment, there is a three-page Activity Section at the back of the book which includes something for all age groups. There is a mix of one-off activities (i.e. Join the Dots and a Word Search Puzzle) and activities that can be completed again and again (a Maze, Spot the Difference, and a Map of the World). These will add to the engagement and interaction that children will get from the book”. Martin explains, “We believe it was very important to be involved with the education of the next generation and to that end, we already have a number of programs including, apprenticeships, tours, etc. However, our new CombiKids initiative will involve even younger children with Combilift. The idea is that little ones, would ‘buy-into’ the Combilift brand when they are young by creating an association with it – thus encouraging future engineers and lots of other budding talents, as well as motivating children to read. It is a great way to highlight Combilift to a wider community that may not be overly familiar with it”. The CombiKids book highlights overcoming difficulties, the importance of friendship and that bullying are unacceptable. Needless to remark, the hero is always a Combilift truck who ‘saves the day’. Also as the forklift trucks are all different shapes and sizes – there is an element of, no matter what someone looks like or what shape or size they are, it is important to be accepting of others and of differences. Combilift is a proud member of Guaranteed Irish, and the CombiKids book very much reflects this. Supporting local businesses and the importance of Irish jobs – particularly during Covid19 – is incredibly important to the ethos of Combilift. With that in mind the book is printed by Winters Print, Drogheda, illustrated by Jon McCormack, Kildare, and typeset by idesignworx, Monaghan. In addition, Combilift is also very mindful that charities are really suffering during the pandemic in terms of support and donations and has committed to donating ALL proceeds from book sales to the incredibly deserving charity, Make a Wish®. To purchase the wonderful CombiKids’ book or for further information on the characters, visit www.Combi-Kids.com https://combilift.com/en/combilift-emer-conlon-a-great-combination/
IRS issues revenue rulings on PPP Expense Deductibility
Since May, when the IRS published Revenue Ruling 2020-32, indicating that the expenses paid with PPP loan proceeds would be non-deductible, there have been many unanswered questions on how the IRS intends to approach companies who may have received PPP loans and either did not apply for or did not receive their forgiveness before the end of their tax year. Given that many organizations will not know the fate of their forgiveness until 2021, it was unclear whether companies should wait to file their 2020 tax returns until their forgiveness is known, amend returns that might already have been filed with deductible expenses, or just pick up income in 2021 under the tax benefit rule once the forgiveness was granted. IRS Clarifies their Position On November 18, the IRS issued Revenue Rulings 2020-27 and 2020-51 to clarify their position – and it isn’t taxpayer-friendly. The IRS is essentially taking the position that taxpayers should be reducing the deductible expenses “in the taxable year in which the expenses were paid or incurred if, at the end of the taxable year, the taxpayer reasonably expects to receive forgiveness of the covered loan. Even if the taxpayer has not submitted an application for forgiveness” by the end of the year. The IRS cites cases where they have prevailed in disallowing deductions that were paid with the expectation of being reimbursed in subsequent years. And they also address cases where the tax benefit rule was applied, observing that the rule was applied where deductions were taken based on assumptions that an event in a subsequent year proved them erroneous. Instances “unforeseen at the time of an earlier deduction” permit taxpayers to pick up income in the subsequent year for the previously allowed expenses. The IRS contends that PPP forgiveness is not a situation to which the tax-benefit rule should apply, as covered loan recipients have been provided with “clear and readily accessible guidance to apply for and receive covered loan forgiveness.” (*stop laughing*) Thus, under Section 265, the IRS reasons that the otherwise deductible expenses from PPP proceeds are disallowed because the taxpayer has knowledge of the “amount of its eligible expense that qualified for reimbursement, in the form of covered loan forgiveness”, and has a “reasonable expectation of reimbursement.” So, what happens if your “reasonable expectation of reimbursement” ends up being more or less than the amount of forgiveness that you actually receive? That is where 2020-51 steps in. Put simply, if you don’t take deductions in 2020 for covered PPP expenses on the expectation that they will be reimbursed at forgiveness, and you don’t end up receiving that forgiveness, the IRS will allow you to either take those deductions on a 2021 return or go back and amend a previously filed 2020 return. The other question is: what happens if you have expenses that you expect to be forgiven, you extend the filing date of your 2020 return, and get less than 100% forgiveness decision before you file your 2020 return? The IRS provides a “safe harbor” in 2020-51 providing that taxpayers can deduct expenses paid with PPP funds if: The taxpayer has covered expenses in 2020 it expects to be forgiven, They submit, or intend to submit, in a subsequent year, a forgiveness application, AND In the subsequent year, part or all of the covered loan is denied forgiveness. What is Not Addressed? Even with these latest revenue rulings, there are issues still not addressed leaving open-ended questions for many of us. The IRS didn’t address how the disallowed expenses should be allocated. If you have a PPP loan of $100,000 and spent $100,000 on wages, $25,000 on rent, and $10,000 on utilities, what expenses should be reduced? All the wages? A proportionate share of each? How the forgiveness is allocated could have a significant impact for taxpayers in a QBI calculation (wages) or in multi-factor state apportionment (rent, wages) The IRS also didn’t address how a sole proprietor (Schedule C) taxpayer should treat their forgiveness. A sole proprietor that doesn’t have employees is granted forgiveness based on his/her “owner compensation replacement” along with other rent and utility expenses. There isn’t any payroll expense to reduce, so once rent and utility expenses are reduced to zero, what happens to the rest of the forgiven PPP loan? Despite the shortcomings of the rulings, the guidance should provide some amount of clarity to the IRS’s position as taxpayers approach their year-end planning. Even though we are all not-so-secretly hoping for legislative action that would make PPP funded expenses deductible and negate all of the machinations that it has created to this point.
