2008 Spring Meeting of the National Truck & Heavy Equipment Claims Council

Embassy Suites Hotel DFW Airport North/Outdoor World

May 2-3, 2008

Embassy Suites Outdoor World is located in the heart of the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area just 1.5 miles north of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Nearby historic Grapevine features six wine tasting rooms and antique shopping on Main Street. Connected to the hotel is the world renowned Bass Pro Shop. It's a wonderful and convenient side trip for the outdoor sports enthusiast. Grapevine Mills Mall offers over 200 specialty stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. Tucked between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is central to museums, sporting events and landmark venues for leisure guests and large groups.

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For the best in hunting and fishing gear, shop Bass Pro, your Dallas sporting goods store. The Bass Pro Shops retail store in Dallas is a leader among Dallas hunting outfitters, with seminars and classes on everything from fishing and hunting to gun safety. Whether you need gear for fishing in Dallas, or simply want to maximize your outdoor fun, shop Bass Pro.

Grapevine is in the center of the Dallas / Fort Worth region and serves as the hub of any vacation to the area. Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, and home of the DFW International Airport, Grapevine's sophisticated charm provides visitors with a chance to get away and experience great shopping, dining, ten winery tasting rooms and much more.

Nearby Attractions:

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Railroad is serviced by two vintage locomotives which include "Puffy" the 1896 Steam locomotive and oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive. The "Cotton Belt Route" -- Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates over approximately 21 miles of the Cotton Belt line, linking the historic communities of Grapevine, Colleyville, Smithfield and Fort Worth's historic Stockyards.

Golf

Grapevine is a golfer's paradise with 81 holes of golf all within 5 - 15 minutes of any Grapevine hotel. Cowboys Golf Club: an 18 hole resort quality NFL themed championship golf course located minutes from downtown Grapevine and all hotel properties. Grapevine Golf Course: a 27 hole course that offers golfing challenges for all levels of players. Bear Creek Golf Club: set on a scenic 335 acres in DFW International airport.

Lake Grapevine

Grapevine Lake is a Corps of Engineers lake located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer camping, trails for biking, hiking and equestrian use, water recreation, picnic facilities, pavilions for large gatherings, hunting, and much more.

Wineries

Grapevine is home to many wineries and tasting rooms as well as the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association. Tastings, as well as bottle and case sales, are available at the wineries. Many offer the perfect setting for small weddings and private functions.

Grapevine Opry

One of the premier live county music shows in the nation, the Grapevine Opry has established a tradition of excellence seldom equaled for this type show in the country music industry. With one of the most acclaimed house bands in the Southwest, the high energy, spontaneous format of every show perfectly compliments the truly great music for which the venue is known.

Shopping

Grapevine continues to grow as a shopper's delight. The city has booming retail centers, all with in minutes from the local hotels. The Grapevine Towne Center and Grapevine Commons are large multi-store shopping centers. Historic Downtown Grapevine also boasts many one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores.

http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/

Bill Fisher receives a "Special President's Award"

Bill Fisher receives a "Special President's Award" for 2007 for outstanding contributions to the Membership Committee.

Richard Bruce receives a "Special President's Award"

Richard Bruce receives a "Special President's Award" for 2007 for outstanding contributions to the Public Relations, and other Committees.

2007 Fall Meeting, San Antonio, TX

The annual meeting of the National Truck & Heavy Equipment Claims Council was held October 6, 2007, in San Antonio, Texas. 73 voting members attended the closed, members-only, business meeting. The education seminar was well attended, featuring programs by:

Richard Bruce, Mitchell International, http://www.mitchell.com/

Richard introduced the redesigned Council web site: http://www.nthecc.org/

T. Michael SeChrist, Active HD Cooling Products, http://www.activeradiator.com/

Mike gave a presentation on his company’s all-metal radiators and cooling applications for heavy trucks, off-road construction and industrial applications.

Jay Shiffler, WHECO, http://wheco.com/

Mike Smith, Certified Boom Repair, http://www.certifiedboomrepair.com/

Jay and Mike gave a presentation on ROPS and FOPS cab repair.

Jean Gardner, Schindel, Farman, Lipsius, Gardner & Rabinovich, LLP, http://sfl-legal.com/

Jean gave free legal advice in regard to the role of the independent adjuster in claims handling, and mistakes to avoid.

Dwight McAlexander, Volvo Group, http://www.volvo.com/

David Jacoby, Prevost Car, Inc., http://www.prevostcar.com/

David and Dwight gave a presentation about the new designs of their products which accommodate the new truck and coach engines with emissions compliance, and occupant safety features.

Joe Rubio, Rush Truck Centers, http://www.rushtruckcenters.com/

Joe gave a repair shop perspective on new products from Peterbilt.

Thanks to Scott Cody, Southeastern Claims Services, and the Education Committee for assembling the education program.