Ready to show off your custom rig?

 The 47th Annual Mid-West Truck Show will be held February 5 & 6, 2010 at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois, featuring its wildly successful “Trucker’s Pride” Truck Beauty Contest for work and show trucks.

The 2010 Mid-West Truck Show includes expanded displays, programs and space for nearly 200 exhibitors to help truck operators move ahead in a complex market while facing the challenges of changing regulations, an uncertain economy and increased costs.

The 2010 Truck Show at the Peoria Civic Center at 101 S.W. Jefferson Street, is located just off I-74 in downtown Peoria, Illinois.

The “Truckers Pride” Truck Beauty Contest expands for its third year with all new categories and space for additional trucks. The 2010 Show promises cash prizes, trophies and recognition for its winners.

The Mid-West Truck Show is held in conjunction with the Annual Convention of the Mid-West Truckers Association.

Show hours will be: Friday, February 5th – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

                                        Saturday, February 6th – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Admission is free with promotional tickets available from most Midwest industry suppliers or online at www.MidwestTruckShow.com.

For more information call Don Schaefer at (217) 525-0310 or (217) 725-4150 during the Truck Show.

Cobra Electronics Offers Army Strong CB radio

Truckers interested in collector items, here is the latest one! Cobra Electronics now has a U.S. Army co-branded CB radio, an officially licensed product of the U.S. Army. This limited edition model is based on Cobra’s legendary 29 LTD, known in the industry as the best-selling CB radio of all time.

Featuring the time-tested components of the classic 29 LTD along with the honorable U.S. Army logo on the radio and microphone, this limited edition model offers users the outstanding performance of a Cobra CB and an attractive collector piece associated with a brand that exemplifies honor, courage, and loyalty.

Cobra’s classic radio features 40 channels, 4 watts of power, a front panel microphone connector (for convenient in-dash installation), a 9-foot microphone cord (for easy reach anywhere within the cab), tactile controls (for added convenience and safety while adjusting radio functions), and analog signal strength meter with SWR calibration (for maximum performance).

Cobra Electronics introduces new GPS navigation and routing tool

By optimizing routes, Cobra Electronics’ 7700 PRO saves drivers time and money with its GPS navigation and routing tool that has truck-specific data that provides drivers the information they need to arrive at destinations in the most efficient and economical way possible.

The 7700 PRO features a seven-inch,16:9 wide screen, offering drivers one of the largest screens available in the category and the convenience of touch screen control. The 7700 PRO also features text-to-speech guidance with loud, clear verbal instructions and turn-by-turn spoken street names for safe navigating.

Cobra has partnered with ProMiles Software Development Corporation and TruckDown Info International, Inc. to include over 33,000 industry leading truck-specific points of interest (POIs) such as routable travel center locations, detailed amenity information, fueling stations, restaurants, heavy duty towing, truck and trailer repair shops, truck-friendly hotels and weigh scales, plus more than 12 million standard POIs.

Also included are 3 months of unlimited downloads from Cobra’s exclusive AURA Camera & Driving Hazard Database, which alerts drivers to the locations of fixed speed and red-light cameras, dangerous intersections and known speed traps. As an added bonus, the 7700 PRO features a “car mode” that enables professional drivers to use the device in their personal vehicles as well.

Cobra Electronics redefines CB radio again

Cobra Electronics announced its first CB radio with Bluetooth wireless techonology, NightWatch view and NOAA weather alerts is now available at travel centers, CB shops and truck dealers.

The new 29 WX NW BT features NightWatch illumination that allows drivers to see the radio and its dials in low light or even at night. The CB radio also features weather and emergency alerts on 7 NOAA channels for up-to-the-minute updates and warnings, 24 hours a day in all 50 states.  The Emergency Alert will notify the driver of severe weather, natural disasters and Amber Alerts in the area even if the CB radio is off.

The new 29 WX NW BT also offers the tried and true features drivers have come to expect from Cobra. It includes 4 Watts AM RF power output, the maximum allowed by law, instant access to emergency channel 9, as well as Delta Tune to clarify incoming signals and adjustable Dynamike^® boost, which increases the microphone’s sensitivity for increased voice clarity.