Your Employees kept you going this year. Thanksgiving 2020 is the Perfect Time to Step Up Your Gratitude Game
While scrambling to keep their business alive in tough times, leaders may forget to thank someone essential: their employees. Deb Boelkes says it’s time for that to change. And she shares some heartfelt ways to show gratitude this Thanksgiving Thanksgiving might look a little different for your employees this year. They may not be doing much traveling due to COVID-19, and their family gatherings are likely to be small, quiet affairs. But Deb Boelkes says leaders can make Turkey Day special by giving workers the heartfelt “thank-you” they deserve and need right now. “For the better part of 2020, employees have kept businesses going strong,” says Boelkes, author of Heartfelt Leadership: How to Capture the Top Spot and Keep on Soaring (Business World Rising, 2020, ISBN: 978-1-734-07613-4, $19.95). “They’ve worked long hours, coped with the stressors of the pandemic, and done what’s necessary to function in an unprecedented chaos. Not only is the Thanksgiving holiday a much-deserved break, but it’s also the perfect time to honor their hard work with messages and gestures of thanks and appreciation.” Saying thank you isn’t just a nice thing to do during the holidays. It’s smart business year-round. It positively impacts everything from employee well-being to job satisfaction to motivation to productivity. It’s a powerhouse tool for building engagement. It may even be a pathway to a more empathetic and emotionally intelligent workplace, notes Boelkes. “When a leader begins saying thank you on a regular basis, it truly can boost positive emotions throughout the workforce,” she says. “In fact, it can unleash a chain reaction of gratitude in which everyone becomes more appreciative of each other. In hard times, this can make the workplace a haven.” With Thanksgiving, just days away, now is the perfect time to step up your gratitude game. Here’s how: Take a pre-Turkey Day celebration break Do you regularly set aside time to recognize and celebrate employee accomplishments? If not, now is a great time to get started. Take an afternoon before the holiday break for a celebration calling out the great work people have been doing. For employees working on-site, you might hold a socially distanced pizza party, for instance (they’ll have enough turkey soon!). And don’t forget remote employees: Simply request that everyone finish up half an hour early and host a Zoom happy hour. While everyone is enjoying their snacks and sodas, take a few minutes to say thank you to each employee. “Get specific about how their hard work has helped the company and share a few things you have noticed that they do especially well,” suggests Boelkes. “Then open it up for employees to thank and compliment one another. It’s a great way to create a sense of unity and camaraderie while people are physically separated.” Put your “thank-you” on (festive) paper The uniqueness of a handwritten note—especially in this age of emails, Facebook posts, and tweets—will not go unnoticed. Pick up some beautiful paper in fall colors (or maybe seasonally themed greeting cards) and write a heartfelt letter of thanks to your employees. Simple words of gratitude and encouragement are always uplifting. And if you want to call out someone’s exceptional performance on a recent project, it will be greatly appreciated. As Paul Spiegelman, co-founder of the Small Giants Community, shared, “That note you can get from someone…that says, ‘thank you, you’ve changed my life’…is much more powerful, much more valuable, than any amount of money I could have in the bank.” Extend the gratitude to family members as well The simple act of sending a special thank-you note to an employee’s spouse, parent, or child can have an exponential impact. (After months of Zoom meetings, you may already be on a first-name basis with them as well!) This thank-you can help strengthen the high performer’s personal life, especially when his/her partner or another family member may have felt he/she, too, had sacrificed—from family time lost—as a result of the dedicated effort extended by this hardworking relation. Want to go the extra mile? Consider sending the family a pecan pie or a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving dessert. Be especially generous with flex time When everyone is stressed and overworked, giving people some freedom with their work schedule helps them stay sane—especially near the holidays when people might feel stressed and overextended. If someone’s life can be made easier by working a half-day in the morning and finishing their work in the evening, be as accommodating as possible. Also, try to make yourself available to them on their schedule if you can. This is a big way to let them know you care. …And encourage time off, now and going forward You might go ahead and give your team the Wednesday off before Thanksgiving as well as the Friday afterward. Encourage them to spend the time relaxing. But don’t stop there. Encouraging people to take mental health days from time to time, as well as their regular vacation days, is a great way to say thank you. Also, periodically, dismiss your team early or tell them to come in late the following day. In these days of remote work, employees need reminders