HDMA Forms Off-Highway Business Forum at MATS 2012

Going forward, the newly established group of forum members will participate in several initiatives, such as assisting and planning the HDMA's Off-Highway Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, based on a members-only forecasting model database and several other important industry-related initiatives.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA) officially formed its new Off-Highway Business Forum (OHBF) during the 41st annual Mid-America Truck Show (MATS), held last month in Louisville, Ky. The first active OHBF meeting took place on March 22.

The OHBF is an executive peer group of North American suppliers to the global off-highway equipment industry, including, agricultural, construction, industrial, forestry and mining equipment. Each forum member must be in the leadership of a manufacturing company that is involved in supplying products and/or services to the off-road equipment industry. Meetings are restricted to members only and are carefully planned and organized by an elected board of governors, the association says.

The OHBF was established by members of HDMA who formed a steering committee of leading off-highway commercial vehicle supplier executives. The purpose of this forum is to provide its members with market/industry forecasts, trending information, open discussion on industry issues, market development news and executive peer networking. The semi-annual meetings will consist of a range of presenters, including other forum members, outside speakers and panel discussions.

Going forward, the newly established group of forum members will participate in several initiatives, such as assisting and planning the HDMA’s Off-Highway Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference, based on a members-only forecasting model database and several other important industry-related initiatives.

Attendance is required by all forum members due to its highly collaborative discussion model, the association notes. Each forum meeting will be 90 to 120 minutes, featuring a member-moderated business-conditions discussion period, which is held in a roundtable format.

All interested forum candidates are nominated and endorsed by three active OHBF members. Following this endorsement process, OHBF’s board of governors and members review and approve qualifying applicants.

The next OHBF meeting is scheduled for May 9-10 in Dearborn, Mich. A fall meeting will be held in September, but the dates and location have not yet been finalized.

For more information on the Off-Highway Business Forum or any of the HDMA’s other Council and Forum meetings, visit www.hdma.org.