Chairman’s Message

MHEDA’s 2024 Chairman of the Board, Van Clarkson

“Excerpt from QT3 2024 – The MHEDA Journal. Click here to read full article.”

Celebrating 70 Years of Excellence and Member Achievement

Greetings to all our esteemed members, industry partners and the entire material handling community!

This year we stand on the remarkable milestone of MHEDA’s 70th anniversary. What began as a visionary endeavor aimed at supporting and elevating the standards of our industry has flourished into an invaluable network of distributors and suppliers, each dedicated to excellence in material handling.

In this special feature of The MHEDA Journal, we pause to reflect with a sense of pride, celebrate the victories we have achieved together and set our gaze on an aspiring future.

70 Years of Unwavering Support

Since its inception, MHEDA has stood as the cornerstone of the material handling industry, rendering unparalleled support to distributors and suppliers alike. Our steadfast commitment to providing educational programs, industry intelligence and avenues for professional networking has never wavered. Over the decades, we have evolved, harnessing the transformative power of technology and innovation to meet the changing requisites of our industry. Yet, our core mission remains steadfast: to be the preeminent resource for all material handling businesses.

Honoring Our Champions: MVP and MVS Awardees

In commemoration of our 70th anniversary, we also applaud the exceptional contributions of our Most Valuable Partner (MVP) award-winning dealers and Most Valued Supplier (MVS) award-winning suppliers. These accolades transcend mere awards; they are a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence, a symbol of outstanding achievement and a beacon inspiring others within our industry.

Reflections from the Chairman

As the current Chairman of MHEDA, I take immense pride in being among the remarkable leaders who have propelled the association’s trajectory forward. The preceding 70 years have been a testament to the fortitude, resilience and collaborative spirit that permeates our industry. From grappling with economic challenges to adapting to technological advancements, we have remained united in our mission to drive our industry forward.

Looking ahead with Confidence

Our industry is at a critical juncture, marked by rapid technological strides and shifts in global trade dynamics. The future will demand even more from us in terms of sustainability, efficiency and innovation. Yet, I am confident that together, as a united community of material handling professionals, we will rise to meet these challenges and continue to thrive.

A Call to Action

In this moment of celebration, I invite all members to reflect on our shared history and envision the future we want to create. Let us engage more deeply, collaborate more openly and innovate more boldly. Together, the prospects for our industry and our association are limitless.

Here’s to commemorating the past, cherishing the present and shaping a victorious future for MHEDA and the material handling industry. Here’s to 70 years of success — and to the promise of many more to come. Please feel free to reach out to me or any member of the MHEDA Board of Directors and staff at boardofdirectors@mheda.org as we embark upon another year together in this wonderful industry that has been so good to all of us.

Van Clarkson, President
Fairchild Equipment
Menomonee Falls, WI