that they can make time to recharge and take breaks. “During a time when everyone needs a boost of positivity, don’t underestimate the power of thank-you,” concludes Boelkes. “It can do amazing things for morale and make your team unstoppable, even in a pandemic. And saying thank you feels good. It rewards the giver as much as it rewards the recipient. Express it freely and you will keep the gratitude flowing during Thanksgiving and beyond.” About the Author: Deb Boelkes is the award-winning author of The WOW Factor Workplace: How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture and Heartfelt Leadership: How to Capture the Top Spot and Keep on Soaring. She is not just a role model heartfelt leader; she’s the ultimate authority on creating best places to work, with 25+ years in Fortune 150 high-tech firms, leading superstar business development and professional services
Sales Fitness Exercises. Are you doing enough of them?
If you would do it later why wouldn’t you do it now? I met a guy on the plane who was an area director for a major shoe store chain. “Suppose I went into your store and the shoe I wanted was out of stock in my size what would happen,” I queried. “Well, that shoe store has the capability of finding those shoes in our other stores and then asks (tells) the customer to go to the other store to pick them up.” “Can’t you just ship them to my home?” I wondered. “No,” he said matter of factly. “We’re not set up to do it that way.” I turned the tables and asked the guy which he would rather have? “Delivered,” he said without a second of hesitation. “I’d rather have them delivered.” “What about your customer you think they’d want them delivered, too?” I challenged. “Yes, I suppose they would,” he said with that ‘what’s this guy going to say next’ look. “Who’s your biggest competitor?” I asked. “Walmart,” he said. “Suppose Walmart came out with a new service that would locate out of stock shoes for shoppers at other Walmart’s and deliver them to the customers home the same day they were ordered no-hassle complete return privileges at any Walmart store think you might have to offer the same thing to be competitive?” “You bet we would!” was his knee jerk reply. WAKE UP CALL! HELLO ANYONE HOME? If you would do it after your competition does it to “meet” them, why wouldn’t you do it before they do it and “beat” them? If you would do it reactively, why wouldn’t you do it proactively? Why not beat them (your competition) to the punch? Why not make them react to you? Why not have them be perceived as a follower? Why not be the leader in service? Why not set the standard and let others try to catch you? I’m stumped. There isn’t one company or person reading this column right now that doesn’t have an opportunity to outmaneuver and out serve the competitor you hate the most yet sit there and wait for something to happen. Wait for your arch-rival to take the lead. Why? You only have an opportunity to capture leadership once after that, you play #2. Ask Avis. They’ve been “trying harder” for 25 years. Enterprise Rent-a-car is a different story. They took the bold position to deliver the rental car to the customer. And their competition HATES it. (And their customers love it.) They niched the replacement car market, delivered it to the door of the customer, and are now number one in rental cars. Call Hertz and ask them who’s Number One. Enterprise never wanted to be number two and using a proactive approach, beat Hertz at their own game, just by delivering the car and mastering one segment of the market and beat them so bad, that now Enterprise is entering the Airport market and Avis is still “trying” to do it the same old way. Pity. Most of these changes (innovations) are obvious. You see something new and say to yourself, “why didn’t I think of that?” Three big reasons we fail to see the obvious: Too caught up in the day today “got to make more sales” trap of mediocrity. Failure to see the big picture. Too caught up on making money instead of becoming “best” at what you do. The greed factor blocks leadership and creativity factors. Too wasteful of your personal time (news, dumb TV, ball games, bars) to focus and plan for true success. Upside down success priorities. PROACTIVE OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS: What new service or product offering could you make that would establish you as a leader in the field? PROACTIVE CHALLENGE: What would you hate for your competition to beat you at? PROACTIVE LEADERSHIP: What new service could you offer that your competition would HATE you for? Leaders don’t respond to trends, they set them. Are you in the field or do you lead the field? Your innovative proactive actions will determine your fate. And your field position. Be first. If you would do it reactively, why wouldn’t you do it proactively? is a haunting question. Don’t let it haunt you. Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of twelve best-selling books including The Sales Bible, The Little Red Book of Selling, and The Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude. His real-world ideas and content are also available as online courses at www.GitomerLearningAcademy.com. For information about training and seminars visit www.Gitomer.com or email Jeffrey at salesman@gitomer.com or call him at 704 333-1112.
