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“Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking the tartar sauce with you.”

– Zig Ziglar, American author, salesperson and motivational speaker

MATS Overcomes Economic Anxiety

Exhibit Management Associates, Inc. announced that the 2009 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY eclipsed pre-show expectations despite the widespread economic worries. MATS 2009 showcased 935 exhibiting companies representing 46 states and 10 foreign countries spread across a stage of more than a million square feet of exhibits and events. A total of 70,299 trucking professionals, hailing from all 50 states and 51 foreign countries, made the trip for the most anticipated three days of the trucking year. By the close of the show it was apparent that MATS reflected the industry’s determination to weather the economic storm.

“Even the distressed economy could not keep the resiliency and resolve of the trucking industry from taking center stage at the greatest show in trucking,” said Toby Young, president of EMA. “The unwavering dedication and steadfast determination of the attendees and exhibitors were evident as you walked the show floor and could feel the bolstering effect of this tremendous gathering of trucking industry supporters.”

Show attendees utilized the three show days to visit the various indoor and outdoor show features including: the Mid-America’s Recruitment Center sponsored by Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines; 20th Annual Paul K. Young Truck Beauty Championships; the 5th Annual Big-Rig Build-Off; the Expediter Experience; the Internet and Technology Center; the EPA SmartWay Area; and a concert featuring Aaron Tippin, Halfway To Hazard and Krista Marie. Award-winning entertainers “The Grascals,” Amanda Henkel and Cody McCarver were also on hand, along with NASCAR racing legend Richard Petty, the Chrome Shop Mafia and the cast of CMT’s popular show “Trick My Truck.”

Activities ranged from educational seminars dealing with important industry issues to hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cash and product giveaways. In addition, attendees had much to see and even more to do with some of the most innovative, groundbreaking products and technologies ever introduced on a tradeshow floor, including EGR, SCR, electric and “green” vehicles.

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