Welcome American Truck Historical Society to Hutch
May 15, 2008
Hutchinson Welcomes the 2008
American Truck Historical Society National Convention
Hutchinson, KS – May 15, 2008 – The Greater Hutchinson
Convention/Visitors Bureau (CVB) welcomes the 2008 American Truck Historical
Society (ATHS) Annual Convention to Hutchinson
May 22-24th.
ATHS is
dedicated to preserving the dynamic history of the American trucking industry
and its pioneers. Founded in 1971, ATHS has over 22,000 members in all 50
states, as well as in many foreign countries. The Wheat State Chapter, the only
chapter in Kansas, was formed in October, 2003
and has a membership of approximately 50 from Hutchinson and the surrounding area.
Hutchinson was chosen to host the convention
because of the amenities and attractions offered in the area. “The Kansas State Fair
offered facilities that accommodates large outdoor shows and motor homes and
large grassy display areas,” said Duane Ely, President of the Wheat State
Chapter. “A large part in deciding to bring this convention to Hutchinson was the variety of motels and
eating establishments, as well as the convention center located at the Grand
Prairie Hotel.” LeAnn Cox, Director
of the CVB, added “this convention has been in the planning stages for over
four years. We’re fortunate to host this event in our community and we
encourage everyone to extend a welcome to the ATHS and its members.”
This
event is expected to bring approximately 2,000 visitors and approximately 1,000
antique trucks to Hutchinson
for the three-day show. In addition to attracting many visitors to this event,
the convention will have an economic impact of approximately $900,000 on the
community. “All of the hotels in the greater Hutchinson area will be utilized with this
event,” said Cox. “The ATHS has chosen the Grand Prairie Hotel and Convention
Center as their headquarter hotel.” Members will also have the opportunity to take
part in numerous events and day trips being offered by the ATHS.
“The ATHS will be conducting tours all over
south-central Kansas; Lindsborg, Wichita, Salina
and McPherson,” stated Cox. “They will also feature quite a few local
attraction and business tours including the Kansas
Underground Salt
Museum, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center,
AGCO and Collins Bus Corporation.” In addition to the schedule of events, the
ATHS will conduct the Flint Hills Poker Run on Sunday, May 25th. The
run will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the fairgrounds and will have stops in Marquette, Salina, Abilene and Marion
before finishing back at the fairgrounds.
The
Antique Truck Show is open to the public on Friday, May 23rd and
Saturday, May 24th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This event is free
to the public. For more information about the American Truck Historical Society
convention log on to www.aths.org or contact
Duane Ely at 620.665.7517 or Jim Siemens, Vice President/Treasurer of the Wheat
State Chapter at 620.665.9751.
Contact
person:
LeAnn Cox, Director of the CVB
620-662-3391
or leannc@hutchchamber.com
