Ahern and Associates, Ltd. to consult clients on personal wealth management and goal attainment before executing the sale of their trucking or logistics company.

Phoenix, AZ—The decision to sell a trucking or logistics company after years or nurturing and growth usually represents a pinnacle moment in one’s life.  However, despite the fact that the owner of the business is about to come into a sizeable financial influx, many still have questions as to whether or not they will still be able to attain their goals in life–be that personal or financial.

Well known as the “go-to” firm to coordinate mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies across North America, Ahern and Associates will now offer financial feasibility services to principals who are on the cusp of executing the sale of their company but would also like a wealth management plan in place that assures their personal goals are met—whether Ahern is the orchestrator of the deal or not.

Often times, the seller of a business will have several concerns, including:

•    Am I receiving enough money from the sale of my business to achieve my personal objectives?
•    After the sale, how do I receive the highest rate of return on my influx of cash?
•    Should I accept a 100% cash buyout or a partial stock option?
•    How do I legally minimize my tax liability after the sale?

At the heart of Ahern’s new service is a Financial Feasibility Study which offers a non-biased, 3rd party perspective on the viability and consequences of selling a trucking or logistics company.  The study thoroughly details event probabilities based upon the identification of goals in conjunction with proper financial planning prior to execution of the sale.
Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern and Associates, explains, “We’ve counseled hundreds of business owners on the personal and emotional ramifications of the sale of their trucking companies in the past and now, we’ve taken our services a step further by preparing them for life after the sale; regardless if our firm is involved in the deal or not.”

About Ahern & Associates, Ltd.:
Ahern and Associates is North America’s leading trucking and transportation management consulting firm.  The skilled consultants at Ahern and Associates specialize in mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies as well as the restructuring and evaluation of existing carriers that seek to increase operating efficiency and improve profitability.  Since 1987, Ahern and Associates has aided hundreds of buyers in the acquisition of trucking and logistics companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as assisting many transportation and logistics companies in reducing their overall operating costs and increasing their profitability.  For more information, please call 602-242-1030 or visit http://www.Ahern-Ltd.com

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Business contact:
A.W. Ahern
602-242-1030

Media contact:
Jason W. Jantzen
Phoenix Marketing Associates
http://www.PhoenixMarketingAssociates.com
602-282-0202

Phoenix, AZ—June 11, 2010 Recognizing a need and finding a solution is not only the way Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern & Associates, helps his clients; it’s also a way of life.  Today, that need comes in the form of depleting food supplies for the homeless and families with children living at or under poverty levels.

Based upon that need, Ahern has decided to once again call upon his colleagues throughout the transportation industry in organizing a summer food drive to aid St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the nation’s first food bank and the people who depend on their services.

Over the last several years, Ahern’s commitment to fighting hunger has raised over $1,000,000 in food for St. Mary’s Food Bank through the generous contributions of companies like Paschal Truck Lines, North American Transport, LLC, PGT Trucking, American Transport, Inc., Lawrence Leasing, Inc. and the law firm of Benesch, Friedlander, among others.

Under normal economic conditions, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance would likely be in a position to continue their efforts of feeding those in need throughout the summer as a result of holiday season donations.  However, the economy has not rebounded as expected and unemployment is at record levels—not only does that have a major effect on charitable contributions, it also provides for a larger pool of needy food recipients.

In addition, the rate of children living in poverty this year will climb to nearly 22%–the highest level in 20 years.  Compounding that issue is the reality that children living in homes without a secure source of food has risen from 17% in 2007 to nearly 18% in 2010, or a staggering increase of 750,000 children.

For over 10 years Ahern has supported the efforts of St. Mary’s Food Bank based upon their stellar track record of efficiency and philanthropy; consider the facts:
•    Every $1.00 collected by St. Mary’s purchases $7.00 worth of food.
•    .96 cents out of every dollar goes back into the community.
•    90% of all funds collected go to feed families with small children and the elderly.

Although the transportation industry as a whole was among the hardest hit from this last recession, Ahern is confident that his supporters throughout the trucking industry will once again heed the call.

“Our friends in the trucking and logistics industries have been steadfast in their support of St. Mary’s every year and even though I’m calling upon their support outside of the holiday season, I’m confident that they’ll continue to show their generosity,” explains Ahern.

Terry Shannon, CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance comments on Ahern’s efforts: “Today’s ongoing economic challenges continue to create unprecedented demand for St Mary’s Food Bank’s emergency food distribution programs. Only through the support of folks like Andy Ahern who are willing to not only personally support our mission but also open up his network of business connections are we able to serve the growing need. We truly appreciate his commitment to feeding the hungry in our community.”

Those who wish to further Ahern’s cause and make a direct contribution can send donations to the following address:
St. Mary’s Food Bank
C/o Ahern & Associates, Ltd
2198 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85016

About St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance:

St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, the world’s first food bank, is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that alleviates hunger by efficiently gathering and distributing food to 534 agencies that serve the hungry. Serving 13 of Arizona’s 15 counties, the organization is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks, and is committed to volunteerism, building community relationships, and improving the quality of life for Arizonans in need. Last year, the Food Bank distributed more than 67 million pounds of food to families and individuals, provided enough food for 300,000 meals every day, and garnered more than 370,000 volunteer service hours. Web site: http://www.FirstFoodBank.org  Phone: 602-242-FOOD.

