JOHN FELICE TO DELIVER INDUSTRY KEYNOTE; CHARLIE COOK, DR. LARRY CHIMERINE AND BRYAN DODGE JOIN THE SPEAKER LINEUP 

McLEAN, Va. (March 17, 2008) The American Truck Dealers (ATD) has assembled a leading lineup of manufacturing, political and economic speakers for its 45th annual Convention & Exposition in Grapevine, Texas, April 26-28, 2008. They include:

• General Manager of Ford Division Marketing John Felice;
• Political Analyst and Author of “The Cook Political Report” Charlie Cook;
• widely respected Economist Dr. Paul Chimerine; and
• Radio Personality and Author of “How to Build a Better You,” Bryan Dodge.

“With its cast of speakers and workshops, the convention will provide attendees with knowledge of our current social, political and economic world,” said ATD Convention Chairman Ron Remp of Wheeling Truck Center in Wheeling, W.Va. “A solid understanding of these forces will help dealers navigate through these challenging times, run leaner and prepare for an economic recovery.”

John Felice
General Manager of Ford Division Marketing, John Felice, will deliver the industry keynote address on Saturday, April 26, during the opening general session. Felice, who joined Ford Motor Co. in 1984 as operations research analyst, most recently served as director of North American fleet, lease and remarketing operations. Prior to that, Felice was general marketing manager of Ford Division, responsible for marketing of the entire Ford brand. Felice also served as executive director of marketing, sales and services for Ford Asia-Pacific and Africa.

Charlie Cook
Widely regarded as one of the nation's keenest “litmus testers” on U.S. elections and political trends, Charlie Cook will speak to attendees during the luncheon program on Sunday, April 27. Cook, publisher of “The Cook Political Report” and a political analyst for the National Journal Group, writes weekly for National Journal magazine and CongressDailyAM. Once deemed “the Picasso of election analysis” by The Wall Street Journal, Cook offers the sharpest political handicapping and predictions. He has been featured on all major network and cable television news programs, as well as on “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show, “Nightline” and “Meet the Press.”

Dr. Larry Chimerine
Well-known Economist Dr. Larry Chimerine will speak to convention attendees during the luncheon program on Saturday, April 26. Speaking from the front lines of American industry, Chimerine will provide entertaining and insightful commentary on the U.S. and global economies, domestic politics and international trade. For 14 years, Chimerine was head of IBM's U.S. economic research and forecasting division. He was later appointed chairman of Chase Econometrics. Chimerine has appeared on “Good Morning America,” CNN's “Crossfire,” and PBS's “MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour” and “Wall $treet Week.”

Bryan Dodge
Radio personality and author of “How to Build a Better You,” Bryan Dodge will address convention attendees during the luncheon program on Monday, April 28. Dodge teaches a stair-step approach toward achievement. He will inspire attendees to attain growth in their career and personal lives.