Courtesy of Texas Chrome Shop

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Minimizer Announces New President

Spray Control Systems, Inc., the holding company of Minimizer, appoints Jeff McCabe as new president

Jeff McCabe has been named President of Spray Control Systems, Inc. the holding company of Minimizer brand poly fenders, bracket kits, tool boxes and mud flaps.

“We are excited to have Jeff as a member of our team. He brings significant managerialexperience and a vision that will positively effect change and growth in the organization,” said Craig Kruckeberg, Chief Visionary Officer of Minimizer.

Before joining Minimizer Jeff was an Underwriting Manager of the Commercial Health Division of Federated Insurance Companies. He was with Federated for 23 years.  Jeff also has 22 years of military service experience; he was a Civil Affairs Major andregularly traveled overseas working with international teams to improve nations.

“Federated was a positive experience for me all around. I’m very appreciative to

Federated for the dynamic experiences and professional growth afforded me while I was

there. It wasn’t easy to change direction but the career opportunity offered at Minimizer,

my experience with Minimizer, and my vision to grow and lead the company in the

coming years was something I really wanted to pursue,” said Jeff.

Jeff’s previous work with Minimizer included special projects as an independent

operations consultant.

The opportunity to join the Minimizer team as President will further utilize Jeff’s skills of discipline, team building and working with diverse groups.

“I’m looking forward to building on the established success of the Minimizer brand and

elevating the company and its people to the next level. A lot of the ground work is there,

now we need to implement both internally and externally,” Jeff added.

Jeff’s specific goals include strong growth, improvements in training and putting more

assets in the field.

He stated, “We recently added 3 more sales staff to our team. This

shows our commitment to an increased presence with our customers and further market penetration. We’re going to continue to invest in and develop broader dealer support via a branded cultivation process.”

“There’s a lot of opportunity,” Jeff continued. ”We’re in a good position to strengthen our

dealer network, ramp up our services and product line, and establish additional long

term partnerships in the market based on trust and mutual success.”

Jeff has been married for 24 years to Rhonda and has two sons, Brendan (19) and Ryan

(15). He and his family reside in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. Jeff McCabe can be reached at (800) 248-3855 or visit our website or email him at jeff@minimizer.com.

Pennsylvania Trucker Takes Delivery of First H-D Special Edition LoneStar

First road trip in new rig for charity during Truck Driver Appreciation Week

MILWAUKEE (October 26, 2009) – Chris Hawker, a successful owner-operator truck driver and Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle owner doesn’t just drive. He rides.

While his garage has plenty of room for his black and silver 2003 Harley-Davidson^® 100^th Anniversary Edition FXSTD Softail^® Deuce^™ motorcycle, he’ll undoubtedly have to build a bigger garage to store his latest Harley-Davidson related collectible — the first production unit of the International^® LoneStar^® Harley-Davidson^™ Special Edition truck.

At an event last Friday at the Harley-Davidson Museum^® in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hawker was presented the keys to the vehicle in a ceremony recognizing him as a true ambassador of both the International truck and Harley-Davidson motorcycle brands.

“The International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Edition is one of the coolest-looking trucks I’ve ever seen,” said Chris. “When I first caught wind of this truck, I knew I had to have one.”

With deep black paint and contrasting silver and orange striping, the attention-grabbing, chrome-laden big rig truck is one-of-a-kind.

Unveiled to the public for the first time at the Mid-America Trucking Show earlier in the year, the Harley-Davidson Special Edition takes the International LoneStar to the next level through a combination of LoneStar originality and Harley-Davidson authenticity.

Hawker has been a truck driver for more than 20 years and typically hauls food products from New York to Florida, having logged more than two million accident-free miles.

Earlier this year, Hawker entered his local International truck dealership in Erie, Pennsylvania, seeking information on a new International LoneStar.

“Chris came in and expressed interest in a LoneStar before the Harley-Davidson Special Edition was even announced,” said Randy Leighton, sales manager, Five Star International.

“As a fellow motorcycle guy and Harley owner myself, we got to talking about motorcycles. Once I heard about the Harley edition, I called him and told him we have a ‘dream truck’ coming out — he couldn’t get to the dealership fast enough!”