About Ahern & Associates, Ltd.:
Ahern and Associates is North America’s leading trucking and transportation management consulting firm.  The skilled consultants at Ahern and Associates specialize in mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies as well as the restructuring and evaluation of existing carriers that seek to increase operating efficiency and improve profitability.  Since 1987, Ahern and Associates has aided hundreds of buyers in the acquisition of trucking and logistics companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as assisting many transportation and logistics companies in reducing their overall operating costs and increasing their profitability.  For more information, please call 602-242-1030 or visit http://www.Ahern-Ltd.com

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Business contact:
A.W. Ahern
602-242-1030

Media contact:
Jason W. Jantzen
Phoenix Marketing Associates
602-282-0202

Benesh/Ahern transportation conference recently held in Phoenix, AZ exhibited keen insight on the trucking and logistics industries and capital markets in transportation; conference’s success provided catalyst for second conference in 2011.

Phoenix, AZ —Based upon the reaction of attendees of the first annual, Trucking and Logistics  Conference by transportation acquisition firm, Ahern & Associates and the law firm of Benesch, Friedlander, the organizers of the event have overwhelmingly decided to joint sponsor an additional conference for 2011.

Among the topics covered in 2010’s event which really resonated with attendees included, The State of the Capital Markets in transportation: The Independent Contractor crisis; “Weathering the Storm” of a distressed company; and “Beautifying your company for sale”.
The esteemed panel of experts that covered the topics for the 2010 event were outstanding, according to the attendees. The independent contractor crisis effecting the trucking industry was eloquently explained by Rich Plewacki of Benesch Friedlander, as well as Mr. D.W. Speer Director and Owner of Peoplease Corporation.
“Weathering the storm of a distressed company,” panel experts included Bob Weaver, past President and Chief Executive Officer of PAM Transportation Services, Dick Metzler, Chief Commercial Officer of Greatwide Logistics and William Schonberg, partner, Benesch Friedlander.
Beautifying and preparing a company for sale was chaired by Andy Ahern, Chief Executive Officer of Ahern & Associates, Ltd, as well as Marc Brockinton, director of AON Transportation, Jonathan Ives, Director of Cobblestone Harris Williams; Marc Blubaugh and Eric Zalud, Partners, Benesch Friedlander.
Jim Hill, Executive Chairman of Benesch, along with A.W. Ahern sponsored the event and Jim Hill, Executive Chairman of Benesch chaired the panel on The State of Capital Markets in Transportation.
Providing additional impetus for the planning of an additional trucking and logistics conference was the feedback from those in attendance:
Patrick Gallagher, Chairman of PGT Trucking, stated; “very informative”, “very well prepared”, “I enjoyed myself immensely”.
Jeff Jerue, Vice President of John J. Jerue Companies, stated; “outstanding seminar, very well prepared and was a great networking opportunity – one of the better seminars I have attended”.
John Simourian, Chairman of Lily Transportation exclaimed; “(the seminar) was very informative and very well prepared, had many good speakers and I enjoyed myself immensely”.
Gary Amoth, Gary Amoth Trucking Company proclaimed; “I was very impressed with the panelists’ knowledge in the transportation industry and, as I was listening to the speakers and panelists, I applied what was being said and how it relates to my business”.
Steve Lawrence, Chairman, Lawrence Transportation stated; “great seminar, very well prepared, I enjoyed myself tremendously and it was a great opportunity to network”.
Elizabeth Myzak, Vice President of Transportation of Forest City Trading Group LLC, stated; “very informative, great caliber of speakers. Great networking opportunity, and the topics discussed were very pertinent.”
An exact date and location for the next conference has not yet been set, please visit http://www.ahern-ltd.com for upcoming details, as well as http://www.beneschlaw.com
About Benesh:

Benesch’s Transportation and Logistics Group was specifically created to address the needs of users and providers of logistics services. Benesch lawyers are uniquely qualified to represent companies nationally and internationally that are either sponsored or owned by private equity firms. Attorneys leading these efforts are James M. Hill, Executive Chairman of Benesch (jhill@beneschlaw.com or 216.363.4444), Eric L. Zalud, Partner and Chair of the firm’s Transportation & Logistics and Litigation Practice Groups (ezalud@beneschlaw.comor 216.363.4178) and Marc S. Blubaugh, Partner in Benesch’s Transportation & Logistics and Litigation Practice Groups (mblubaugh@beneschlaw.com or 614.223.9382).  For more information please call Megan Thomas at 216-363-4639 or visit http://www.BeneschLaw.com

About Ahern & Associates, Ltd.:
Ahern and Associates is North America’s leading trucking and transportation management consulting firm.  The skilled consultants at Ahern and Associates specialize in mergers and acquisitions of trucking and logistics companies as well as the restructuring and evaluation of existing carriers that seek to increase operating efficiency and improve profitability.  Since 1987, Ahern and Associates has aided hundreds of buyers in the acquisition of trucking and logistics companies throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as assisting many transportation and logistics companies in reducing their overall operating costs and increasing their profitability.  For more information, please call 602-242-1030 or visit http://www.Ahern-Ltd.com

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Business contact:
A.W. Ahern
602-242-1030

Media contact:
Jason W. Jantzen
Phoenix Marketing Associates
602-282-0202