ProMat 2009 hosts record number of exhibitors, attendees.

"Now, let the solutions begin!"

With those words, George Prest, director of business development for Unarco Material Handling and chairman of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), officially opened ProMat 2009.

"It is particularly exciting to note that in spite of the current economic uncertainty, this is the largest edition of ProMat ever," said Prest. "This speaks to the commitment and strength of this industry - when you stop to think about our role in the economy…you realize that virtually nothing in commerce can happen without at least one of the nearly 800 exhibiting companies and their industry segment represented at this show."

Beyond the record number of exhibitors, a record number of 100 on-floor educational seminars and 35,000 visitors are expected to peruse the 300,000 square-foot show floor over the four days. These numbers confirm ProMat as the most extensive and comprehensive materials handling and logistics event in North America in 2009.

In addition to Prest's opening remarks, David Hanson, executive director of business development services with the City of Chicago's department of community development was on hand to welcome the industry.

"Chicago has long been a transportation, distribution and logistics hub, with more than 10% of our region's workforce employed in related jobs," Hanson noted just prior to cutting the ceremonial ribbon. "We understand the importance of this sector and are pleased to host this event as part of a $156 billion industry that employs over 700,000 people in the United States alone."

Immediately following the opening of the show floor, the International Visitors Center (IVC) ribbon cutting was conducted by MHIA's Will Heddles. With representatives from nearly 90 nations, the show will also have a distinctly international feel. Located near the ProMat 2009 show offices and flanked by several rows of international flags, the IVC is a home-away-from-home for exhibitors and buyers from around the globe. Representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce will be on-hand all week to provide information on the services available to international guests and companies wishing to expand their international trade activities.

Captions: Backed by officers and staffers of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), George Prest, director of business development for Unarco Material Handling and chairman of the Material Handling Industry of America, and David Hanson, executive director of business development services with the City of Chicago's department of community development delivered opening remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening ProMat 2009 on Monday morning.