Design teams from International and Harley-Davidson collaborated to create a heavy-duty on-highway tractor with distinct design elements directly from Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

“Custom has always been an important word in Harley-Davidson’s brand language,” said Willie G. Davidson, senior vice president & chief styling officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We wanted the design impact of this new LoneStar Harley-Davidson to have a ‘wow’ factor equal to our motorcycles.”

“Knowing the passion that customers have for both brands, we’re proud to get this vehicle out in the hands of enthusiastic customers like Chris,” said Jim Hebe, Navistar senior vice president, North American sales operations. “Combining the bold look of the International LoneStar with the attitude of Harley-Davidson delivers a winning product for our customers.”

“Drive for Jobs”

The delivery of International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Edition marked the starting point in Chris Hawker’s maiden voyage and the launch of Navistar’s “Drive for Jobs” program.

For each mile that Chris Hawker drives in his new LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Edition, Navistar will make a donation to the American Trucking Associations’ GetTrucking.com, a driver recruitment initiative which includes training returning military personnel for careers in the trucking industry.

While the current U.S. economic recessions has driven up unemployment rates in numerous industries, trucking included, the trucking industry has and will continue to faces driver shortages in the near future.

As Chris began his journey to Jacksonville, Florida, an “all-points bulletin” was distributed at the delivery event in Milwaukee. The “A.P.B.” was used to encourage anyone who saw Chris driving the LoneStar to sign up for the opportunity to win prizes and make a donation to the “Drive for Jobs” program.

All of these events will lead up to Truck Driver Appreciation Week from November 1-7, culminating with a check donation to the ATA’s GetTrucking.com initiative. Navistar supported this charity earlier this year with a $15,000 donation generated from proceeds from DVD sales of Drive and Deliver, the documentary Navistar developed to celebrate the lives of truck drivers and the contributions they make to society.

“We appreciate Navistar’s support for the ATA’s GetTrucking initiative,” said Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO. “The men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces are ideal candidates to become trucking industry professionals — they have all the motivation and tools necessary to move successfully from the military into our industry.”

To learn more about the International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Edition, go to www.internationaltrucks.com/lonestarhd.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT–(Marketwire – October 26, 2009) – Green Star Products, Inc. today announced that the Company is unveiling a new complete line of TVT Energy Saving Fuel and Lubrication Additive Products.

GSPI believes that these products will be best sellers due to recent world events which have prompted companies to aggressively pursue environmentally friendly products that have superior performance, improve efficiency, reduce energy requirements, reduce global warming gases and may qualify for CO2 credits under new U.S. and international cap and trade programs.

The Company will be focusing on sales efforts solely to commercial and industrial customers. Green Star now is better situated to service and address both the manufacturing of products and sales to manufacturing and production industries as well as large commercial fleets.

The new line of products will feature the following:

1) TVT Engine Treatment — Additive to lubrication oil for diesel and gasoline engines

2) Water Soluble Cutting Oil — For machine shops using water as a coolant and lubricant

3) Machine Cutting Oil — For other machine cutting needs

4) Hydraulic Fluid Additive — Treatment for hydraulic machinery fluids

5) Oil Well Drilling Additive — Used in down hole drilling in oil well operations. Green Star offers both heavy density and water soluble oil for oil drilling operations.

6) Diesel Fuel Additive — TVT fuel additives for diesel fuels increases combustion efficiency and reduces emissions at additive ratios of only 1 part to 2,000 parts of fuel.

In conclusion, all of GSPI’s lubrication products, having a long and successful track record, reduce friction up to 80%, increase efficiency in all applications and reduce metal wear on cutting tools and machinery. All of these products are environmentally friendly. For further information on the above products, demonstration videos or customer quotes, please submit a request to the following email info@GreenStarUSA.com.

ABOUT THOSE POLLS

You may wonder why we put a new poll up every week or so on the web site.

As you know, I’m one of those editors who really does like to hear what readers think, what they are doing, and how we can tweak the magazine and web site to better reflect those needs and interests. Hence the reason for polls.

So take the time to look at the poll and vote as you browse the home page. It actually helps us determine what types of articles and article content you are going to see in future issues of Custom Rigs!

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