Standing still is not an option
Here we are nine months into COVID-19 with its associated shutdowns and restrictions with no long-term solution in sight. For some of you, the situation has brought on adequate revenues or even enhanced revenues because of customers associated with companies that distribute essential products and services. For others, it is a major bump in the road that cannot be reversed until revenues return to 2019 levels, but from what I read that probably will not happen until the start of 2022. And for too many this pandemic most likely will wipe you out unless you find alternative revenue and profit sources VERY SOON. One thing I know for sure is that things will never be the same, which translates into your business will never be the same, requiring heavy action with your crystal ball to find a fix. Can you possibly imagine what will be discussed in public and private board rooms between now and the end of 2020? Since I am a board member myself, I wonder what changes will be put forth. How to pay for them. What to expect from them and how long to go with the plan before we throw in the towel and move to Plan 2. What is interesting is I had a Board Meeting planned for October 22, 2020. The agenda was set, documents transmitted, and all Board Members notified of the meeting date. But one member suggested we wait to have the meeting until after the election because “I don’t have a clue what to suggest from a planning standpoint until I learn who won the election. “And guess what? All agreed with him because he hit the nail on the head. We would have just wasted our time with discussion covering both sides of the outcome. Keeping in mind all the changes taking place, with few standard business practices able to provide relief Board Members have to throw out historical data and methods to find new revenue sources from both existing and new customers that may never have been thinkable in the last four or five years. And even those of you finding yourself in the enviable position of making above average profits due to your customer mix, cannot ignore the fact that one of those players in the ALMOST WIPED OUT position will be forced to find new disruptive solutions that could be better than your current offerings to the point where your customer base is leaving for something new, something more efficient and something more profitable. Let us also keep in mind that if historical data is now useless, preparing budgets using historical data will lead to potentially big mistakes. You almost must start from TODAY to get a clear picture of cash flow. The November 2020 issue of Forbes covers how many companies are dealing with the pandemic. There are various articles that cover how companies and leaders found ways to excel at these most challenging times. 25 examples are presented where disasters are transformed into opportunities of a lifetime. From flower delivery to high-end hotel services to banquet furniture to training services to modular building blocks. All were transformed into new revenue streams and related profits from selling products and services new to the company after the Covid hit. Other publications offer up similar examples. Try to read them and see if they can help create a new business model or revenue silo for your company. Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs drive the economic engine of this country. And once an entrepreneur always an entrepreneur. Start one business and if it tanks, build another, and so on. The core of our economy is driven by these types of people. Starting and running a business is in their blood. You are one of those people. But maybe you never had to practice this gift you have. But if it is true that how our economy works going forward is going to drastically change without any hope of returning to previous modes of operation is suggest maybe it is time for you to stir up your business juices to protect your involvement in the material handling business. In other words, you now employ several people, have multiple locations to service customers, probably represent various product lines, and borrow along with industry standards. Now lock the door and ask yourself “What would I do with all this if sales decreased 50%, and my customers start leaving for a lower cost, efficient option? What would I do with these assets to stay afloat?” Many of the entrepreneurs in the Forbes article found ways to make it work, to use their experience, obtain financing, and forming partnerships to make life easier. What did you come up with? The “partner” part of this equation is also especially important. There are people out there and companies out there that can help you turn assets and supply services using the assets and knowledge you have. I know if you spend 10 minutes thinking about this partner angle you will find a “partner” you can work with to cross-sell products and services. In the end, remember that the only person you can count on 100% of the time is yourself. And it is 100% up to you which way it goes. Garry Bartecki is a CPA MBA with GB Financial Services LLC. E-mail editorial@mhwmag.com to contact Garry
Applied Manufacturing Technologies hires Business Development Managers
