AASA Establishes Technicians Advisory Council to Collaborate with AAIA, CCPN

Meeting Set at AASA Vision Conference 2008 in Orlando

January 21, 2008, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) is establishing a Technicians Advisory Council to work cooperatively with the Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN) and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) at the AASA Vision Conference 2008, slated for Thursday, Feb. 29, through Saturday, March 1, at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Fla.

AASA member company representatives and association staff will hold a joint meeting with Mitch Schneider, CCPN director; Larry Northup, AAIA/CCPN staff liaison; Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO; and technician members of the CCPN board on Friday, Feb. 29. The group will report on its initial progress and future plans to the full Vision Conference on Saturday, March 1.

“Our member companies have a long standing tradition of supporting the professional technicians who install their products, the people who ‘throw away the box,’” said Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO. “We are excited about the prospects of this cooperative initiative among the aftermarket associations and its potential to strengthen our entire industry.”

“Nothing solves a marketing challenge quicker than asking the ultimate customer what he or she wants and how can we work together,” remarked Kathleen Schmatz, President and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association. “We’re delighted to participate actively in this event because when technicians and suppliers get together, there is always great progress and insights gained. That’s good for our members and good for the entire industry.”

The AASA Vision Conference 2008 will feature presentations, panel discussions and three Vision Workgroup sessions. The conference is exclusive to AASA member companies.

The conference program begins at 1 p.m. on Friday. The agenda will include keynote addresses by Darren Jackson, president and CEO of Advance Auto Parts Inc.; Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO of Robert Bosch LLC; Jeff Rachor, president and chief executive officer of Pep Boys Auto.

Other presentations will include:

* A panel discussion of the aftermarket’s global outlook presented and moderated by Ernst & Young;
* “Lessons Learned from Other Industries,” featuring a panel of noted industry leaders moderated by SAS Institute Inc.
* The Technology Forum: “The Impact of Automotive Technology on the Aftermarket,” led by Neil De Koker, president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA)
* Member Spotlights: brief presentation on a variety of aftermarket key issues by select AASA member companies

The Vision Conference also provides three work group sessions. Attendees will select from one of three open discussions groups, which will examine the most important issues to the aftermarket supplier community. Sessions and facilitators include:

* “Education/Training” – “Mac” McGovern, KYB; Doug Vidler, Delphi Corp.
* “Cataloging a Better Way” and “Collaborative Purchasing for Indirect Items.” – Dil Kulathum, CARDONE Industries, and Susan Ulrey, Tenneco
* “Global Selling and Sourcing” – Jeff Brekke, The Gates Corp., and Jeff Stauffer, Affinia Group Inc.

Early bird discounts save members $100 off the regular registration fees, and all member company attendees can take advantage of the discount. The first registrant from a member company will pay $595 ($100 off the regular $695 fee) and each addition attendee will pay $495 ($100 off the regular $595 fee for each).

Members have two options for registration: complete the online registration form or download the fax-back form, both available online at the AASA Vision Conference Web site, www.aasavision.org. Hotel reservations must be made separately from registration – a link to the hotel’s registration also is available at the AASA Vision Conference Web site.

The AASA Vision Conference activities begin on Thursday, Feb. 28, with meetings of AASA councils and the Board of Governors. The conference officially opens at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, and continues through 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.

Sponsors of the AASA Vision Conference 2008 are: Ernst & Young, R.L. Polk & Co. and SAS.

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products. It is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is a market segment association of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, Leadership in the Global Automotive Aftermarket”

Source: MEMA

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