Material Handling Masters Podcast

HostShari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer ofThe CX Edge talks with Brian Bluff, CEO and Co-Founder of Site-Seeker, about AI tools and trends in marketing including how AI is changing the marketing landscape, best practices when using AI tools for content writing, improving SEO with AI, advanced AI data analytics, cautions and pitfalls of using AI, and more. About Site-Seeker, Inc. Site-Seeker has been a top digital marketing agency for over 20 years, specializing in custom online marketing solutions for MHEDA clients all over the United States. We help businesses advance in the digital age by maximizing partner success with trust, talent, and digital performance. At Site-Seeker, we act as an extension of your marketing team, developing thorough solutions for complex problems. We collaborate with your team to create dynamic marketing plans customized to reach your goals. Learn more at http://www.site-seeker.com/. MHEDA Talks Podcast with Shari Altergott Stay tuned for more episodes of theMHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members. Shari Altergott has over 20 years of experience within the Material Handling Industry. During her career she has held several positions within marketing, sales, business development and executive leadership. Today she leads The CX Edge, a customer experience consulting firm focused specifically on the material handling industry. Over her time, she has developed full scope marketing functions that manage corporate initiatives related to customer experience, CRM, social networking, brand development, advertising and lead generation. Learn more at cx-edge.com.

HostShari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer ofThe CX Edge talks with Jeff Stohr and Tyler Stohr of Conveyer & Caster-Equipment For Industry about the role of technology in our future, the challenges of designing and implementing automation solutions, the biggest market drivers that are impacting supply chain companies today, the technologies that will have the biggest impact on the supply chain in the next few years, and more. Join MHEDA at the Automation Solutions Forum hosted at Conveyer & Caster-Equipment for the Industry on October 12, 2023! This completely revamped event is designed to address the shifting landscape of Automation Solutions. We’ve planned an interactive “Forum” for you to hear from speakers, learn about products, explore new technology and meet with your industry peers. Learn more and register About Conveyer & Caster-Equipment For Industry Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry is a fourth-generation, family-owned, solutions provider of material handling and storage products based in Northeast Ohio. The company is driven by a simple mission to provide storage and handling solutions that improve material flow and safety for each customer. To support this Conveyer & Caster has developed expertise in almost all areas of material handling, including casters and wheels, conveyors, pallet racking, shelving, mezzanines, in-plant offices, carts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and loading dock equipment. Conveyer & Caster also provides installation, custom fabrication, solution design and engineering, and service and repair. Learn more at www.cc-efi.com. MHEDA Talks Podcast with Shari Altergott Stay tuned for more episodes of theMHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members. Shari Altergott has over 20 years of experience within the Material Handling Industry. During her career she has held several positions within marketing, sales, business development and executive leadership. Today she leads The CX Edge, a customer experience consulting firm focused specifically on the material handling industry. Over her time, she has developed full scope marketing functions that manage corporate initiatives related to customer experience, CRM, social networking, brand development, advertising and lead generation. Learn more at cx-edge.com.

This quarterly economic report, published by ITR Economics, features data specifically for the material handling industry to assist MHEDA members plan for the year ahead. The full detailed report is available to members only. Order and download the new report as well as past archived issues (requires member login). Ten Key Insights from the Q3 2023 MHEDA/ITR Report: “Where We Are” Downward pressures are intensifying across a wide breadth of markets, and we are seeing more growth rates drop to near or below zero. The single-family residential construction market has been bludgeoned by elevated interest rates, with annual US Single-Unit Housing Starts down 22.4% from one year prior. Adjusted for inflation, annual US Total Retail Sales are virtually flat. The industrial sector is still rising, but the growth is being driven by the oil and gas sector; the manufacturing and utilities segments are declining. Nonresidential construction, which lags other sectors of the economy, is accelerating, but elevated interest rates, tightening credit standards, and a weakening economy will likely discourage new projects. US Consumer Prices inflation has declined from a peak of +9.1% in June 2022 to +3.0% in May, but the Federal Reserve is maintaining a hawkish tone. Meanwhile, the more volatile US Producer Prices inflation has moved from +18.3% to -3.1% over that same time. It will be beneficial to keep more cash on hand, both to shore up your financial position and position yourself to take advantage of deals at the bottom of the cycle, which will occur around late 2024 for most markets. US Material Handling Equipment New Orders in the 12 months through May totaled $46.5 billion, 9.4% higher than the year-ago level. A revision to the historical New Orders data by the US Census Bureau necessitated a new outlook. Inflation has eased significantly; Prices rise is unlikely to contribute substantially to Retail Sales growth in at least the near term. However, we do not expect a return to the low inflation of the 2010s. These trends are likely to impact dollar-denominated Retail Sales. Takeaways for Your Business: Take steps to prepare for upcoming contraction, though the magnitude will vary by industry and geographic region. Revisit your capital expenditure plans, though investments to improve efficiencies or reduce labor dependence may still be advisable. Have cash on hand to smooth out your finances. Keep in mind that lending criteria will likely be stricter as we move along the back side of the business cycle. Order and Download Full Report (member login required)  

Host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge talks with Mary Ellen Fiflis of Principal® about personal finances and investments. Mary Ellen shares tips on how you can build or improve your credit, save for your children's education, use the proper investments to reach your goals, and minimize the risks of your long-term investments. For more information, contact Mary Ellen at [email protected] or 630-874-6748. Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co. (except in NY), Principal Life Insurance Co., and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC, and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. This podcast provides educational information only with the understanding that Principal® is not offering legal, accounting, investment or tax advice, individuals should consult with their counsel or other advisors when making financial decisions.  Mary Ellen Fiflis is a Financial Representative of Principal National Life Insurance Co. and Principal Life Insurance Co. and a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Principal Securities. 3004013-072023 MHEDA Talks Podcast with Shari Altergott Stay tuned for more episodes of the MHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members. Shari Altergott has over 20 years of experience within the Material Handling Industry. During her career she has held several positions within marketing, sales, business development and executive leadership. Today she leads The CX Edge, a customer experience consulting firm focused specifically on the material handling industry. Over her time, she has developed full scope marketing functions that manage corporate initiatives related to customer experience, CRM, social networking, brand development, advertising and lead generation. 

