Phoenix, AZ—For nearly a month during the summer of 2008, the rivers flowing through eastern Iowa rose above their banks and flooded several Iowa towns; dubbing it as many would call it, “Iowa’s Katrina.” Hit hardest was the working community of Cedar Rapids, IA whose infrastructure and residential areas were all but destroyed.

Fast forward two years and not much has changed, homes still lay in shambles and are uninhabitable– leaving once thriving neighborhoods empty and on the verge of ghost town status.

On a recent business trip to Cedar Rapids, Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern & Associates, LLC witnessed first-hand, the lingering devastation still plaguing the local residents and toured the area with John M. Smith, Chairman and owner of CRST International, Inc.

Unhappy with the subsidized rebuilding efforts, Smith helped form Block by Block, which takes a solutions based approach to identifying and aiding neighborhoods that wish to come back to life. Block by Block successfully reached its 2009 goal of rehabilitating eight residential blocks, with plans for sixteen additional blocks by the end of 2010.

Ahern has recently joined forces with Smith and Block by Block through personal contributions and by undertaking his own fund raising campaign targeting his extensive network of contacts within the trucking and logistics industries.

Ahern comments on Smiths efforts, “John has really taken a proactive approach to rebuilding his local community and I’m calling upon all of my colleagues within the transportation industry to join me in supporting Block by Block’s efforts.”

For additional information, please visit http://www.BlockbyBlockCR.org or send contributions directly to:

Block By Block
c/o Affordable Housing Network, Inc.
5400 Kirkwood Blvd.
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

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—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

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

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

About Linx Partners, LLC:
The companies in Linx Partners’ portfolio include transportation and logistics, energy, building products and metal and specialty equipment distribution companies. They operate and have main or regional offices in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. All show solid growth potential and can benefit from the strategic, operational, and financial skills of the Linx Partners managing directors.  Additional information can be found at http://www.LinxPartners.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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XXX

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

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

Expert panelists and keynote speakers announced for complimentary trucking and logistics conference to be held on May 25, 2010 at the Ritz Carlton, Phoenix; speakers to provide information on mergers, acquisitions, recapitalization, restructuring and profitability within the transportation industry.

Phoenix, AZ—Trucking and logistics acquisition specialists, Ahern & Associates, Ltd. and Benesch, Attorneys at Law, co-organizers of the approaching trucking and logistics conference on May 25, 2010 in Phoenix have announced the names of the accomplished panelists who will be addressing attendees.

Keynote speakers to include:

• Andy Ahern, CEO of Ahern & Associates, Ltd.
• James M. Hill, Executive Chairman, Benesch

Expert panelists in attendance in conjunction with the topics scheduled for discussion:

The State of Capital Markets in Transportation

• Mike Iannelli, Managing Director, Lincoln Transportation
• Andy Wilkins, Partner, Atlantic Street Capital

Independent Contractors: Is the Rumor of the Demise of the IC Model Greatly Exaggerated or Real?

• Rich Plewacki, Partner, Benesh
• Lane Kidd, President, Arkansas Trucking Association
• DW Speer, Director and Owner, PeopLease Corporation

Distressing Companies: Weathering the Storm, Maximizing Exit Strategies and Finding Bargains

• William Schonberg, Partner, Benesch
• Bob Weaver, past President & CEO of P.A.M. Transportation Services
• Dick Metzler, Chief Information Officer, Greatwide Logistics Services

A Diamond in the Rough: Beautifying Your Company for Sale

• Eric Zalud, Partner/Chair of Transportation & Logistics Group, Benesch
• Marc Blubaugh, Partner, Benesch
• Mark Brockinton, Executive Director, AON Truck Group
• Jonathan Ives, Director, Cobblestone Harris Williams

Additionally, Benesch and Ahern will be discussing their upcoming forecast for freight demand for the balance of 2010 and 2011.

Those who wish to RSVP for the conference are urged to contact:

Claudia Balderas

Manager/Executive Assistant

Ahern & Associates, Ltd.

(602) 242-1030

Email: Claudia@ahern-ltd.com

Megan Thomas

Client Services Manager

Benesch, Friedlander

(216) 363-4639

Email: Mthomas@beneschlaw.com

Rooms at the Ritz Carlton, Phoenix have been reserved at a special rate for this outstanding event and can be reserved by calling 602-468-0700 and referencing the Benesh/Ahern Conference.

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 at Ahern & Associates:

Andy Ahern

602-242-1030

Business contact at Benesch, Friedlander:

James M. Hill

216-363-4500

Media contact:

Jason W. Jantzen

Red Spot Marketing

602-282-0202

Mexico retaliates with tariffs after the United States halts border program.   Days after Congress and the Obama Administration “shut” down the controversial cross border trucking pilot program with Mexico.  Mexico struck back imposing new tariffs on approximately 90 U.S. products valued at $2.4 billion.  Mexico believes that U.S. failed to live up to its long standing obligations under the 1993 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to open the border to Mexican carriers.

United States agrees to provide auto suppliers $5 billion in aid.  The Treasury Department stated, it would provide as much as $5 billion in financing to struggling automotive industry suppliers to help them stay in business.

The above statistics provide insight into the turmoil in the trucking industry;

1. Shippers continue to pressure carriers for rate reductions;
2. Shippers are slowing up their payments to carriers;
3. Freight movement has prospered dramatically, because of the World economy;

This is all directly the result of the World Financial crisis.

This is the worst Transportation crisis we have faced since the Great Depression.

• Exports in January plunged 46.3%
• Imports decline 31.7%
• Trade deficit was at $844.4 billion Yen.

Japan’s exports to the United States dropped:

• 52.9%
• Asian shipments fell 46.7%

Among exported products:

• Vehicle shipments were down 66.1%
• Exports of semi-conducted products were down 52.8%

This is the worst financial decline in the last 13 years for Japan.

• Freight rates are down dramatically;
• Shipper demand is down dramatically;
• Some carriers have seen their revenue decline by 30%-40%;

Many trucking companies have substantial trucks “sitting up against the fence” due to the lack of freight. Some states such as Texas, freight rates are as low as 65¢ a mile;

• The economy continues to “sputter”.

At the same time, there is less demand for fuel, yet crude oil continues to rise, which directly affects trucking companies “bottom line” profitability.  To sum up the conditions of the trucking industry—very chaotic!

2008 was the worst year that the trucking industry has experienced, since the Great Depression.

• Supply did not equal demand
• Freight became a scarce commodity in our industry;
• Freight rates continue to be depressed;
• Diesel fuel hit an all time record high of $145.00-$150.00 a barrel for crude oil.
• In some parts of the country, Diesel fuel was as much as $5.00 a gallon, and;

The economic collapse of the world economy, put the trucking industry in a “tail spin.”

What effect will this have on the trucking industry for 2009?  Stay tuned for further comments…..