The Equipment and Tool Institute (ETI)’s annual ToolTech conference held April 28 through May 1, provided an opportunity to attend industry-focused presentations, participate in panel discussions and take away valuable insights into the “Connected Vehicle” — this year’s conference theme. 
The conference drew more than 130 professionals from more than 40 companies and four major automotive industry associations to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn in Sonoma, Calif.
At the organization’s business meeting and opening session, reports were given by Charlie Gorman, ETI executive manager; Jessie Korosec, ETI meeting and event manager; and Tim Morgan, ETI’s vice president, marketing. Gorman updated attendees with information about his meetings and correspondence with OEMs; Korosec provided an
ETI marketing report; and Morgan discussed the group’s Collision Repair Market Survey, reminding the tool manufacturers in attendance that scan tools and wheel alignment equipment are being purchased by collision repair shops every day. “We are all in the collision business,” Morgan said.
NASTF Executive Director Skip Potter presented an annual update to tool-makers attending ToolTech, focusing on the three most significant elements for NASTF in 2014: an increase in industry outreach, changes in NASTF’s board of directors and its committees, and changes in the funding of NASTF operations. Potter said the group is reaching out to the entire industry to become a partner of NASTF. For more information, go to nastf.org.
ToolTech featured in-depth presentations on telematics specifications and legislation; social media, collision repair and OEM training as well as lively panel discussions featuring technicians and vehicle manufacturer representatives. All of these presentations are available on ETI’s website, www.etools.org.
Association members were given the opportunity to present their new products to the press and engage in private one-on-one meetings with individuals and companies of interest. And, there was plenty of time for networking during the event’s opening reception and the closing dinner, which were held at two of Sonoma Valley’s fine wineries.
“ToolTech 2014 was one of the best-attended and most informative events ETI has put on,” said Korosec. “The speakers were outstanding and the information relayed was very valuable to our members, as were the many networking opportunities. Once again, the discussion groups were a success and the company showcase was an excellent platform to highlight products and services.”
Next year’s ToolTech will be in Austin, Texas.
Equipment and Tool Institute Announces 2014-’15 Officers and New Directors
ETI announces the new officers and board members on their election to office for 2014-’15.
Officers (one-year term):
President – Neil Davis (Snap-on Diagnostics)
Vice President, Programs – Tim Morgan (Spanesi Americas Inc.)
Vice President, Marketing – Bob Holland (Chief Automotive Technologies)
Secretary/Treasurer – Brian Herron (Drew Technologies)
Immediate Past President – Ben Johnson (Mitchell 1)
Directors:
Nominees for a three-year term on the Board of Directors:
Robert Vogt (IOSiX)
John Heist (STAR EnviroTech)
Kevin Fitzpatrick (Autologic)
Nominee for a two-year term on the Board of Directors:
Pete Richardson (Car-O-Liner)
Remaining Board Members (not up for election) are:
Term expiring in 2015-’16
David Rich (Innova
Electronics) (Technical Director)
Dennis Keane (Bosch Service Solutions)
Kathy Kedzior (Mahle Clevite)
Term Expiring in 2016-’17:
Greg Potter (DG Technologies)
Jim Fish (Bosch Automotive Service Solutions)