Host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge talks with Jim Bunsey of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) about how propane can be used as a clean energy source to help decarbonize your operations. Jim discusses the advantages of propane as well as how it can be used together with other power sources. About PERC The Propane Education & Research Council is a check-off program established, operated, and funded by the propane industry. The only energy council of its kind, PERC educates consumers about propane's many uses and benefits, leads safety and training efforts among propane retailers and consumers, and drives technology development to expand adoption of propane as a clean, affordable, American-made energy source. PERC programs benefit a variety of industries including fleet vehicle management, landscaping, residential and commercial building, agriculture, and material handling. Learn more at propane.com. MHEDA Talks Podcast with Shari Altergott Stay tuned for more episodes of the MHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members. Shari Altergott has over 20 years of experience within the Material Handling Industry. During her career she has held several positions within marketing, sales, business development and executive leadership. Today she leads The CX Edge, a customer experience consulting firm focused specifically on the material handling industry. Over her time, she has developed full scope marketing functions that manage corporate initiatives related to customer experience, CRM, social networking, brand development, advertising and lead generation. 

Host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge talks with Jinger McPeak of Ethium by EControls about the importance of workplace culture and finding employees that fit with your culture. Jinger offers real-life examples of how to interview candidates to assess if someone has the right balance of technical skills and the personality to fit within your culture. Stay tuned for more episodes of the MHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members.

This quarterly economic report, published by ITR Economics, features data specifically for the material handling industry to assist MHEDA members plan for the year ahead. The full detailed report is available to members only. Order and download the new report as well as past archived issues (requires member login). Download Full Report  

Host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge talks with Bill Dobbins and Caroline Hurteau of Caster Concepts, about corporate social responsibility and how they practice conscious capitalism to positively impact their families, communities, and customers through their Caster Cares program.   Stay tuned for more episodes of the MHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members.

Host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge talks with sales-leadership trainer and coach, Judy Hoberman, about the importance of communications and networking in business including barriers to effective communications, listening skills, generational differences, the effect of remote and hybrid employees, networking tips, and more.  Learn more from Judy during the MHEDA women in industry virtual series: Stand Out Communications, May 10-31, 2023. Judy Hoberman Judy is a trainer, executive coach, consultant, speaker and author. She is the President of Selling in a Skirt and Walking on the Glass Floor. “After nearly 30 years’ experience in the ‘sales’ side of business, I have observed and experienced such a wide variety of techniques come and go, sizzle instead of smolder, ultimately leaving adopters high and dry, that I felt the need to step in and do something about it. This program gives you the pieces regarding the world of sales and business from a woman’s point of view. It is filled with some of the most used and sought after principles, examples, and action items that you can put into practice immediately.” – Judy Hoberman Women in Industry Virtual Series: Stand Out Communications In order to build our business relationships, we must learn the proper way to communicate with each other. Join MHEDA for an interactive and engaging discussion around how women can strategically communicate. “Stand Out Communications” is a four-part virtual series presented by Judy Hoberman and designed to guide you through communicating effectively, thinking outside the box, making intentional choices with your personal brand, and building strong relationships. Make an investment in your career and professional development in 2023 and register today for this powerful Women in Industry event. Learn More and Register MHEDA Talks Podcast with Shari Altergott Stay tuned for more episodes of the MHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members. Shari Altergott has over 20 years of experience within the Material Handling Industry. During her career she has held several positions within marketing, sales, business development and executive leadership. Today she leads The CX Edge, a customer experience consulting firm focused specifically on the material handling industry. Over her time, she has developed full scope marketing functions that manage corporate initiatives related to customer experience, CRM, social networking, brand development, advertising and lead generation. 

Host Shari Altergott, Chief Experience Officer of The CX Edge talks with hall of fame speaker, Meridith Elliott Powell, about how companies can succeed in times of disruption, finding and developing top talent, artificial intelligence, change management, and more.  Hear Meridith live at the 2023 MHEDA Annual Convention where she will be presenting the General Session, “Thrive: Turning Uncertainty into Your Competitive Advantage” and the Women in Industry Presentation, “You In The Driver’s Seat” Meridith Elliott Powell For more than twenty years, President and CEO of MotionFirst, Meridith Elliott Powell, has been a leading expert on the subject of business growth covering sales, leadership, change and uncertainty. With a background in financial services, manufacturing, healthcare and travel and tourism, she has real-world experience with developing teams, exceeding sales goals and dominating the marketplace by building centers of influence. Through her work as a Hall of Fame keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business growth strategist, Meridith is able to help companies and leaders learn to develop talent, drive sales, and strategically manage change and uncertainty. 2023 MHEDA Annual Convention For the first time in Convention history, we will be gathering April 29-May 3 in Nashville, affectionately known as “Music City.” We’ve planned a fun and productive event designed around the theme, “The Human Factor.” Gain insight on how to better lead during disruption, employee burnout, supply chain challenges and inflation. We encourage you to explore the convention program and then make time to be part of this important industry event. You’ll network, learn and leave feeling refreshed and ready to lead your team in 2023! Learn more at www.mheda.org/convention. Register Now MHEDA Talks Podcast Stay tuned for more episodes of the MHEDA Talks podcast series when Shari will interview industry thought leaders on issues and trends affecting MHEDA members.