AMT hires George Toldy, Jr., MBA and Stephen D. McLaren to support an increase in demand for the company’s engineering services, turnkey automated systems, and control system integration solutions Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s largest independent automation engineering company supporting manufacturers, robot companies, systems integrators, line builders, and users of robotic automation worldwide, today announced the hire of two business development managers, George Toldy, Jr. and Stephen D. McLaren. Working under Vice President of Sales Rick Vanden Boom, Toldy and McLaren will spearhead regional key account business development efforts to help manufacturers with general automation, palletizing, and other material handling solutions. “We are excited to bring George and Steve onto the AMT sales team,” said Vanden Boom. “With their combined decades of industry experience, we now have the ability to more quickly meet the evolving needs of our customers.” George Toldy, Jr. comes to AMT with more than 25 years of sales experience with a heavy emphasis on the automation industry. Residing in the Sandusky, Ohio area, Toldy will focus on key accounts in the Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Western Pennsylvania/Western New York regions. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, Toldy holds his Master of Business Administration, as well as having studied architecture engineering at Kent State University and mechanical engineering at Lorain County Community College. Toldy also holds the Robotics Application Engineering Certification from FANUC America. Stephen D. McLaren brings more than 30 years of sales experience in the robotic and automation industries to his position as a Business Development Manager at AMT, having previously held positions at both robotics manufacturers and system integrators. McLaren will focus on key accounts in the Metro Detroit area. McLaren studied at the University of Texas and the University of Michigan – Flint.
MHEDA’s customer appreciation week starts now through November 19
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association announced Customer Appreciation Week from November 12-19. MHEDA’s Virtual Exhibitors Showcase helps company’s find products, services, and solutions throughout the year. During Customer Appreciation Week, attendees are encouraged to “walk” the tradeshow floor, network with MHEDA Member Exhibitors, and learn about their new offerings. Exhibitors in the Virtual Showcase often post new content in their “virtual booth”, but during Customer Appreciation Week many members might have special discounts or offers available and attendees have the chance to win a daily prize. Prizewinners will be announced on Friday, November 20. Join MHEDA Members and other industry professionals to learn about material handling products, find solutions, and connect with customers. MHEDA is a trade association that serves over 600 material handling distributors, suppliers, and associate companies worldwide with a variety of education, networking, and business services. For more information about joining MHEDA, please visit www.mheda.org or call 847-680-3500.
WERC members appointed to MHI Board
WERC announced that MHI appointed two newly elected WERC members to the Roundtable Advisory Committee and the Board of Governors effective October 3, 2020. The new Board members, who will represent the members of the recently acquired Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), are Annette Danek-Akey, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain at Penguin Random House, and Jason Minghini, Vice President Supply Chain Solutions at Kenco Logistics Service. Annette Danek-Akey has more than 25 years of experience in supply chain management and industrial engineering, with strategic responsibility for warehousing and business-to-business customer service relations for the world’s largest book publisher. Annette leads a cross-functional end-to-end supply chain team, as well as the worldwide distribution and logistics council at PRH to create and leverage global supply chain capabilities. “The phrase that comes to mind when I think about Annette is ‘extremely committed.’ For more than seven years I have worked alongside Annette as she served with unwavering commitment at all levels of the WERC organization including as President of the WERC Board,” said Michael Mikitka, Executive Vice President of MHI’s Knowledge Value Center. Jason Minghini has over 15 years of experience in the end-to-end global supply chain network design, facilities design, transportation optimization, continuous improvement, inventory planning, robotics/automation, systems development, business strategies development and management consulting for a variety of customers in different industries. “Jason originally joined WERC’s Board of Directors in 2018, then served as the organization’s Secretary/Treasurer in 2019 and Vice President in 2020. Jason asks tough questions and drives the organization toward continuous improvement. His appreciation for the value of industry organizations like WERC and MHI, make him an ideal candidate to serve on MHI’s Board of Governors,” said Mikitka. “We are excited to welcome Annette and Jason to the MHI Roundtable and Board. Over the past several years, Annette has been a volunteer supporter of MHI, and we are excited about the dynamic leadership skills and wide-ranging experience and expertise she brings to the MHI Board. There is no doubt in my mind with Jason’s focus on continuous improvement and his strong business acumen, he will bring a unique and fresh perspective to the MHI Board,” said George W. Prest, MHI CEO. The Board of Governors consists of the Officers and Board Governors of MHI plus the Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of the corporation. The Board of Governors serves as the Board of Directors for MHI.