NEWSLETTERS - Spangle honored with top TRIB award, members purchase $15 million at tradeshow

Spangle honored with top TRIB award, members purchase $15 million at tradeshow

Long-time TRIB board member John Spangle of Friendsworth was honored Tuesday with the Norman W. "Slats" Slatton Sr. President's Award -- TRIB Group's most prestigious honor.

John Spangle after receiving TRIB's highest honor Tuesday.

The honor -- awarded to a TRIB member who has made significant contributions to TRIB and the rental industry -- was announced at the "Silver at the Summit" trade show and convention in Dallas commemorating TRIB's 25th anniversary.

Spangle, president of Partner's Rental Purchase, received a standing ovation from close to 200 dealers and vendors for his achievement. He thanked fellow TRIB board members and noted the strides TRIB has made since he was elected to the board in 1999.

"When I was elected to the TRIB board nine years ago, we were down to 83 companies," Spangle said. "We were in transition and the industry was in consolidation mode. In nine years I've gotten more from you guys than I ever possibly could have given."

Spangle, who retired from the TRIB board this week, also noted improvements in TRIB's relationship with APRO during his tenure on the board and credited Lewallen with helping to mend the once strained relationship.

Dennis Shields with Brian Duke - the Lowry Shrader People's choice award winner.

"Today, we (TRIB and APRO) are stronger in unity than we've ever been," Spangle said.

Spangle was chosen for the award by current TRIB Board President Lewallen. The award is named for Norman W. "Slats" Slatton, a longtime board member of both TRIB and APRO who played a significant role in the formative years of both organizations.

Keith Ferriman applauds TRIB award winners Tuesday.

Prior to the awards ceremony, Lewallen announced TRIB members had purchased $15 million worth of products at the historic TRIB-AVB trade show which ended March 19.

Some $3.6 million of that product was purchased during TRIB's annual "Hot Show" which was held before the buying show floor officially opened.

TRIB members honored Brian Duke of Whirlpool with the Lowry Shrader People's Choice Award, an honor awarded to a representative of an approved vendor who best exemplifies customer service and industry support. Duke was voted the winner by TRIB members in their general session meetings.

TRIB member anniversaries commemorating five to 25 years were also recognized at the meeting and company representatives were presented plaques for their achievements.

Baber's owners Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk were honored for their 25-year membership in TRIB.

Shannon Strunk and Cynthia Baber-Strunk of Babers with Dennis Shields.

Marvin Curtis of UHR Rents picked up a 15 year plaque, with Darien Tinney of Royal Crown Leasing picking up a 10-year plaque. Mark Kresch of Rental Express and Robert Foles of U Can Rent picked up five year plaques.

The meeting was topped off by a raffle drawing for a total of $25,000 in prizes. Tickets for the raffle were earned based on the amount of purchase orders placed by members during the tradeshow.

The prizes were broken down in increments of five $1,000 prizes, four $2,000 prizes, and one $3,000, $4,000 and $5,000 prize.

Raffling off $25,000.

Winners of the $1,000 prize included H&H Furniture, Ace Rent-to-Own, Showplace, Buy Right and Partner Rentals.

Winners of the $2,000 award included Baber's, Buy Right, Cleek's Rent-or-Own and American Furniture Rentals.

Greg Group won the $3,000 prize, Florida State Games won the $4,000 prize and Rich and Dave Rentals won the $5,000 prize.

TRIB will hold its final membership meeting March 20 at 8 a.m. when members will elected officers.

Click here for APRO's exclusive photo gallery of the awards banquet and other tradeshow events.