The Marketing , Operations , and Human Resources Tracks kicked off at 10 am . The curriculum featured a wide array of experts , including Johnathan Aguero ( Blackpurl Technologies ), Chris Castro ( Transamerica ), Charles Dougherty ( Wells Fargo Commercial Distribution Finance ), Jeff J . Kim ( Larchmont Financial ), Kent Lewis ( Anvil Media ), Matt McKinley ( Unconscious Momentum ), Jared Medhus ( Galeo ), Joe Pfeiffer ( Belfield Management ), David Whitlock , and Bob Woodward ( Belfield Management ).
This year ’ s program also featured a Dealer Operations Roundtable moderated by David Whitlock and a technology panel discussion hosted by Johnathan Aguero .
This year ’ s keynote highlighted NATDA ’ s 2022 designated charity : the Wounded Warrior Project ®. The event , sponsored by TravAlong by Landoll Corp , treated attendees to a delicious buffet lunch . Everyone was greeted by NATDA ’ s co-founders , Andy & Amy Ackerman who introduced NATDA ’ s new CEO , Rick McConnell , and President , Jennifer Hoff . McConnell and Hoff addressed the crowd and then introduced the keynote speaker , Marine Corps veteran and America ’ s Got Talent contestant , Sal Gonzalez . Gonzalez spoke about his time in the military and how the Wounded Warrior Project helped him regain his life and love of music after an attack during a tour of duty in Iraq . The audience was later treated to an inspiring performance by the talented musician .
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Throughout the year and during the show , NATDA ran fundraising efforts to support Wounded Warrior Project ®. The largest of these efforts was the Ultimate Prize Package , which included a new Kymco UXV 4501 Platform ( courtesy of NATDA and its sponsors ) and donated items from Aluma Trailers , Blue Ox , FIRMAN Power Equipment , Galeo , Milwaukee Tool , Shelby Trailer Service , LLC , Snappin Turtle , Superwinch and TecNiq , Inc . Dealers could enter to win this fabulous package by donating to the cause . Congratulations to the winner : Kathy DiGiovanni of DG Trailer Sales !
Additionally , exhibitors were welcome to run their own fundraising activities . Cross Trailers auctioned off a specially painted patriotic-themed enclosed trailer during the show to raise a whopping $ 20,000 , with the winning bid submitted by Load Trail .
On Friday , September 2 , NATDA presented a check to the Wounded Warrior Project for $ 69,775 , which was $ 19,775 over NATDA ’ s fundraising goal of $ 50,000 . Included in this , was a $ 27,000 match was generously donated by NATDA ’ s own co-founders Andy and Amy Ackerman .
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