Business as usual. That was the sentiment that echoed around the Kamloops Powwow Grounds, as the 64th Interior Logging Association Annual Conference and Trade Show returned after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just like they did prior to 2020, Dawson International Truck Centres was one of the 61 exhibitors on display and featured a HX620 Logger, an Isuzu NRR Hooklift and a HX520 snow plow unit with a brand new HX interior from Dawson Road Maintenance.
“It was awesome to be out and about with the other companies, meeting new people and talking with others within the industry,” said Jackie Miller, Kamloops Branch Manager. “After two years of not having the event, I still think everyone had a great time despite the chilly weather conditions.”
Whether you were a veteran sales account manager with 42 years of experience with the company like Gary Bertrand, or new to the team like Steve Rennie, everyone was excited to get back to normal.
“This was a very valuable event for myself and the company. It was a little different than the shows I worked while living in Australia, but I thought ILA put on a great show,” said Rennie.
He, alongside other sales account managers Al Turlock and Mike Wakelin enjoyed making new connections and greeting current customers, all while finding time to bump into other industry colleagues or business partners that they hadn’t seen previous to the pandemic.
The show ran on Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day. Friday traffic was mostly those in the trucking and transport field, while Saturday featured more of a family environment, with lots of prizes, treats and giveaways.
Dawson was among those who in the giving spirit, as they raffled off a mini fridge. A second-entry ticket was available for a minimum of a $5 donation to the Kamloops Food Bank.
Miller and the rest of her Truck Centres team is already looking forward to next year’s event.
