Happy New Year! Welcome to 2023. Some consider the New Year an opportunity to change bad habits or make new resolutions. For others, it’s both!
I use this platform to proclaim what ATRA is currently doing and bring you up to speed on our future plans. I’ll go into more detail about each new product launch in upcoming GEARS issues. As always, I look forward to any comments you might have. In 2023 ATRA will be reborn into the industry as we evolve in our new world. Let’s take a quick peek into the future.
The ATRA team has been working on one of our most robust projects: updating our infrastructure and database. Without the data, it’s hard to determine a direction and set goals. We’ve moved our computer platform into Microsoft Dynamics. That’s right, it’s the same system Microsoft uses for all their platform needs. The results of using this platform are unlike anything ATRA has ever produced. With the help of our CEO Emeritus Dennis Madden, our dream of having a fluid, fast-acting platform is finally here.
We moved our IBO to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to the states we visit. We’re traveling extensively, booking 28 live training seminars in 2023 and officially launching the ATRA University Project. The University Project is characterized by the relationship between ATRA, ATRA chapters, the technical schools enrolled in VTS, and our seminars. ATRA’s VTS program allowed many schools to continue their training and students to graduate during the COVID pandemic. Because of this, school membership grew.
We launched our ATRA/GEARS Newsletter, which will bring you weekly tips, updates, general industry news, and information from our suppliers. This newsletter is just one more way to keep you abreast of the day-to-day dynamics of our industry. The ATRA/GEARS Newsletter will bring up-to-the-minute industry information direct to your email box.
We’ve added technicians to our Technical Department. Keith Clark, our Technical Director, has assembled a stellar group of savvy technicians focused on one purpose, to help you get that vehicle fixed and out the door.
Let me introduce you to the Technical Team; Robert Sproule, Technical Supervisor, can handle all your website or operational questions. Bill Brayton and Pete Huscher Senior Technicians, Mike Brown, Jimmy Taylor, and Rob Faucett, 30+ year veterans in the industry. Rolly Alvarez is our Spanish-speaking technician, and Steve Garrett is the senior technical Instructor.
We launched our multi-media and social media campaign in the early fall of 2022. Pushing outstanding content through social media allows us to stay on top of the pulse of the industry and has allowed us to develop other avenues to help our industry grow. After all, we all want to grow, and as your association, we must do just that. Check out our posts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Our social media presence and our websites have been transformed into mainstream media information resources for the transmission industry. GEARS Magazine alone has about 67,000 unique clicks every month! That’s an impressive number that will only improve as our next generation of technicians comes through the ranks.
It gets even better; Powertrain EXPO is returning to Nashville. After three years of dealing with COVID and other obstacles, we set our sights on Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Nashville, here we come!
I’m not inclined to get all giddy about hotels, but I have to say, “The Opryland Hotel is more than just a room and some places to eat; it’s a self-contained city.” If you’re looking for other things to do outside the EXPO, look no further than the Opry Mills Mall or Printer Ally. Check them out; you won’t be disappointed. Plus, downtown, you can connect with eateries and pubs on historic Broadway.
I’ll leave you with this, your ATRA team is working overtime to ensure this industry stays strong and grows into the future. We’ll be collaborating with our suppliers and other significant associations to bring you the world’s best industry information. As always, I look forward to serving you in our future together.
If you’re not already an ATRA member, this is the perfect time to get in on the action. Join us as we launch into 2023 and beyond!
