2 GEARS August 2010 I t’s time once again to make your arrangements to attend this year’s ATRA Powertrain Expo. I really believe that this will be one of the best ever! It’ll certainly be the biggest, because everything’s bigger in Texas… or so I’ve heard. The host hotel sits right on the San Antonio Downtown River Walk; a quiet, shady walk along a scenic water- way. And there’s a lot to do and see along the River Walk. The Alamo, the number one tourist attraction in Texas, is only a block away from the hotel. It’s well worth the visit, if only so you’ll have something to remember. If it’s nightlife you’re interested in, no other place can match the attrac- tions found along the River Walk. Night clubs, restaurants, shops, and more all line the Walk, with something for everyone. If you have a taste for fine din- ing, Ruth Christ Steak House is just a couple blocks away; or, for a real thrill, head over to the steak house at the top of the Tower of The Americas. This 750-foot-tall tower features a revolving restaurant and an observation deck at the top. Also along the River Walk you’ll find a Hooter’s, a Hard Rock Café, and a Tony Roma’s — ribs, seafood and steaks. And for those of you who just like to party, there’s Coyote Ugly, Joe’s Crab Shack, Mad Dog’s, and Dick’s Last Resort. For your stay we’ve made special arrangements with the San Antonio Marriott River Center, an elegant hotel located right on the River Walk. We’ve negotiated a special room rate of just $149 per night for Expo attendees. Call 1-800-266-9432 to make reservations and give the code ATRA. Like the previ- ous Expos, we’ll tee off on Thursday with the 7 th Annual Red Girdey Memorial Golf Tournament. Friday evening is the ever- popular Transtar Reception; a treat for the senses and an opportunity to visit with friends you haven’t seen since last year. On Saturday evening, plan on attending the Discover San Antonio group tour. This will be very much like the tour we took during the Washington, DC Expo back in 1997. We took a bus tour of DC from the host hotel to the magnificent and historic Union Station, and then had dinner in a lovely Italian restaurant right there in the station. This year we’re heading out to the Rio Cibolo Ranch for a Texas- style BBQ dinner and an evening of entertainment, including line dancing and hay rides. Now this is Texas, so dress accordingly; make sure you’re decked out in your best Western ware: Wranglers, Tony Lama boots, cowboy hats, and extra-large belt buckles. If you have a problem finding a belt buckle large enough, you can always strap on a hub cap! There’s one issue I’d like to touch on: This year, Expo coincides with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The Board of Directors wasn’t aware of this conflict when we agreed to book San Antonio. It was never our inten- tion to disregard or insult anyone. The last time we had this conflict was in the early nineties, so it’s certainly not a common occurrence, and it’s some- thing we’ll do our best to avoid in the future. This was the only date avail- able in San Antonio where we could have the Marriott and the San Antonio Convention Center. In 2008, my high school class had its reunion in San Antonio at the River Walk. Everyone had a terrific time and said they’d look forward to returning in the future. It’s an inexpensive venue, and truly a wondrous place to visit. I look forward to seeing you there! by Jim Rodd, ATRA Board President members.atra.com www.atra.com FROM THE PRESIDENT Expo 2010; San Antonio, Texas