70th Annual Convention of NAEC

Over 2,000 elevator industry professionals from around the globe gathered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the 70th NAEC's Annual Convention & 2019 Exposition.

The Convention and Exposition gave the industry’s leading suppliers the opportunity to highlight the latest trends, technology and products as well as to provide networking and education. With over 200 exhibitors, who serviced all facets of the vertical transportation industry, and representing countries all across the globe, there was a good opportunity for face-to-face interactions among industry professionals.

At the General Business Member Session, attendees were welcomed by President Gary Schuette, who presided and shared the future direction of NAEC as well as an overview of the past year.

The incoming Board members were introduced:
• James Boydston, President of Handi-Lift Inc.
• Hope L. Evans, Co-Founder, President and CEO of EMR Elevator, Inc.
• Rene Hertsberg, CFO & General Counsel of Urban Elevator Service
• Jeff Eaton, President of Lift Business Advisors Inc. and
• Cece Matot, President of Matot, Inc.

Gary Schuette welcomed also incoming President, Donald Gelestino. and honored him with the President’s Award.

New Board Members and Officers installed

New Board Members and Officers were also installed. The 2019-2020 Officers are: President – Donald Gelestino of Champion Elevator Corp., Inc.; Vice President – Michael Frecking of Lakeland/Larsen Elevator; Secretary – Kevin Flotten of EMS Group, Inc.; and Treasurer – Rick Gable of Gable Elevator Inc.

Presented annually, the William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award recipient for this year is Joseph McNally of McNally Elevator Company.

Booth Awards given out

In addition, booth Awards were given out: Best Single was awarded to Parts Specialists Inc., Posen, Illinois; Best Multiple to EHC Global, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Best Island to Vantage Elevator Solutions, Bronx, New York; Spirit of NAEC to Rocky Mountain Elevator Products, Grand Junction, Colorado; and the Contractor’s Choice Award to Monitor Elevator Products, LLC of Hauppauge, New York.

The Convention & Expo included three days of educational sessions. They offered members the opportunity to earn Continuing Education credits. The next United Convention & Exposition will take place in Houston, Texas, September 13-16, 2020.

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