A plant tour was conducted for the visiting dignitaries by Rick Rathfon, Director of Sales for Car Mate Trailers.
The roundtable discussion focused on the challenges facing Car Mate and the trailer industry regarding dealer floor plan financing.
Political Leaders Visit Car Mate Trailers
On March 29, 2010 federal, state and local political leaders converged on Car Mate Trailers for a plant tour and round table discussion. The primary focus of the meeting was to address dealer floor plan funding shortfalls and what can be done to alleviate the problem troubling the entire trailer industry.
On hand for the tour and discussion were U. S. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, PA 5th District, PA State Representative Donna Oberlander, 63rd District, Jackie Erickson, Western PA Representative for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Carl Knoblock, Western PA District Director SBA, Brad Ehrhart, Executive Director Clarion County Economic Development and Tracy Becker, Executive Director Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry.
Dealer floor plan funding is a critical problem in the trailer industry. Several companies have exited the business and GE Capital cut back on the number of manufacturers that they represent. Congressman Thompson and Representative Oberlander and looking into legislative options and Mr. Knoblock of SBA is researching any possibilities that might be available through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
