Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas Inc. (Hitachi Loaders America) introduced the new Hitachi wheel loaders to their dealer network during a three-day Dealer Meeting, “Premiere at Lanier,” held at Lake Lanier Islands in North Georgia.
Dealers from all over North America attended the event May 6 – 9.
The event opened with a casual family southern style “Blues, Brews and BBQ” reception and dinner featuring local blues legend Roger “Hurricane” Williams, local microbreweries and southern BBQ lakeside.
The following day kicked off with the general session meeting. HCMA management presented new programs and processes and shared the news featuring Hitachi loaders.
The meeting moved to the outdoors where the teambuilding activities included a Motor Boat Poker Run, complete with complex clues featuring new Hitachi jargon. This activity also provided an opportunity to give back to the Eagle Ranch, a non-profit specializing in programs that assist children in the community.
Other activities included a culinary experience and wine tasting.
Dressed in orange and white, HCMA staff and dealer personnel shared in the reception and dinner honoring two long-term Kawasaki/KCM/Hitachi Managers, Gary Bell and Wayne Powell, as they celebrated their retirement.
Gary Bell, in his position of vice president of sales and marketing, has served the industry for more than 36 years with the company. Dealers consider him a friend, and the staff considers him a leader and mentor who will be missed tremendously.
Wayne Powell held multiple positions in the support, warranty and training department, most recently as the senior manager, and has served the company for more than 32 years.
The evening progressed with the “Hitachi — Coming to America” video production and a fireworks display viewed from an outdoor living room setting.
On the final day, participants enjoyed roundtable discussions with HCMA department teams followed by outdoor activities and social events.
