Page 6 - Jan/Feb 2016 Vol.33 No.6
P. 6
TCAPWA/SWANA CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS By Molly Gilbert
2015 Conference Overview
As one of the most well attended conferences in the
history of TCAPWA, the 2015 annual conference in
Chattanooga was the pinnacle event for the industry
across Tennessee. More than 300 people gathered to
participate in the technical sessions, equipment rodeo,
trade show, award recognition ceremonies and social
events.
Thank you to our sponsors and vendors, to the
host city of Chattanooga, to Chairman Mike Flatt and
the entire Conference Committee for their hours of
planning and hard work, and the many volunteers who
made this conference happen.
Moccasin Bend Golf Outing
The Annual Golf Tournament, held on Tuesday,
attracted 34 players this year. Though the number was
small, the competition was fierce. The winning team
was composed of Wayne Cope, Mark Lunsford, Pete
Reed, and Buck Sanders.
Komatsu Tour
Established in 1985 and opened in 1986,
Chattanooga’s first Japanese manufacturing plant,
Komatsu produces medium-size hydraulic excavators
and forestry equipment.
Chattanooga Manufacturing Operations was
Komatsu’s first North American manufacturing
operation. Founded upon a philosophy that includes
not only the manufacture of high quality and
competitive products to achieve maximum customer
satisfaction, it focuses special attention also on its
employees, and on increasing involvement in, and
support of, many different worthwhile areas in the life
of the community.
Twenty people attended the behind-the-scenes
manufacturing tour of the Komatsu plant led by David
Lipe. Highlights of the tour included seeing robotic
welding in action and the cab unit hoisted onto the
undercarriage assembly.
Trade Show a Success!
The exhibit floor space was sold out with 56
booths representing everything from large and small
equipment to reflective safety vests. Thanks to all of
the vendors who were present to connect with the
attendees. The Chattanooga Convention Center offered
plenty of space for the crowd to move from booth to
booth, learning about new products and processes that
they can take home to their communities.
One of exhibitors, Water For People, reported
collecting $937 from their silent auction, 50/50 give-
a-way and donations and t-shirt sales. This money will
be used to fund projects in Guatemala to provide clean
water and improve sanitation.
6 TPW January/February 2016
2015 Conference Overview
As one of the most well attended conferences in the
history of TCAPWA, the 2015 annual conference in
Chattanooga was the pinnacle event for the industry
across Tennessee. More than 300 people gathered to
participate in the technical sessions, equipment rodeo,
trade show, award recognition ceremonies and social
events.
Thank you to our sponsors and vendors, to the
host city of Chattanooga, to Chairman Mike Flatt and
the entire Conference Committee for their hours of
planning and hard work, and the many volunteers who
made this conference happen.
Moccasin Bend Golf Outing
The Annual Golf Tournament, held on Tuesday,
attracted 34 players this year. Though the number was
small, the competition was fierce. The winning team
was composed of Wayne Cope, Mark Lunsford, Pete
Reed, and Buck Sanders.
Komatsu Tour
Established in 1985 and opened in 1986,
Chattanooga’s first Japanese manufacturing plant,
Komatsu produces medium-size hydraulic excavators
and forestry equipment.
Chattanooga Manufacturing Operations was
Komatsu’s first North American manufacturing
operation. Founded upon a philosophy that includes
not only the manufacture of high quality and
competitive products to achieve maximum customer
satisfaction, it focuses special attention also on its
employees, and on increasing involvement in, and
support of, many different worthwhile areas in the life
of the community.
Twenty people attended the behind-the-scenes
manufacturing tour of the Komatsu plant led by David
Lipe. Highlights of the tour included seeing robotic
welding in action and the cab unit hoisted onto the
undercarriage assembly.
Trade Show a Success!
The exhibit floor space was sold out with 56
booths representing everything from large and small
equipment to reflective safety vests. Thanks to all of
the vendors who were present to connect with the
attendees. The Chattanooga Convention Center offered
plenty of space for the crowd to move from booth to
booth, learning about new products and processes that
they can take home to their communities.
One of exhibitors, Water For People, reported
collecting $937 from their silent auction, 50/50 give-
a-way and donations and t-shirt sales. This money will
be used to fund projects in Guatemala to provide clean
water and improve sanitation.
6 TPW January/February 2016
